Weyerhaeuser has agreed to pay out US$34.5m to settle an antitrust case in which it was accused of monopolising the Pacific north-west market for alder saw logs and lumber.

The company, which is not admitting liability, expects to take a first quarter charge of US$23m to settle the lawsuit filed in Portland, Oregon. The plaintiff had alleged damages exceeding US$100m.

Weyerhaeuser is lining up to defend itself in two similar cases on May 11 and June 1.