CCI sees Bayer-Monsanto deal impacting competition, starts public scrutiny

Comments on deal, which will create world's largest seeds and pesticides firm, to be submitted in 15 days; CCI may not consider unsubstantiated objections

The Competition Commission of India (CCI) has launched a public scrutiny of the finer details of the proposed $66 billion Bayer-Monsanto deal, as it feels that prima facie the deal has, or likely to have an major adverse effect on competition.

The Bayer-Monsanto deal would create the world's largest seeds and pesticide firm.

CCI places a deal for public consultation if it is of the "prima facie opinion that the combination has, or likely to have an appreciable adverse effect on competition".

Prior to this, CCI had launched similar public scrutiny in the case of the Ranbaxy-Sun Pharma and Holcim-Lafarge merger deals, among