Founder and Former President of LaJobi, Inc. Cleared of Alleged Misconduct

WOODBRIDGE TOWNSHIP, N.J.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--

A panel of three JAMS arbitrators has issued an Interim Award in Larry Bivona's favor on three of the claims he filed against his former employer Kid Brands, Inc.KID. The arbitrators upheld Bivona's claims for improper termination of employment, defamation of character, and failure to satisfy certain financial obligations under the agreement by which Kid Brands acquired LaJobi in 2008, including an earn out payment owed to Bivona.

Significantly, the arbitrators found that the charges made by Kid Brands that Bivona “orchestrated” an illegal scheme to avoid the payment of antidumping duties, and then engaged in a “sophisticated cover up,” were false and defamatory. According to the arbitrators, who reviewed thousands of pages of documents and heard testimony from many witnesses, Kid Brands “presented no evidence that Bivona established the alleged scheme or that he did anything to conceal information pertaining to importation practices.” The arbitrators flatly rejected Kid Brands' attempt to blame Bivona for its non-compliance with U.S. Customs regulations.

“I am gratified that justice prevailed and that the baseless and scurrilous accusations leveled against me by Kid Brands have been found to be false and defamatory,” Bivona stated.

Bivona added, “I particularly want to thank the many industry leaders and executives who never doubted me and patiently supported me as we waited for legal proceedings to formally clear my name. With this distraction behind me, I can continue to focus on my new company and am excited to bring new and innovative products to the marketplace.”