Bayer AG admitted the COVID-19 outbreak has slowed settlement talks regarding its Roundup weed killer.  The tens of thousands of plaintiffs claiming the product causes cancer will need to wait to see if they receive compensation for any damages suffered concerning Bayer’s product.

Bayer recently exercised its right to terminate a draft settlement agreement that had been reached with a group of firms.  Mediation negotiations were then extended through April, but have been postponed due to COVID-19 meeting restrictions.  Now, Bayer has some time to assess the damages from the situation, as well as from the global economic issues that have arisen due to the virus.

Bayer shareholders have been calling on reassurances from the company amidst the ongoing legal battles.  The company had been scheduled to hold its annual meeting and that meeting is still set to go on virtually at the end of April. 

The company had reached draft settlement terms with several firms representing plaintiffs and there had been talk of a $10 billion settlement before the virus outbreak.  However, since those mediation sessions have stalled, everyone involved is unsure of what comes next.

According to a spokesperson from Bayer, "The mediation process has significantly slowed, and realistically, we expect this will continue to be the case for the immediate future.  We cannot speculate about potential outcomes from the negotiations or timing, given the uncertainties surrounding the pandemic and the confidentiality of this process, but we remain committed to engaging in mediation in good faith. ” He said the virus-related restrictions have made it so there is very little the company can do to move the situation forward at the moment.

It is unlikely Bayer will agree to a final settlement until it reaches an agreement with the majority of plaintiffs in the case.  Doing so would end the chances for litigation.