Bayer AG, founded in 1863 in Barmen, Germany, evolved from a dye manufacturer into a global life science and chemical giant, known for pioneering Aspirin and later acquiring Monsanto. Its history includes involvement in IG Farben, post-war restructuring, and modern challenges.
Friedrich Bayer and Johann Friedrich Weskott establish a dye manufacturing company in Barmen, Germany, laying the foundation for Bayer AG. #history #corporate
Bayer relocates its main production site to Leverkusen, which becomes the company's headquarters and a major chemical hub. #history #industry
Chemist Felix Hoffmann synthesizes acetylsalicylic acid (Aspirin) at Bayer, revolutionizing pain relief. #pharma #innovation
Bayer registers Aspirin as a trademark, later becoming one of the most famous drugs worldwide. #pharma #brand
Bayer establishes a subsidiary in the U.S., marking the start of international expansion. #business #expansion
Bayer markets heroin (diacetylmorphine) as a non-addictive cough medicine, later withdrawn due to addiction risks. #pharma #history
Bayer establishes its first pharmaceutical research laboratory, focusing on synthetic drugs. #science #pharma
Bayer merges with six other German chemical companies to form IG Farben, a cartel that dominates the global chemical market. #history #merger
Bayer scientist Gerhard Domagk discovers the first sulfonamide antibiotic, Prontosil, earning a Nobel Prize in 1939. #science #medicine
IG Farben deploys concentration camp prisoners and slave laborers, including at Auschwitz, for synthetic rubber and oil production. #wwii #ethics
IG Farben is broken up by Allied forces; Bayer re-emerges as an independent company (Farbenfabriken Bayer AG) in Leverkusen. #history #restructuring
Bayer develops and markets Makrolon, a high-performance polycarbonate plastic used in various industries. #materials #innovation
Bayer acquires the U.S. company Miles Laboratories, gaining access to consumer brands like Alka-Seltzer and Flintstones vitamins. #acquisition #business
The company renames itself to Bayer AG, reflecting its diversified portfolio beyond dyes. #corporate #rebranding
Bayer introduces the antibiotic Ciprobay (ciprofloxacin), a fluoroquinolone that becomes a top-selling drug. #pharma #antibiotics
Bayer sells its majority stake in Agfa-Gevaert, a photographic film joint venture, focusing on chemicals and pharma. #divestiture #strategy
Bayer acquires Cooper Companies' diagnostic imaging division, expanding into medical diagnostics. #acquisition #healthcare
Bayer buys the over-the-counter drug business of Sterling Winthrop, regaining full rights to the Aspirin name in the U.S. #acquisition #brand
Bayer expands its pharma pipeline by acquiring the pharmaceutical division of Zeneca (now AstraZeneca) for $1.3 billion. #acquisition #pharma
Bayer spins off its chemicals and polymers businesses into a separate company, Lanxess, to focus on life sciences. #restructuring #spin-off
Bayer acquires the crop science division of Aventis for €7.25 billion, creating Bayer CropScience. #acquisition #agriculture
Bayer withdraws its cholesterol-lowering drug Baycol (Lipobay) due to fatal rhabdomyolysis cases, leading to billions in lawsuits. #pharma #crisis
Bayer reorganizes its pharmaceutical, consumer health, and animal health divisions under Bayer HealthCare. #restructuring #healthcare
Bayer purchases the over-the-counter drug business of Roche for €2.4 billion, expanding its consumer health portfolio. #acquisition #consumerhealth
Bayer inaugurates a state-of-the-art pharmaceutical production facility in Beijing, China, marking major expansion in Asia. #expansion #pharma
Bayer forms a collaboration with Schering-Plough to develop and market cardiovascular and oncology drugs. #partnership #pharma
Bayer acquires the animal health business of Sanofi (Merial) for €4.2 billion, strengthening its animal health division. #acquisition #animalhealth
Bayer's Eylea, an anti-VEGF drug for wet age-related macular degeneration, becomes a blockbuster. #pharma #ophthalmology
Bayer restructures into Pharmaceuticals, Consumer Health, and Crop Science divisions, phasing out the HealthCare subgroup. #restructuring
Bayer announces its intention to acquire Monsanto for $66 billion, pending regulatory approval. #acquisition #agritech
Bayer finalizes the acquisition of Monsanto after regulatory clearances, integrating its seed and glyphosate businesses. #acquisition #agritech
A California jury finds Bayer liable for a school groundskeeper's cancer, sparking thousands of similar lawsuits over Roundup. #litigation #glyphosate )
Bayer agrees to pay up to $10.9 billion to resolve nearly 100,000 U.S. lawsuits claiming Roundup causes cancer. #litigation #settlement
Bayer divests its animal health business to Elanco for $7.6 billion to reduce debt from the Monsanto deal. #divestiture #strategy
Bayer opens a $1 billion research and development center in St. Louis, Missouri, for crop science innovations. #agriculture #R&D
Werner Baumann retires as CEO, succeeded by Bill Anderson, amid ongoing challenges from Roundup litigation. #leadership #corporate
A federal appeals court rules that Bayer is not liable for a cancer case, providing a legal victory amid thousands of lawsuits. #litigation #legal )
Bayer announces plans to separate its crop science and pharmaceutical/consumer health businesses to unlock shareholder value. #restructuring #spin-off