Bayer Said Close to Monsanto Tie-Up With Deal Seen Next Week

Negotiations between Bayer AG and Monsanto Co. are entering the final stretch as both sides move closer to an agreement to create the world’s biggest maker of seeds and pesticides, according to people familiar with the matter. The German company could reach a deal to acquire its U.S. competitor as early as next week, said the people, who asked not to be identified because deliberations are private. Bayer’s supervisory board is scheduled to discuss the deal on Wednesday and Monsanto’s management board is set to gather next week, the people said. Negotiations are ongoing and could still fall apart. Bayer announced this week “advanced negotiations” and a sweetened offer of $127.50 a share, or $56 billion, as both sides seek to end more than three months of back-and-forth over price. The bid is 18 percent above Monsanto’s closing price on Thursday in New York and if successful, would lead to the biggest deal this year and largest ever by a German company.