"Bayer may have to abandon Roundup due to legal problems

German chemical giant Bayer said on Friday it may be forced to withdraw its weed killer Roundup from the market if it cannot avoid endless legal challenges.

„We are approaching the point where the litigation industry could force us to stop marketing this vital product“, – said CEO Bill Anderson at the annual general meeting.

The Leverkusen-based company said it aims to "significantly limit the legal proceedings to the end of 2026", as litigation has been ongoing for years.

„The status quo – is not an option“, – stressed Mr Anderson, adding that the risk to his company in this case is „very high“.

„Bayer“ has been facing „Roundup“ lawsuits ever since it acquired US company „Monsanto“ in 2018 – the deal was seen at the time as one of the most important in the chemical sector.

The plaintiffs claim that glyphosate – the main active ingredient in „Roundup“ causes blood cancer, but „Bayer“ maintains that research and regulatory approvals show that the weed killer is safe.

„Bayer“ has been trying for a long time to end the legal disputes over „Roundup“. To date, the company has spent more than $10 billion (€8.8 billion) on lawsuits accusing it of failing to disclose potential health risks.

This month, the company announced that it intends to take the Roundup case to the US Supreme Court again, the third such attempt.

Although the court has twice rejected previous requests, this time „Bayer“ expects to be successful, citing decisions from federal appeals courts that the company says support its position.

The renewed request to the US Supreme Court is the first since Anderson took over as head of „Bayer“ in 2023. But his late arrival did not shield him from criticism from shareholders, who expressed their displeasure at the meeting.

„Bayer“ has asked investors to approve a capital increase through a new share issue to cover potential legal costs related to the „Roundup“ case.

Shareholders were asked to „pay the price“ for „Roundup“ problems, said „Deka Investment“ CEO Ingo Speich, describing the move as a „bitter pill“.

„Why should it be different this time – won't the wave of lawsuits be stopped by money?“ – wondered Janne Werning of „Union Investment“.