A&K destination club sued
Abercrombie & Kent is known for
its luxury safari vacations.
A lawsuit was filed in late July in Los Angeles Superior Court
against Abercrombie & Kent. The suit, on behalf of 96
plaintiffs, charges the company intentionally misrepresented itself
as the owner of Abercrombie & Kent Destination Clubs, when, in
fact, a third party operated the clubs in exchange for a
multi-million-dollar licensing fee. The suit alleges that the clubs
were mismanaged and eventually became worthless, resulting in the
loss of more than $300 million in membership fees.
“This will be the first of many lawsuits to be filed and we are
hoping to represent the remaining 800-plus members,” said Brian
Kabateck, attorney for the plaintiffs.
The Oak Brook, Illinois-based Abercrombie & Kent began
operations in the early 1960s, initially providing African safaris.
The company then expanded its operations to more than 100
countries. In 2003, Abercrombie & Kent entered into marketing
agreements with Rob McGrath, owner of Complete Retreats and
Preferred Retreats. Complete Retreats and Preferred Retreats were
rebranded as Private Retreats by Abercrombie & Kent,
Distinctive Retreats by Abercrombie & Kent and Andrew Harper’s
Distinctive Retreats, a Destination Club by Abercrombie & Kent.
Initial club memberships ranged from $250,000 to $1.3 million. In
exchange, club members received the right to stay at luxury private
residences that were part of the Abercrombie & Kent club
properties in locations such as Cabo San Lucas, Belize, Italy,
Africa, Scotsdale, Ariz., and Aspen, Colo.
According to the complaint, Abercrombie & Kent cut its ties
with McGrath in 2005, when it realized that the retreats were in
financial trouble. On July 24, 2006, Complete Retreats and
Preferred Retreats, now known as Tanner & Haley, filed for
bankruptcy.
“My clients lost all their money,” said Kabateck.
Win Singapore Airlines Tickets
Singapore Airlines
In honor of its 60th Anniversary, Singapore Airlines is giving away
airline tickets to dream destinations. For a chance to win,
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entrants will win a pair of economy-class roundtrip air tickets to
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The airline is also sponsoring a special Match In Time game.
Entrants can match snapshots of Singapore Airlines over the years
to the decade the photos correspond to, for an extra chance to win
one of 25 Singapore Airlines tickets. A total of 35 air tickets for
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is Aug. 31.
www.singaporeair.com/60years
Free Tank of Gas from HertzHertz is launching a new Family Pack Offer available at all U.S.
corporate airport locations for rentals through Oct. 31. The offer
includes an array of family-friendly incentives including a free
tank of gas, discounted rental rates and no extra driver charges
for spouses or domestic partners. Offered on rentals of five days
or longer, the Hertz Family Pack is available on family-sized cars,
mid- and full-size SUVs and minivans.
“As gas prices continue to hover around $3 per gallon, we’re
delighted to provide an added, attractive incentive for traveling
families,” said Frank Camacho, Hertz staff vice president,
marketing. “With Hertz’s new Family Pack Offer, customers can still
enjoy the pleasures of driving on a family vacation, without
spending too much on gasoline.”
To receive the Family Pack Offer promotional rates and benefits,
renters must mention rate code FAMILY at time of reservation. The
Family Pack Offer cannot be combined with any other promotion,
offer or discount and is subject to availability. Advance
reservations are required, and blackout periods may apply.
www.hertz.com
