Trading Partners

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.

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 -- 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.

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."

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.
 

Camp Hill, Pa. — Rite Aid is offering to buy back $810 million worth of debt while increasing the amount of a new bond sale announced Tuesday, the retail pharmacy chain said.

Rite Aid said it would buy back all of its $810 million worth of 9.5% senior notes due 2017. The company also said it would increase the $400 million offering of 6.75% senior notes due 2021 by another $410 million, for a total of $810 million, as part of a debt-refinancing plan.