ROBERT SIPKO v. KOGER, INC
Annotate this CaseNOT FOR PUBLICATION WITHOUT THE
APPROVAL OF THE APPELLATE DIVISION
This opinion shall not "constitute precedent or be binding upon any court ." Although it is posted on the
internet, this opinion is binding only on the parties in the case and its use in other cases is limited. R. 1:36-3.
SUPERIOR COURT OF NEW JERSEY
APPELLATE DIVISION
DOCKET NO. A-0495-16T2
A-3129-16T2
ROBERT SIPKO,
Plaintiff-Respondent,
v.
KOGER, INC., KOGER
DISTRIBUTED SOLUTIONS,
INC., KOGER PROFESSIONAL
SERVICES, INC., KOGER
LIMITED (DUBLIN), and
RASTISLAV SIPKO,
Defendants-Appellants,
and
GEORGE SIPKO,
Defendant.
______________________________
ROBERT SIPKO,
Plaintiff-Respondent,
v.
RASTISLAV SIPKO,
Defendant-Appellant,
and
KOGER, INC., KOGER
DISTRIBUTED SOLUTIONS,
INC., KOGER PROFESSIONAL
SERVICES, INC., KOGER
LIMITED (DUBLIN), and
GEORGE SIPKO,
Defendants.
_____________________________
Argued February 10, 2020 – Decided August 19, 2020
Before Judges Messano, Ostrer and Susswein.
On appeal from the Superior Court of New Jersey,
Chancery Division, Bergen County, Docket No.
C-000393-07.
Paul A. Sandars III argued the cause for appellants
Koger, Inc., Koger Distributed Solutions, Inc., Koger
Professional Services, Inc., and Koger Limited
(Dublin) (Lum, Drasco & Positan, LLC, attorneys; Paul
A. Sandars III and Bernadette Hamilton Condon, of
counsel and on the briefs).
Joseph P. LaSala argued the cause for appellant
Rastislav Sipko (McElroy Deutsch Mulvaney &
Carpenter, LLP, and Neal H. Flaster, attorneys; Joseph
P. LaSala, of counsel, Neal H. Flaster, on the briefs).
Appellant Rastislav Sipko filed a pro se reply brief in
A-3129-16.
A-0495-16T2
2
Michael S. Stein argued the cause for respondent
(Pashman Stein Walder Hayden, PC, attorneys;
Michael S. Stein and Dennis T. Smith, of counsel and
on the briefs; Erik M. Corlett and Timothy Patrick
Malone, on the briefs).
PER CURIAM
We consolidated these two appeals which arise from proceedings that
followed the Supreme Court's remand in Sipko v. Koger, Inc., 214 N.J. 364
(2013). Since we write solely for the parties who are intimately familiar with
the facts, we do not repeat the evidence adduced at the 2008–09 trial, which the
Court explained in detail, id. at 367–72, except as necessary to provide some
background and context for the issues now raised.
In 2000, defendant George Sipko, an experienced computer programmer
who emigrated from Slovakia and formed Koger, Inc. (Koger), gifted 1.5% of
the company's stock to his two sons, plaintiff Robert Sipko and defendant
Ratislav (Ras) Sipko, who were both actively involved in the company's
business. 1 Id. at 369. The gift was not recorded by any writing. Ibid. George
also formed Koger Distributed Solutions, Inc. (KDS), and Koger Professional
1
To avoid confusion, we use the first names of the family members. We intend
no disrespect by this informality.
A-0495-16T2
3
Services, Inc. (KPS), in 2002 and 2004 respectively, with Robert and Ras each
owning 50% of each company's shares.2 Ibid. The companies were formed as
part of George's estate planning, although, at trial, the parties differed as to
whether KDS and KPS developed their own products or served solely as
licensing mechanisms for Koger's products and conduits for its income. Id. at
369–70.
KDS and KPS reported substantial income in their first years, and all
profits from the three Koger companies were shared at George's direction with
George receiving 50%, and Robert and Ras each receiving 25%. Id. at 370. The
relationships soured in fall 2005 because of Robert's romantic involvement with
a woman of whom his mother disapproved. Id. at 370–71. At trial, the parties
disputed what happened next, with Robert claiming his father physically
threatened and coerced him into signing various documents, and George and Ras
denying those claims and stating that Robert voluntarily executed the
documents. Id. at 371. Robert admitted that, on February 3, 2006, he signed
stock certificates transferring his interests in KDS and KPS back to the company
"[f]or Value Received," but claimed he did so under duress and that someone
2
Koger Limited (Dublin) was formed to facilitate operations in Ireland. Id. at
369. Throughout this opinion, we will sometimes refer to the companies
collectively as "Koger."
A-0495-16T2
4
had backdated the KPS certificate to December 31, 2004. Id. at 371 (alteration
in original).
Robert resigned from Koger on March 10, 2006 and remained estranged
from his family. Id. at 372. Later that year, at a board meeting, George
purportedly recalled Robert's 1.5% interest in Koger effective the date of his
resignation. Ibid. Robert eventually filed suit.
In its January 2009 decision, the trial court found "Robert's testimony to
be more compelling than that of George and Ras with respect to George's gift of
1.5% of Koger stock . . . [and] held that the gift was unconditional and effective."
