Gay v. Gay's Super Markets, Inc.

DUFRESNE, Chief Justice.

On appeal. This case involves an intra-corporate dispute in which the plaintiff, Lawrence E. Gay, a minority shareholder, charges the board of directors with the use of illegal tactics calculated to drive him out of the ownership structure of the business organization.

Gay’s Super Markets, Inc., incorporated under Maine law, may be described as a closely held corporation. A controlling interest (51% of the common stock) is owned by Hannaford Bros. Co. (Hanna-ford). The plaintiff and his brother, Carroll V. Gay, own the- remaining common stock in equal shares.

Hannaford…