Microsoft Offers $70 Million to End Suit in State

Microsoft Corp. agreed to pay $70 million to several California municipalities to resolve claims that the company overcharged for its Windows software.

The city of Los Angeles, L.A. County, San Francisco and Santa Clara, San Mateo and Contra Costa counties would receive vouchers worth as much as $70 million to purchase computers, software and other equipment, said Jim Emery, an attorney for San Francisco.

“The vouchers are good for products from any vendor, not just Microsoft,” Emery said.

Stacy Drake, spokeswoman for Redmond, Wash.-based Microsoft, said the accord still required court approval.

Microsoft shares rose 14 cents to $24.29.