Barnes & Noble, Former CEO Abruptly End Litigation - Publishers Weekly

 Today's trip into the Catosphere took Panzer to the Publishers Weekly site. With no digging at all in the posts our inquisitive kitty boy found one about the Barnes and Noble bookstores and Demos Parnero lawsuits. Panzer told you about the ongoing court battles in September.

According to the post by Andrew Albanese, the dueling lawsuits between Barnes and Noble and the company's former CEO Demos Parnero have been dropped. Demos Parnero was fired by Barnes and Noble in 2018. He promptly sued the company. The company then counter-sued him. On October 26 both Parnero and Barnes and Noble agreed to drop their lawsuits against each other. They also agreed to pay their own attorney fees. Neither parties' attorneys would issue a comment.

All that time for nothing.

Panzer says, "So ... After two years of fighting in court, it's all over. Just like that. Poof! Gone!"

Note: This is a short medium length post. Bring a cup of tea and a muffin for today's reading selection.

To read the post tootle over to Barnes and Noble

To read Panzer's previous post about the Barnes and Noble lawsuit, tootle over to Barnes and Noble lawsuit

 

 

 

 

Barnes & Noble Knocks Out Defamation Claim by Fired CEO - Publishers Weekly

Panzer's trip in the Catosphere today took him to the Publishers Weekly site. With no digging at all he found a post about the lawsuit by Demos Parneros against Barnes and Noble. Panzer previously gave you an update on the case in July.

According to Andrew Albanese's post at the Publishers Weekly site, the judge in the lawsuit(s) filed by former CEO Demos Parneros' against Barnes and Noble has made a decision on the defamation of character portion. The judge determined there was no evidence the company's announcement of the former CEO's firing damaged his reputation. There are still to portions of the case to be decided. They are the breach of contract and breach of covenant of good faith. There's another hearing on October 8. The post has several links to previous posts with information about the case.

It will never end.

Panzer says, "There's still a long way to go to get a final decision."

Note: This is a long-medium length post. Bring a cup of tea and two muffins for today's reading selection. If you plan to follow all the links in the post, bring a thermos of tea, twelve muffins, twelve chocolate chip cookies (biscuits), three brownies, and two sugar cookies (biscuits).

To read the post tootle over to Barnes and Noble
To read Panzer's previous post about the case, tootle over to Defamation lawsuit 

Oral Arguments Set in B&N's Bid to Knock Out Former CEO's Defamation Claim - Publishers Weekly

As Panzer was tootling around in the Catosphere, he was greeted by groaning and sighing coming from outside the Panzermobile. Following all the noise, took our brave kitty pilot to the Publishers Weekly site. There he found a post about the Demos Parneros lawsuit against Barnes and Noble. This lawsuit (and counter-suit) have been dragging on for two years.

It's been going on for years.

According to the post by Andrew Albanese, Barnes and Noble's arguments to get portions of  Parneros' lawsuit dismissed will be heard in court in August. Barnes and Noble ex-CEO Parneros filed the lawsuit in 2018 after he was fired. In his lawsuit he says he is unemployable because the press release announcing his termination ruined his reputation and led others to believe he was fired for sexual harassment. Barnes and Noble counters that all the press release said was that he was terminated for "violating company policy." Due to the direct wording of the press release the company is asking the court to dismiss the defamation portion of the lawsuit. There are links included in the post to previous posts about the lawsuit and to copies of the court filings.

Panzer says, "When this little kitty read the press release sexual harassment didn't even enter his mind until Demos Parneros filed the lawsuit and said he wasn't fired for sexual harassment."

Note: This is a medium length post. Bring a cup of tea for today's reading selection. If you plan to follow all the links, bring two thermoses of tea and twelve muffins and twelve cookies (biscuits) because those court papers are really long.

To read the post tootle over to Barnes and Noble Ex-CEO Parneros lawsuit

B&N Seeks Knockout Blow in Litigation with Fired CEO - Publishers Weekly

Today Panzer decided to stop at the Publishers Weekly site. Digging in the posts, our inquisitive kitty discovered one about the old Barnes and Noble.

It just goes on and on and on.

According to Andrew Albanese, the Barnes and Noble court fight continues with former CEO Demos Parneros and his lawsuit against the company. Barnes and Noble's attorneys are filing in court for a summary judgment in the lawsuit. The company wants two of Mr. Parneros' three claims dismissed. The two claims are 1) defamation and 2) breach of covenant of good faith and fair dealing. Barnes and Noble's attorneys presented the court with a 33 page memorandum explaining why the two claims should be dismissed. There are several links in the post, including one to the memorandum.

