Elanco HQ: How the deal was done By Mickey Shuey INDIANAPOLIS — The state’s pitch to keep Elanco Animal Health in Indiana for the long term began with a dinner at the Governor’s Residence two years ago, after state officials got wind that the company was considering plans to acquire German conglomerate Bayer AG’s animal health division. The dinner, attended by Elanco CEO Jeff Simmons and other company leaders, was an opportunity for Gov. Eric Holcomb to offer a full-throated commitment that the state would do whatever it took to keep the company firmly planted in the state for decades to come.