The new information came to the company's knowledge last month after a tip, reports CNN. And after examining them more closely, the internal investigators obtained several pieces of evidence in the form of text messages and emails to Easterbrook with nude photos or other sexual content.

In total, there are three more women with whom the former CEO is said to have had a relationship. According to the lawsuit, he must also have given one of the women shares in the company to a value of 100,000 dollars (approximately 873,000 kronor).

Deleted sms

Before Easterbrook was forced out, he maintained that he only had a relationship with one employee, something that the company now claims is a lie. He is also accused of trying to hide the circumstances by deleting text messages and emails.

The revelation means that the agreement made with the CEO, who was allowed to keep shareholdings and other company assets worth 42 million dollars (approximately 366 million kronor), was based on incorrect grounds, according to the company which now wants to prevent Easterbrook from using its company assets.

"A mistake"

The lawsuit also contains a claim for financial compensation.

Easterbrook has not yet commented on the move from its previous employer. In an internal email in connection with his resignation last year, he wrote that the relationship with the employee was "a mistake" and that he shared the board's opinion that "it is time for me to move on".