Bollinger alleges that after entering into confidentialityagreements in 2005 so that the two might further discuss a possiblejoint venture to develop Fountains, Westfield misused the detailed,proprietary information it was provided regarding Bollinger'sprospective tenants, rental rates, construction costs and the like.The lawsuit was filed late last week in Placer County SuperiorCourt.

"Although no ground lease or joint venture agreements weresigned, unbeknownst to Bollinger and contrary to theconfidentiality agreements, Westfield was inappropriatelydiscussing information with the retail and leasing communitiesabout its attempts to acquire an interest in The Fountains, andproviding inaccurate information about Bollinger's plans for theproject," according to a statement released today by Bollinger."Westfield exploited this information and contacted many ofBollinger's current and prospective tenants of The Fountains, andoffered these tenants attractive lease terms to locate at theWestfield Galleria instead of Bollinger's Lifestyle project."

Bollinger says the losses are still being calculated, but couldbe in excess of $60 million. An unspecified amount of punitivedamages also are being sought in the litigation.