As outside general counsel for Earth Elements, Inc. dba Nature’s Recipe Pet Foods, Gary E. Cripe coordinated and executed with the CEO, all aspects, (legal and business) of a worldwide recall of 15,000,000 pounds of pet food.  The California Court of Appeal touted the company’s recall effort:  “Clearly, Earth Elements’ conduct does not fit the “unfairness” bill.  While dogs did get sick, the company’s act was accidental and, once discovered, it moved quickly to abate the harm.  Moreover, there is absolutely nothing deceptive or sharp about the company’s behavior.  To the contrary, its conduct was exemplary.” 

As outside general counsel of Markos & Widly, Inc. dba Elite Products and American Furniture Alliance, CRIPE & GRAHAM has successfully represented the company in various litigations including contractual disputes, intellectual property disputes and employee relation disputes, in addition to providing general legal and business advice and counsel.

As outside general counsel for Nature’s Recipe Pet Foods, Gary E. Cripe, fostered a bidding war between the Colgate Palmolive Company (NYSE) and the H.J. Heinz Company (NYSE) which culminated in the sale of the company for more than $100 millon.

As outside general counsel for Pappas Telecasting Company, Gary E. Cripe facilitated the growth of the TV/Radio station group, through the strategic acquisition and sale of television and radio stations from 2 stations to over 30 stations to become the largest privately held television broadcasting company in the United States.

As general counsel to the Tenet Shareholder Committee, Gary E. Cripe, led a team of six lawyers plus experts in health care, corporate governance and public relations in a hostile proxy contest, which challenged the wrongful conduct of members of senior management of Tenet Healthcare Corporation.  The Committee was instrumental in forcing the resignation of most senior members of Tenet’s management, and significant corporate governance reform.

Gary E. Cripe, as part of a team, negotiated the purchase of 13 weekly newspapers and Los Angeles real estate from Meredith Corporation (NYSE).