Sodexho settles class action lawsuit

WASHINGTON, April 27 (UPI) -- Sodexho Inc. of Maryland says it willpay up to $80 million in a Washington, D.C. U.S. District Court to settle a lawsuit by African-American managers.

Sodexho agreed Wednesday to pay up to $80 million to settle the class-action suit, including payments to eligible members of the suit and class attorneys' fees. It will also continue to promote diversity programs within the company.

The settlement is subject to approvals by District Court Judge Ellen Huvelle, food services provider Sodexho said.

Sodexho said it agreed to settle to avoid lengthy legal proceedings, and without admitting any liability.