Yesterday WMT agreed to extend the terms of its deferred prosecution agreement for 12 months (to expire 9/29/2012). As a result, the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of New Jersey will not take any additional action concerning the DPA breach referenced in its May 5, 2011 letter—unless it finds out (before the expiration date) that WMT knowingly breached any DPA provision after 9/15/2011, or by conduct after that date.

WMT also agreed to the OIG’s amendment to the corporate integrity agreement. These obligations begin post 9/29/2012 (remember, that’s after the DPA expires).

Interim CEO David D. Stevens stated that the voluntary DPA extension will help WMT demonstrate its “commitment to the highest standards of ethical conduct.” Let’s hope so.--Maria Fontanazza

Other announcements yesterday: Wright Medical Restructures