Released on = May 16, 2006, 4:54 pm

Press Release Author = Adrienne Lenhoff Wise - Shazaaam Public Relations

Industry = Law

Press Release Summary = Through their attorneys, Norman Yatooma & Associates, P.C.
(www.normanyatooma.com), a group of current and former ExxonMobil franchisees
recently settled a class action lawsuit filed against ExxonMobil, its wholly owned
subsidiary, ExxonMobil Oil Corporation, and the companies' officers and directors.

Press Release Body = NORMAN YATOOMA & ASSOCIATES WINS CLASS ACTION SETTLEMENT FOR
EXXONMOBIL FRANCHISEES

Birmingham, Mich., - Wonder why we feel the pinch at the pump? According to a
recently settled lawsuit, the real culprit for high prices may not stem from your
local gas station but instead may come from the franchisor; in this case,
ExxonMobil.

Through their attorneys, Norman Yatooma & Associates, P.C. (www.normanyatooma.com),
a group of current and former ExxonMobil franchisees recently settled a class action
lawsuit filed against ExxonMobil, its wholly owned subsidiary, ExxonMobil Oil
Corporation, and the companies' officers and directors.

The Class Action Complaint stemmed from methods employed by ExxonMobil to undermine
the profitability of its franchisees including setting the wholesale prices paid by
franchisees at or above the retail prices being charged by the Plaintiffs'
competitors. The suit alleged that ExxonMobil intentionally caused its franchisees
to choose between two evils: either sell gas at a loss to keep pace with the
competition, or try to sell gas at a reasonable profit and lose customers to the
better priced competition.

According to the plaintiffs' attorneys, ExxonMobil engaged in practices that were
specifically designed to drive franchisees out of business and increase the number
of company operated stations.

The lawsuit sought to recover damages to compensate franchisees for their losses as
a result of ExxonMobil's unlawful actions, as well as damages for ExxonMobil's
intentional and outrageous behavior towards its franchisees, including violations
of the franchise and antitrust laws. The Complaint also sought rescission of the
franchisees' contracts.

"We're quite happy with the settlement. My clients now have the freedom to build a
future without regard to the repressive conduct of ExxonMobil". stated attorney
Norman Yatooma.



Prior to the litigation, Exxon dealer Plaintiffs were subject to outlandish
liquidated damage provisions, approaching 1 million dollars per store for early
termination, on top of personal requirements to pay Exxon's attorney fees. "Those
punitive measures are now just bad memories. Exxon is righting its wrong and
compensating my dealers," remarked Yatooma. "It makes sense for Exxon too. Now
they'll no longer have to require every prospective dealer nationally to disclaim
their rights in their class action litigation," Yatooma concluded.

Other NYA clients recently received final payment in a class action settlement
against Ziebart Corporation.
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Web Site = http://normanyatooma.com

Contact Details = Media Contact: Adrienne Lenhoff Wise - Shazaaam! Public Relations
- Office 248-366-0388, Cell 313-580-5349, email alenhoff@shazaaam.com