The decision depends on the expected return of the settlement, which depends on the expected return of the settlement money considered as an investment against the competition, compared to the estimated cost of litigation, which, in turn, depends on direct costs, odds of winning and estimated awarded costs in case of a loss.

I bet the settlement covered their next litigations.

A settlement may enable you to continue to conduct business, but it also may fuel nastier litigation against your competitors, furthering your own abilities while shielding you from future litigation.