Id. at 373. However, rejecting Robert's oppressed shareholder claim, the court
denied his request for a buyout of his interest in Koger and, as a result, Robert
remained a 1.5% shareholder in the company. Ibid. Regarding KDS and KPS,
the trial judge held that the companies "had no value as distinct companies and
that the contracts in those companies' names were, in reality, Koger contracts
dependent upon the licensing of Koger products[,]" and that Robert recognized
"that his interests in KDS and KPS had no value, [and] voluntarily surrendered
those interests, probably in February 2006." Ibid.
On appeal, we reversed the trial court's finding that George's gift of Koger
stock to Robert was unconditional, "deeming it unsupported by the evidence."
A-0495-16T2
5 Id. at 374. We also reversed the trial court's decision regarding Robert's
surrender of his stock interests in KDS and KPS, finding the transfer lacked
consideration. Ibid. Our May 2011 judgment resulted in Robert's reinstatement
as a 50% shareholder in KPS and KDS. The Court granted certification "limited
to the question[s] of whether George's gift of Koger stock was conditioned on
Robert's continued employment at Koger[,] . . . [and] whether Robert retain[ed]
his holdings in KDS and KPS." Id. at 374 (citation omitted).
The Court issued its decision in July 2013. Regarding the first issue, the
Court reversed our judgment, reinstated the trial court's holding that George's
gift of Koger stock was unconditional, and restored Robert's 1.5% interest in
Koger. Id. at 377–78. The Court's resolution of the second issue, and the result
of its remand to the trial court, form the backdrop for the present appeals.
As a preliminary matter, the Court concurred with our judgment that the
trial court's finding that KDS and KPS lacked any value "was not supported by
the evidence." Id. at 379. It noted that, in 2006, both companies had substantial
revenue, and, at trial, Robert presented the testimony of an expert, Hubert Klein,
who valued KDS at $1,547,278, and KPS at $34,973,236, at the time Robert
filed his complaint. Ibid. The Court noted that defendants failed to rebut those
valuations, and, instead "instructed their valuation expert not to separately
A-0495-16T2
6
calculate the value of the two companies." Ibid. The Court held "the trial court's
conclusion that KDS and KPS were devoid of value cannot be sustained.
Instead, . . . Robert's interests in KDS and KPS clearly had value, which was not
quantified by the factfinder." Id. at 380. The Court concurred with our
conclusion that "substantial credible evidence support[ed] a finding the
transactions lacked consideration, and are therefore void. . . . Robert did not
relinquish his interests in KDS or KPS." Id. at 381.
The Court then addressed the issue of "fashioning an appropriate
remedy[,]" which was "complicated by the procedural posture of th[e] case."
Ibid. It observed that the trial court had treated Koger, KDS, and KPS as a single
entity, and, upon concluding Robert failed to prove shareholder oppression,
dismissed his request to rescind the stock transfers for lack of consideration,
Robert's claim that George and Ras breached their fiduciary duties, and Robert's
demand for an accounting. Id. at 381–82. The Court "require[d] the trial court
to reinstate all of Robert's enumerated claims as they relate to KDS and KPS,
and to consider those claims on their merits." Id. at 382.
The Court expressly left intact the trial court's and our determination that
Robert failed to demonstrate shareholder oppression. Ibid. Nonetheless, it held
that "a minority shareholder's failure to demonstrate conduct that rises to the
A-0495-16T2
7
level of oppression does not necessarily deprive him of a remedy[,]" because the
oppressed shareholder statute, N.J.S.A. 14A:12-7(1)(c), "does not limit the
equitable power of the courts to fashion remedies appropriate to an individual
case." Id. at 382–83 (citing Brenner v. Berkowitz, 134 N.J. 488, 512, 514
(1993)).3 Accordingly, the Court also remanded "for consideration of what, if
any, remedy is appropriate." Id. at 383. It held, "[T]he trial court has broad
discretion to consider such statutory and equitable remedies as may be
appropriate to this setting, including but not limited to an accounting of the
income and expenditures of KDS and KPS." Id. at 383–84 (emphasis added).
The Remand and Entry of Judgment
Within weeks of the Court's decision, the trial judge conducted a hearing
and the parties staked out their positions. Robert argued he was entitled to a
buyout of his 50% interests in KDS and KPS in an amount based on the expert
valuations at trial, or, alternatively, he requested an accounting. Defendants
argued Robert was only entitled to a return of his 50% interests in the two
companies.
3
Under the statute, a 50% shareholder in a corporation may be deemed a
minority shareholder, "[b]ecause a [50%] shareholder cannot direct outcomes as
a 51% shareholder can, [and] he does not have 'control' of the corporation."
Sipko, 214 N.J. at 382 n.7 (quoting Balsamides v. Protameen Chems. Inc., 160 N.J. 352, 371 n.7 (1999)).
A-0495-16T2
8
After considering the parties' briefs and oral argument, the judge issued a
written decision. He noted that the Court's conclusion that Robert's stock
transfers were void meant as a matter of law that he "never ceased being a [50%]
owner." The court declined Robert's request for a buyout of his interests in KDS
and KPS because Robert had failed to identify oppression, fraud, illegality,
mismanagement, or misconduct by the defendants. However, the court agreed
that an accounting was appropriate, after which it would reconsider the buyout
remedy. The accounting was to include "all revenues and distributions, assets
and liabilities of both KDS and KPS, [from] January[] 2006 to the present, and
including an accounting of the use and disposition of all assets, including
contracts, for that time period."
