The record reveals ongoing negotiations between the parties over several months regarding the proposed written contract, but no "manifestation of mutual assent" or "meeting of the minds" on its essential terms. Thus, the evidence appears undisputed that Defendant never provided its "unequivocal acceptance" of the essential terms of the written contract, Youngstown Steel Erecting Co. v. McDonald Engineering Co., 154 F.Supp. 337, 339 (N.D. Ohio 1957), regardless of its indication that it would agree to a written contract if and when it obtained financing. III. Conclusion
To give rise to a contract, there must be a definite offer and an unequivocal acceptance. Youngstown Steel Erecting Co., Inc., an Ohio Corporation v. MacDonald Engineering Co., 154 F. Supp. 337 (N.D.Ohio. 1957). An "offer" is defined as "a manifestation of willingness, so made as to justify another party in understanding that his assent to the bargain is invited and will conclude it."