Monsanto to ditch its infamous name after sale to Bayer

Activists say deal is 'marriage made in hell', creating world's most powerful agribusiness

The Monsanto company name, which has become synonymous with genetically modified food and as a longstanding target of environmental activists, will disappear after the completion of its $63bn (47bn) sale to the German company Bayer on Thursday.

Bayer, a pharmaceuticals and chemicals giant, said on Monday it would immediately retire the 117-year-old Monsanto brand name. "Bayer will remain the company name. Monsanto will no longer be a company name," it said in a statement. "The acquired products will retain their brand names and become part of the Bayer portfolio."