The plaintiffs and defendants were equal shareholders in two closely held corporations that owned and operated gas stations and a driving range.
Following a breakdown in their relationship and a deadlock over succession planning and the division of corporate assets, both parties alleged oppressive conduct against the other.
The court found that both shareholders had engaged in conduct that unfairly disregarded the other's interests.
Given the irreparable breakdown of trust and the deadlock, the court ordered the winding up and liquidation of the companies by a court-appointed receiver.
The court dismissed the claims of the plaintiff's wife, finding she was not a shareholder or officer, but awarded the plaintiff $250,000 in compensation for his historical management of the companies.
