Albertson's sued

Albertson's sued again

Insignia Systems Inc. said that it has sued media giant News Corp. and grocer Albertson's Inc. for improperly shutting it out of in-store advertising deals. The Maple Grove company, which develops promotional products such as point-of-purchase services to retailers, said that News Corp.'s in-store marketing subsidiary has acquired a monopoly power in the market and is working to exclude Insignia. The suit alleges that News Corp. used long-term exclusive contracts with "large, economically unjustified" payments to retailers to entice them. The complaint also alleges that Albertson's conspired with News Corp. by encouraging and accepting such payments. The suit seeks injunctive relief and is asking for antitrust damages, which would triple any damages determined at trial.