Bayer AG

Bayer AG

Company type	Aktiengesellschaft
Industry	Pharmaceuticals, Agricultural Chemicals
Founded	1863
Key people	Werner Baumann (CEO)
Products	Aspirin, Crop Science, Consumer Health

Bayer AG is a German multinational corporation and one of the largest pharmaceutical companies in the world. Founded in 1863 in Barmen, now part of Wuppertal, Germany, Bayer's core competencies are in the fields of health care, agriculture, and high-tech polymer materials.

History

Bayer was founded by Friedrich Bayer and his partner, Johann Friedrich Weskott, in 1863. The company initially focused on the production of synthetic dyes. Over the years, Bayer expanded into pharmaceuticals and invented the popular pain reliever Aspirin in 1897. This product became one of the most famous and widely used medications worldwide.

During the 20th century, Bayer grew through various acquisitions and expansions into different sectors, including crop science and consumer health. In recent years, Bayer has continued to expand its portfolio and global presence, including the acquisition of Monsanto in 2018, which significantly increased its operations in the agricultural sector.

Products and Services

Bayer operates through three major divisions: Pharmaceuticals, Consumer Health, and Crop Science.

• Pharmaceuticals: This division focuses on prescription drugs for the therapeutic areas of cardiology, oncology, women's health, hematology, and ophthalmology.
• Consumer Health: Products in this division include over-the-counter medications, nutritional supplements, and other healthcare products.
• Crop Science: Bayer is a leading provider of agricultural chemicals, biotechnology products, and digital farming solutions.

Controversies

Bayer has been involved in several controversies, including issues related to the safety of its pharmaceutical products and environmental concerns related to its crop science chemicals. The acquisition of Monsanto brought additional scrutiny due to the latter's involvement with genetically modified organisms (GMOs) and the herbicide glyphosate, which has been the subject of health and environmental concerns.

Corporate Social Responsibility

Bayer is committed to sustainable development and has implemented various initiatives aimed at improving health and nutrition globally. The company's sustainability efforts are focused on reducing its environmental impact and enhancing its contributions to society.

See Also

• List of pharmaceutical companies
• Economic history of Germany
• Science and technology in Germany