LEVERKUSEN (dpa-AFX) - German conglomerate Bayer AG (BAYZF.PK, BAYRY.PK, BYR.L) said it intends for its stockholders to benefit from the operational business success in 2014 with a dividend increase to EUR 2.25 per share, giving a total payout of around EUR 1.9 billion.
Management Board Chairman Dr. Marijn Dekkers listed four strategic priorities for Bayer's successful further development. First, the company plans to focus on further driving forward the organic growth of HealthCare and CropScience.
With this aim in mind, he said Bayer intends to further enhance the market success of its innovative products. 'At the same time, we are further increasing our spending for research and development in the Life Science businesses. This is the condition for future organic growth with new products,' Dekkers said. Overall, Bayer plans to invest more than EUR 4 billion in research and development this year.
The second priority listed by the Management Board Chairman was the further integration of the consumer care business of Merck & Co., Inc., United States, and Dihon Pharmaceutical, China.
The third area of focus is the demerger of MaterialScience. The planned stock market flotation is targeted for mid-2016 at the latest. The next important step here will be the economic and legal separation of that company.
Parallel to this process, Bayer's fourth strategic priority according to the Bayer CEO is to drive forward the complete alignment toward the Life Science businesses. In this connection, the Group's corporate structure is currently being examined and restructuring proposals are being developed.
With effect from July 1, 2015, Heinz-Georg Webers will succeed the outgoing Vice Chairman of the Supervisory Board, Thomas de Win, as an elected replacement member. The Supervisory Board elected Oliver Zühlke - who since February has served as Chairman of the Central Works Council - to succeed de Win as Vice Chairman of the Supervisory Board. Zühlke has been a member of the Supervisory Board of Bayer AG since 2007.
Copyright RTT News/dpa-AFX