The judge also revisited the alleged backdating of the surrendered KPS
stock certificate, noting that he reached no conclusion after trial about the
circumstances because he had determined the stock in both companies lacked
any value. However, because the Court recognized that KDS and KPS had
independent value, he intended to reconsider the issue. Based on the trial
evidence, the judge concluded that Ras backdated the certificate, or caused
someone else to backdate it, and intended to deprive Robert of the economic
benefits of his KPS ownership interests between December 2004 (the misdated
A-0495-16T2
9
date of transfer) and February 2006, when Robert acknowledged his surrender
of the shares. Despite this finding of misconduct, the judge did not conclude
immediately that it justified a buyout. He ordered Ras to conduct an accounting
of the two companies.
The accounting Ras produced was, to say the least, revealing. Although
KDS had entered into licensing agreements with third parties in the interim, one
contract was assigned to Koger and the others essentially lapsed without
renewal. According to the accounting, KDS entered no new contracts thereafter
and filed a certificate of dissolution in June 2009. As to KPS, the accounting
revealed it had entered a number of new contracts with third parties in 2005 and
2006; several were assigned thereafter to Koger and others terminated or were
not renewed.4 KPS entered no new agreements after 2007.
After receiving the accounting, Robert submitted a report prepared by
Withum, Smith & Brown, PC, an accounting firm, authored by one of its
partners, William J. Morrison. The report analyzed the revenues earned by the
two companies. KDS earned $447,749 in revenue in 2005, and $455,925 in
4
In his written opinion following trial, the judge wrote that prior to his departure
in 2006, "Robert was a foundation pillar in the Koger enterprises. The nature
and extent of his very significant contributions were established during the
trial. . . . It was unclear whether the company would even survive his
departure."
A-0495-16T2
10
2006, but nothing thereafter. KPS earned $5,149,575 in revenue in 2006,
$8,994,899 in 2007, and $8,086,147 in 2008; however, in 2009, KPS earned less
than $200,000, and in 2010, less than $100,000. The report determined that the
companies' revenues declined dramatically after "certain clients were assigned
or 'transferred' to Koger," and concluded that substantial KPS revenue streams
were diverted to Koger in the midst of the litigation.
Defendants submitted their rebuttal report, prepared by the accounting
firm of Wilkin & Guttenplan, PC. The report criticized Morrison's analysis and
asserted that because all of KDS's and KPS's clients originally came from Koger,
the companies were "not viable businesses without the discretionary grace
bestowed upon them by Koger" to use its intellectual property. Wilkin provided
no alternative valuation of KDS and KPS.
After again considering oral argument, the judge issued his final decision
on July 27, 2016. He explained that the accounting was ordered to ascertain
what happened to the "exceedingly valuable contracts" held by KDS and KPS.
The issue the court sought to resolve was: "[W]hat remedy if any is . . . Robert
. . . entitled to beyond the post-remand, court-ordered accounting[?]" Echoing
the Court's determination that KDS and KPS were distinct legal entities with
independent value and substantial revenues at the time Robert filed his
A-0495-16T2
11
complaint, the judge concluded that Ras and George acted in concert to "shield
from recovery . . . any value [Robert] might achieve in the litigation" by
transferring licensing contracts from KPS and KDS to Koger and, that,
beginning in 2008, "Ras and George caused KPS contract revenue to flow to
Koger." The judge concluded that Ras's backdating of the KPS stock certificate
was "an effort to deprive Robert of the value of his interest in KPS attribut able
to certain contracts negotiated by Robert in 2005, which began to yield rich fruit
in 2006." The judge found defendants' actions decreased the value of Robert's
property and were unlawful, as the transfers were done "in complete derogation
of corporate formalities" and with the "specific purpose of shielding value from
Robert[] and absorbing it into Koger."
The judge rejected Ras's explanation that the value of KDS and KPS
decreased because of Robert's voluntary departure. He also rejected George's
explanation that he could "do whatever he liked with KDS and KPS" because he
controlled Koger. The court found that, although George exercised de facto
control over KDS and KPS, he had no ownership interest in them.
The judge rejected defendants' assertion that the Court limited Robert's
remedy on remand to the return of his 50% interests in KDS and KPS.
According to the judge, "Seen in the light of the post-remand record, it is clear
A-0495-16T2
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that value has been deliberately diverted by Ras and George precisely to put it
beyond Robert's reach. Equity cannot abide that." The judge wrote, "The
undisclosed assignment of assets, the redirect of contract revenues, the
backdating of the stock certificate, the misrepresentation and nondisclosure of
assets in the KDS account at the time of the original trial, properly require a
remedy."
Because KDS and KPS were essentially worthless, the judge determined
a third-party sale or forced dissolution of the companies would be empty
remedies. Therefore, the judge concluded that the "only appropriate available
remedy" was to impose a buyout obligation upon defendants and order them to
pay Robert the value of his 50% interest in KDS and KPS as of the date Robert
filed the complaint. The judge accepted the unrebutted opinion Klein offered at
trial, noting the court's "post-remand invitation to the defense to consider
another expert was rebuffed."
The judge concluded, "Robert's value [was] not zero. No alternative but
zero has been put forth by the defense." The judge determined Robert's 50%
interests in KDS at the date of valuation was $773,642, and his 50% interest in
KPS as of that date was $17,486,618, i.e., 50% of Klein's valuations. The court
A-0495-16T2
13
imposed the obligation upon Ras as the remaining shareholder, and upon George
and Koger, as the beneficiaries of Robert's interests in KDS and KPS.
Following hearings to settle its form, the court's August 19, 2016
judgment awarded Robert damages against KPS, KDS, George, Ras, and Koger,
jointly and severally, for $24,697,571.14, which included pre-judgment interest.
