ST. LOUIS, MO - Monsanto may just be closer to reaching a deal on their Syngenta takeover bid than speculators once thought, reports now say. 

As we’ve previously reported, Syngenta has now rejected offers from Monsanto valued at over $45 billion twice now, saying that the offer, “Fundamentally undervalues Syngenta's prospects and underestimates the significant execution risks.” 

Now, major investor and hedge fund manager John Paulson believes that Monsanto and Syngenta continue to be in deal talks and aren't far apart on price, according to a source that spoke with CNBC.

Monsanto CEO Hugh Grant agrees, reportedly, releasing a statement saying he hasn’t at all been discouraged by Syngenta’s denials, continuing, “Despite the pace and the speed and the lack of engagement, I always tell the team I’m the exception because I’m the Scottish optimist. I’m going to be putting energy into putting this over the line.”

CNBC’s source believes that Paulson, who reportedly has a small stake in Syngenta, would use his position to support a Monsanto purchase if the economics were attractive. Paulson met recently with Syngenta’s management team, and thinks they could be receptive to a more improved deal, the source says.

A report from Bloomberg seems to echo this sentiment, saying a Sanford C. Bernstein Ltd. survey found that 92 percent of Syngenta’s investors would like management to continue negotiations with Monsanto, and would accept a 5 percent higher offer. 

AndNowUKnow will continue to report on this potential acquisition as updates continue, so stay tuned for the latest.

Monsanto Syngenta