|
 Bayer has seen billions wiped off its market value since August,
when a first U.S. jury found Bayer liable because Monsanto, acquired
by Bayer for $63 billion last year, had not warned of the alleged
risk from Roundup, which is based on active ingredient glyphosate.
It suffered a similar courtroom defeat last month and more than
10,000 cases are pending.
U.S. District Judge Vince Chhabria, who presided over the first two
cases in federal court, said in a filing dated Thursday that Bayer
and another plaintiff, Elaine Stevick, were ordered to start
confidential mediation.
"The parties should propose a mediator in their case management
statement; if they cannot agree, the Court will appoint someone,"
the judge ordered, cancelling a previously scheduled May 20 trial
date.
[to top of second column] |
Bayer said on Friday it would comply with the order in good faith,
while believing strongly in the "extensive body of reliable science
supporting the safety of Roundup".
"As this litigation is still in the early stages — with only two
verdicts and no cases that have run their course through appeal — we
will also remain focused on defending the safety of glyphosate-based
herbicides in court," it said.
(Reporting by Ludwig Burger; Editing by Edward Taylor)
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