Card Briefs: Deluxe Takes a Hit for Loss in Mellon Case

Deluxe Corp. reported a $180 million charge in the third quarter, up from a previously announced $140 million, because of costs related to a court decision against its electronic benefits transfer business.

The jury verdict came in a breach-of-contract suit filed in 1995 by Mellon Bank Corp., which accused Deluxe Electronic Payments Systems Inc. of backing out of a joint bid to handle EBT processing for the Southern Alliance of States. Deluxe said the extra $40 million will provide a reserve for the $30 million judgment, awarded in October. The charge is also intended to cover future legal costs as the company pursues an appeal.

"We are determined to protect our shareholders' interests," said J.A. Blanchard, chairman and chief executive officer. "The reserve in no way signals that we've decided to accept the outcome of this trial."

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