Manager sues for shares of sports retailer

A manager for a sports retailer is suing for shares in the company he says are owed to him through an agreement with his employer.

According to a lawsuit filed on April 28 in St. Clair County Circuit Court, John Vallero filed a complaint against Curt Smith Sporting Goods.

Vallero worked for the defendants as a manager until Sept. 19, 2003, at which time the two parties allegedly entered into an agreement to give the plaintiff 20 percent ownership of the business. He then allegedly received a stock certificate covering 30 shares of the business. Vallero also claims he entered into a buy-sell agreement, the lawsuit states.

However, the complaint states that the defendant "has and continues to deny that plaintiff has any ownership interest in defendant" and "has failed to buy back plaintiff's shares of defendant as contemplated in the buy-sell agreement."

The plaintiff seeks damages in excess of $50,000, plus costs and attorneys' fees.

He is represented by Ransom P. Wuller and Adam J. Braundmeier of Freeark, Harvey and Mendillo P.C. in Belleville.

St. Clair County Circuit Court case number 15-L-252