Bayer MaterialScience now legally and economically independent as Covestro

From September 1, 2015 Bayer MaterialScience will operate under the Covestro name. The company is now legally and economically independent, but will remain a 100% subsidiary of Bayer AG. Bayer wants to float Covestro on the stock market by mid-2016 at the latest in order to concentrate exclusively on the life sciences businesses.

"Independence will enable us to bring our strengths to bear in global competition more quickly, effectively and flexibly," said Covestro ceo Patrick Thomas.

'To make the world a brighter place' is the new vision of Covestro. "We fulfil this vision by inspiring innovation and driving growth through profitable technologies and products that benefit society and reduce environmental impacts," said Thomas.

Covestro supplies industries such as the automotive, construction and electronics sectors, as well as the furniture, sporting goods and textiles. Covestro produces polycarbonates for automotive components, roof structures and medical devices among others. It also produces specialty chemicals, including raw materials for coatings, adhesives and films.

The company has a four-member board of management; chaired by Thomas it also includes Frank H. Lutz (finance, labour director), Dr. Klaus Schaefer (production and technology) and Dr. Markus Steilemann (innovation).