Opinion
03 Civ. 9653 (WHP).
September 1, 2005
David Rapaport, Esq., Davis, Malm D'Agostine, P.C., Boston, MA, Counsel for Plaintiff.
James J. Coster, Esq., Satterlee Stephens Burke Burke LLP, New York, NY, Counsel for defendant.
Stephanie E. Sowell, Esq., JP Morgan Chase Legal Department, New York, NY, Counsel for defendant.
MEMORANDUM AND ORDER
This breach of contract action stems from a dispute over the proper interpretation of an Asset Purchase Agreement effecting the transfer of plaintiff Old APEX Inc.'s ("Old APEX") business to defendant JP Morgan Chase Bank ("Chase"). Old APEX claims that $17.5 million became due when its former Chief Executive Officer, David Marcus ("Marcus"), resigned. Chase moves for summary judgment contending that the provision at issue is inapplicable because Marcus was not CEO at the time of his resignation. In any event, Chase argues, the conditions that trigger its obligation to pay the $17.5 million did not occur. For the reasons set forth below, Chase's motion for summary judgment is granted.
BACKGROUND
Old APEX, formerly known as APEX Property Exchange, provided "Qualified Intermediary" services (the "Business") to its clients. (Plaintiff's Statement Pursuant to Local Rule 56.1 ("Pl. 56.1 Stmt.") ¶ 1; Defendant's Statement Pursuant to Local Rule 56.1 ("Def. 56.1 Stmt.") ¶ 1.) As a Qualified Intermediary, Old APEX facilitated like-kind property exchanges which receive favorable tax treatment under Section 1031 of the Internal Revenue Code. (Pl. 56.1 Stmt. ¶ 1; Def. 56.1 Stmt. ¶ 1.) David Marcus was the founder and CEO of Old APEX and his brother, Michael Marcus, served as its President. (Pl. 56.1 Stmt. ¶ 2; Def. 56.1 Stmt. ¶ 6; Deposition of David R. Marcus, dated Aug. 24 — Sept. 30, 2004 ("Marcus Dep.") at 362-63.) On October 9, 2001, Old APEX and Chase entered into an Asset Purchase Agreement (the "APA") through which Chase purchased the Business from Old APEX for $32.5 million. (Affidavit of James J. Coster, dated Oct. 22, 2004 ("Coster Aff.") Ex. C ("APA"); Pl. 56.1 Stmt. ¶¶ 5, 7; Def. 56.1 Stmt. ¶¶ 2, 7.)
The APA requires Chase to make additional payments aggregating $17.5 million (the "Subsequent Payments") for each of the first three years after the closing date (the "Earn Out Period") that the Business achieves specified revenue goals. (APA § 2.6(c).) Section 2.6(d) of the APA permits Old APEX to accelerate and demand the full $17.5 million upon any of six eventualities. Relevant to this dispute is Chase's obligation to make the Subsequent Payments if "[t]he employment . . . of either Executive is terminated without Cause or either Executive resigns such employment due to a Diminution of Duties" (APA § 2.6(d)(ii)), with "Executive" defined to mean "David Marcus or Michael Marcus, as the case may be" (APA § 1.1(a)). "The parties acknowledge[d] that after the Closing Date and during the Earn Out Period . . . [t]he Executives [would] be primarily responsible for the management and operation of the Business" and expected "that throughout the Earn Out Period David Marcus and Michael Marcus each [would] retain their current titles." (APA § 8.2(a).)
