8-KOther Events

Cencora, Inc. 8-K Report, Corporate Update (Jul 1, 2022)

Filed July 1, 2022For Securities:COR

Summary

Cencora, Inc. (formerly AmerisourceBergen Corporation) announced on June 27, 2022, an agreement with the State of Oklahoma to resolve all opioid-related claims brought by the state and its subdivisions. This settlement is part of a larger, comprehensive agreement aimed at resolving the vast majority of opioid lawsuits filed by governmental entities across the United States. The total payment allocated to Oklahoma from the three national pharmaceutical distributors, including Cencora, is approximately $308 million. This figure encompasses attorneys' fees and costs. While the company maintains it disputes the allegations, this settlement is seen as a step towards achieving broad resolution of governmental opioid claims and providing relief to affected communities. The agreement is contingent upon a required rate of subdivision participation by September 23, 2022.

Key Highlights

  • 1Cencora (formerly AmerisourceBergen) reached a settlement with the State of Oklahoma to resolve opioid-related claims.
  • 2The total payment for the Oklahoma settlement is approximately $308 million, including fees and costs.
  • 3This settlement is consistent with Oklahoma's allocation under a broader national agreement to resolve most opioid lawsuits by state and local governments.
  • 4Upon effectiveness, the State of Oklahoma will dismiss its lawsuit against the distributors with prejudice.
  • 5The company strongly disputes the allegations but views this as a path to broad resolution and community relief.
  • 6The agreement is subject to certain contingencies, including subdivision participation by September 23, 2022.

Frequently Asked Questions

The filing states that Cencora, along with two other distributors, will pay up to approximately $308 million to the State of Oklahoma and its subdivisions. This amount includes attorneys' fees and costs and represents Oklahoma's allocated portion of a larger national settlement. While the exact allocation to Cencora is not specified in this 8-K, it is a significant figure that has been accounted for within the context of the broader opioid litigation resolution.

This settlement specifically resolves opioid-related claims with the State of Oklahoma and its participating subdivisions. It is described as being consistent with a comprehensive agreement to settle the 'vast majority' of opioid lawsuits filed by state and local governmental entities. However, it is important to note that the company may still face other potential claims or litigation not covered by this specific agreement or the broader national settlement framework.

The agreement is subject to certain contingencies. A key condition is the attainment of a required rate of participation by Oklahoma's subdivisions by September 23, 2022. If this participation threshold is not met, the settlement may not become effective.

Cencora, while strongly disputing the allegations, views this settlement as a strategic step towards achieving a broad resolution of governmental opioid claims. By settling, the company aims to bring finality to this litigation and provide meaningful relief to communities impacted by the opioid epidemic, aligning with its goal of resolving these issues comprehensively.