- CTFN Contributor Valeria Camerino reports that market observers believe ChemChina's CHF470 (US$462) per share bid ($44B) for 70% of Syngenta (NYSE:SYT) is more likely to pass antitrust scrutiny than a potential merger with Monsanto (NYSE:MON) because there is less overlap. A deal could be reached as soon as next month.
- In December, Syngenta's board turned down Monsanto's $47B offer stating that it significantly undervalued the firm.
- ChemChina is a major player in generic pesticides, but has no appreciable footprint in high-tech herbicides, insecticides, fungicides or seeds. Also Chinese ownership would enhance penetration in key emerging markets. A bump in the road, however, could be the purchase of Syngenta's U.S.-based assets by a Chinese acquirer.
- Syngenta is an attractive target on the basis of its seeds business and first rate crop protection chemicals portfolio. It is the only pure play in Europe in these areas.
- As far as Monsanto is concerned, one observer believes it makes more strategic sense for Syngenta to acquire Monsanto and dispose of the crop protection chemicals business and any required seeds assets, along with the related salesforce and technical support. He feels that Monsanto would be better served by merging with BASF's (OTCQX:BASFY) crop chemical business.
- Previously: Bloomberg: ChemChina moves closer to potential Syngenta deal (Jan. 15)
- Previously: Syngenta talking with Monsanto, ChemChina and others, chairman says (Dec. 22, 2015)