Germany’s Bayer reported third quarter earnings that rose 4 percent, beating analyst estimates, despite weaker than expected consumer healthcare revenues.

The company, which is buying U.S. seeds firm, Monsanto, said adjusted earnings were 2.20 billion euors ($260 billion), a tad higher than analyst forecasts of 2.21 euros.

The company’s consumer health unit which sells Coppertone sunscreens and the Claritin allergy drug, sank more than 16 percent to 274 million euros.

Bayer blamed the challenging U.S. market, where it faces competition from less expensive alternatives.

The company said it nevertheless expects 2017 adjusted earnings to be slightly higher than last year.

Bayer, which needs antitrust approval to complete its $66 billion acquisition of Monsanto, expects to close the deal in early 2018.

Both Bayer and Monsanto are part of the agbio cluster in the Research Triangle, including.Bayer’s Crop Science headquarters.