• Company Name: Bayer AG

• Founded: August 1, 1863

• Founders: Friedrich Bayer and Johann Friedrich Weskott

• Headquarters: Leverkusen

• Industry: Life Sciences

• Business Areas:

• Pharmaceuticals

• Consumer Health

• Crop Science

• CEO: Bill Anderson

• Employees: Approximately 88,000 (2025)

• Operations: 80+ countries

• Stock Exchange: Frankfurt Stock Exchange (Ticker: BAYN) [1]

Foundation (1863)

Bayer was established in Barmen, Germany (now part of Wuppertal) as “Friedr. Bayer et comp.” Initially, the company produced synthetic dyes for the rapidly growing textile industry. At the time, synthetic dyes represented a breakthrough in industrial chemistry and helped Bayer expand rapidly. [1]

Expansion into Pharmaceuticals

During the late 19th century, Bayer invested heavily in scientific research under chemist Carl Duisberg.

Major milestones included:

• Establishment of Bayer’s pharmaceutical division (1888)

• Development of modern industrial research laboratories

• Expansion into chemicals and pharmaceuticals

• International business growth throughout Europe and North America [1]

Aspirin

One of Bayer’s greatest achievements came in 1897, when chemist Felix Hoffmann synthesized a stable form of acetylsalicylic acid.

In 1899, Bayer launched Aspirin, which became one of the most recognized medicines in history.

Today Aspirin remains one of the world’s most widely used pain relievers and cardiovascular medications. [1]

Bayer Cross

In 1904, Bayer introduced its famous Bayer Cross logo.

The circular cross design has become one of the most recognizable pharmaceutical trademarks worldwide and remains Bayer’s corporate symbol today. [1]

World War Era

In 1925, Bayer became part of the chemical conglomerate IG Farben.

During the Nazi era and World War II, IG Farben was involved in the German war economy and used forced labor. After the war, the company was dismantled by the Allied powers because of its role during the conflict. Bayer was re-established as an independent company in 1951. This period remains an important and controversial part of Bayer’s history. [1]

Over the decades, Bayer transformed from a diversified chemical company into a focused life sciences organization.

Today the company operates through three major divisions.

1. Pharmaceuticals

Develops prescription medicines in areas including:

• Cardiology

• Oncology

• Women’s Health

• Ophthalmology

• Hematology

• Cell & Gene Therapy

Major medicines include:

• Xarelto

• Nubeqa

• Kerendia

• Eylea (outside certain markets through partnerships)

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2. Consumer Health

Produces over-the-counter healthcare products including:

• Aspirin

• Aleve (in some markets)

• Claritin

• Bepanthen

• Canesten

• Rennie

Products cover:

• Pain relief

• Allergy treatment

• Digestive health

• Dermatology

• Vitamins

• Women’s health

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3. Crop Science

One of the world’s largest agricultural businesses.

Products include:

• Crop protection chemicals

• Seeds

• Digital farming technologies

• Biological crop solutions

• Weed control

• Pest management

The division expanded significantly after Bayer acquired Monsanto in 2018. [1]

Bayer invests billions of euros annually in research and development.

Its research focuses on:

• Cancer therapies

• Cardiovascular diseases

• Gene therapy

• Precision medicine

• Sustainable agriculture

• Climate-resilient crops

• Biotechnology

• Digital farming

Approximately 15,000 employees work in research and development worldwide. [1]

Bayer has operations across:

• Europe

• North America

• South America

• Asia

• Africa

• Australia

Major research and manufacturing facilities are located in:

• Germany

• United States

• Japan

• China

• Brazil

The company sells products in more than 80 countries. [1]

Some important acquisitions include:

[1]

Bayer states that it aims to:

• Improve global food security

• Reduce agriculture’s environmental footprint

• Advance regenerative farming

• Expand access to medicines

• Reduce greenhouse gas emissions

• Develop more sustainable crop protection technologies

These goals align with its mission of “Health for all, Hunger for none.” [1]

Like many large multinational companies, Bayer has faced significant legal and public scrutiny.

Notable issues include:

• Historical association with IG Farben during World War II.

• Extensive litigation related to glyphosate-based herbicides following the Monsanto acquisition, with thousands of lawsuits alleging links to cancer. Bayer disputes that glyphosate causes cancer when used as directed, while continuing to defend and settle cases in various jurisdictions.

• Financial pressure from litigation costs and debt associated with the Monsanto acquisition. [1]

• Revenue: €45.6 billion

• R&D Investment: €5.8 billion

• Employees: 88,078

• Countries of operation: 80+

• Business divisions: 3

• Headquarters: Leverkusen, Germany [1]

Bayer’s stated mission is:

“Health for all, Hunger for none.”

The company says this reflects its commitment to improving human health through medicines and self-care products while supporting sustainable agriculture and global food production. [1]

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1. About Us | Bayer Global