Bayer Corp. tops $10 billion sales mark

PITTSBURGH (March 20)—Spurred by the successful integration of recent acquisitions and the added capacity and efficiencies realized through a 10-year capital investment program, Bayer Corp.´s sales jumped 13.6 percent to a record $10.1 billion in 2000 from $8.9 billion in 1999, the first time the company has topped the $10 billion mark, according to President and CEO Helge H. Wehmeier. Net income for 2000 rose 32 percent to $202 million, due in part to proceeds from the one-time sale of investments. About half the $1.2 billion sales increase was due to acquisitions, primarily the purchase of Lyondell Chemical Co.