Bayer to Divest Environmental Science Professional Business

MONHEIM, Germany - Bayer today announced its intent to divest the company’s Environmental Science Professional business as part of its plans to accelerate the strategy implementation of its Crop Science division. Bayer's Environmental Science Professional Business provides solutions to control pests, disease and weeds in non-agricultural areas such as vector control, professional pest management, industrial vegetation management, forestry, and turf and ornamentals. The Environmental Science Professional business had sales of approximately $728 million in 2019. 

Related: What's Next? Now that Bayer has announced the divestment of its Environmental Science business, what’s next for this manufacturer of a broad portfolio of pest control products and solutions? PCT caught up with Bayer's Gilles Gaillou, who will lead the divestment. CLICK HERE to read.

To further drive performance and growth in the division’s most important commercial region, Bayer has named Dr. Jacqueline M. Applegate to lead the Crop Science North America region effective March 1, 2021. She currently heads the division’s Environmental Science and Vegetable Seeds businesses. In addition to her appointment, the company named Dr. Jeremy Williams, currently Global Head of Plant Biotechnology at Crop Science, as new head of the Climate Corporation and Digital Farming, and Tom Armitage from Mondelez as head of Global Communications for Crop Science. Both are effective March 15, 2021. All three leaders will join the Crop Science Executive Leadership Team and will play key roles in accelerating the division’s transformation. 

 

“With the announced portfolio and leadership changes, and important new product approvals for soybeans, corn and cotton in the Americas, we are now shifting gears from integration to growth acceleration. We are laser-focused on commercial execution and on transforming agriculture through innovation that benefits farmers, consumers and our planet,” said Liam Condon, Member of the Board of Management of Bayer AG and President of the Crop Science division. “Like farmers everywhere, we have faced challenges in the past few years; however, I am very excited about the outlook for our Crop Science business. The global coronavirus pandemic has made it clear how important agriculture and a sustainable food system are, and the crucial role science can play in solving difficult problems. Driving innovation, accelerating the digital transformation of agriculture and helping decarbonize the food system are at the core of our vision to feed a growing population without starving the planet.”