Torrance, California-based Ashton-Tate Corp has agreed in principle to settle the shareholder class-action lawsuits filed against it and some of its officers and directors between June and August 1989 and a related suit filed in January 1990: the settlements are subject to court approval, and the company and directors and officers refused to admit any wrongdoing; terms of the proposed settlement have not been disclosed, but the company notes that the settlement is not expected to lead to any further charges against its profits.