We have written before in this space about the heavyweight Las Vegas legal battle between Palms hotel-casino President George Maloof and nightclub and restaurant operator Michael Morton.
The two recently announced their litigation has ended in an “amicable and mutually beneficial” parting of the ways.
Morton heads the N9NE Group and was involved in a joint effort with Maloof called N-M Ventures.
Maloof filed a lawsuit against Morton, claiming Morton was diverting resources from the joint venture to a new wine bar restaurant at Wynn Las Vegas.
A statement released by the Palms said, “Under the terms of their settlement, George Maloof will take over the management of N-M Ventures, the entity that owns and operates N9NE Steakhouse, Ghostbar, Rain Nightclub, Nove Italiano, the Playboy Club, Moon Nightclub and the Stuff store, all in the Palms Casino Resort.”
Morton sold his interest in N-M Ventures.
In his legal filings in response to Maloof’s lawsuit, Morton denied the allegations against him and claimed that Maloof and others in the N9NE Group were trying to oust him from the profitable enterprise.
The Las Vegas Weekly reports that the partnership was a decade-long one begun when the Palms opened in November of 2001.
It unraveled last year when Maloof alleged in court that Morton was engaged in fraud, embezzlement, income tax evasion and a variety of other charges.
The case was being heard in Clark County District Court by Judge Elizabeth Gonzalez.
In the statement by the Palms, Morton and Maloof wished each other well in future business undertakings.
Resource: Las Vegas Weekly: “Bitter, bruising battle and legal war settled between Palms, 9 Group”: January 4, 2011
