Plaintiffs' counsel: Gary R. Greenberg and John F. Farraher Jr., Greenberg Traurig, Boston
A federal jury found that Shell Oil Co. used unfair tactics intended to drive eight gas station franchise operators out of business, and awarded the operators more than $3 million.
The operators argued that Shell and Royal Dutch/Shell Group raised wholesale prices for gasoline and rent on station properties that hindered the businesses. Franchisees argued in court that the company's actions reduced the number of independent Shell gas stations in Massachusetts to fewer than 100 in early 2003, from 177 five years earlier.
The jury found that Shell set unreasonable wholesale gasoline prices in bad faith, according to court documents. Lease agreements between franchisees and Shell were also an issue in the trial. The jury decided that when Shell "phased out" rental subsidies in 1999 and 2000, it breached the lease agreements with gas station operators. Jurors determined that the breach amounted to a "termination of the franchises" under federal marketing laws.
7
$2.43 Million
Law Firm Accused Of Negligence Must Pay Up
8
$2.36 Million
Wrongful Termination -'Replaced' Housekeeper Takes Employer To Cleaners
9
$2.27 Million
Medical Malpractice - 'Routine' Procedure Turns Into Med-Mal Action
10
$2 Million
Medical Malpractice - Standard Of Care At Issue After Bad Reactions To Meds
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January 17, 2005