The court imposed a constructive trust on Koger's profits and enjoined Koger,
George, and Ras from transferring any assets until full satisfaction of the
judgment or the posting of an appropriate bond. The judge stayed execution on
the judgment for thirty days to permit the posting of a supersedeas bond pending
appeal.
The judge denied defendants' motion for reconsideration and to post
alternative security for a stay pending appeal by order dated September 26, 2016.
Defendants filed their appeal (A-0495-16).
Events following Entry of Judgment
Defendants then filed an application on short notice to post alternative
security, supported by certifications from George and Ras proposing to post their
entire 98.5% interest in Koger. Additionally, Ras offered to post $3 million in
cash and real property in Connecticut that he valued at $6.75 million. On
September 30, 2016, the judge entered an order granting the posting of this
A-0495-16T2
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alternative security, conditioned upon defendants providing a sworn accounting
of assets and liabilities, foreign and domestic. The order also provided that if
the court found, "after notice and hearing," any material misrepresentation in the
sworn accounting, it would forfeit defendants' posted cash, deed, and stock in
partial satisfaction of the judgment and vacate the stay. 5 Finally, the court
ordered defendants to provide "audited financial statements within 100 days,"
and enjoined them from encumbering, secreting, or transferring any assets
outside the ordinary course of business.
On October 28, 2016, defendants submitted unaudited financial
statements, in which the accounting firm noted that defendants did not ask it to
verify the accuracy or completeness of the information provided by defendants.
The accountants noted that defendants "elected to omit substantially all the
disclosures ordinarily included in the statement of financial condition prepared
in accordance [with] generally accepted accounting principles." The financial
disclosures contained no backup documentation and asserted that George had a
total net worth of $44,051,100, and Ras's net worth was $21,729,700.
On November 7, the court granted Robert's request to appoint a special
fiscal agent (SFA) to oversee Koger. In an oral decision, the judge said that the
5
A subsequent corrective order added other New Jersey properties as security.
A-0495-16T2
15
appointment was not based upon any finding of misconduct by defendants or
misrepresentation in their disclosures. However, because defendants intended
to post alternative security, it was appropriate to appoint an SFA so information
regarding the true value of the Koger stock pledge would be available.
Robert moved for further relief, which the court partially granted in its
December 13, 2016 order. Noting that defendants had yet to post the Koger
stock or the real properties as security, and their continued "inability or refusal
to cooperate," the judge ordered the Koger stock and the properties be
immediately pledged to the SFA's satisfaction. He also required that defendants
supply documents supporting the financial statements previously furnished to
the court. Additionally, the order required defendants to file within thirty days
a sworn accounting of transactions by Koger which exceeded $50,000, and any
by George or Ras that exceeded $10,000, from September 30, 2015, through
November 30, 2016 (the look-back accounting).
While motion practice continued, defendants filed the look-back
accounting with the SFA on January 13, 2017. It revealed that George and Ras
had transferred approximately $20 million in cash to overseas accounts in a
series of transactions between July 28, 2016 — one day after the judge issued
his final decision on remand — and August 11, 2016, approximately one week
A-0495-16T2
16
before entry of judgment. According to the accounting, these t ransfers were
made to satisfy loan obligations incurred by George and Ras.
Robert filed an order to show cause, certifying those named as recipients
of the transfers were George's sister, nephew and the wife or daughter of
George's brother-in-law. He asserted the purported purpose of the transfers was
a sham, and the true intent was to thwart Robert's ability to collect on the
judgment. He identified other wire transfers in the accounting for approximately
$2 million that were unexplained.
George and Ras filed a cross-motion, in which they sought a hearing as to
the fair market value of the security they had posted. Ras also claimed that only
$3 million of the transfers were made by him, and he provided details alleging
the payments were made on account of loans he and George obtained to purchase
properties in Slovakia, and to preserve those properties as assets to satisfy the
judgment if necessary. Ras explained that full repayment of $17 million on one
loan was due in August 2016. In his certification, George confirmed these
details and attempted to explain the additional $2 million in transfers shown in
the accounting.
The judge heard oral argument on these pending applications and issued
an order and written decision on February 13, 2017. Among other things, based
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17
upon defendants' admitted transfer of money overseas immediately following
the decision on remand, the judge vacated the stay and ordered the forfeiture of
the $3 million and New Jersey properties previously posted as security. The
order imposed a constructive trust on George's and Ras's "assets and income,"
and awarded Robert counsel fees. In a corrected order filed February 28, the
court added Ras's Connecticut property to the list of forfeited assets.
George and Koger filed an appeal from these post-remand orders (A-3128-
16), and Ras filed a separate appeal (A-3129-16).
Robert subsequently moved to dismiss George's and Koger's appeals
based on the fugitive disentitlement doctrine (FDD), see, e.g., Matsumoto v.
Matsumoto, 171 N.J. 110, 128–29 (2002), citing the remand court's conclusion
that George fled the jurisdiction after secretly diverting assets overseas to
frustrate Robert's ability to collect on the judgment, and the court's threat of
imprisonment unless the assets were returned. 6 On February 14, 2020, we
granted Robert's motion to dismiss George's appeal in A-0495-16 pursuant to
the FDD, however, we denied Robert's motion to dismiss the appeal as to Koger,
6
After ordering George and Ras to return the monies diverted overseas or face
incarceration, the trial court issued a warrant for George's arrest on July 18,
2018, after he failed to appear in court for a hearing.