The transaction closed on April 23, 2002 (the "Closing Date") and Chase began operating the Business as J.P. Morgan Property Exchange Inc. ("JPEX"). (Pl. 56.1 Stmt. ¶ 14; Def. 56.1 Stmt. ¶ 3.) David and Michael Marcus continued to run the Business in their respective positions through September 2002, when Michael Marcus resigned. (Pl. 56.1 Stmt. ¶¶ 18-19; Def. 56.1 Stmt. ¶¶ 13, 17.) Soon thereafter, David Marcus discerned that JPEX would not achieve its revenue targets and by letter dated December 13, 2002, he resigned as CEO, effective January 31, 2003. (Coster Aff. Ex. F; Pl. 56.1 Stmt. ¶ 19; Def. 56.1 Stmt. ¶ 15.) Later that month, at Chase's invitation, David Marcus negotiated a part-time position with Chase whereby he could work from home on an "as needed" basis for $80,000 a year — half the salary he received as CEO. (Pl. 56.1 Stmt. ¶¶ 22-23; Def. 56.1 Stmt. ¶¶ 18-19, 21, 23.) Marcus began in this new position on February 1, 2003, working on JPEX's regulatory, legislative and lobbying issues and maintaining contacts with key clients. (Pl. 56.1 Stmt. ¶¶ 23, 27; Def. 56.1 Stmt. ¶¶ 21, 24.) He did not manage the Business and regarded his position as "an ambassadorial role." (Marcus Dep. at 263, 265, 285, 299, 349.)
As time progressed, Marcus' contact with Chase decreased and he received fewer assignments. (Pl. 56.1 Stmt. ¶¶ 27-32; Def. 56.1 Stmt. ¶¶ 26, 28, 33.) In mid-October 2003, Edwin Rivera ("Rivera"), the President of JPEX, called Marcus and told him that Chase needed to get him "off the payroll" but that firing him "would be too expensive." (Marcus Dep. at 3232-4; Pl. 56.1 Stmt. ¶ 35; Def. 56.1 Stmt. ¶ 35.) On October 31, 2003, David Marcus sent Chase an email announcing his resignation, effective December 31, 2003. (Coster Aff. Ex. I; Pl. 56.1 Stmt. ¶ 36; Def. 56.1 Stmt. ¶ 36.) He revoked his resignation by email the next day and continued to work part-time. (Coster Aff. Ex. J; Pl. 56.1 Stmt. ¶ 37; Def. 56.1 Stmt. ¶ 37.)
By letter dated November 14, 2003, Rivera informed David Marcus that the part-time position was no longer available and offered him a full-time sales position performing "a combination of cold calling and prospecting." (Coster Aff. Exs. K, L; Pl. 56.1 Stmt. ¶¶ 40-41; Def. 56.1 Stmt. ¶ 40.) The sales position required Marcus to work in JPEX's Hanover, Massachusetts, office under the supervision of Kathleen Gallivan, whom David Marcus had hired prior to the Chase acquisition. (Coster Aff. Ex. L; Pl. 56.1 Stmt. ¶ 42; Def. 56.1 Stmt. ¶ 44.) Rivera forwarded to David Marcus a job description, which included the following requirements and preferred qualifications: an MBA, "5-7 years sales experience," "[e]xperience with managing a sales team," a "strong understanding" of JPEX's work and "[t]he ability to forge strong relationships with clients at all levels." (Coster Aff. Ex. L.) Marcus spoke twice with JPEX's Human Resources representative, Connie Gallo ("Gallo"), who explained that Marcus would be terminated in thirty days if he did not accept the position and indicated that Rivera would contact Marcus to provide "more specificity about the position." (Deposition of Connie Gallo, dated Sept. 20, 2004 at 13; Marcus Dep. at 354-55.) Marcus and Rivera did not discuss the job offer. (See Pl. 56.1 Stmt. ¶¶ 51-52; Def. 56.1 Stmt. ¶ 55.)
JPEX salespersons typically received annual salaries of $20,000 and worked in cubicles. (Marcus Dep. at 351; Deposition of Edwin Rivera, dated Aug. 25, 2004 ("Rivera Dep.") at 86.) Rivera testified that Chase was prepared to offer David Marcus his full CEO salary plus bonuses. (Rivera Dep. at 85.) Nonetheless, the job description that Rivera forwarded to Marcus made no mention of salary (Coster Aff. Ex. L), and Marcus assumed that "it would probably be less than the full-time equivalent of what [he] had been earning" (Marcus Dep. at 375). Marcus perceived the sales position as "entry level" and considerably less prestigious than his previous positions. (Marcus Dep. at 349, 352-53, 356.) On December 5, 2003, Marcus resigned from Chase. (Pl. 56.1 Stmt. ¶ 53; Def. 56.1 Stmt. ¶ 63.)
