Article: Thornton plays venture capital hardball. (John M. Thornton is sued by John and Martha Culbertson for taking over the Culbertson Winery)(includes related article)

Thornton plays venture capital hardball

It should have been the perfect marriage - local socialite John M. Thornton joining up with champagne makers.

When Thornton bought a stake in the Culberston Winery in 1987, founders John and Martha Culbertson thought they had found the ideal partner to finance and steer the operation. Thornton had deep pockets, solid business experience and great connections.

"We didn't know a thing about him," Martha Culbertson said. "But everyone said he's a wonderful businessman. We thought, |Oh good, here's a wonderful man to handle our finances.'"

But four years later, Thornton and the couple speak to each other mostly through ...

Related newspaper, magazine, and journal articles:

Newsweek Harper's Magazine The Washington Post Chicago Tribune Crain's Chicago Business PRNewswire Pediatric News The Nation Advertising Age The Economist (US) A FREE trial gives you access to over 80 million articles! Access over 6,500 publications with a FREE trial!