RNS Number:8962P
Bayer AG
18 September 2003

Document Dated 17 September 2003

U.S. District Court Finds in Favor of Bayer

Class action certification denied in Baycol litigation

Leverkusen, Germany - Bayer said today that it is pleased that the Federal
District Court in Minneapolis, Minnesota found in favor of the company and
denied plaintiffs motion to certify a nationwide class action in the Baycol
litigation.

Bayer opposed certification of a nationwide class for Baycol. The company argued
that certification of a class action was not appropriate because the claims of
the possible class members involve too many diverse and individual issues. Some
of these include differences in state law, medical histories, Baycol dosages and
Baycol use with other drugs. In addition, Bayer believes that a class action
would have proven to be unmanageable.

Bayer will continue its strategy of analyzing the specific circumstances of each
case and the nature of each claim. It will also continue to pursue its policy of
trying to agree on fair compensation for anyone who experienced serious side
effects from Baycol on its own initiative and without acknowledging any legal
liability. Bayer has successfully settled more than 1342 cases in the United
States to date. In cases where an examination of the facts indicates that Baycol
played no part in the patient's medical situation, or where a settlement is not
achieved, Bayer will continue to defend itself vigorously. Bayer believes this
is the most fair and reasonable manner in which to handle the litigation.

Bayer AG. Investor Relations contacts:

Dr. Alexander Rosar (+49-214-30-81013) 

Dr. Juergen Beunink (+49-214-30-65742) 

Peter Dahlhoff      (+49-214-30-33022) 

Judith Nestmann     (+49-214-30-66836)

Forward-looking statements

This news release contains forward-looking statements based on current
assumptions and forecasts made by Bayer Group management. Various known and
unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors could lead to material
differences between the actual future results, financial situation, development
or performance of the company and the estimates given here. These factors
include those discussed in our public reports filed with the Frankfurt Stock
Exchange and with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (including our
Form 20-F). The company assumes no liability whatsoever to update these forward-
looking statements or to conform them to future events or developments.

                      This information is provided by RNS
            The company news service from the London Stock Exchange

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