Absolute MacH. Tools v. S.W. Indus. Sales, Unpublished Decision (8-3-2005)
Absolute MacH. Tools v. S.W. Indus. Sales, Unpublished Decision (8-3-2005)
Opinion of the Court
{¶ 3} Appellant denied each of the allegations in the complaint asserting that the alleged contract between the parties spoke for itself and that Appellee had no cause of action for breach of contract. Following discovery, Appellee moved for summary judgment. In its motion, Appellee asserted that no genuine issue of material fact remained and that it was entitled to judgment as a matter of law. Appellant responded to the motion, relying upon the deposition of its president, Ruben Berdoza. Appellant argued that Mr. Berdoza's deposition demonstrated that no meeting of the minds had occurred and that the parties had not entered into an agreement. The trial court disagreed and granted Appellee's motion for summary judgment on November 5, 2004. Following the voluntary dismissal of Appellee's remaining claims, Appellant timely appealed, raising one assignment of error for review.
{¶ 4} In its sole assignment of error, Appellant contends that the trial court erred in granting summary judgment in favor of Appellee. Specifically, Appellant argues that two conditions precedent existed before the contract became binding and that those conditions were not satisfied. We disagree.
{¶ 5} This Court reviews an award of summary judgment de novo. Graftonv. Ohio Edison Co. (1996),
{¶ 6} Pursuant to Civil Rule 56(C), summary judgment is proper if:
"(1) No genuine issue as to any material fact remains to be litigated; (2) the moving party is entitled to judgment as a matter of law; and (3) it appears from the evidence that reasonable minds can come to but one conclusion, and viewing such evidence most strongly in favor of the party against whom the motion for summary judgment is made, that conclusion is adverse to that party." Temple v. Wean United, Inc. (1977),
{¶ 7} The party moving for summary judgment bears the initial burden of informing the trial court of the basis for the motion and pointing to parts of the record that show the absence of a genuine issue of material fact. Dresher v. Burt (1996),
{¶ 8} Appellant asserts that its contract with Appellant was conditioned upon Appellant receiving a contract from a third party and upon Appellant obtaining appropriate financing. We find that Appellant's assertions are barred by the parol evidence rule.
{¶ 9} When a contract's written language is a complete and accurate integration of the parties' contract, then the parol evidence rule precludes the introduction of evidence of conversations or declarations which occurred prior to or contemporaneous with the formation of the written contract and which attempt to vary or contradict the written terms of the contract. AmeriTrust Co. v. Murray (1984),
"This Contract (including the Exhibit A and all other attachments hereto) constitutes the entire agreement between the Parties regarding the subject matter hereof and supersedes all prior oral and written agreements, negotiations and/or arrangements regarding the subject matter hereof. * * *"
Based upon the plain language of the integration clause, Appellant is barred by the parol evidence rule from introducing evidence that the contract contains conditions which are not set forth in the writing. The writing itself contains no mention of either of the conditions upon which Appellant relies. Accordingly, we are left to determine whether a valid contract existed between the parties and whether Appellant breached the contract.
{¶ 10} A valid contract consists of an offer, acceptance, and consideration. Tersigni v. Gen. Tire, Inc. (1993),
{¶ 11} "Generally, a breach of contract occurs when a party demonstrates the existence of a binding contract or agreement; the non-breaching party performed its contractual obligations; the other party failed to fulfill its contractual obligations without legal excuse; and the non-breaching party suffered damages as a result of the breach."Garofalo v. Chicago Title Ins. Co. (1995),
Judgment affirmed.
The Court finds that there were reasonable grounds for this appeal.
We order that a special mandate issue out of this Court, directing the Court of Common Pleas, County of Lorain, State of Ohio, to carry this judgment into execution. A certified copy of this journal entry shall constitute the mandate, pursuant to App.R. 27.
Immediately upon the filing hereof, this document shall constitute the journal entry of judgment, and it shall be file stamped by the Clerk of the Court of Appeals at which time the period for review shall begin to run. App.R. 22(E). The Clerk of the Court of Appeals is instructed to mail a notice of entry of this judgment to the parties and to make a notation of the mailing in the docket, pursuant to App.R. 30.
Costs taxed to Appellant.
Exceptions.
Whitmore, P.J., Carr, J., concur.
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