Wal-Mart Stores Inc.

Tulsa, OK: A class action lawsuit was filed against the retail giant on behalf of the estates of 73 former employees in Oklahoma. Wal-Mart had taken out life insurance policies on its employees, making itself the beneficiary noting it spends millions of dollars annually to recruit, screen, train and retain its employees. The plaintiffs sued to recover life insurance benefits Wal-Mart wrongfully received upon the employees' deaths. Wal-Mart has settled the class action for $5.1 million. (Dec-06-06) [BUSINESS WEEK: WAL-MART BENEFICIARY]