Airport Board Approves Negotiations for Possible Settlement in DFS Guam Lawsuit
The A.B. Won Pat International Airport Authority board of directors has taken a significant step towards potentially resolving a longstanding lawsuit filed by DFS Guam. After a decade of legal battles, the board has authorized negotiations to settle the dispute with the duty-free retailer.
During a special meeting on Thursday, the board discussed the ongoing litigation with DFS and ultimately approved a resolution to begin negotiations for a possible settlement. Board members Gurvinder “Bic” Sobti and John Quinata have been tasked with representing the airport in the negotiations.
While a settlement is not guaranteed, both parties are exploring the possibility in an effort to avoid a lengthy trial. Attorneys for DFS and the airport emphasized the need to reach a resolution, with Judge Arthur Barcinas expressing his intention to have the trial completed by the end of the year.
The lawsuit, which dates back to 2013, centers around allegations of misconduct in the awarding of a master concession contract to Lotte Duty Free. Despite the contract originally set to expire last summer, the board extended the deal for another three years with legislative approval.
If negotiations do not result in a settlement, the case is expected to proceed to trial later this year. The outcome of these discussions could have significant implications for both DFS and Lotte Guam, the competing company involved in the litigation. Stay tuned for updates on this developing story.
