CHICAGO, Oct. 21 -- R.R. Donnelley & Sons Company today announced that the company has received preliminary approval of a settlement agreement in the Edith Jones, et al. v. R.R. Donnelley & Sons class action lawsuit. The lawsuit stemmed from the 1994 closing of RR Donnelley's Chicago manufacturing plant. The lawsuit alleged that there was unfair treatment of African-American employees in connection with the plant closing. "We are very pleased to put this 10-year-old litigation behind us and to focus instead on growing and prospering in the years ahead and building on our commitment to diversity and inclusion," said RR Donnelley Chief Administrative Officer, Theodore J. Theophilos. "RR Donnelley is committed to providing a work environment in which everyone is treated with dignity and respect, and where everyone can contribute fully, feel valued, and be rewarded for their contributions." Judge Matthew F. Kennelly of the United States District Court for the Northern District of Illinois Eastern Division granted preliminary approval of the settlement agreement at a hearing today. Notices are to be sent to all plaintiffs on November 5, 2004. Any objections are to be returned by November 19, 2004. A Fairness Hearing is scheduled for November 30, 2004. Under terms of the agreement, RR Donnelley will pay $15 million for distribution to the plaintiffs and their attorneys. The settlement agreement specifically provides that RR Donnelley does not admit any of the allegations of wrongdoing and that the settlement is made in connection with the plaintiffs releasing the company from all discrimination claims.