Distributors Announce Settlement With Cherokee Nation

Rhea-AI Summary

AmerisourceBergen (ABC), Cardinal Health (CAH), and McKesson (MCK) have settled opioid-related claims with the Cherokee Nation for approximately $75 million over 6.5 years. This agreement resolves ongoing litigation and allows the companies to focus on safe medication delivery. The settlement is part of broader negotiations with federally recognized Native American tribes, despite the companies disputing the allegations against them. The firms emphasize their commitment to addressing the opioid epidemic's impact on communities.

Positive

• Settlement of approximately $75 million over 6.5 years enhances focus on safe medication delivery.
• Agreement allows the companies to resolve ongoing litigation with the Cherokee Nation.

Negative

• The companies continue to face ongoing legal disputes related to opioid distribution.
• Settlement may not resolve all claims against the companies regarding opioid distribution.

CONSHOHOCKEN, Pa. & DUBLIN, Ohio & IRVING, Texas--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- AmerisourceBergen (NYSE: ABC), Cardinal Health (NYSE: CAH) and McKesson (NYSE: MCK) announced today that they have reached an agreement with the Cherokee Nation to pay approximately $75 million over 6.5 years to resolve opioid-related claims. This settlement was negotiated in connection with ongoing negotiations toward a broad resolution of opioid-related claims brought by Native American tribes that, as previously disclosed by the companies, are not covered by the ongoing settlement process involving state and local governmental entities. The companies view today’s settlement as an important step toward reaching a broader settlement with all federally recognized Native American tribes across the country.

This settlement reflects an agreement of the Cherokee Nation to dismiss its ongoing lawsuit in exchange for the companies’ agreement that the Cherokee Nation will receive a settlement amount consistent with its anticipated allocation under a broader agreement with Native American tribes.

While the companies strongly dispute the allegations against them, they believe this resolution will allow the companies to focus their attention and resources on the safe and secure delivery of medications and therapies while delivering meaningful relief to affected communities, and will also support efforts to achieve a broad resolution with the remaining Native American tribes.

The companies remain deeply concerned about the impact the opioid epidemic is having on communities across the nation and remain committed to being part of the solution.

Cautionary Statements Regarding Forward Looking Statements

The preceding descriptions of a potential resolution of certain opioids-related claims of Native American tribes against pharmaceutical distribution companies constitute “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933 and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, that involve risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from those in those statements. It is not possible to identify all such risks and uncertainties. The reader should not place undue reliance on forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date they are first made. Except to the extent required by law, the companies undertake no obligation to publicly update forward-looking statements. Risk factors include, but are not limited to: the settlement process may not result in a resolution of all or any claims against each company regarding its role in distributing opioids; the companies may continue to experience costly and disruptive legal disputes and settlements related to distribution of controlled substances, including opioids; the companies might experience losses not covered by insurance; and the companies might be adversely impacted by changes in tax legislation or challenges to their respective tax positions. Investors should read the important risk factors described in each company’s Form 10-K, Form 10-Q and Form 8-K reports filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission.

About AmerisourceBergen

AmerisourceBergen fosters a positive impact on the health of people and communities around the world by advancing the development and delivery of pharmaceuticals and healthcare products. As a leading global healthcare company, with a foundation in pharmaceutical distribution and solutions for manufacturers, pharmacies and providers, we create unparalleled access, efficiency and reliability for human and animal health. Our 41,000 global team members power our purpose: We are united in our responsibility to create healthier futures.

About Cardinal Health

Cardinal Health is a distributor of pharmaceuticals, a global manufacturer and distributor of medical and laboratory products, and a provider of performance and data solutions for healthcare facilities. With 50 years in business, operations in more than 40 countries and approximately 48,000 employees globally, Cardinal Health is essential to care. Information about Cardinal Health is available at cardinalhealth.com.

About McKesson Corporation

McKesson Corporation is a global leader in healthcare supply chain management solutions, retail pharmacy, community oncology and specialty care, and healthcare information solutions. McKesson partners with pharmaceutical manufacturers, providers, pharmacies, governments and other organizations in healthcare to help provide the right medicines, medical products and healthcare services to the right patients at the right time, safely and cost-effectively. United by our ICARE shared principles, our employees work every day to innovate and deliver opportunities that make our customers and partners more successful - all for the better health of patients. McKesson has been named a “Most Admired Company” in the healthcare wholesaler category by FORTUNE, a “Best Place to Work” by the Human Rights Campaign Foundation, and a top military-friendly company by Military Friendly. For more information, visit www.mckesson.com.

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20210928005991/en/

Media Contacts:

AmerisourceBergen

Investor Contact:

Bennett S. Murphy

610-727-3693

bmurphy@amerisourcebergen.com

Media Contact:

Gabe Weissman

610-727-3696

gweissman@amerisourcebergen.com

Cardinal Health

Investor Contact:

Kevin Moran

614-757-7942

kevin.moran@cardinalhealth.com

Media Contact:

Erich Timmerman

847-887-1487

Erich.Timmerman@cardinalhealth.com

McKesson

Investor Contact:

Holly Weiss

972-969-9174

Holly.Weiss@McKesson.com

Media Contact:

David Matthews

214-952-0833

David.Matthews@McKesson.com

Source: McKesson Corporation

FAQ

What is the recent settlement amount involving AmerisourceBergen, Cardinal Health, and McKesson?

The companies settled for approximately $75 million to resolve opioid-related claims with the Cherokee Nation.

How long will the opioid-related settlement last for the companies involved?

The settlement will be paid over 6.5 years.

What are the stock symbols for AmerisourceBergen, Cardinal Health, and McKesson?

The stock symbols are ABC for AmerisourceBergen, CAH for Cardinal Health, and MCK for McKesson.

What is the nature of the claims settled by AmerisourceBergen, Cardinal Health, and McKesson?

The claims are related to opioid distribution and the impact on Native American tribes.