DiLorenzo v. Valve and Primer Corp.

791 N.E.2d 1232 (2003) 339 Ill. App.3d 826 274 Ill.Dec. 821

Ralph DiLORENZO, Plaintiff-Appellant,
v.
VALVE AND PRIMER CORPORATION, a/k/a Apco Valve and Primer Corporation, Defendant-Appellee.

No. 1-01-2803.

Appellate Court of Illinois, First District, Fifth Division.

June 6, 2003.

Munday & Nathan, Chicago (Thomas J. Nathan and Jeffrey A. Schulkin, of counsel), for Appellant.

Sopuch Nouhan Higgins Arnett & Gaubert, L.L.P., Chicago (John A. Sopuch III, of counsel), for Appellee.

Justice REID delivered the opinion of the court:

Following the grant of summary judgment in favor of defendant Valve & Primer Corporation (Valve & Primer) and the denial of summary judgment in favor of Ralph DiLorenzo in the underlying chancery action seeking specific performance, DiLorenzo filed the instant appeal. We issued an opinion dated September 6, 2002, which we subsequently vacated pursuant to a supervisory order of the Illinois Supreme Court. The supervisory order, dated April 24, 2003, directed us as follows:

"The appellate court is directed to consider whether the record raises any genuine issues of fact regarding whether there was adequate consideration for the purported stock option agreement itself, wholly apart from the issue of the adequacy of consideration in the subsequent attempted purchase of the stock. In light of this determination, the appellate court is directed to reconsider whether any factual issue regarding the authenticity of the corporate minutes is material, thereby precluding the entry of summary judgment." DiLorenzo v. Valve & Primer Corp., 203 Ill.2d 544, 271 Ill.Dec. 666, 785 N.E.2d 860 (2003).

For the reasons that follow, we now affirm in part, reverse in part and remand the case to the trial court.

BACKGROUND

DiLorenzo was an officer, director and shareholder of 100 shares of stock of Valve & Primer. M. Chris Dickson was the chief executive officer and majority shareholder of Valve & Primer. DiLorenzo was employed by Valve & Primer for approximately 40 years prior to the events that led to this lawsuit.

According to DiLorenzo, on or about May 12, 1987, he informed Valve & Primer that he wanted incentives in any future employment agreements. DiLorenzo claims that, through Dickson, Valve & Primer offered him a 10-year stock option that would allow DiLorenzo to purchase an additional 300 shares at the fixed price of $250 per share. Dickson and the board of directors allegedly favorably voted on the agreement at a meeting held on June 8, 1987. DiLorenzo claims he received a copy of the minutes of that meeting. DiLorenzo also claims that in reliance on the minutes of the special board meeting, which were never altered or revoked by the board of directors during the time he remained employed by Valve & Primer, he stayed in his job for over nine additional years. According to DiLorenzo, while he was working for Valve & Primer in reliance upon the minutes of the special board meeting, he was approached by other companies with employment opportunities. DiLorenzo did not follow up on any of these recruitment offers.

Valve & Primer claims the 1987 employment agreement between it and DiLorenzo did not contain a stock purchase agreement. The only purported proof of the agreement is an unsigned copy of board meeting minutes of which DiLorenzo had the only copy. Valve & Primer claimed the purported minutes were inconsistent in subject matter and format from other corporate minutes it produces in the ordinary course of business.

In January 1996, DiLorenzo entered into a semi-retirement agreement with Valve & Primer. Valve & Primer claims he attempted to tender his remaining 100 shares pursuant to a stock redemption agreement. According to Valve & Primer, DiLorenzo demanded $4,000 per share for the remaining 100 shares. It claims DiLorenzo admitted he came up with the proposed share value himself and that no one of any expertise valued the stock. DiLorenzo responded that he had corporate accountants review financial statements before valuing the company's shares. Valve & Primer declined to purchase the shares at DiLorenzo's price. This resulted in a dispute between DiLorenzo and Valve & Primer through Dickson. Shortly thereafter, Valve & Primer fired DiLorenzo. After the termination, DiLorenzo claims he attempted to exercise the purported stock purchase agreement.

In addition to DiLorenzo, George Christofidis, another long-time employee, attempted to exercise the stock option. DiLorenzo claims that Christofidis sent a copy of the minutes supporting the claimed stock purchase agreement to Valve & Primer's corporate attorney. Christofidis allegedly indicated that the purported stock purchase agreement supported DiLorenzo's claim in that the agreement was included as part of the overall employment agreements both DiLorenzo and he signed. DiLorenzo claims that, in 1997, a subsequent employment agreement between Valve & Primer and Christofidis required him to waive any exercising of the stock option agreement referred to in the June 1987 corporate minutes. In the alternative, DiLorenzo argued before the trial court that, even if the purported agreement was not found to be valid, it should be enforced along promissory estoppel grounds.

