Trading Partners

Toano, Va. – Boston-based class action law firm Block & Leviton said it is investigating claims that Lumber Liquidators Holdings sold floors to consumers with illegal levels of formaldehyde. Independent testing conducted at two different IAS-certified laboratories has reportedly revealed formaldehyde levels as high 0.17 ppm, three-and-a-half times the government mandated maximum emission level, in Mayflower flooring.

Matthews, N.C. – A lawsuit filed against Family Dollar by Pipefitters Local No. 636 alleging that Family Dollar violated federal securities laws has been voluntarily dismissed by the plaintiff. Family Dollar had petitioned to have the suit dismissed, but Pipefitters Local No. 636 abandoned its claims before the court made a ruling. Family Dollar said it did not pay any money or make any concessions in relation to the claim being dropped.

Seattle – Brad Smith, president and CEO of Intuit Inc., has joined the board of directors of Nordstrom. Smith, who has been with Intuit since 2003, was named president and CEO in 2008. Prior to joining Intuit, Smith held sales, marketing and management roles with companies including ADP, PepsiCo, Seven-Up and Advo. He is also a former director of Yahoo.

New York – Closing arguments for the lawsuit Macy’s filed against JC Penney and Martha Stewart Living Omnimedia last year are scheduled to commence Aug. 1, according to a report in Reuters. The suit claims a December 2011 agreement to create Martha Stewart boutiques in JC Penney stores violated Macy’s exclusive right to sell Martha Stewart Living products.

Men’s Wearhouse founder and ousted executive chairman George Zimmer released an open letter late Wednesday in which he addressed the manner in which the board portrayed him in a statement yesterday.

Zimmer flatly denies the board’s claims that he was an obstinate former CEO, determined to regain absolute control by pushing for the company to go private.

Fremont, Calif. – In another twist to the ongoing Men’s Wearhouse-George Zimmer saga, Reuters reports that Men’s Wearhouse founder and former executive chairman Zimmer is contemplating trying to recapture his position as executive chairman through such means as a buyout attempt with private equity backing or rallying the support of shareholders. Neither Zimmer nor Men’s Wearhouse has officially commented, but Zimmer is reportedly consulting advisers, including his legal counsel, Cooley LLP.

FREMONT, Calif. — The Men’s Wearhouse’s board of directors has offered new details regarding founder George Zimmer’s termination as executive chair.

"Our actions were not taken to hurt George Zimmer. Rather we were focused on what we believed to be in the best interests of Men's Wearhouse, as well as shareholders and employees. While Mr. Zimmer owns 3.5% of the stock, it is our obligation to represent the interests of all shareholders.”

New York -- George Zimmer, the founder of Men's Wearhouse Inc., resigned from the company board of directors on Monday, according to a letter he sent the board, which was obtained by Reuters.
   
Last week, Zimmer was fired as the company's executive chairman. On Monday he submitted a letter resigning from the board. In the letter, Zimmer said it was "clear" he was fired by the board "to avoid addressing my growing concerns with recent board decisions."

New York -- The Rana Plaza factory collapse in Bangladesh that killed more than 1,100 people highlights the serious risks that labor conditions can pose not only to workers, but also to organizations’ reputations, supply chains, and bottom lines, according to a report by global insurance broking and risk management firm Marsh.

Oro Valley, Ariz. -- La Hacienda #10 Mexican Restaurant has inked a lease for 3,619 sq. ft. in the Placita de Oro shopping center in Oro Valley, Ariz. Commercial Retail Advisors represented CTW-FVP, the landlord.

Fred Wang, an independent real estate broker represented the restaurant.