Within this context, Bayer's existing Technology Services company will become the Engineering & Technology function. Bayer Business Services, the company in which information technology and business support services are bundled, will remain a separate legal entity that is to see further expansion.

This greater integration will also be reflected in Bayer's brand architecture. In the future, the company will focus exclusively on the Bayer corporate brand and its product brands. The divisions will not have separate brand identities.

Job numbers to remain stable in the years ahead

Despite the organizational changes, job numbers are expected to remain stable in the years ahead, both worldwide and in Germany. In a joint declaration issued by management and the employee representatives, key principles relating to the organizational changes have been defined.

"We expressly welcome the fact that the subgroups and Bayer Technology Services are being reintegrated under the roof of Bayer AG. Our joint declaration guarantees continued security, trust and motivation for the employees," said Oliver Zühlke, Chairman of the Central Works Council of Bayer AG. "We have also been able to bring about a return to the collective agreement of the German Mining, Chemical and Energy Industrial Union (IG BCE) for our colleagues at Bayer Business Services."

Bayer as a pure Life Science company with outstanding perspectives

"Our mission of ‘Science For A Better Life' ideally fits Bayer as a Life Science company. Ultimately, all activities of Bayer have one and the same goal: improving people's lives all over the world," said Dekkers. The challenges are immense. The aim is to provide better medical care and ensure an adequate supply of high-quality food for the growing global population. This can only be achieved with Life Science innovations.

"We have leading positions in attractive and growing markets and our business is diversified and balanced in terms of economic cycles and risks," Dekkers continued. Moreover, in light of the many commonalities between the biochemical processes in living organisms, the portfolio also offers interesting opportunities, especially in research.

The future product portfolio of the Pharmaceuticals Division brings together prescription medicines from the general medicine and specialty pharmaceuticals categories and also the Radiology business.

The Consumer Health Division will encompass globally known consumer brands from the allergy, analgesic, cardiovascular risk prevention, cough, cold and flu, dermatology, foot care, gastrointestinal, dietary supplement and sun protection categories.