Cross-motions for summary judgment were filed during the litigation below. The trial court granted summary judgment in favor of Valve & Primer while denying DiLorenzo's cross-motion. The trial court found that, even assuming the corporate minutes were valid, the purported agreement did not require that DiLorenzo perform any affirmative act. The trial court also found there was insufficient consideration to support the stock option. The trial court further found there was insufficient reliance on DiLorenzo's part to support a claim for promissory estoppel.

STANDARD OF REVIEW

In cases involving motions for summary judgment, we conduct a de novo review of the evidence in the record. Happel v. Wal-Mart Stores, Inc., 199 Ill.2d 179, 185-86, 262 Ill.Dec. 815, 766 N.E.2d 1118 (2002), citing Espinoza v. Elgin, Joliet & Eastern Ry. Co., 165 Ill.2d 107, 113, 208 Ill.Dec. 662, 649 N.E.2d 1323 (1995). The purpose of a summary judgment proceeding is not to try an issue of fact, but to determine whether any genuine issue of material fact exists. Happel, 199 Ill.2d at 186, 262 Ill.Dec. 815, 766 N.E.2d 1118, citing Frye v. Medicare-Glaser Corp., 153 Ill.2d 26, 31, 178 Ill.Dec. 763, 605 N.E.2d 557 (1992); Housh v. Swanson, 203 Ill.App.3d 377, 381, 149 Ill. Dec. 43, 561 N.E.2d 321 (1990). It is a "``drastic means of disposing of litigation'" and therefore should be granted only when "``the pleadings, depositions, and admissions on file, together with the affidavits, if any, show that there is no genuine issue as to any material fact and that the moving party is entitled to a judgment as a matter of law.'" Happel, 199 Ill.2d at 186, 262 Ill.Dec. 815, 766 N.E.2d 1118, quoting Espinoza, 165 Ill.2d at 113, 208 Ill.Dec. 662, 649 N.E.2d 1323, and 735 ILCS 5/2-1005(c) (West 2000). For purposes of summary judgment, we construe the facts strictly against the moving party and in the light most favorable to the nonmoving party. Happel, 199 Ill.2d at 186, 262 Ill. Dec. 815, 766 N.E.2d 1118, citing Espinoza, 165 Ill.2d at 113, 208 Ill.Dec. 662, 649 N.E.2d 1323, and Frye, 153 Ill.2d at 31, 178 Ill.Dec. 763, 605 N.E.2d 557.

ANALYSIS

DiLorenzo argues on appeal that the trial court misapplied the law in finding there was insufficient consideration to support the stock option agreement. He argues that substantial continued employment is sufficient consideration for agreements entered into in the employment setting. DiLorenzo argues that he has provided consideration for the stock option. It was as an incentive for continued employment. He also argues that, even if there was an initial lack of consideration, performance may ameliorate an initial lack of consideration, if the performance was clearly invited. He claims his continued employment for nine years in reliance on the agreement satisfied the condition of the performance being invited. Here he claims Valve & Primer benefitted both from the pre-1987 employment and the post-1987 work. DiLorenzo argues that he was not promising to do something he was already obligated to do, which he concedes would not be valid consideration.

Valve & Primer responds that the trial court correctly granted it summary judgment because DiLorenzo failed to show any consideration to support the alleged stock option. Valve & Primer, without admitting that the board meeting minutes are genuine, argues that they indicate that the alleged stock option was given to "reward" DiLorenzo for his long service to the company. Valve & Primer's position is that, if the alleged consideration for a promise has been conferred prior to the promise upon which the alleged agreement is based, then no contract is formed. Valve & Primer also argues that the argument that the option was based, at least in part, on DiLorenzo's claimed continued employment must fail because it relies on something DiLorenzo was already obligated to do. According to Valve & Primer, because DiLorenzo contends that the stock option vested immediately, only past performance could serve as consideration. As the trial court noted, that is insufficient consideration. Additionally, if the alleged option did not vest, DiLorenzo could not bring his claim. Either way, Valve & Primer argues, there is no way DiLorenzo could have prevailed at the trial court level.

In reply, DiLorenzo contends that there is sufficient consideration to support the stock option. He argues that whether the 1987 corporate minutes are authentic is not an issue on appeal. Since the trial court took the minutes as true, the appellate court should do likewise. DiLorenzo argues that any suggestion or innuendo by Valve & Primer that the minutes are not valid should be disregarded by this court.

