Bayer board OKs reorganization into life-science company

Bayer said late last week that its Supervisory Board approved a reorganization of the company, as of January 1, 2016, into a life-science company.

The company will center around three divisions: pharmaceuticals, consumer health and crop science, which will be integrated together under the Bayer brand.

“The aim of the new organization is to provide the best-possible support to Bayer’s strategy as a leading life-science company and to put ourselves in an even stronger position vis-à-vis our competitors."

Dr. Marijn Dekkers, chairman of the Board of Management of Bayer AG, said. "We can achieve this by further improving our innovation strength, sharpening our customer focus and strengthening business process excellence."

Dieter Weinand will head the pharmaceuticals division, Erica Mann will be in charge of the consumer health division and Liam Condon will be the manager of the crop science division.

“In recent years, Bayer has continued developing its portfolio with a significant focus on the life sciences,"  Werner Wenning, chairman of the Supervisory Board of Bayer AG, said."The company’s very strong position at this time enables it to concentrate exclusively on these businesses. The logical conclusion of this is greater integration of the organization.”
 
Despite the reorganization of the brand, Bayer expects to keep its employee numbers stable worldwide for the foreseeable future.

“We expressly welcome the fact that the subgroups and Bayer Technology Services are being reintegrated under the roof of Bayer AG," Oliver Zühlke, chairman of the Central Works Council of Bayer AG, said. "Our joint declaration guarantees continued security, trust and motivation for the employees."