Panzer says, "I've been telling you about this never-ending lawsuit story since it started."

Note: This is a long-medium length post. Bring a cup of cocoa and a muffin for today's reading. If you plan to follow the links included in the post, bring a quart of cocoa and a dozen muffins.

To read the post tootle over to Barnes and Noble litigation

To read Panzer's most recent previous post about the litigation, tootle over to Barnes and Noble's risky move

B&N Pursues 'Risky' Move Against Fired CEO - Publishers Weekly

Today Panzer made a quick trip to the Publishers Weekly site. There with a little digging in the posts pile our fastidious kitty boy found one about the Demos Parneros lawsuit filed against Barnes and Noble.

What was discovered?

According to Andrew Albanese's post, Barnes and Noble attorneys are asking the judge in Demos Parneros' lawsuit against his former employer Barnes and Noble to issue a summary judgement on two of the three claims in the lawsuit. They are the defamation of character claim and the breach of good faith claim. The attorneys say that now the discovery process is over, the information shows there is no merit to these two claims. The judge advised the attorneys it would be a risky proposition to ask for a summary judgement, but the attorneys intend to go ahead with it. They have until November 22 to file their motion. The post contains several links to other posts containing information about the ongoing lawsuit as well as a link to the letter filed with the court advising about the summary judgement request.

Panzer says, "Hmm ... This little kitty doesn't think it bodes well when the judge tells you it's risky to do what you want to do."

Note: This is a long post. Bring a cup of tea and two muffins for today's reading. If you plan to follow all the links in the post, bring a gallon of tea and a dozen muffins. Oh, and you might want to bring a sleeping bag for a nap in the middle of your reading.

To read the post tootle over to Barnes and Noble

Barnes & Noble Will Seek to Dismiss Ex-CEO's Defamation Claim - Publishers Weekly

Today, Panzer made a trip to the Publishers Weekly site. There our traveling kitty found a post about the lawsuit and counter-lawsuit between Barnes and Noble and the company's former CEO Demos Parneros. Panzer has been telling you about this court case since early last year.

According to the post by Andrew Albanese, Barnes and Noble's attorneys have petitioned the court to have portions of Demos Parneros' lawsuit dismissed. The former CEO said in his lawsuit against Barnes and Noble that his firing made people think he was fired for sexual harassment. However, the company says in the letter to the court that their press release stated he was fired for "violations of company policy" and "not due to any disagreement with the Company regarding its financial reporting, policies, or practices or any potential fraud relating thereto." The post includes four links to other posts about the ongoing court case.

It's never going to end.

Panzer says, "This little kitty doesn't understand Mr. Parneros lawsuit. If you follow the links in the post, you'll discover it wasn't the company, but Mr. Parneros, who in his court filings, is the one who brought out the fact part of the reason he was fired was because of sexual harassment allegations."

Note: This is a medium length post. Bring a cup of tea and a muffin for today's reading selection. If you plan to follow all the links in the post, bring a thermos of tea and four muffins.

To read the post tootle over to Barnes and Noble

To read Panzer's previous post about the court cast, tootle over to Demos Parneros

Equity Firm Agrees to Buy B&N - Publishers Weekly

Panzer decided to make a quick stop at the Publishers Weekly site today. With no digging at all our adventuresome kitty boy found a post about Barnes and Noble.

According to the Publishers Weekly post by Jim Milliot, Barnes and Noble has agreed to an acquisition by the equity firm Elliot Advisors. The purchase will close in the third quarter of this year. James Daunt will then become CEO. The equity firm has also announced that after the acquisition the Barnes and Noble headquarters will stay in New York. Barnes and Noble sales declined recently. The company has tried various efforts to turn sales around ranging from opening new eating venues in the stores to changing CEOs. The company is in the midst of a lawsuit and counter suit with the last CEO, Demos Parneros.

Guess I'll have to find another online store.

Panzer says, "Umm ... This might not be good news for this little kitty. There's no mention of Barnes and Noble's online store or the Nook ereader. Most of my ebook sales are through Barnes and Noble's online store."

Note: This is a medium length post. Bring a cup of tea and a muffin for today's reading selection.

To read the post tootle over to Barnes and Noble

To read the post about the Demos Parneros lawsuit tootle over to Parneros lawsuit

Judge Questions Parnero's Bid to Dismiss B&N Countersuit - Publishers Weekly

Panzer was tootling around in the Catosphere when he decided to stop in at the Publishers Weekly site. With a little digging around in the posts there, he found one about former Barnes and Noble CEO Demos Parneros.

