The Missouri Attorney General’s Office has resolved claims against a fifth major book publisher for price-fixing and collusion in the electronic book market. Consumers across the country will receive $75 million in compensation.

Attorney General Chris Koster says they reached agreement with Penguin Group to resolve the allegations.

Missouri has previously settled with four other publishers: Hachette Book Group, HarperCollins, Simon & Schuster, and Macmillan on allegations relating to the same conduct.

Consumers nationwide will receive $164 million in compensation as a result of the settlements with the five publishers.

Missouri’s antitrust action against Apple, based on the same allegations, remains pending, with trial scheduled next month.

“Our legal action sends a strong message that companies cannot get away with price-fixing,” Koster said. “These publishers’ behavior cost consumers millions of dollars, but the settlements we have reached will lead to compensation for those consumers.”

The funds from this settlement are expected to be combined with the earlier settlements’ funds for a nationwide distribution following court approval. Distribution will be made based on consumer purchases of e-books. Depending on how consumers made their purchases, they will be offered payment options including account credits or cash payments. Online sellers are expected to provide e-mail notice to account holders and additional notices will be published with claims instructions.