Bayer

Bayer AG, commonly referred to as Bayer, is a German multinational company in the pharmaceutical, life sciences, and agricultural sectors. It is headquartered in Leverkusen, North Rhine-Westphalia. The company traces its origins to 1863, when Friedrich Bayer and Johann Friedrich Weskott established a dye factory in Barmen that later expanded into chemicals and pharmaceuticals. Bayer is known for aspirin, which was first synthesized by chemist Felix Hoffmann in 1897 and marketed by the company in 1899. In 1898 the firm also marketed diacetylmorphine (heroin) as a cough suppressant, a product later withdrawn.

During the 20th century, Bayer became part of IG Farben through a 1925 agreement that merged several German chemical firms. After World War II, IG Farben was dissolved, and Bayer reestablished as an independent company in West Germany in 1951.

Today Bayer operates through three main divisions: Pharmaceuticals, Consumer Health, and Crop Science. The Pharmaceuticals division develops prescription medicines and related products; Consumer Health covers over-the-counter medicines and medical devices; Crop Science provides seeds, crop protection, and digital farming tools. In 2018 Bayer acquired Monsanto, expanding its Crop Science business into seeds and glyphosate-based herbicides.

Bayer's activities have been subject to regulatory scrutiny and litigation in multiple markets, including cases related to herbicides and environmental concerns. The company maintains a global footprint with extensive research and development activities and a diversified portfolio across its three segments.