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which remains an on-going business under the SFA's stewardship. The Supreme
Court denied George's motion seeking leave to appeal our order on an
interlocutory basis. ___ N.J. ___ (2020).
Thus, in A-0495-16, the appeal proceeds only as to Ras and Koger. The
effect of our order dismissing George's appeal is that some of the specific
arguments raised in the joint brief filed by George and Koger are no longer
before us, because they dealt with contentions that relate solely to George and
sought relief personal to him.
George and Koger consented to dismissal of A-3128-16, and we entered
an appropriate order dismissing the appeal. 7 As a result, we only consider the
issues Ras raises in A-3129-16.
As to A-0495-16
I.
Koger and Ras both argue that the judge abused his discretion by
expanding the scope of the remand ordered by the Court. Koger also contends
that the judge's order to provide an accounting of KPS's and KDS's assets
improperly considered events that occurred years after trial, and that Robert
7
Robert also sought to dismiss two other appeals brought by George and Koger
based on the FDD, A-0666-17 and A-1960-17. They consented to the dismissal,
and we entered appropriate orders dismissing those appeals.
A-0495-16T2
19
should have been required to file a new complaint if he was alleging post-trial
conduct justified relief beyond restoration of his 50% interests in KPS and KDS.
Both Koger and Ras argue that, at the least, the judge was required to hold an
evidentiary hearing before concluding that the companies willfully transferred
assets to Koger to avoid Robert's reach. We disagree.
Initially, the Court specifically reinstated certain "enumerated claims" in
Robert's complaint, including his claim that "George and Ras breached their
fiduciary duties" and "his demand for an accounting of income streams and
disbursements relating to KDS and KPS during the relevant years to which he
may be entitled recompense . . . ." Sipko, 214 N.J. at 382. The Court concluded
that Robert's surrender of his stock in the two companies was void for lack of
consideration and ordered the judge on remand to "determin[e] . . . Robert's
claims . . . and . . . consider[] . . . what, if any, remedy is appropriate[,]" citing
the judge's "broad discretion to consider such statutory and equitable remedies
as may be appropriate . . . including but not limited to an accounting of the
income and expenditures of KDS and KPS." Id. at 383–84 (emphasis added).
The remand court's August 2014 order requiring Ras to conduct an accounting
of both companies was entirely consistent with the Court's remand. Moreover,
at the first hearing on remand, as stated by their counsel, defendants did not
A-0495-16T2
20
object to producing "whatever financial statements [Robert] want[s] from these
two companies[.]"
The accounting demonstrated that simply restoring Robert's interests in
KDS and KPS was not a meaningful remedy. We fail to see the merit of Koger's
argument that the judge was somehow forbidden from fashioning an appropriate
remedy if it relied on defendants' post-trial conduct. We discuss the court's
broad equitable powers below.
Both Koger and Ras argue that the judge was required to hold an
evidentiary hearing before he could determine they illegitimately diverted
revenue streams from KPS and KDS to Koger with the purpose to hollow out
the companies' values. Robert argues that no one asked for additional testimony
or discovery, particularly since defendants' asserted position was that a buy -out
was inappropriate in the absence of shareholder oppression, and Robert was only
entitled to his 50% interest in the two companies "going forward."
Defendants' arguments regarding the trial court's refusal to conduct
discovery or hold a plenary hearing lack any citation to the record. We note that
in his letter decision denying defendants' motion for reconsideration, where the
argument was made as a basis for relief, the judge said that he never denied a
request to depose Klein, plaintiff's trial expert, and was "unaware of any request
A-0495-16T2
21
to depose [Morrison,] and the court . . . never denied any request to depose that
expert or any expert."
However, after Robert furnished Withum's report in response to Ras's
accounting, defendants did request to take Morrison's deposition. The judge
denied the request without prejudice, since defendants intended to furnish their
own report, i.e., the report from Wilkin & Guttenplan. Nothing in the record
indicates defendants ever renewed the request.
Regarding other discovery, we note that during the July 11, 2013 hearing,
which was the first hearing on remand, defense counsel argued that the only
remedy Robert was entitled to, if any, was restoration of his 50% interest in KDS
and KPS and dissolution of both companies. 8 When the judge mused, "we know
the bones have been picked, so that really it will just lead into a fraudulent
conveyance type case[.]" Counsel replied "[t]hen we need to take discovery,
because our position is that distributions and income and expenses were made
8
During the remand leading up to judgment, all defendants were represented
by the same counsel, who is George's and Koger's appellate counsel. Ras had
separate counsel during some of the post-judgment hearings, appeared pro se in
some, and has separate counsel on appeal.
A-0495-16T2
22
at a time when there was no lawsuit and there was a resignation and . . . a give
back of stock." 9
We found no other request by defendants for discovery, nor has any been
cited to us. The transcript of a hearing held on May 5, 2015, reveals that both
counsel signaled their agreement that no further discovery was necessary and
each would brief and argue their positions as to what remedy, if any, was
appropriate.
In his letter opinion denying the motion for reconsideration, the judge
stated:
[T]he parties advised the court that the discovery
aspects of the case were concluded, and that the court
would be presented the matter for post-remand decision
based on the parties' written submissions and the
argument of counsel. That is exactly what occurred.
The court did not preclude a testimonial hearing; the
parties, through their counsel, elected not to have one.