Old APEX commenced this action that same day. Old APEX seeks $17.5 million in Subsequent Payments under Section 2.6(d)(ii) of the APA, claiming that Marcus' December 2003 resignation (1) resulted from a diminution of his duties and (2) constituted a constructive discharge because Chase offered him only one alternative: "an entry-level sales job it knew he would not accept." (Complaint ("Compl.") ¶ 23.) Chase moves for summary judgment, arguing that Marcus mooted Chase's obligation under Section 2.6(d)(ii) when he resigned as CEO in January 2003. Further, Chase contends that even if Marcus remained an "Executive" beyond that point, the APA's definition of "Diminution of Duties" contemplates only a diminution of managerial duties, and Old APEX's claim of constructive discharge fails as a matter of law.
DISCUSSION
I. Summary Judgment Standard
Summary judgment is appropriate "if the pleadings, depositions, answers to interrogatories, 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." Fed.R.Civ.P. 56(c); see also Anderson v. Liberty Lobby, Inc., 477 U.S. 242, 247 (1986);Celotex Corp. v. Catrett, 477 U.S. 317, 322 (1986). The burden of demonstrating the absence of any genuine dispute as to a material fact rests with the moving party. Adickes v. S.H. Kress Co., 398 U.S. 144, 157 (1970); Grady v. Affiliated Cent., Inc., 130 F.3d 553, 559 (2d Cir. 1997). In determining whether there is a genuine issue as to any material fact, "[t]he evidence of the non-movant is to be believed, and all justifiable inferences are to be drawn in [its] favor." Liberty Lobby, 477 U.S. at 255.
Where a motion for summary judgment presents conflicting interpretations of a contractual language, the court must decide as a matter of law whether the language is ambiguous. Mellon Bank, N.A. v. United Bank Corp. of New York, 31 F.3d 113, 115 (2d Cir. 1994). The court must "make this determination by reference to the contract alone," Burger King Corp. v. Horn Hardart Co., 893 F.2d 525, 527 (2d Cir. 1990), and interpret it "to effect the general purpose of the contract," Postlewaite v. McGraw-Hill, Inc., 411 F.3d 63, 67 (2d Cir. 2005). See Sayers v. Rochester Tel. Corp. Supplemental Mgmt. Pension Plan, 7 F.3d 1091, 1095 (2d Cir. 1993).
Where the contractual language in dispute is ambiguous and "there is also relevant extrinsic evidence of the parties' actual intent, the meaning of the provisions becomes an issue of fact barring summary judgment." Williams Sons Erectors, Inc. v. S.C. Steel Corp., 983 F.2d 1176, 1183 (2d Cir. 1993). However, "[a]mbiguity without the existence of extrinsic evidence of intent presents not an issue of fact, but an issue of law for the court to rule on." Williams Sons, 983 F.2d at 1184; accord Aetna Cas. Sur. Co. v. Aniero Concrete Co., 404 F.3d 566, 598 (2d Cir. 2005); Revson v. Cinque Cinque, P.C., 221 F.3d 59, 66 (2d Cir. 2000); Sutton v. East River Sav. Bank, 55 N.Y.2d 550, 554 (1982). Similarly, "if the language of the contract is `wholly unambiguous,'" the proper interpretation of the contract becomes a question of law which the Court may decide on summary judgment. Mellon Bank, 31 F.3d at 115 (quoting Wards Co. v. Stamford Ridgeway Assocs., 761 F.2d 117, 120 (2d Cir. 1985)).
II. Interpretation of the APA
New York law governs the interpretation of the APA. (APA § 14.5.) See Terwilliger v. Terwilliger, 206 F.3d 240, 245 (2d Cir. 2000) (applying New York law because "[t]he Agreement in question contained a choice of law provision, and `as a general rule, choice of law provisions are valid and enforceable in New York'" (quoting Marine Midland Bank, N.A. v. United Mo. Bank, N.A., 223 A.D.2d 119, 122-23, 643 N.Y.S.2d 528, 530 (1st Dep't 1996)) (alterations omitted).).