According to Andrew Albanese, last week Demos Parneros' attorneys were back in court again. This time the attorneys were at a pre-motion hearing to discuss a possible motion to ask Judge John G. Koeltl to dismiss Barnes and Noble's counterclaim against Mr. Parneros. While the judge said the motion could be filed, it would probably be a waste of time. The referenced counterclaim asserts Mr. Parnero undermined the sale of Barnes and Noble to keep his CEO position safe. Mr. Parnero's attorneys also gave notice they will be seeking to have Barnes and Noble pay for Mr. Parnero's attorney fees.

Pay somebody to sue you? It's a joke, right?

Panzer says, "Hmm ... Have Barnes and Noble pay Parnero's attorneys to sue Barnes and Noble? This case just gets crazier and crazier."

Note: This is a medium post. Bring a cup of tea and muffin for today's reading selection.

To read the post tootle over to Barnes and Noble

Attorneys for Parneros, Barnes & Noble Meet in Court - Publishers Weekly

Today's trip into the Catosphere took Panzer to the Publishers Weekly site. With a little digging our inquisitive kitty boy found a post about Barnes and Noble.

Court case merry-go-round?

According to Publishers Weekly's Andrew Albanese, attorneys for Barnes and Noble and attorneys for Demos Parneros were in court on November 13 to get their discovery schedules approved. The discovery period will close on June 14, 2019. The judge also said he would like the two sides to have a settlement conference to try to avoid a trial. He gave both sides until December 3 to let him know if they would agree to the conference. The court cases are convoluted. Demos Parneros was fired in July from his position as CEO at Barnes and Noble for undisclosed reasons. However, after he brought suit against Barnes and Noble for his firing, the company disclosed he was fired for sexual harassment. Mr. Parneros' suit against the company includes defamation of character. Barnes and Noble then brought suit for sabotaging their company's sale and the sexual harassment allegations.

Panzer says, "Hmm ... This little kitty thinks, if they can't come to a settlement agreement, this might get nasty."

Note: This is a long-medium length post. Bring a cup of tea and a muffin for today's reading selection.

To read the post tootle over to Barnes and Noble

In Counterclaim, B&N Says Former CEO 'Sabotaged' Sale; Sexually Harassed Multiple Women - Publishers Weekly

Panzer was tootling around in the Catosphere when he decided to make a stop at the Publishers Weekly site. With a little digging around our fearless kitty discovered a post about Barnes and Noble.

It's enough to give me a headache.

The post by Andrew Albanese states, Barnes and Noble has filed a counter claim against former CEO Demos Parneros. In the counter claim Barnes and Noble asserts Mr. Parneros deliberately sabotaged a due diligence process meeting called by an unnamed book retailer interested in acquiring the company. Also, included in the counter claim is the fact that in addition to the original complaint by a female employee of sexual harassment, others have now come forward. There are other details of the counter claim included in the post.

Panzer says, "This little kitty thinks this is just getting messier and messier."

Note: This is a long-medium length post. Bring a cup of apple cider and some leftover Halloween candy for today's reading selection.

To read the post tootle over to Barnes and Noble

Q1 Sales Down at B&N As Losses Rise - Publishers Weekly

Panzer was tootling around in the Catosphere when he heard crying and weeping outside the Panzermobile. Following all the noise took our compassionate kitty boy to the Publishers Weekly site. There with no digging at all he found a post about Barnes and Noble's first quarter sales.

There must be a way to turn sales around.

According to the post by Jim Milliot, in a conference call Chairman Len Riggio said Barnes and Noble's first quarter sales figures were down 6.9 percent compared to last year. The sales figures included books, Nooks and general retail sales. While the online book order and sales system got off to bad start, the problems appear to be fixed. Sales revenues were actually down lower, however, part of the decline was offset by expense reductions. The company still plans to open and/or move four stores in the coming quarter. Chairman Len Riggio also addressed the Demos Parneros lawsuit against the company. Contrary to the assertions in the lawsuit, Chairman Riggio said former CEO Parneros was fired for sexual harassment and bullying. There is a lot of information covered in the post.

Panzer says, "Hmm ... The new online book (paperback or hardback) ordering system should help increase sales. You can order a copy of a paperback online and then pick it up at your nearest Barnes and Noble store. This little kitty looked and saw you can even order Cat Wisdom for humans there."

Note: This is a medium length post. Bring a cup of tea and a muffin for today's reading selection.