Defendants fail to cite anything in the record to refute the judge's
characterization of the procedural aspects of the remand hearing. We therefore
reject the claim that defendants were denied additional discovery or an
evidentiary hearing prior to the court's entry of judgment.
9
This is the only support in the record that we could find for Koger's claim that
Robert had to file a new lawsuit to obtain relief based on the post-trial transfers.
A-0495-16T2
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Koger and Ras both argue that the judge erred by concluding the post-trial
transfer of assets from KDS and KPS to Koger and payments made by those
companies to Koger were improper. Koger cites trial testimony from Robert
that reflected his belief that the two companies totally relied on Koger's
willingness to allow the use of Koger licenses, and that both were essentially
shell companies beholden to Koger's beneficence. It cites to the court's findings
following trial that support these conclusions. Koger further contends that
without holding a hearing, the judge made credibility findings, rejecting
legitimate business reasons for the transfers proffered in certifications filed by
George and Ras.10
Our standard of review of the factual findings and legal conclusions of the
trial judge following a non-jury trial is as follows:
Final determinations made by the trial court
sitting in a non-jury case are subject to a limited and
well-established scope of review: "we do not disturb
the factual findings and legal conclusions of the trial
judge unless we are convinced that they are so
manifestly unsupported by or inconsistent with the
10
Ras posits the argument by claiming the judge's conclusion was "contrary to
the weight of the evidence." Rule 2:10-1 provides: "In both civil and criminal
actions, the issue of whether a jury verdict was against the weight of the
evidence shall not be cognizable on appeal unless a motion for a new trial on
that ground was made in the trial court." (Emphasis added). A challenge to a
verdict as being against the weight of the evidence is inapplicable to a bench
trial. Fanarjian v. Moskowitz, 237 N.J. Super. 395, 406 (App. Div. 1989).
A-0495-16T2
24
competent, relevant and reasonably credible evidence
as to offend the interests of justice[.]"
[Seidman v. Clifton Sav. Bank, SLA, 205 N.J. 150, 169
(2011) (alteration in original) (quoting In re Trust
Created By Agreement Dated December 20, 1961, ex.
rel. Johnson, 194 N.J. 276, 284 (2008)).]
After his review of the accounting filed by Ras, Morrison's expert report, and
Wilkin & Gutteplan's expert report, there was ample evidence to support the
judge's conclusions that the post-trial conduct of KDS and KPS was in stark
contrast to their prior business conduct and stripped the companies of all value
to Koger's benefit.
For example, according to Morrison's report, several contracts with KPS
remained in place after the litigation commenced. The judge found that the
contracts were automatically renewable by KDS and KPS. But, whereas KPS
received substantial income from those contracts in the past, it received no
revenue from them in 2009 and 2010. At the same time, the accounting revealed
substantial invoices from Koger to those same clients.
The judge also found that there was no legitimate justification for a sudden
and complete diversion of revenue streams. The asserted position that these
clients were previously Koger's clients anyway was not an adequate explanation
or justification for the change or its timing. Regarding defendants' intention, the
A-0495-16T2
25
judge relied heavily on the backdating of Robert's KPS stock surrender, noting
the issue was somewhat irrelevant at the time of trial because he had found both
companies to be worthless. However, on remand, the judge properly followed
the Court's instructions, accepting, as he was required to do, that both companies
had value and that Robert was, and remained, a 50% owner of both.
As a corollary argument, defendants argue that the unilateral transfer of
licensed assets from the two companies to Koger was consistent with the judge's
findings following trial, i.e., that KDS and KPS had no independent value.
Therefore, any transfers could not have been made with an intent to devalue the
two companies. However, some of the license transfers occurred after Robert
filed his complaint and before the trial court's initial decision. Others occurred
after Robert filed an appeal, specifically contesting the transfer of his interests
in KDS and KPS because it lacked consideration.
In his final decision on remand, the judge initially rejected defendants'
assertion that this conduct was "shielded by the business judgment rule." The
business judgment rule "protects a board of directors from being questioned or
second-guessed on conduct of corporate affairs except in instances of fraud, self-
dealing, or unconscionable conduct." In re PSE&G S'holder Litig. v. Codey,
173 N.J. 258, 276–77 (2002) (quoting Maul v. Kirkman, 270 N.J. Super. 596,
A-0495-16T2
26
614 (App. Div. 1994)). The rule is a rebuttable presumption. Id. at 277. A
challenger must initially demonstrate a corporate decision evidenced the
decision-maker's "self-dealing or other disabling factor." Ibid. (quoting Maul,
270 N.J. Super. at 614). Upon rebutting the presumption, the burden shifts to
the decision-maker "to show that the transaction was, in fact, fair to the
corporation." Ibid. (citations omitted).
The judge found Ras's claim that Robert's departure required these abrupt
deviations from the established practices of KDS and KPS regarding contracts
with clients, and the revenue stream from those contracts, was
"unsubstantiated." Ras initially asserted that he could no longer operate the two
businesses alone and chose, instead, to "out-source[]" the work to Koger.
However, the judge noted that this outsourcing in some cases preceded actual
assignments of the licenses to Koger "in complete derogation of corporate
formalities." The judge rejected George's claim that he "could do whatever he
liked with KDS and KPS" as "legally untenable." In his written final decision
on remand, the judge rejected defendants' assertion of the business judgment
rule, concluding it could not be used to "shield" their conduct regarding KDS
and KPS "where it has the direct effect of enriching some family members at the
direct expense of one family member."
