Bayer said to consider bid for Monsanto

Bayer AG is exploring a potential bid for U.S. competitor Monsanto Co. in a deal that would create the world’s largest supplier of seeds and farm chemicals, according to people familiar with the matter.

The German firm has held preliminary discussions internally and with advisers about buying Monsanto, which has a market value of about $43 billion, said the people, who asked not to be named because the deliberations are private.

Bayer, which is valued at about 79 billion euros ($90 billion), has discussed how to finance a deal including potential asset sales, the people said. No final decision has been made and the Leverkusen-based company could decide against a bid or pursue other transactions with Monsanto, including joint ventures or asset sales, the people said.

Representatives for Bayer and Monsanto declined to comment.