Finish Line asks court to back its Genesco claims

NEW YORK, Sept 28 (Reuters) - Specialty retailer Finish Line Inc (FINL.O: Quote, Profile, Research, Stock Buzz) on Friday said it asked a Tennessee court to force Genesco Inc. (GCO.N: Quote, Profile, Research, Stock Buzz) to provide information related to their proposed merger or else rule that a materially adverse event has occurred.

Finish Line, which in June agreed to buy the shoe and hat retailer for $1.5 billion, has previously complained that Genesco had breached the merger agreement by not providing financial data or access to executives.

Finish Line said it filed an answer, counter-claim and a third-party claim for declaratory judgment in connection with litigation pending in Nashville Chancery Court.

In addition, Finish Line seeks a declaratory judgment of whether a material adverse effect occurred under the merger agreement. Finish Line said it has named UBS as a party to the litigation because UBS had committed financing for the acquisition.

The company operates mall-based stores including The Finish Line, Man Alive and Paiva. Genesco could not be reached immediately for comment. (Reporting by Joseph A. Giannone)