Rogers Group prevails in dispute, overturning adverse verdict

Client(s) Rogers Group, Inc.

Jones Day successfully overturned an adverse jury verdict against Rogers Group, Inc. ("Rogers"), one of the country's largest privately held suppliers of aggregate, when the trial court granted a post-trial motion that demonstrated that the plaintiff lacked standing. Cranpark, Inc. ("Cranpark"), a successor to a company called Hardrives, Inc. ("Hardrives"), brought suit after negotiations broke down for a proposed joint facility and an aggregate supply agreement. At trial, Cranpark was unsuccessful on its breach of contract claim, but convinced a jury to award damages based on a theory of promissory estoppel. Jones Day was retained after the verdict and moved for judgment based on the testimony of Cranpark's (and Hardrives') principal that Hardrives had sold "everything" (ostensibly including its causes of action against Rogers) to a third party. The trial court agreed, finding that Cranpark lacked standing and entering judgment for Rogers.

Cranpark, Inc. v. Rogers Group, Inc., No. 14-3753; Originating Case No.: 4:04-cv-01817 (N.D. Ohio)