settlement

Hilton Takes a Punch from Starwood, But It's Far From a Knockout

Hilton's ego may have taken a bruising blow from its settlement with Starwood, but its finances likely won't, analysts say. As part of the deal, Hilton has agreed to take itself out of the boutique-hotel-style market to settle allegations that it stole trade secrets from Starwood.

Walmart Sex Bias Case Takes Detour to Supreme Court

On Monday, the Supreme Court agreed to decide whether all the female employees who claim Walmart discriminated against them can sue the world's largest retailer as a class, and if they can, whether they can sue for back pay or only for judicial orders to force it to change its behavior.

Shell, Panalpina and 5 Others Fined $236.5 Million for Bribes

Seven companies involved in the oil and gas industries will pay the U.S. government a total of $236.5 million to settle corruption charges. An investigation by the SEC and the Justice Department alleges that the companies bribed overseas officials to lower customs duties, extend drilling contacts and streamline the permit process for oil drilling.

Wells Fargo to Forgive $772 Million in Risky Home Loans

After allegations of deceptive marketing from eight states, Wells Fargo has reached a settlement agreement. The bank will forgive $772 million in risky home loans and will pay $24 million to help reduce the impact of foreclosures on various communities.

Cisco, Westcon to Pay $48 Million for Cheating U.S.

Cisco Systems and Westcon Group North America agreed to pay $48 million to settle charges they paid kickbacks and referral fees to win government business, and then recouped those costs and more by overcharging the government for their services.

Allergan Pays $600 Million to Settle Botox Charges

Pharmaceutical firm Allergan has settled criminal and civil charges that it promoted Botox for uses the FDA hadn't approved, agreeing to pay $600 million and enter into a "corporate integrity agreement." Allergan also dropped its related First Amendment lawsuit against the FDA.

Philly Scandal Puts Spotlight on Public Housing's Problems

Carl Greene ran the Philadelphia Housing Authority for years with little oversight, until recent revelations about a series of scandals from sexual harassment to financial mismanagement landed him in hot water. But Greene's misdeeds may be just a symptom of the problematic culture of U.S. housing authorities.