Target, Inc.

Discount retailer Target Corp. has agreed to pay the state of California $22.5 million to settle accusations that its stores dumped hazardous chemicals over a number of years, according to a tentative agreement filed in Superior Court in Alameda County.

Target admits no wrongdoing in the settlement, which is part of a crackdown on big-box retailers by California prosecutors. Both Home Depot and Walmart have been hit with multimillion-dollar fines in recent years for environmentally related violations.

Do it Best Corp. has extended its contract with DemandTec, a provider of software for sales promotions. The Fort Wayne, Ind.-based co-op uses two of DemandTec’s products, DemandTec's Promotion Planning & Management and Promotion Execution.

"With 4,000 member stores to support, it is very important for us to give each location as much autonomy as possible in communicating to their customers," said Tim Miller, VP marketing at Do it Best Corp.

In its first-ever expansion outside of the United States, Target Corp. on Thursday said it would acquire up to 220 Zellers discount department stores in Canada from the Hudson’s Bay Co. for $1.8 billion. The deal will allow Target to open 100 to 150 Target stores throughout Canada in 2013 and 2014.

Melanie Healey, former group president, North America, The Procter & Gamble Company (P&G), has been elected to join its board of directors, effective immediately.

She will serve on the PPG Paints board’s audit committee and its technology and environment committee.

Tax services giant H&R Block has named Home Depot's Marvin Ellison and Tractor Supply's James Wright as prospective members of its board of directors.

Ellison, 46, is Home Depot's executive VP U.S. stores. He has been with the Atlanta-based home improvement retailer since 2002, and previously held management positions with Target Corp. 

Wright, 61, is CEO of Brentwood, Tenn.-based Tractor Supply Co. He was also CEO of Tire Kingdom.