Center Investments, Inc. v. Penhallurick

Dr. Richard D. Penhallurick1 appeals a judgment in favor of Center Investments, Inc. (Center), for land development services performed by Center. The sole issue is whether the trial court erred in awarding judgment to Center because it was a significant and procuring cause in finding a buyer for Penhallurick's property without a written agreement between Center and Penhallurick.2

Center is in the business of land development for shopping centers. In 1971, its agent, Harold Robert Barr, entered into discussions with John Dietzen concerning property Dietzen owned and wanted to develop. In 1973,…