Legal Question in Business Law in New York
Consent to assign an agreement to a new company
Company A wants to sell its business to Company B. Company A has a third party agreement with Company C that must be assigned in order for Company B to take over. Company A has provided that it may assign the agreement to a third party, with Company C's consent, which cannot be unreasonably withheld. Company C refuses to consent, even though Company B is creditworthy and otherwise able to assume the agreement.
Is there a remedy for Company A?
Are there guidelines as to what reasons for withholding consent are ''unreasonable''?
4 Answers from Attorneys
Re: Consent to assign an agreement to a new company
Reasonability is a question of fact...left for a jury or judge to decide.
Good Luck
RRG
Re: Consent to assign an agreement to a new company
Assuming evidence exists concerning the fact pattern given, company A has a cause of action against company C for breach of contract. In other words, company C breached its contract with company A since it unreasonably withheld consent. See, Giordano v. Miller, 288 A.D.2d 181, 733 N.Y.S.2d 94 (2nd Dep't. 2001).
Damages would be loss of profit to company A from the sale to company C.
Mike.
Re: Consent to assign an agreement to a new company
You have heard from two attorneys. Really, you know that you need some assistance from an attorney, first to try to force Company C to do the right thing, and then to sue Company C if needed.
Get a lawyer who advises businesses, and who also litigates in court. You need someone who can not just make a demand for you, but who also has the ability to fight for you in court to back up those demands.
Re: Consent to assign an agreement to a new company
You may have a cause of action against Company C, but the first thing you would need to know is what if any reasons Company C is giving for withholding consent. With that information you should speak with a business attorney to determine if bringing a legal action is appropriate. Please feel free to contact my office if we may be of any assistance in this matter.
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