U at 58:20-59:11. Like RLH, NPT contends Ridgewood initially showed interest in potentially purchasing a portion of the Property or the entire club from PCC in 2014, 2015, and then again in September 2016. A (December 20, 2016 email from Meyer to Silverman, forwarding NPT's revised proposal and stating, Hot off the press. (See Doc. Litig., 90 F.3d 696, 714 (3d Cir. To the contrary, the record shows that PCC was aware that CGP, a golf operator, would want to partner with a developer to develop the Property, that PCC's then-President had passed along the information for a potential developer, and that under the terms of the PSA, the second phase of capital improvement projects would occur only after the sale of the developed Property. 125-3, Ex. a, the Court considers whether there is a genuine issue of material fact as to whether the Concert Defendants intentionally prevented PCC from acquiring material information. The PSA was executed on February 6 by Nanula on behalf of Concert Philmont and Concert Philmont Properties and Meyer on behalf of PCC. Not interested.).) at 10), and it had a relationship with NPT. 100-29, Ex. No. Like their neighbors, several Concert Golf Partners employees experienced damage to their homes and their hardship did not go unnoticed. Viewing the facts in the light most favorable to NPT, the Court cannot find that there is no material dispute of fact as to whether Nanula and CGP are parties to the transaction for the purposes of 550 and 551. On September 6, 2016, NPT sent NVR a Notice of Material Change, stating that NPT could not satisfy the conditions of the AOS, including obtaining zoning approvals to the satisfy the unit yield anticipated by the LPA. Accordingly, we grant summary judgment to all Defendants on Counts IV and V. In Count VI, NPT, as assignee, asserts a breach of contract claim against Ridgewood, alleging that Ridgewood breached a confidentiality agreement with PCC by disseminating PCC's confidential information to two separate entities, ClubCorp and Morningstar Golf & Hospitality, LLC. W at 36:20-37:13.). . (See Doc. (See Doc. No. A (CGP's proposal that it would fund approximately $5 million in phase two capital improvement projects after a real estate transaction involving the sale of approximately 50 to 60 acres on the South Course). Underground Storage Tank Indemnification Fund, 82 A.3d 485, 501 (Pa. Cmw. 100-5, Ex. at 188:2-12. Plotnick also emailed Meyer in 2015 and 2016. For these reasons, the Court finds that Ridgewood is not a party to a business transaction for purposes of 551 and grants summary judgment to Ridgewood on NPT's fraudulent nondisclosure claim against it. No. During oral argument, NPT implied that this inconsistency in testimony rendered Meyer not credible. 1996) (citation omitted). After receiving the contact information, Nanula stated that it would be hard for [CGP] to work with [Stallone of NPT/Metropolitan] in light of Stallone's criminal history, but added that [r]egardless, [CGP would] find the right people to get this land transaction done. (Doc. Headquarters Regions East Coast, Southern US. (Id.). at 28:8-21 (Q: If you found out, if you learned before the sale of the club to Concert Golf, if you found out Ridgewood was going to make an offer with an increased amount but did not do so because Concert instructed Ridgewood not to make an offer, had you out about that, would you still have recommended the sale of the club to Concert Golf? The Initial Capital Projects were to be completed within two years of the closing date (i.e., before March 2019). No. . Viewing the facts in the light most favorable to NPT and drawing all inferences in NPT's favor, the Court infers from the fact that Plotnick and Meyer had several phone calls in October 2016 that there were ongoing discussions about Ridgewood's interest in purchasing a portion of the Property or the entire club. See In re Rumsey Land Co., LLC, 944 F.3d at 1273 n.9 (Although contractual partners qualify as parties to a business transaction, a contractual relationship is not required under 551(2)(b).); Church Mut. But, ironically, the Gaines court conflated 550 and 551 by holding that the plaintiffs could not bring a claim of fraudulent concealment under 550 because there was no duty to speak to the general public or the residents of Homestead, Pennsylvania. The change of bylaws without consent from resigned members is a self-serving business practice by PGCC. . (Id. First, NPT