Reams v. Agner Industries, Unpublished Decision (6-19-2002)
Reams v. Agner Industries, Unpublished Decision (6-19-2002)
Opinion of the Court
Plaintiff-appellee, Lawrence B. Reams, filed a complaint against defendants-appellants, Agner Industries, L.L.C ("Agner") and Agner Industries, L.L.C., dba Wotan Automation International ("Wotan"). In his complaint Reams set forth claims for breach of contract, unjust enrichment and quantum meruit. The trial court granted summary judgment in favor of Reams on all claims without stating its reasons.
In their sole assignment of error, Agner and Wotan contend that the trial court erred in granting summary judgment in favor of Reams. We agree. Genuine issues of fact exist as to whether Wotan was liable as a successor in interest to Agner. See Welco Indus., Inc. v. AppliedCompanies,
Wotan contends that it was not properly named as a defendant and therefore that the action was not properly commenced against it because Reams named as a defendant "Agner Industries, L.L.C, dba Wotan Automation International," when Wotan was a separate entity from Agner. This is not a case where the plaintiff sued a fictitious entity, as in Patterson v. V M Auto Body (1992),
Further, genuine issues of fact exist as to the merits of the issues raised in Reams's complaint. Construing the evidence most strongly in Agner and Wotan's favor, reasonable minds could reach different conclusions on the allegations contained in the complaint. Consequently, we hold that Reams was not entitled to judgment as a matter of law, and the trial court erred in granting his motion for summary judgment. SeeDavis v. Loopco Indus., Inc.,
Further, a certified copy of this Judgment Entry shall constitute the mandate, which shall be sent to the trial court under App.R. 27. Costs shall be taxed under App.R. 24.
Doan, P.J., Hildebrandt and Gorman, JJ.
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