Mr. Hood said in statements he hoped to complete the investigation next month.

Mr. Hood said he was continuing the lawsuit against other insurers.

But Mr. Hood said the opposition was not the only reason for the cancellation.

"We are comfortable with the jobs number developed in that study," Mr. Hood said.

"Any company big enough to operate such a research facility already had one," Mr. Hood said.

"It played a key part in getting us where we are," Mr. Hood said.

But Mr. Hood said there were problems with that expectation.

Mr. Hood said no other prosecutions were likely unless a new witness came forward.

"We still do not know what the final deal will look like," Mr. Hood said.

"I think they're the best in the department store industry at controlling their expenses," Mr. Hood said.