Brussels has launched an in-depth probe into German chemical giant Bayer’s $66bn purchase of Monsanto, the latest in a trio of megamergers reshaping the global agri-business industry and one that would create the world’s largest supplier of seeds and crop chemicals.
布鲁塞尔针对德国化工巨头拜耳(Bayer)拟以660亿美元收购孟山都(Monsanto)的交易展开深入调查。这是重塑全球农业综合经营领域的特大并购三部曲中的最新一部，该交易如果获得成功，将会产生全球最大的种子以及农作物化学品供应商。European antitrust authorities worry the deal would “reduce competition in a number of different markets resulting in higher prices, lower quality, less choice and less innovation”. The view echoes concerns raised by some farmers, regulators and politicians over a combination one environmental campaigner has dubbed a “marriage made in hell”.
欧洲反垄断机构担心，该交易将会“减少多个不同市场的竞争，导致价格上涨、质量下降以及选择和创新减少”。此前也有一些农民、监管官员和政客对这桩被某位环保人士戏称为“地狱里的婚姻”的合并感到担忧。
Margrethe Vestager, European competition commissioner, is concerned the deal could reduce competition and research and development in pesticides, seeds and so-called traits, which are the patented characteristics of genetically modified seeds.
欧洲竞争事务专员玛格丽特?维斯特格(Margrethe Vestager)担心该交易将会减少竞争以及杀虫剂、种子和所谓“性状”领域的研发，后者是指转基因种子的专利特征。
Brussels is also worried it could lead to lower investment in new digital technologies for farms, such as using data to tailor farming methods.
布鲁塞尔还担心，该交易可能导致在新数字技术（如利用数据定制种植方法）方面的投资减少。“We need to ensure effective competition so that farmers can have access to innovative products, better quality and also purchase products at competitive prices,” said Ms Vestager. “And at the same time maintain an environment where companies can innovate and invest in improved products.”
维斯特格表示：“我们需要确保有效的市场竞争，让农民能够获得创新性的产品、质量更好的产品，并且能以实惠的价格购买产品，同时保持一个让公司能够创新和投资改善产品的环境。”