Astra Settles Harassment Suit With EEOC

Astra USA Inc. settled the largest sexual-harassment case ever filed by the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission, for $9.85 million plus interest, and said it will sue its former chief executive to recoup the money. Astra USA, a unit of Sweden’s largest drug maker, Astra, will establish an account to hold the money and bear interest, bringing the total amount of the settlement to more than $10 million, according to the EEOC. The agency said all employees hired since Jan. 1, 1993, with evidence they were harassed, are entitled to collect from the account. The EEOC’s investigation began in May 1996, after Astra USA sales representatives charged that management members, including former President and Chief Executive Lars Bildman, harassed them. Astra USA is based in Westborough, Mass. Astra’s Series A American depositary receipts rose 13 cents to close at $19.50 on the New York Stock Exchange.