Mutual Oil Co. v. A.A. Sunoco, Inc.

This is a civil action in which a distributor of petroleum products (Mutual) sought recovery for money paid to a retail service station (AA. Sunoco) as a signing bonus under a “Branded Sales & Security Agreement.” The retailer counterclaimed, contending that the distributor breached the contract, made material misrepresentation of that and was guilty of unfair and deceptive business practices.

The trial judge determined that the distributor was in breach by reason of failure to pay the signing bonus in a timely manner and by not paying a $1,600 mortgage installment for the retailer, as agreed.…