Just got this press release. I don’t know much about it but I do know that anytime you use quotations and someones nickname to let everyone know who you’re dealing with, it’s pretty darn official.
Just got this press release. I don’t know much about it but I do know that anytime you use quotations and someones nickname to let everyone know who you’re dealing with, it’s pretty darn official.
NEWS RELEASE
For Immediate Release
For More Information
MONSTER BEVERAGE COMPANY SUED FOR FRAUD AND INTENTIONAL INTERFERENCE
CARLSBAD, CA, Nov. 5 – Crown Athlete Management Company, Inc. (“Crown
AMG”), an athlete management, marketing, and sponsorship procurement
company, has filed a multi-million dollar lawsuit against Hansen
Beverage Company (“HBC”), doing business as Monster Beverage Company
(“Monster”) for fraud, intentional interference with contractual
relations, and related claims. The lawsuit, filed in San Diego
County, alleges that Monster fraudulently induced Crown AMG to enter
into agreements, fraudulently concealed its true intentions to exclude
Crown AMG from earning fees and commissions, and made numerous false
promises to Crown AMG about potential future business opportunities.
In 2003, Scott “Hollywood” Sepkovic founded Crown AMG as a
comprehensive marketing, branding, and athlete management firm.
According to the lawsuit, that same year, Crown AMG was recruited by
Mark Hall, President of Monster, to help market and build brand
recognition for the “new” Monster Energy Drink. The Monster Energy
Drink had only been launched the prior year, and had yet to establish
significant brand recognition.
Over the next 6 years, Crown AMG was instrumental in building brand
recognition for Monster worldwide. HBC’s sales skyrocketed from $115
million in 2002 to $1.18 billion in 2008. Crown AMG believes that its
efforts helped HBC land the #1 position on the “Forbes 200 Best Small
Companies” List in 2005 and 2007. Further, in July of 2006, Fortune
Magazine stated that, "Since the beginning of 2004, Hansen Natural’s
stock [had] risen a Google-stomping 3,900% to $170."
In the lawsuit, Crown AMG alleges that Monster unlawfully interfered
with Crown AMG’s business by, among other things, filing lawsuits
against Crown AMG clients, instructing Crown AMG’s clients not to pay
Crown AMG, and making false representations to Crown AMG and its
clients.
"We are seeking appropriate relief from the court and will continue
conducting business in the meantime," said Scott Sepkovic, President
of Crown AMG. “I can only say that Crown AMG suffered and continues
to suffer actual monetary loss as a result of Monster’s interference
with Crown AMG’s relationships with many companies and individuals.”
The lawsuit alleges that Monster adhered to its own motto – “Unleash
the Beast” – and ignored the law by bullying its former allies into
submission. The lawsuit appears intended to disabuse Monster of that
belief, and seeks punitive damages to punish Monster for its alleged
unlawful conduct. The lawsuit was filed on November 3, 2009, and no
court determination has been reached on the merits.
About Crown Athlete Management Group
Crown Athlete Management Group is a comprehensive marketing, branding
and athlete management firm. For sponsorship opportunities or media
information please contact info@crownamg.com or visit www.CrownAMG.com
