Heartland Payment Systems will pay American Express $3.6 millionfor damages stemming from Heartland's 2008 card data securitybreach that some have called the largest in history.

"We are pleased to have reached an equitable settlement withAmerican Express," commented Bob Carr, Heartland's chairman/CEOwhen announcing the settlement. "This settlement marks the firstagreement with a card brand related to the intrusion."

The company also announced that the United States District Courtfor the District of New Jersey granted Heartland's motion todismiss the consolidated shareholder class action, titled In ReHeartland Payment Systems, Inc. Securities Litigation, which hadbeen filed against Carr and Robert H.B. Baldwin, Jr., Heartland'spresident/chief financial officer. The case, which arose from abreach disclosed on Jan. 20, 2009, was dismissed in its entiretywith prejudice.