Burnham v. Bray

SWANSTROM, Judge.

When two business partners elect to dissolve their longstanding association the process may resemble a bitterly contested divorce. Neither party ends up liking the result.

This appeal arises from a trial judge’s attempt to end the controversy generated in a sale by Robert and Elaine Burnham of their interest in Mini-Cassia Equipment Company to Robert Bray, a co-owner of the business. The trial judge had to construe certain disputed provisions of the buy-sell agreement between the parties. He also had to adjudicate rights and liabilities of partners in the dissolution of a…