Grassley Presses DOJ to Scrutinize Proposed Bayer-Monsanto Deal

More scrutiny by the Department of Justice (DOJ) of the proposed Bayer-Monsanto merger is being urged by Senate Judiciary Committee Chairman Chuck Grassley, R-Iowa."A combined Bayer-Monsanto could vertically integrate traits, seed and chemicals; raise barriers to entry in the market for smaller companies," Grassley noted. His concern is that the merger "will curtail chemical and seed choices," raise prices for farmers and consumers, and "harm research, development and innovation."Grassley, head of the Senate Judiciary Committee, wants the Justice Department (DOJ) to scrutinize the proposed Bayer-Monsanto deal "as it continues to examine other proposed mergers and acquisitions in the agrochemical and seed industries."Meanwhile, Australia's corporate watchdog is concerned about the effects of the proposed merger between DuPont and Dow Chemical may have on "competition for... insecticides, seeds, and materials science products." A final decision by the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission will be made on February 2. The tie-up is also being scrutinized by regulators across the globe, with EU antitrust officials expected to decide on the deal by February 6