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As a vital part of the highly diversified international group, Bayer AG, the Canadian subsidiary is intrinsically linked to world wide resources and research. Bayer AG itself was founded in Germany in 1863 by Friedrich Bayer and his partner, Johann Friedrich Weskott. By 1899, Aspirin^© was registered as a worldwide Bayer trademark. The now well-recognized Bayer Cross was first used in 1904 to market Bayer pharmaceuticals.

After the first World War, Bayer AG lost its name and trademark rights in several countries, including Canada and the United States, where they were acquired by a predecessor of Sterling Winthrop Inc. To re-establish its North American presence, in 1978 Bayer AG acquired the pharmaceuticals company, Miles Laboratories Inc., of Elkhart, Indiana, founded in 1884, and its subsidiary Miles Canada Inc., founded in 1936. Among the many products produced by Miles Laboratories was Alka-Seltzer^©, first formulated in 1929.

A pivotal turning point for the Bayer companies in Canada and the United States occurred in 1994, when Bayer AG purchased Sterling Winthrop's North American over-the-counter drug business, including all trademark rights in Canada and the United States related to the Bayer name and Bayer Cross. With this acquisition, Bayer was once again able to use its name and the Bayer trademark without restrictions. As a result, in April 1995 Miles Canada Inc. was renamed Bayer Inc.

Today, Bayer Inc. ranks as Canada's fifth largest chemicals company, has a major presence in the health care field, particularly cardiovascular and anti-infective products, is among the top 45 exporters and is one of the country's leading R&D investors. Its six distinct activity areas in Canada are: Agriculture, Chemicals, Consumer Care, Healthcare, Polymers and Rubber.

Through its Agriculture Division, the company supports productive farming with a range of products in the fields of crop protection (weed, insect and disease control) and animal health (pharmaceuticals, vaccines, biologicals, insecticides, flea products, de-wormers, and anti-microbials).

In Canada, the company is at the forefront of the Bayer group's acquaculture business. In 1998, Bayer Inc. began an alliance with Microtek International Ltd., based in British Columbia, to work in tandem on the research and development, marketing and distribution of fish vaccines. This ground breaking joint venture adds to Bayer's Canadian R&D profile.

Bayer's chemical products, while generally unseen and taken for granted by the end consumer, include many important coatings, pigments, paint components, inorganic chemicals, organic chemicals, dyestuffs, and enhancers for aroma, flavour and  food ingredients.

Consumer Care products by Bayer which Canadians trust and ask for by name include Aspirin^©, Canesten^©, Alka-Seltzer^©, Midol^©, Myoflex^©, Bactine^©, Phillips^© Milk of Magnesia, One A Day^© Advance, and Flintstones^©.

With major products including Adalat XL^© (for hypertension and angina), Baycol^© (for lowering cholesterol levels), Cipro^© (for respiratory, urinary and other microbial infections), Kogenate^© (for hemophilia), Glucometer Elite^© and Encore^© (diabetes care), the Healthcare Division significantly improves the health of Canadians.

Bayer's polyurethane and plastic products serve the manufacturing processes in fields as diverse as automotive, appliances, furniture,  packaging and construction.

The Rubber Division, located in Sarnia, Ontario, is one of the world's leading makers of quality synthetic rubber. In fact, it is the Bayer group's largest rubber manufacturing site. Most of the 200,000 tonnes of synthetic rubber produced annually is destined south of the border for products ranging from car and bicycle tires to chewing gum!

In addition to these product and service based involvements in the daily lives of Canadians, Bayer is active in the community through its philanthropic efforts. In 1998, the Bayer Foundation was established to more effectively administer requests for donations.

With its extensive activities in six distinct business segments, Bayer Inc. is indeed in the business of knowledge, of research and development, technical innovation, and scientific breakthroughs. As such, whether it is in product development, support for science education, environmental stewardship, or overall corporate responsibility, the goal and the result are the same -- Bayer is committed to making a difference in the lives of Canadians and their communities.