Bayer is a global enterprise with core competencies in the fields of healthcare, agriculture, and high-tech polymer materials. Founded in Barmen, Germany in 1863, Bayer has 118,900 employees and had sales of €42.2 billion ($45.9 billion US) in fiscal year 2014. Its capital expenditures amounted to €2.5 billion and R&D expenses to €3.6 billion.