 "Bayer, Monsanto likely to extend merger deadline")
The Bayer–Monsanto mega merger is taking more time than earlier envisaged.
The deal, announced a year ago, was to achieve closure by 2017 end. However regulators in key markets such as EU, US, Brazil and India are yet to approve the $66 billion merger. Industry sources say both companies are likely to meet at an appropriate time to extend the closure date beyond the end of the current year. According to the terms of the deal announced in September last year, Bayer pledged to pay Monsanto $2 billion if regulators blocked the deal. However, sources say both companies are optimistic