Under New York law, a contract is unambiguous if it has a "definite and precise meaning, unattended by danger of misconception in the purport of the contract itself, and concerning which there is no basis for a difference of opinion."Krumme v. WestPoint Stevens Inc., 238 F.3d 133, 139 (2d Cir. 2000) (internal quotation and alteration omitted); accord Greenfield v. Philles Records, Inc., 98 N.Y.2d 562, 569-70 (2002); Breed v. Ins. Co. of N. Am., 46 N.Y.2d 351, 355 (1978); Locke v. Aston, 1 A.D.3d 160, 161, 767 N.Y.S.2d 23, 24-25 (1st Dep't 2003). A contact or contractual term is ambiguous if it is "capable of more than one meaning when viewed objectively by a reasonably intelligent person who has examined the context of the entire integrated agreement."Krumme, 238 F.3d at 139; see Newin Corp. v. Hartford Accident Indem. Co., 62 N.Y.2d 916, 919 (1984); Stanpico, Inc. v. City of New York, 216 A.D.2d 247, 248, 629 N.Y.S.2d 25, 26 (1st Dep't 1995).
As discussed above, Old APEX claims that Chase caused a diminution in David Marcus' duties and constructively discharged him without cause in December 2003. Under Section 2.6(d)(ii) of the APA, Chase must make the Subsequent Payments if "[t]he employment . . . of either Executive is terminated without Cause or either Executive resigns such employment due to a Diminution of Duties." Although both sides regard this language as unambiguous, they attach contrary interpretations. Chase contends that "[t]he language and overall context of the Agreement, as well as common sense, dictate the only reasonable interpretation of § 2.6(d)(ii) — i.e., that it applies to "Executive" David Marcus in his role as CEO or a manager of the Business." (Chase's Memorandum in Support of Summary Judgment at 12.) By contrast, because Section 1.1(a) defines "Executive" to mean "David Marcus or Michael Marcus, as the case may be," Old APEX asserts that "[t]here is no reasonable basis for Defendant to argue that the words `David Marcus' mean something other than `David Marcus,' and the inquiry should end here." (Old APEX's Memorandum in Opposition to Motion for Summary Judgment at 14.)
Thus, as a threshold matter, this Court must resolve whether Section 2.6(d)(ii) is ambiguous and whether this Court may determine its meaning as a matter of law.
A. Section 2.6(d)(ii)
Chase argues that the parties did not intend the term "Executive" to apply to David Marcus when he was no longer in a managerial position. In support, Chase notes the parties' agreement that Marcus would "be primarily responsible for the management and operation of the Business" and remain CEO. (APA § 8.2(a).) Moreover, as Chase points out, other provisions of the APA use "Executive" in a manner that presumes a managerial function. For example, the definitions of "Cause," "Diminution of Duties" and "Disability" refer explicitly to Marcus' duties and responsibilities "as Chief Executive Officer." (APA § 1.1(a).) Similarly, Section 2.6(d)(vi) provides that the Subsequent Payments become due if Chase interferes "with the Executives' ability to operate the Business." Old APEX responds that the APA does not entrust the meaning of "Executive" to the vagaries of context but plainly recites a definition that is indifferent to the Marcuses' titles and responsibilities: "David Marcus or Michael Marcus, as the case may be." (APA § 1.1(a).)
Both interpretations are reasonable. However, the parties' focus on the term "Executive" disregards the context in which Section 2.6(d)(ii) places it. Indeed, this Court need not resolve whether "Executive" is ambiguous to determine the applicability of Section 2.6(d)(ii) to the undisputed facts in this action.
Under the APA, Chase's obligation to make the Subsequent Payments materializes when "[t]he employment . . . of either Executive is terminated without Cause" or when an "Executive resigns such employment due to a Diminution of Duties." (APA § 2.6(d)(ii).) The provision's use of the word "such" indicates that both triggering events contemplate the same "employment." Thus, even if "Executive" is given the broader interpretation Old APEX urges, the critical question is whether "the employment . . . of either Executive" refers simply to the Marcuses' employment in any capacity or whether the employment must be in a managerial capacity.
