Topic: How To Invest

Wall Street Stock Forecaster Hotline – Friday, July 15, 2016

Article Excerpt

MONSANTO CO., $103.45, New York symbol MON, develops and sells technology-based agricultural products, such as genetically modified seeds, to farmers, grain processors and food companies. It also makes weed- and pest-control products. The stock rose slightly this week after German chemical and pharmaceutical maker Bayer AG increased its all-cash takeover offer to $125.00 a share from $122.00. The company has yet to respond to the new bid. Monsanto’s stock has gained 15% since Bayer made its first offer. However, it’s still well below the latest bid. That’s because a takeover would face regulatory challenges in the U.S. and Europe. As part of this improved offer, Bayer says it will pay the company a $1.5 billion breakup fee if regulators block the deal. That’s equal to 3% of Monsanto’s $46.7 billion market cap. Also adding to the uncertainty are media reports that Monsanto is considering buying the agro-chemical business of Germany’s BASF…