Federated, May, Lenox, Waterford to Pay Fine

Federated Department Stores Inc., May Department Stores Co. and the makers of Lenox china and Waterford crystal agreed to pay $2.9 million to settle allegations that they conspired to keep the upscale tableware out of Bed Bath & Beyond Inc. stores.

Under the settlement with New York Atty. Gen. Eliot Spitzer, Federated will pay a $900,000 civil penalty and May will pay $800,000. Lenox Inc. and Waterford Wedgwood U.S.A. will pay $700,000 and $500,000, respectively, Spitzer’s office said.

None of the companies admitted wrongdoing.