According to a published report, Levine axed Pinnacle earlierthis week, but it was Pinnacle that subsequently announced theseparation. In a written statement, company officials said,"[subsidiary] Pinnacle Downtown has worked tirelessly…to prepare aplan to replace the Epstein's department store … . We were dismayedto learn that [owner] Michael Levine is attempting to repudiate ourjoint venture agreement … .

"[We have] been involved in the project … for over a year … ,"the statement continues. "Needless to say, we are surprised,confused and disappointed by Mr. Levine's action, and will have nochoice but to pursue all of our rights under our business agreementwith Mr. Levine."

That would presumably include legal action, and while thereasons for the separation aren't clear, public statements made byLevine suggest that Pinnacle's seeming delay in signing a formalwritten contract was at the heart of the matter. "After losing myconfidence and comfort level, it was time to move on," Levine toldlocal reporters.