AFP - Bayer chairman Werner Wenning wants to reassure Chancellor Angela Merkel over its planned buyout of pharmaceutical rival Schering, which will cost 6,000 jobs.

AFP - German pharmaceutical group Bayer's purchase of rival Schering makes sense commercially and strategically, Schering boss Hubertus Erlen said in an interview, while regretting his company's loss of independence.

AP - Bayer AG's 16.3 billion euro ($19.6 billion) offer for drugmaker Schering AG was embraced enthusiastically by its target Friday as German rival Merck abandoned its own takeover offer.

AP - The chief executive of Germany's Schering AG on Friday underscored his company's welcome for a "highly attractive" $19.5 billion offer from pharmaceutical and chemical firm Bayer AG, saying managers had concluded that Schering could not remain independent.

Reuters - Schering shares jumped on Friday after drugs and chemicals group Bayer unveiled a friendly "white knight" offer for the drugmaker, topping a bid from German rival Merck KGaA.