has not pointed to any evidence showing that CGP and Ridgewood's partnership was a fact basic to the transaction. No. 116 at 27 (citing Ex. No. No. 100-18, Ex. No. 1.) ), After receiving Ridgewood's proposal, Nanula forwarded the email to Nick Cicero, a partner at Freestone Capital Management. Silverman explained that it would be easier to provide a summary of the current real estate deal with NPT verbally as [PCC was] in the process of receiving an amendment to the [AOS] that will better clarify the details. (Id.) Concert Golf Partners is a well-capitalized owner-operator of golf properties nationwide. Corp. USA, Inc. v. Am. . ([W]e are offering [PCC] $5 million 100% guarantee for the 9-holes. No. No. No. ), About a week later, on September 14, NPT provided NVR with formal notice of [its] intention to terminate the AOS. (See Doc. . To change redemption bylaws, 100% of the resigned members waiting for refunds must agree to any changes. (I assume that the first $5MM or some negotiated portion of that money committed as additional CapX spend will probably satisfy the members.). 14 to Ex. (Doc. Grp., Inc., 667 F.Supp.2d 443, 450 (M.D. Id. Was thrilled that there were going to be one owner who wanted to integrated homes into club. In sum, because the representations concerning capital improvements that Plaintiff alleges fraudulently induced PCC to enter into the PSA were ultimately incorporated into the PSA, NPT's fraud claim sounds in contract, not tort, and is barred by the gist of the action doctrine. Nanula forwarded the materials from Silverman to CGP's consultant, Thomas Moran, to prepare a pro forma analysis. at 177-79.) No. No. No. No. 100-5, Ex. ), The Phase II Capital Projects were subject to change arising from consultation with the new Club Advisory Board; New club member surveys; input and recommendations by [Concert Philmont's] operating consultants and experts; and Concert Philmont's refinement of the scope of such items after closing, at its discretion. In In re Rumsey Land Company, LLC, the Tenth Circuit considered whether a 551 fraudulent nondisclosure claim could be brought against a third party in the context of a land sale. 35 to Ex. Restatement (Second) of Torts 550 (stating that one party to a transaction is subject to liability if he conceals or intentionally prevents the other party from acquiring material information); Restatement (Second) of Torts 551 (explaining that one party to a business transaction is under a duty to exercise reasonable care to disclose to the other before the transaction is consummated in certain circumstances); accord LEM 2Q, LLC v. Guaranty Nat'l Title Co., 144 A.3d 174, 182 (Pa. Super. (Doc. 100-28, Ex. Co., 709 F.3d 487, 497-98 (3d Cir. On March 3, 2017, NPT initiated a lawsuit against CGP and PCC in the Montgomery County Pennsylvania Court of Common Pleas (Case No. 647, 654 (E.D. In this same vein, a fraudulent inducement claim premised on an the allegation that a party to the contract never intended to abide by a provision in the contract is barred by the gist of the action doctrine. And there is insufficient evidence in the record from which a reasonable juror could find that Ridgewood and CGP's relationship-and their subsequent profits-were basic to the transaction. at 86). Whether the Concert Defendants were parties to a transaction with PCC for purposes of 550 and 551 is a closer call. at 13:1-3; id. A.) 11 to Ex. Wen v. Willis is illustrative. 116 at 25 (addressing only whether there was a business relationship between PCC and CGP/Nanula, as they were discussing a business transaction, not whether CGP and Nanula were parties to the business transaction).) M.) The proposed Ninth Amendment had the same purchase price adjustment provisions as the proposed Seventh Amendment (which was not executed). However, NPT advised NVR that it would terminate the AOS effective Friday, September 16 (two days later) if it did not receive written notification from NVR advising which course of action it had chosen. 