The settlement resolves claims that Deere & Co. maintained an anticompetitive scheme, forcing owners of tractors, combines, and sprayers to rely exclusively on authorized dealers for maintenance. While the company denies any wrongdoing, the court-approved agreement mandates that Deere provide customers and independent providers with necessary diagnostic and repair software.
John Deere to Pay $99 Million to Resolve Equipment Repair Antitrust Suit
Farmers who purchased repair services for large John Deere agricultural equipment between January 2018 and May 2026 may be eligible for a payout following a class-action settlement. The agreement, filed in the Northern District of Illinois, addresses allegations that the company restricted access to essential digital repair tools.
Beyond the injunctive relief, which experts value between $293.9 million and $648 million, Deere has committed $99 million to a cash settlement fund. After accounting for legal fees—capped at $45 million—litigation costs, and administrative expenses, the remainder will be distributed to class members who file valid claims by December 31, 2026. Those who wish to exclude themselves from the settlement or file an objection must act by December 4, 2026. A final approval hearing is scheduled for January 19, 2027, at the Stanley J. Roszkowski U.S. Courthouse in Rockford, Illinois.
Comments (0)
No comments yet. Be the first!