This verdict - one of the highest ever handed down in a Roundup-related case - is part of a long series of legal setbacks for Bayer since its takeover of Monsanto in 2018. A $63bn acquisition that, far from being a quiet growth operation, has turned into a legal nightmare and economic debacle: the group has already paid out around $10bn to settle thousands of similar disputes out of court. And the storm is far from over: more than 60,000 cases are still pending. Bayer has set aside $5.9bn for the future.

In the Atlanta case, the jury awarded $65m in compensatory damages - to cover the harm suffered by the plaintiff - and no less than $2bn in punitive damages, intended to punish the company's allegedly wrongful conduct.

Unsurprisingly, Bayer was quick to announce its intention to appeal, arguing that the decision "runs counter to the global scientific consensus" and the assessments of health authorities. The group claims to have "solid arguments" to have the compensation payments, which it deems "excessive and unconstitutional", cancelled or drastically reduced at least. In passing, Bayer points out that in cases already finally decided, damages have been reduced by an average of 90% compared with the initial amounts set by the juries.

However, pressure is mounting. In early March, the group even warned US lawmakers that it might consider withdrawing Roundup from the US market if no legal safeguards were implemented to limit its liability in these cases. A way of pushing Washington to legislate in its favor - or a last-resort strategy to avoid being buried under proceedings. As for glyphosate, it continues to divide science, justice and public opinion.

Bayer shares fell by more than 6% in the morning, to €22.51.

(With Reuters)