The APA's definition of "Diminution of Duties" is instructive:
[A] substantial diminution in the overall importance of the role or responsibilities of the Executive in the operation or management of the business for which he is responsible following the Closing Date, or the assignment to the Executive of duties or responsibilities that are not commensurate with the Executive's role as Chief Executive Officer . . . in the case of David Marcus.
(APA § 1.1(a).) That is, under the APA, a Diminution of Duties must affect David Marcus in his position either (1) "following the Closing Date" or (2) as the CEO. Indeed, the "Diminution of Duties" language of Section 2.6(d)(ii) would be rendered meaningless if interpreted to apply to David Marcus' resignation from any "employment" other than his position "following the Closing Date" or CEO. However, "[i]n construing a contract, one of a court's goals is to avoid an interpretation that would leave contractual clauses meaningless." Two Guys from Harrison-N.Y., Inc. v. S.F.R. Realty Assocs., 63 N.Y.2d 396, 403 (1984); see also Manley v. Ambase Corp., 337 F.3d 237, 250 (2d Cir. 2003) ("New York law . . . disfavors interpretations that render contract provisions meaningless or superfluous."); United States Naval Inst. v. Charter Communications, Inc., 875 F.2d 1044, 1049 (2d Cir. 1989) ("The Court should interpret a contract in a way that ascribes meaning, if possible, to all of its terms."). In the context of the entire agreement, the only reasonable interpretation of Section 2.6(d)(ii) is one consistent with the APA "Diminution of Duties" definition, and the section is therefore unambiguous. See Krumme, 238 F.3d at 139;Greenfield, 98 N.Y.2d at 569-70 ("[I]f the agreement on its face is reasonably susceptible of only one meaning, a court is not free to alter the contract to reflect its personal notions of fairness and equity.").
As discussed, Section 2.6(d)(ii) is structured such that "employment" bears the same meaning in both the "Diminution of Duties" and termination prongs. Accordingly, with respect to David Marcus, this Court reads both prongs of Section 2.6(d)(ii) as referring unambiguously only to his employment (1) following the Closing Date or (2) as CEO.
The parties understood when they drafted the APA "that after the Closing Date and during the Earn Out Period [t]he Executives [would] be primarily responsible for the management and operation of the Business." (APA § 8.2(a).) Indeed, David Marcus was managing and operating JPEX as CEO after the April 2002 Closing Date. (Pl. 56.1 Stmt. ¶¶ 14, 20; Def. 56.1 Stmt. ¶ 13.) Thus, with respect to Marcus, the two positions to which Section 2.6(d)(ii) refers became one and the same.
Chase claims that Section 2.6(d)(ii) was triggered in December 2003 when David Marcus resigned from his part-time sales position and turned down Chase's offer of a full-time sales position. However, it is undisputed that in January 2003 Marcus voluntarily stepped down as CEO and accepted the part-time position. (Pl. 56.1 Stmt. ¶¶ 19, 23; Def. 56.1 Stmt. ¶¶ 15, 19.) At that point, he was no longer managing or operating the Business. (Pl. 56.1 Stmt. ¶¶ 23, 27; Def. 56.1 Stmt. ¶ 22; Marcus Dep. at 263, 265, 299.) Even if David Marcus continued to be an "Executive" within the meaning of the APA at this point, he surrendered the "employment" contemplated by Section 2.6(d)(ii) and placed himself beyond the scope of that provision.
In its Complaint, Old APEX alleges that Chase's risk management policies also effected a diminution of duties. (Compl. ¶ 16.) However, Old APEX is no longer pursuing that theory. (Transcript of Hearing on Dec. 17, 2004 at 10.)
Because Section 2.6(d)(ii) did not apply to Marcus at the time of his resignation in December 2003, Chase is entitled to summary judgment on Old APEX's claim for breach of the APA.
CONCLUSION
For the foregoing reasons, Chase's motion for summary judgment is granted. The Clerk of the Court is directed to mark this case closed.SO ORDERED.