Investors wary of Michael Ball

[fiamme red]

New York Post article (http://www.nypost.com/p/news/business/rock_republic_redo_AeCNHdURNrAWNImifzFWfO?CMP=OTC-rss&FEEDNAME=)

Rock & Republic may be stuck between a rock and a hard head.

The edgy denim brand cited "pressures on its balance sheet" as it filed for Chapter 11 earlier this month. But industry sources say the company's biggest liability may be its founder and designer Michael Ball, who refuses to give up his CEO title despite a string of ill-fated business decisions.

Ball -- who has been slapped with multiple lawsuits with allegations ranging from sexual harassment to blackmail to throwing a cocktail glass at a plaintiff in a violent rage -- is "radioactive" to many investors who might help rescue Rock & Republic, according to one source close to the situation...

Despite steep losses last year, sources said Ball poured more than $3 million into his controversial "Rock Racing" bicycle racing team, which included several cyclists accused of doping.

[retrogrouchy]

New York Post article (http://www.nypost.com/p/news/business/rock_republic_redo_AeCNHdURNrAWNImifzFWfO?CMP=OTC-rss&FEEDNAME=)

Rock & Republic may be stuck between a rock and a hard head.

The edgy denim brand cited "pressures on its balance sheet" as it filed for Chapter 11 earlier this month. But industry sources say the company's biggest liability may be its founder and designer Michael Ball, who refuses to give up his CEO title despite a string of ill-fated business decisions.

Ball -- who has been slapped with multiple lawsuits with allegations ranging from sexual harassment to blackmail to throwing a cocktail glass at a plaintiff in a violent rage -- is "radioactive" to many investors who might help rescue Rock & Republic, according to one source close to the situation...

Despite steep losses last year, sources said Ball poured more than $3 million into his controversial "Rock Racing" bicycle racing team, which included several cyclists accused of doping.

And there was much rejoicing.....

[dimsy]

I'm not too much aware of the guy, the company, or the team, but for all intents and purposes, the article should be taken with a grain of salt.

The New York Post is just a touch above the National Enquirer.

[tim11]

That's a little rough on the Enquirer...


I'm not too much aware of the guy, the company, or the team, but for all intents and purposes, the article should be taken with a grain of salt.

The New York Post is just a touch above the National Enquirer.

[dannyg1]

I'm not too much aware of the guy, the company, or the team, but for all intents and purposes, the article should be taken with a grain of salt.

The New York Post is just a touch above the National Enquirer.

Careful. 3/4's of all conservative NY'er's get their news exclusively from Murdoch and the Post.

[fiamme red]

Careful. 3/4's of all conservative NY'er's get their news exclusively from Murdoch and the Post.Or the Wall Street Journal, another Murdoch rag.

[GregL]

Ball has been a "zit on the behind" of cycling for several years now. Hopefully his financial troubles will drag him out of team ownership once and for all.

-Greg

[fiamme red]

ROCKS NOT DEAD :confused:

http://shop.rockracing.com/Anarchy_Bib_Short_in_WhiteBlack/pd/np/15/p/1254.html

[StellaBlue]

Best Sports section in America.. Just sayin...

What is Rock Racing and MB... :)

[false_Aest]

ROCKS NOT DEAD :confused:

http://shop.rockracing.com/Anarchy_Bib_Short_in_WhiteBlack/pd/np/15/p/1254.html


There's a joke in there about testes, organs and Ball(s).

You can figure it out I'm sure

[William]

YO, YO , YO!!! Yo home fries better zip dat shie-at!! Respect, or I’z sick my stylin home boys on y’all. ROCK YEAH!!!!

http://a.espncdn.com/i/mag/2008issues/071408/rock.jpg







William ;)

[dimsy]

That's a little rough on the Enquirer...

http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_9gn6KLa5xtY/RrimkRTnubI/AAAAAAAAAss/YeUVMfwZ_gA/s400/BatBoy3.jpg

this is what i think of when i see the NY post. and in my area of brooklyn, i have to drive or walk some distance to find the times. NY post and daily news are the only papers sold. (not so much an issue any more with the interweb, of course).

[Charles M]

http://www.fatcyclist.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/01/heretostay-tm.jpg

Los Angeles Times


Rock & Republic, the fashion brand known for its pricey designer denim and other apparel, said Thursday that it had filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection.

The Culver City company, whose products are sold in upscale department stores such as Bloomingdale's, Neiman Marcus and Nordstrom as well as specialty retailers and its own free-standing stores, said the filing would ease pressure on its balance sheet. Day-to-day operations are expected to continue.



"The Chapter 11 filing is a strategic action that will alleviate balance sheet burdens and enable us to adopt the financial and operational initiatives needed to support the brand's growth needs," said Geoffrey D. Lurie, the privately held company's newly named chief restructuring officer. "We are confident that this is the right move for Rock & Republic."

Lurie added that the company was exploring "financial relationships" and would sharpen its focus to emphasize its core apparel and footwear businesses.

Rock & Republic was founded in 2002 by Chief Executive Michael Ball and has become known for its edgy and sexy clothing, including premium jeans priced at $200 or more.

The bankruptcy petition was filed in U.S. Bankruptcy Court in New York. The company said it had obtained a commitment for a line of credit from CIT Group/Commercial Services Inc."




That said, I hope they work it out and continue to support cycling.

[weisan]

http://alicehui.com/pics/90442209.jpg

[BumbleBeeDave]

. . . why anyone would pay $200 for a pair of frickin' blue jeans.

(This coming from the guy who is generally willing to pay almost any price for any piece of Domina Vacanze zebra striped gear on eBay . . . :p :rolleyes: )

BBD

[retrogrouchy]

. . . why anyone would pay $200 for a pair of frickin' blue jeans.

(This coming from the guy who is generally willing to pay almost any price for any piece of Domina Vacanze zebra striped gear on eBay . . . :p :rolleyes: )

BBD

You said it, bro, uh, I mean bee....