53 at 58).) . A. First, in the Court's August 18, 2021 Memorandum, the Court sua sponte considered the gist of the action doctrine in determining whether fraud claims arose under the PSA. Mail Class Action Notices mailed to class members/former PGCC equity members. Even drawing all inferences in Plaintiff's favor, PCC's conduct illustrates what was material to the transaction- PCC's need to obtain an operator for the club and capital funding given its distressed financial situation, not whether CGP would maximize its profit from the deal. . (Id. Under Concert Golf, the club will be debt free and run by a professional golf club company, the Post reported. If you do not agree with these terms, then do not use our website and/or services. (Id. & PowerReit, No. (Id. . (See Doc. (Id.) No. Defendants moved to dismiss the Complaint (see Doc. Ultimately, the Seventh Amendment to the AOS that was executed did not include any purchase price adjustments and merely extended the due diligence period to September 16, 2016. No. The Court found that the fraud, antitrust, and civil conspiracy claims NPT asserted as assignee did not arise out of the PSA and, therefore, were not barred by the Limited Assignment of Claims between NPT and PCC. (As you are aware, we are unable to terminate the AOS with the Seller, without your written consent. Nanula told Meyer that he would be willing to commit to funding and completing a series of capital projects that the board wanted to get done that was on the order of $4 million. (Doc. Q: And why is that? No. . 2019). . 100-5, Ex. but in reality he was planning to actually spend less than $5 million, would you have still voted to sell the club to Concert Golf? 17 to Ex. Credibility determinations, the weighing of evidence, and the drawing of legitimate inferences from those facts are matters left to the jury. To get in contact, fill out the form below, or call 888.952.5242. No. No. (Doc. M; accord id. W at 54:10-22 (Q: . And Plaintiff relies on Gaines to support its position that Ridgewood is a party to a transaction for purposes of 550. 14 to Ex. 100-28, Ex. No. U.S. Courts Of Appeals | Other | No. See 66 F.3d at 611. Accordingly, the Court now turns to the Concert Defendants' remaining arguments on these Counts: first, we consider whether there was a duty to disclose, giving rise to a fraudulent nondisclosure claim under 551, and second, we consider whether there are sufficient facts to show that the Concert Defendants actively concealed their relationship with Ridgewood from Defendants and that their relationship was material to the transaction, giving rise to a fraudulent concealment claim under 550. W at 68:1-2 & Doc. 7 at 426:12-15.) 100-5, Ex. In addition, the Gaines court did not hold that the plaintiffs in that case were parties to a transaction or involved in a business transactional relationship. If you do not agree with these terms, then do not use our website and/or services. fails to disclose . Holdings, LLC, Civil Action No. (Id. Formed by Peter Nanula, the founder and CEO of Arnold Palmer Golf Management (1993 to 2000), Concert Golf has amassed a pool of patient, long-term equity capital to invest in and upgrade large-scale private clubs located in major metro areas. On December 6, Stallone, on behalf of NPT, sent Marina Katz, a PCC member, an offer to purchase the Property for $5 million. This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged. 116 at 26-27.) 100-5, Ex. a fact that he knows may justifiably induce the other to act or refrain from acting in a business transaction . at 60-64.) On November 30, 2016, after learning that CGP had an interest in acquiring Philmont Club, Marty Stallone, an Executive Vice President at Metropolitan, sent Nanula the AOS between NPT and PCC, along with the Eighth Amendment. Afterwards, Nanula requested additional information from Meyer, including documents on the real estate development, Toll / NVR deal terms, property survey, environmental reports and any information PCC had about the various capital projects it considered. 100-5, Ex. Nanula also stated that he would work on a preliminary proposal to share [that] week. (Id.) In Pennsylvania, the elements of fraud must be proven by clear and convincing evidence. See Gnagey Gas & Oil Co., Inc., 82 A.3d at 493, 500 n.4 (noting that the presiding officer found that the Fund presented clear and convincing evidence that Gnagey perpetrated a fraud in concealing the existence of the abandoned tanks and/or misrepresenting the number of tanks at the site and ultimately affirming the presiding officer's holding that the hiding of the tanks constituted fraud); see also SodexoMAGIC, LLC v. Drexel Univ., 24 F.4th 183, 205, 212 (3d Cir. The Class files their Motion for Partial Summary Judgment to have the Court decide their claim for breach of contract and other issues. Full title:NORTH PENN TOWNS, LP, directly and as