By Olaf Ridder 
 

Bayer AG (BAYN.XE) is taking Russian antitrust authorities to court in relation to its planned takeover of U.S. agrochemical company Monsanto Co. (MON), the German company said Tuesday.

The case is connected to antitrust approval from Russia for the deal, which Bayer still hasn't received. The company declined to elaborate further.

Bayer called the move a "procedural step" aimed at protecting its legal rights while it continues in discussions with the authorities.

Bayer is also still awaiting approval from European competition authorities for the Monsanto deal. A decision from Brussels is due in April.

Write to Olaf Ridder at olaf.ridder@dowjones.com

(END) Dow Jones Newswires

February 13, 2018 11:38 ET (16:38 GMT)