The Germany based multinational company Bayer announced the intent to focus entirely on its Life Science businesses – HealthCare and CropScience. The MaterialScience division, specialised in the production of polymers, will give rise to a new company to be listed on the stock market within the next 12 to 18 months. Bayer had already acquired the OTC business of US’ Merck & Co. and launched several medicinal products in the areas of anticoagulant therapy, eye medicine, cancer, and pulmonary hypertension. Combined peak annual sales potential is expected to be at least EUR 7.5 billion. Employment levels are expected to remain stable over the next few years, both globally and in Germany.