Bayer's troubles deepen as Germany bans essential chemicals

BERLIN – Bayer AG's efforts to prevent thousands of lawsuits against its Roundup herbicide made a symbolic blow Wednesday when Germany, its home country, announced its intention to ban the key ingredient of the product.

This decision is unlikely to directly affect the financial results of the Chemicals and Pharmaceuticals Group, as Germany is a negligible market for Roundup. The decision was motivated by environmental considerations rather than the presumed potential of glyphosate to cause cancer, which is central to the prosecution …