In 2018, Bayer took over Monsanto for a purchase price of $66 billion. Monsanto sold a genetically modified herbicide product, Roundup, which utilized glyphosate, a highly toxic chemical suspected of causing cancer and harming human health. Various verdicts in the United States have classified glyphosate as a known carcinogen resulting in substantial damages being payable by Monsanto.
The case is brought on behalf of investors in Bayer who allege that Bayer did not disclose the legal and commercial risks associated with the use of glyphosate and the corresponding risks to Monsanto and therefore to Bayer and its shareholders post-acquisition.
