COMPANY TOWN ANNEX

Checkpoint Systems Settles Suit Against PolyGram: The antitrust case against PolyGram Group Distribution Inc. was settled after the distributor of compact discs agreed to suspend its practice of using only one brand of anti-theft tags. Thorofare, N.J.-based Checkpoint Systems Inc. sued Dutch-owned PolyGram in July, claiming PolyGram’s decision to use tags made by one of Checkpoint’s rivals put it at a competitive disadvantage. The settlement calls for PolyGram to use several brands of anti-theft tags on its CDs. Checkpoint is still pressing its claims against the National Assn. of Music Recording Merchandisers, a trade group also named in the lawsuit, which recommended music distributors adopt an anti-theft system made by Sensormatic Electronics Corp. for all merchandise. Checkpoint is one of only a few makers of electronic systems used by retailers to deter shoplifting.