The purported minutes of the June 8, 1987, special meeting contain the following relevant language:

"That in order to retain and reward such dedication George Christofidis be given an option to purchase additional shares not to exceed 300; and that Ralph DiLorenzo be given an option to purchase additional shares not to exceed 300. Said option to be exercised within 10 years from below date at the price of $250.00 per share. Each share was to be restricted wherein the share must first be offered to Valve and Primer Corporation to be paid by Valve and Primer Corporation and held as Treasury Stock. Valve and Primer Corporation would be given 45 days to consummate the purchase. In the event that Valve and Primer Corporation did not choose to purchase, said stock would be offered to the existing shareholders on a pro rata basis also to be purchased within 45 days. And in the event the shareholders did not purchase said shares, the shares could be sold to any interested person or persons.

Purchase price of shares would be based upon the book value pursuant to a certified audit of the worth of the Corporation at the time of sale." (Emphasis added.)

We must assume, for purposes of our discussion, that DiLorenzo's corporate minutes are valid. As we interpret the language used in the corporate minutes, in the context of the relationship between DiLorenzo and Valve & Primer, the option to purchase stock was in the nature of a gift. As such, the gift was made to "retain and reward" DiLorenzo for his service to the corporation. It is an employee bonus, not unlike the situation wherein a business rewards its employees during the holiday season. "Black's law dictionary defines a ``bonus' as ``[a] consideration or premium paid in addition to what is strictly due. A gratuity to which the recipient has no right to make a demand.'" Camillo v. Wal-Mart Stores, Inc., 221 Ill.App.3d 614, 623, 164 Ill.Dec. 166, 582 N.E.2d 729 (1991), quoting Black's Law Dictionary 182 (6th ed.1990). "Moreover, Webster states that ``bonus refers to anything given over and above the wages, salary, remuneration, etc. * * *.' (Emphasis added.)" Schwarze v. Solo Cup Co., 112 Ill. App.3d 632, 640, 68 Ill.Dec. 228, 445 N.E.2d 872 (1983), quoting Webster's New World Dictionary (1966). A bonus promised to induce an employee to continue his employment is supported by adequate consideration if the employee is not already bound by contract to continue. Gustafson v. Lindquist, 40 Ill.App.3d 152, 157, 351 N.E.2d 280 (1976), citing 1A Corbin on Contracts § 192 (1963).

What DiLorenzo received in the June 8, 1997, special meeting is a bonus that, by its express terms, was intended to both "retain and reward" him. The bonus, in this unique context, is not a contract. As a bonus, the opportunity to buy those shares of stock did not require independent consideration from DiLorenzo. It would be the actual purchase of stock that would form a traditional contract requiring traditional consideration. Once he decided to purchase the stock offered as part of his bonus, the customary rules of contract law would apply to that transaction. "A contract, to be valid, must contain offer, acceptance, and consideration; to be enforceable, the agreement must also be sufficiently definite so that its terms are reasonably certain and able to be determined." Halloran v. Dickerson, 287 Ill. App.3d 857, 867-68, 223 Ill.Dec. 323, 679 N.E.2d 774 (1997), citing Ogle v. Hotto, 273 Ill.App.3d 313, 319, 210 Ill.Dec. 13, 652 N.E.2d 815 (1995). "A contract is sufficiently definite and certain to be enforceable if the court is able from its terms and provisions to ascertain what the parties intended, under proper rules of construction and applicable principles of equity." Halloran, 287 Ill.App.3d at 868, 223 Ill. Dec. 323, 679 N.E.2d 774, citing Midland Hotel Corp. v. Reuben H. Donnelley Corp., 118 Ill.2d 306, 314, 113 Ill.Dec. 252, 515 N.E.2d 61 (1987). "A contract may be enforced even though some contract terms may be missing or left to be agreed upon, but if essential terms are so uncertain that there is no basis for deciding whether the agreement has been kept or broken, there is no contract." Halloran, 287 Ill.App.3d at 868, 223 Ill.Dec. 323, 679 N.E.2d 774, citing Academy Chicago Publishers v. Cheever, 144 Ill.2d 24, 30, 161 Ill.Dec. 335, 578 N.E.2d 981 (1991).

Because of the posture of this case, we now turn to the question of whether the minutes of the June 8, 1987, meeting are conclusive of anything. Valve & Primer claims the corporate minutes were phony, a fabrication by DiLorenzo or Christofidis or both. DiLorenzo claims they are authentic. We find this to be a genuine issue of material fact that should have operated to preclude the entry of summary judgment in the case below. If the minutes are valid, then DiLorenzo is entitled to fully exploit the bonus given by Valve & Primer. It will, therefore, be a matter for the trier of fact to determine the validity of those corporate minutes. If valid, the trial court will need to then define and apply the definition of the phrase "retain and reward" in the corporate minutes to the facts of the case. The validity of the option becomes of crucial importance to the resolution of this case. Had this case proceeded to its logical conclusion, with both sides marching up the proverbial hill and presenting their evidence, DiLorenzo might not be able to authenticate the minutes and prove an enforceable right to the corporate shares allegedly offered to him. We think DiLorenzo should have gotten that chance. This case should not have been disposed on summary judgment grounds, so the ruling of the trial court is found to be an abuse of discretion.