assignee of Philmont Country Club, Court:United States District Court, E.D. (Id. Nos. Plaintiff North Penn Towns, L.P. (NPT), as assignee of Philmont Country Club (PCC), has sued Concert Golf Partners, LLC (CGP) and Peter Nanula (the . See Leprino Foods Co. v. DCI, Inc., 727 Fed.Appx. Nanula told Meyer no; about $5m is all we could afford to plow back, given that CGP is taking the risk in this scenario, not the club. (Id.) A (agreement between NPT and PCC, stating that the land to be sold is comprised of approximately 61.60 gross acres); id., Ex. 100-35, Ex. AUGUSTA, Ga. (WJBF) The agreement to hold concerts at Lake Olmstead Stadium has hit a sour note. He already knew about you and had been on your website. 125-3, Ex. 124-1 at 11.) Whether the Concert Defendants and/or Ridgewood Defendants Were Parties to a Transaction with PCC, The Concert and Ridgewood Defendants argue that summary judgment is mandated on the fraudulent concealment and fraudulent nondisclosure claims because 550 and 551 of the Restatement impose liability only on one who is a party to the transaction and CGP, Nanula, Ridgewood, Plotnick, and Grebow were not parties to the PSA. (Id. (If the facts of a particular claim establish that the duty breached is one created by the parties by the terms of their contract . Because the Concert Defendants did not owe PCC a duty of disclosure under any of the circumstances enumerated in the Restatement (Second) of Torts 551(2)(a)-(e), the Court grants the Concert Defendants' summary judgment motion as to NPT's 551 fraudulent nondisclosure claim. No. Silverman also testified that Nanula wasn't being very honest with us and stated he does not like doing deals with people that aren't honest. (Id. On September 19, Nanula requested any and all details on the pending NVR deal for the South Course acreage. (Id.) The Third Circuit noted that while Pennsylvania courts have adopted the duty to speak requirement, the cases leave us uncertain of the extent to which Pennsylvania law includes the Restatement's discrete criteria for when a duty to speak arises and then interpreted two Pennsylvania cases, one in which latent problems were not discoverable by other reasonable means and one in which one party was the only reasonable source of the information. Id. at 654 (discussing materiality in the context of a breach of contract claim in an insurance case and an insurer's post-loss investigation). In re Rumsey Land Company, LLC is instructive as to whether the Ridgewood Defendants were parties to a business transaction under 551. Gnagey Gas & Oil Co., Inc. v. Pennsylvania Underground Storage Tank Indemnification Fund illustrates the type of conduct that constitutes active concealment. X at 67:11-13; see also id. (Id.) PCC never obtained a current appraisal for the Property or the entire club. 20 to Ex. 116-19, Ex. 11 (January 20, 2017 email from Grebow to Nanula, stating Meeting with the manager went well . at 29:15-31:10.) (Doc. the capital investments being implemented with regard to the two required capital phases under our Agreement of Sale . Third, even though Silverman testified that his opinion would have changed had he known that Concert told Ridgewood to stay down, Silverman is but one vote. In Counts IV and V, NPT, as assignee, brings twin aiding and abetting fraud claims against the Concert Defendants (Count IV) and the Ridgewood Defendants (Count V). When resigning from a PGCC equity membership, members go on a waiting list to get refunds. (Id.) Metal on Metal Hip Lawsuits & Settlements, Indian Law, Tribal Governance, Native Owned Businesses, Ruling granting class certification. The Court dismissed the fraud claim asserted against Ridgewood, Plotnick, and Grebow and the fraud claim asserted against CGP and Nanula to the extent it was based on representations about the riskiness of developing the Property or retaining 27 holes of golf, finding that NPT failed to allege justifiable reliance. ), On December 12, Nanula met with PCC's membership and gave a presentation on CGP's proposal to acquire the Club. Really like that we are planning on utilizing 1 clubhouse and not 2. (emphasis added)).) at 99.) of Am., Inc., Civil Action No. Because we dismissed the fraud claims brought against all Defendants, supra Sections IV.A and IV.B, there is no fraud for which either the Concert Defendants or the Ridgewood Defendants can have aided and abetted. 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