To read the post tootle over to Barnes and Noble

Publishers Puzzled, Frustrated by Parneros Lawsuit - Publishers Weekly

There must be an answer here somewhere.

Today, Panzer's trip into the Catosphere took him to the Publishers Weekly site. There our adventuresome kitty boy found a post with followup information about the Demos Parneros lawsuit against Barnes and Noble he told you about earlier this week.

According to Jim Milliot, publishers are beginning to have reactions to the lawsuit. The reactions range from puzzlement to frustration. Mr. Parneros' statement about the failed company sale has lead some publishers to puzzlement and uncertainty about the company's future; while the company's inability to find a continuing CEO leads other publishers to frustration. The post includes suggestions for the company's improvement offered by the publishers interviewed.

Panzer says, "Hmm ... Either Mr. Parneros didn't have a confidentiality clause in his contract or he forgot about it when he told about the failed sale of the company."

Note: This is a medium length post. Bring a cup of tea and a muffin for today's reading selection.

To read the post tootle over to Barnes and Noble

To read Panzer's earlier post about the Parneros lawsuit tootle over to Parneros lawsuit

Parneros Sues B&N for Defamation of Character - Publishers Weekly (PW)

As Panzer was tootling around in the Catosphere today he decided to make a stop at the Publishers Weekly site. With no digging at all our inquisitive kitty discovered a post about Barnes and Noble's former CEO.

According to Jim Milliot, Barnes and Noble's former CEO Demos Parneros has sued the company. Panzer told you about the termination of CEO Parneros when it happened in July.  Mr. Parneros states in his lawsuit that the company fired him without caused and defamed his character. It's also stated that Barnes and Noble was going to be sold; but, when the offer was withdrawn, he was fired so Len Riggio could take over the company again. Mr. Parneros also denies any sexual harassment claims. In rebuttal the Barnes and Noble Board of Directors states, Mr. Demos was fired on advise of legal counsel after an internal investigation showed behavior that violated company policy.

But ... You're the one who told everybody.

Panzer says, "Hmm ... This is an interesting court case because this kitty hadn't heard anything about sexual harassment until Mr. Parneros brought it up in court."

Note: This is a long-medium length post. Bring a cup of tea and one and a half muffins for today's reading selection.

To read the post tootle over to Barnes and Noble Lawsuit

To read the post about Demos Parneros' termination from Barnes and Noble tootle over to Barnes and Noble CEO Termination

B&N Fires CEO - Publishers Weekly

Panzer had hardly started eating his dinner when his food bowl was tipped over by the sounds of shouting. Our brave kitty hopped into the Panzermobile and headed into the Catosphere. Following all the noise took him to the Publishers Weekly site. With no digging at all he found a brand new post about Barnes and Noble.

According to the post by Jim Milliot, Barnes and Noble announced this afternoon the company CEO has been fired. In a release the company said the Barnes and Noble board of directors terminated (fired) CEO Demos Parneros effective immediately. The reason according to the release is CEO Parneros' "violations of the Company's policies." There is no mention of the exact violations except to say they are not financial or fraud violations.

Panzer says, "Hmm ... The violations must have been bad for him to be terminated immediately."

I'm ready for a nap now.

Note: This is a short-medium post. Bring a cup of tea for today's reading selection.

To read the post tootle over to Barnes and Noble

After Another Disappointing Quarter, B&N Unveils Turnaround Plan - Publishers Weekly

Today's trip into the Catosphere took our traveling kitty to the Publishers Weekly site. With just a little digging he found a post about Barnes and Noble.

According to Jim Milliot, Barnes and Noble has announced the company's third quarter financial results. (This quarter included the holiday season sales.) The financial results announcement showed revenue fell 5.3 percent. In conjunction with the financial results CEO Demos Parneros announced a new strategic plan to bring the company back to profitability. The first step was begun in February with layoffs to rein in employee costs. According to Mr. Parneros this will be a long term effort for the company. The post includes information about the strategic plan.

Sometimes smaller is better.

Panzer says, "This little kitty wonders if there are any leases ending on under performing bookstores."

Note: This is a short-medium post. Bring a cup of tea for today's reading selection.

To read the post tootle over to Barnes and Noble

Riggio Backs Parneros at B&N Annual Meeting - Publishers Weekly

Today, Panzer was tootling around in the Catosphere, when he heard crying and shouting. Following all the noise took our kitty pilot to the Publishers Weekly site. With no digging at all he found the cause of all the angst in a post about the Barnes and Noble Annual Meeting.

Who are these technology companies?