We next address DiLorenzo's claim that he is entitled to the value of the shares of stock based upon the theory of promissory estoppel. DiLorenzo argues that the trial court misapplied the law in finding that there was insufficient reliance to support a claim for promissory estoppel. He claims that, once the trial court decided there was insufficient consideration to support the option contract, promissory estoppel should have been applied by the court to enforce the agreement as a matter of equity. DiLorenzo argues that he detrimentally relied upon Valve & Primer's promise in that he worked at Valve & Primer for an additional period in excess of nine years in reliance on the stock option agreement. DiLorenzo claims that he relied on the stock option as part of his overall, long-term compensation package. He also argues that Valve & Primer received a benefit from DiLorenzo's continued employment, such that it should not be allowed to renege on the promise made to DiLorenzo.

Valve & Primer responds that the trial court was correct in finding insufficient reliance to support the promissory estoppel claim. Valve & Primer argues that the DiLorenzo could not satisfy the detrimental reliance prong of the promissory estoppel elements. Though DiLorenzo claimed he did not act upon offers of employment he claims were made by other companies during the course of his employment with Valve & Primer, he presented to the trial court nothing but his own testimony in support of his claim. Valve & Primer argues that, since DiLorenzo essentially is claiming his stock option vested immediately, he cannot contend that he detrimentally relied upon the purported agreement in the corporate minutes by turning down those other opportunities. Thus, Valve & Primer contends the trial court properly found no detrimental reliance sufficient to support a promissory estoppel claim. For purposes of promissory estoppel, if DiLorenzo's allegations are taken as true, and the purported option vested immediately, it required nothing of him in order to be exercised other than the payment of $250 per share.

"Promissory estoppel arises when (1) an unambiguous promise was made, (2) the defendant relied on the promise, (3) the defendant's reliance on the promise was reasonable, and (4) the defendant suffered a detriment." People v. Fako, 312 Ill.App.3d 313, 318, 244 Ill.Dec. 759, 726 N.E.2d 734 (2000), citing People v. Raymond, 202 Ill.App.3d 704, 708, 147 Ill. Dec. 878, 560 N.E.2d 26 (1990); Pickus Construction & Equipment v. American Overhead Door, 326 Ill.App.3d 518, 523, 260 Ill.Dec. 512, 761 N.E.2d 356 (2001); Pokora v. Warehouse Direct, Inc., 322 Ill. App.3d 870, 879, 256 Ill.Dec. 367, 751 N.E.2d 1204 (2001). Whether detrimental reliance has occurred is determined according to the specific facts of each case. Parkside Senior Services, L.L.C. v. National Development & Consultants, Ltd., 303 Ill.App.3d 1022, 1026, 237 Ill.Dec. 350, 709 N.E.2d 605 (1999), citing Home Electric Co. v. Hall & Underdown Heating & Air Conditioning Co., 86 N.C.App. 540, 544, 358 S.E.2d 539 (1987).

While we would accept that, under certain circumstances, it may be possible for a relinquishment of a job offer to constitute consideration sufficient to support a contract, this is not such a case. There is nothing in the language of the corporate minutes or any other source to be found in this record to suggest that Valve & Primer conditioned the alleged stock option on DiLorenzo's promise to remain in his employment. While the corporate minutes say the alleged grant of the stock option was intended to "retain and reward," it contains no mechanism making the retention mandatory. Since the corporate minutes lack a mandatory obligation on which DiLorenzo could have reasonably detrimentally relied, and he could have elected to buy the shares of stock immediately, DiLorenzo's decision to remain on the job for the additional period of over nine years must be viewed as a voluntary act. Under those circumstances, promissory estoppel would not apply. Additionally, if the trial court, upon remand, finds the corporate minutes valid and concludes there was a valid offer, there can be no promissory estoppel. In either scenario, the trial court was correct in ruling that promissory estoppel did not apply. It was, therefore, not an abuse of discretion to grant Valve & Primer's motion for summary judgment on that issue.

CONCLUSION

In light of the foregoing, the decision of the trial court is affirmed in part, reversed in part and remanded for further proceedings consistent with this opinion.

Affirmed in part and reversed in part; cause remanded.

CAMPBELL, P.J. and QUINN, J., concur.