A-0495-16T2
27
Defendants raised the argument again in their motion for reconsideration,
which was supported by Ras's extensive certifications that provided some details
regarding the transfer of these assets. The judge refused to consider the
certifications. In his written decision supporting the order denying
reconsideration, the judge quite correctly noted that defendants engaged in "an
improper attempt to augment the agreed upon record with purported facts which
should or easily could have been put forth" before.
It is axiomatic that "the decision to grant or deny a motion for
reconsideration rests within the sound discretion of the trial court ." Pitney
Bowes Bank, Inc. v. ABC Caging Fulfillment, 440 N.J. Super. 378, 382 (App.
Div. 2015). Reconsideration
is not appropriate merely because a litigant is
dissatisfied with a decision of the court or wishes to
reargue a motion, but
should be utilized only for those cases
which fall into that narrow corridor in
which either 1) the Court has expressed its
decision based upon a palpably incorrect or
irrational basis, or 2) it is obvious that the
Court either did not consider, or failed to
appreciate the significance of probative,
competent evidence.
[Palombi v. Palombi, 414 N.J. Super. 274, 288 (App.
Div. 2010) (quoting D'Atria v. D'Atria, 242 N.J. Super.
392, 401 (Ch. Div. 1990)).]
A-0495-16T2
28
"Alternatively, if a litigant wishes to bring new or additional information to the
Court's attention which it could not have provided on the first application, the
Court should, in the interest of justice (and in the exercise of sound discretion),
consider the evidence." Cummings v. Bahr, 295 N.J. Super. 374, 384 (App. Div.
1996) (quoting D'Atria, 242 N.J. Super. at 401–02).
Trial courts may also refuse to consider such certifications when the
"factual predicates" of a party's "new theory" were available before the court's
initial decision. Ibid. We have not hesitated to affirm denials of reconsideration
by the trial court where premised upon evidence that the moving party could
have produced earlier. Palombi, 414 N.J. Super. at 289 (citing Del Vecchio v.
Hemberger, 388 N.J. Super. 179, 188–89 (App. Div. 2006)).
Koger and Ras do not explicitly challenge the judge's decision not to
consider the certifications. We find no abuse in the judge's exercise of his
discretion to deny reconsideration. The Court remanded the case in 2013. The
judge held the first hearing on remand within weeks of the decision. Defendants
had ample opportunity to explain any purported legitimate business reason for
the transfers well before the judge's July 2016 written decision, but they offered
only the ones noted by the judge in that decision.
A-0495-16T2
29
In sum, there was ample support for the judge's conclusion that defendants
diverted revenue from KDS and KPS with a purpose to shield the assets of those
corporations from Robert's reach. We reject both the procedural and substantive
challenges to that finding.
II.
Koger argues Robert was not entitled to a buyout remedy because he failed
to prove shareholder oppression, a finding by the trial court that was left
undisturbed by our judgment and the Court's decision. 11 Koger cites N.J.S.A.
14A:12-7(1)(c), which provides for the court-ordered sale of stock in a
corporation having twenty-five or less shareholders when "the directors or those
in control have acted fraudulently or illegally, mismanaged the corporation, or
abused their authority as officers or directors or have acted oppressively or
unfairly toward one or more minority shareholders[.]" However, the trial judge
did not rely on the statute in fashioning his remedy.
Robert's amended complaint sought to rescind the 2006 transfer of his
stock in the two companies because it lacked consideration. The Court affirmed
our holding that the transfers were void, thereby affirming that Robert was
11
Ras makes no argument that the buyout remedy was unavailable to the remand
judge. "An issue not briefed on appeal is deemed waived." Sklodowsky v.
Lushis, 417 N.J. Super. 648, 657 (App. Div. 2011).
A-0495-16T2
30
entitled to an appropriate remedy. Sipko, 214 N.J. at 381. The judge never
relied on the statute in ordering the buyout, nor was relief on remand limited by
the lack of a finding of shareholder oppression. Id. at 383 (noting despite the
failure to prove oppression, "a broad range of remedies" remained available, and
the statute did "not limit the equitable power of the courts to fashion remedies
appropriate to an individual case" (citing Brenner, 134 N.J. at 512, 514–15)).
After Ras furnished the accounting, and after the judge considered the
reports from each side, he faced a dilemma. Since the value of Robert's 50%
interests in KDS and KPS had been "absorbed into Koger," what additional
remedy, if any, was appropriate under the circumstances? The judge concluded
merely restoring Robert's shares was "an intolerable result." He therefore
ordered the purchase of Robert's 50% interest in both companies, valued as of
the date of trial.
Koger argues this was an abuse of the judge's equitable powers and, in the
absence of a finding of shareholder oppression, it exceeded any remedy
suggested by the Court's reference to Brenner. We disagree.
In Brenner, the Court held that N.J.S.A. 14A:12-7 provides remedies for
corporate misconduct that does not rise to the level of shareholder oppression.
134 N.J. at 506–07. The Court emphasized that the statute provides a court with
A-0495-16T2
31
broad discretion in fashioning an appropriate remedy to address the misconduct,
beyond dissolution of the corporation, which is "an extreme remedy to be
imposed with caution[.]" Id. at 510–11. The Court held that while N.J.S.A.
14A:12-7(8) only authorized a voluntary stock buy out, "in appropriate
circumstances a court exercising its equitable powers, as an alternative to
dissolution, could compel the purchase of a shareholder's stock by the
corporation; under exceptional circumstances, the court's equitable power might
encompass the power to compel an involuntary buy-out by the other
shareholders." Id. at 513. Contrary to Koger's contention, neither the statute
nor the Court's decision limited the remand court's equitable powers to fairly
restore Robert to his rightful ownership share of the two companies.