According to the post by Jim Milliot, Barnes and Noble Chairman Len Riggio started off by expressing his confidence in CEO Demos Parneros. This was followed by the company's plan to have smaller stores. However, the big news for ebook authors from Mr. Riggio was that Nook and ebooks aren't a good fit for Barnes and Noble's future. The company will have "partner technology companies" take care of their digital presence. Barnes and Noble will concentrate on their bricks and mortal stores.

Panzer says, "Hmm ... Not sure what this means for ebook authors. This little kitty makes a lot of ebook sales at Barnes and Noble."

Note: This is a short-medium post. Bring a cup of tea and a muffin for today's reading selection.

To read the post, tootle over to Barnes and Noble Annual Meeting

B&N Has a Plan for the Future: More Stores - Publishers Weekly

Panzer made a quick trip into the Catosphere today. Our traveling kitty pilot stopped in at the Publishers Weekly (PW) site. There with a little digging he found a post about Barnes and Noble's new expansion plans.

More stores = More sales? Maybe.

According to the post by Jim Milliot, Barnes and Noble plans to open new stores next year. Barnes and Noble CEO Demos Parneros is quoted as stating the company plans to replace some of the recently closed stores. There are also plans to open new stores in some markets. Mr. Parneros also stated the new stores will be smaller. This will be a long term plan.

Panzer says, "Hmm ... This little inquiring kitty wants to know, if this means new smaller stores without restaurants and alcohol?"

Note: This is a short-medium post. Bring a cup of tea and half a muffin for today's reading selection.

To read the post tootle over to Barnes and Noble expansion

B&N CEO Parneros Defends B&N's Chances - Because He Had To - The Digital Reader

Today's trip into the Catosphere took Panzer to The Digital Reader site. There our kitty pilot found a post about Barnes and Noble bookstores.

I need to watch what happens there.

The post by The Digital Reader site owner Nate Hoffelder concerns an interview in Fortune (magazine) with Barnes and Noble's new CEO Demos Parneros. Mr. Hoffelder quotes questions and answers from the interview in which Mr. Parneros addresses questions about the number of bookstores and sales at the online Barnes and Noble site. Mr. Hoffelder doesn't agree with CEO Parneros' answer about Barnes and Noble's continuing viability as a bookstore company. Included in the post is a link to the Fortune interview. You can read the interview and make your own decision about Barnes and Noble's future.

Panzer says, "Umm ... I hope Mr. Hoffelder is wrong. This kitty sells more ebooks through Barnes and Noble's online site than through Amazon."

Note: This is a smallish-medium post. Bring a cup of tea and half a muffin for today's reading selection. If you plan to follow the link to the Fortune interview, bring another cup of tea and another muffin and a half.

To read the post, tootle over to Barnes and Noble CEO Parneros

B&N Names Demos Parneros CEO - Publishers Weekly

Panzer's trip into the Catosphere today took him to the Publishers Weekly (PW) site. There our inquisitive kitty boy found a post about Barnes and Noble.

According to the post by Jim Milliot, Barnes and Noble has a new CEO. Demos Parneros has been named to take over the position from Len Riggio. Mr. Parneros has been functioning in the Chief Operating Officer position since he was hired in November 2016. Mr. Parneros came to Barnes and Noble after leaving his position as President of Staples. In addition to the announcement of Mr. Parneros' appointment to the CEO position, there's information on Barnes and Noble's most recent sales figures included in the post.

I'll be watching what happens.

Panzer says, "Hmm ... At the end of the post there are some interesting hints about the possiblity of coming closings of some Barnes and Noble bricks and mortar stores."

Note: This is a longish-medium post. Bring a cup of tea and two muffins for today's reading selection.

To read the post, tootle over to Barnes and Noble CEO

Barnes & Noble Appoints Demos Parneros as Chief Operating Officer - Press Release

Panzer was tootling around in the Catosphere when he made a planned stop at the Book Business site. After a little digging around our illustrious traveling kitty found a post about Barnes and Noble.

That's two cat lifetimes at one place.

According to the press release at the Book Business site, Barnes and Noble bookstores has a new Chief Operating Officer, Demos Parneros. Mr. Parneros comes to Barnes and Noble after working at Staple, Inc. since 1987. Mr. Parneros will bring his 30 years of business experience to work with Barnes and Noble CEO Len Riggio.

Panzer says, "MeWoW! Thirty years with the same company."

Note: This is a medium post. Bring a cup of tea and a muffin for today's reading session.

To read the post, tootle over to Barnes and Noble