The landmark antitrust settle-ment this month between Microsoft and the Computer and Communications Industry Association, one of its oldest adversaries, resulted in a $9.75m (£5.25m) payment to the CCIA's top official, according to confidential documents seen by the Financial Times.

Ed Black, CCIA president and for years one of Microsoft's fiercest opponents in antitrust investigations, netted almost half the $19.75m total payment Microsoft paid the association. His payment was approved by the CCIA board.