Metz Beverage Co. v. Wyoming Beverages
Wyoming Supreme Court
39 P.3d 1051 (2002)

- Written by Rich Walter, JD
Facts
Pursuant to an oral contract, Metz Beverage Company (Metz) (plaintiff) distributed soft drinks made by Wyoming Beverages, Inc. (Wyoming Beverages) (defendant). The parties’ mutually profitable relationship continued for 30 years. However, efforts to reduce the contract’s provisions to writing always failed because Metz wanted the contract to be terminable only for cause, but Wyoming Beverages wanted to limit the contract’s term to three years. Relations between the parties were usually amicable, although Wyoming Beverages occasionally voiced dissatisfaction with Metz. Wyoming Beverages ended the relationship 30 years after the oral contract and began distributing its own beverages. Metz sued Wyoming Beverages for fraud. The trial court granted summary judgment for Wyoming Beverages. Metz appealed to the Wyoming Supreme Court.
Rule of Law
Issue
Holding and Reasoning (Brooks, J.)
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