Bayer's new CEO still likes plastics

Bayer AG's new CEO, Marijn Dekkers, met with the media on Monday, a few days before he officially takes over the chemical giant on Oct. 1. One of the big questions: what are Dekkers' plans for the plastics business, Bayer MaterialScience? Some reporters wondered if he plans to sell plastics and use the money to invest in businesses with more perceived upside, like healthcare or crop sciences. Dekkers told reporters that he has no plans along those lines right now. "All three main divisions are of strategic importance to me. I don't see the need at the moment to change this portfolio," he said, in this Reuters report. "A fundamental change is currently not on my agenda." Dow Jones paraphrased Dekkers, saying that the most important thing is for divisions to be competitive and market leaders. Dekkers is replacing Werner Wenning at Bayer.