RDO, John Deere drop claims.

RDO Equipment Co., Fargo, N.D., and John Deere Construction Co. have dismissed all claims pending in arbitration against each other. John Deere has renewed contracts with RDO's construction unit, and Deere has revoked its termination notices to RDO. This settles a suit that was filed in Minnesota in July 2000 by RDO, which alleged that John Deere Construction violated a Minnesota law by planning to terminate its dealership agreements.

The suit claimed John Deere's actions were based on the company's strategic objective to own or control a significant percentage of its distribution channel. RDO also filed suit in a US District Court in October 2000 against Credit Suisse First Boston Corp., alleging that CSFB conspired with John Deere Construction and committed unfair trade practices, among other things.

In settling the suit, RDO, which sells, distributes, services and finances construction, agricultural and transportation equipment, also dismissed all claims in federal court against CSFB.