Monsanto looks to build big-data business

Creve Coeur-based seed giant Monsanto Co., on the heels of abandoning its $46 billion bid to buy Sygenta AG last month, has turned its attention to big data.

With shares trading at three-year lows, Monsanto executives are looking to transition into a business built on data science and services.

The plans are still being developed, but officials are beginning to share their vision with major shareholders ahead of a big reveal to investors at its headquarters in November.

As part of the strategy, company representatives have met around 200 technology startups in recent months and identified a handful as possible acquisition targets.

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