Bayer AG has agreed to sell a minority stake in its contraceptives business to Apollo Global Management for €3bn, a move aimed at strengthening the German group’s capital structure after costly Roundup litigation.

The stake will be placed in a new entity that will house Bayer’s long‑acting reversible contraceptives – Mirena, Kyleena and Jaydess – while Bayer keeps a majority share, full operational control and continues to consolidate the business on its books. Sales of the contraceptive line rose 12.5% to €1.37bn in 2025, underscoring its importance as a fast‑growing franchise.

The deal comes as Bayer settles a $7.25bn class action and secures an $8bn bank loan to cover future litigation costs and bond maturities, after the U.S. Supreme Court shielded it from thousands of lawsuits. With litigation costs already over $10bn, the Apollo transaction reduces leverage and injects liquidity without diluting control.

Market observers see the minority stake as a signal that Bayer may pursue further divestitures, including a possible spin‑off of its crop‑science arm and a sale of consumer health. The infusion of capital positions the company for future restructuring and offers investors a clearer path to value creation.