German chemicals group BASF SE (BASFn.DE) is considering a potential offer for Syngenta AG (SYNN.VX), the Swiss peer that has received a $45 billion takeover offer from Monsanto Co (MON.N), people familiar with the matter said on Wednesday.
BASF is speaking to investment bankers about the possibility of an offer for Syngenta, through it has made no decision and no bid may materialize, the people said, asking not to be identified because the deliberations are confidential.
Syngenta has so far spurned Monsanto”s overtures citing antitrust hurdles, though lawyers representing the two companies met last week in New York to discuss whether the regulatory obstacles can be overcome, a separate source said. A BASF bid for Syngenta would also likely face significant antitrust issues.
BASF, Syngenta and Monsanto declined to comment.
Reuters, 03/06/2015
