Book wholesaler Baker & Taylor announced June 30 that it has settled all claims from a 1995 U.S. Department of Justice lawsuit alleging the company had overcharged schools and libraries in their states since 1980.
The $3-million settlement, an amount less than B&T had paid in legal fees, released the company from all federal civil liability. However, states that have moved to intervene or join the suit may choose to pursue further legal action.
In a B&T news release, CEO Craig Richards said, “We hope this settlement . . . signals to these states that the charges were without merit. However, if these states do continue to pursue legal action against B&T, we will continue this fight in the state courts until Baker & Taylor is exonerated.”
Posted July 5, 1999.