Asda Levies Tax Charges Against Loblaw Executive

TORONTO -- Allan Leighton, the recently named deputy chairman of Loblaw Cos. here, is being sued by his former employer -- Wal-Mart‘s Asda chain in the United Kingdom -- over tax benefits on stock options exercised during Leighton‘s reign as chief executive officer there, reports said yesterday. Asda is trying to recover about $1.1 million it claims to have mistakenly paid in taxes on Leighton‘s share options when he left the company in 2000. In a statement to the British press, Asda said it filed suit because it had been unable to resolve differences with Leighton before a time limit to take such matters to court expired. “We‘re still hopeful that Allen will take this opportunity to put this issue to bed amicably and settle out of court.” Leighton could not be reached for comment.