The immediate remedy available on remand was, of course, rescinding the
2006 stock transfers, one specific claim for relief pled in Robert's complaint.
"Rescission is an equitable remedy" and, for it to be available, "[t]he court must
be able to return the parties to the 'ground upon which they originally stood.'"
Intertech Assocs., Inc. v. City of Paterson, 255 N.J. Super. 52, 59 (App. Div.
1992) (quoting Hilton Hotels Corp. v. Piper Co., 214 N.J. Super. 328, 336 (Ch.
Div. 1986)); see also Am. Container Corp. v. Hanley Trucking Corp., 111 N.J.
Super. 322, 334 (Ch. Div. 1970) ("The law is clear that a rescission contemplates
A-0495-16T2
32
a return to status quo ante." (citing Medivox Prods., Inc. v. Hoffmann-LaRoche,
Inc., 107 N.J. Super 47, 75–76 (Law Div. 1969))). Under the facts presented
here, rescission alone was an inequitable remedy.
We have said that "a judge sitting in a court of equity has a broad range
of discretion to fashion the appropriate remedy in order to vindicate a wrong
consistent with principles of fairness, justice, and the law." Graziano v. Grant,
326 N.J. Super. 328, 342 (App. Div. 1999). "[A] court's equitable jurisdiction
provides as much flexibility as is warranted by the circumstances[.]" Matejek
v. Watson, 449 N.J. Super. 179, 183 (App. Div. 2017). "[A] court of equity
should not permit a rigid principle of law to smother the factual realities to which
it is sought to be applied." Graziano, 326 N.J. Super. at 342 (citing Grieco v.
Grieco, 38 N.J. Super. 593, 598 (App. Div. 1956)). "Equity will not permit a
wrong to be suffered without affording the appropriate remedy." Ibid. Most
importantly for our purposes, "[d]ecisions concerning [the application of an
equitable doctrine] ordinarily are left to the sound discretion of the trial court.
'An appellate court should not substitute its judgment for that of the trial judge
unless there is a showing of clear abuse of that discretion.'" Feigenbaum v.
Guaracini, 402 N.J. Super. 7, 17 (App. Div. 2008) (second alteration in original)
(quoting Kurzke v. Nissan Motor Corp. in U.S.A., 164 N.J. 159, 165 (2000)).
A-0495-16T2
33
The remand judge did not abuse his discretion in ordering the forced
buyout of Robert's interests in the two companies. There was no other equitable
remedy in light of the court's findings and conclusions regarding defendants'
conduct, which, as noted above, were amply supported by the record.
III.
Koger challenges the entry of judgment holding it jointly and severally
liable.12 In his written decision supporting the judgment, the judge reasoned that
George and Koger were "beneficiaries of the value of Robert's interests in KDS
and KPS, of which he would otherwise be deprived." After oral argument
considering the form of judgment, the judge noted defendants' continued claim
that KDS and KPS were "shells" and essentially worthless. He reiterated that
"the other defendants . . . received the benefit of that which had not gone to . . .
Robert[.]"
Essentially, the judge concluded Koger had been unjustly enriched by the
diversion of assets. "To establish unjust enrichment, a plaintiff must show both
that defendant received a benefit and that retention of that benefit without
payment would be unjust." VRG Corp. v. GKN Realty Corp., 135 N.J. 539, 554
12
Much of the argument challenges George's personal liability for the judgment.
For reasons already explained, we do not address the issue.
A-0495-16T2
34
(1994) (citing Assocs. Commercial Corp. v. Wallia, 211 N.J. Super. 231, 243
(App. Div. 1986)). "A person who is unjustly enriched at the expense of another
is subject to liability in restitution." Restatement (Third) of Restitution and
Unjust Enrichment § 1 (Am. Law Inst. 2011). Under certain circumstances, a
third party unjustly enriched by the diversion of assets may be held legally
responsible for restitution. Id. at § 47 ("If a third person makes a payment to
the defendant in respect of an asset belonging to the claimant, the claimant is
entitled to restitution from the defendant as necessary to prevent unjust
enrichment.").
For reasons already discussed, the judge's conclusion that Koger was the
recipient of the wrongfully diverted assets of KDS and KPS is supported by the
record. We therefore reject the argument that Koger could not be held jointly
and severally liable for the judgment.
IV.
Koger contends that the judge erred in awarding pre-judgment interest.
"[T]he award of prejudgment interest on contract and equitable claims is based
on equitable principles." Cty. of Essex v. First Union Nat'l Bank, 186 N.J. 46,
61 (2006) (citing Pressler, Current N.J. Court Rules, cmt. 9 on R. 4:42-11
(2006)). The "primary consideration" in awarding prejudgment interest is that
A-0495-16T2
35
the defendant has had the use, and the plaintiff has not,
of the amount in question; and the interest factor simply
covers the value of the sum awarded for the
prejudgment period during which the defendant had the
benefit of monies to which the plaintiff is found to have
been earlier entitled.
[Litton Indus., Inc. v. IMO Indus., Inc., 200 N.J. 372,
390 (2009) (quoting Rova Farms Resort, Inc. v. Inv'rs.
Ins. Co., 65 N.J. 474, 506 (1974)).]
"The allowance of prejudgment interest is a matter of discretion for the trial
court." Cty. of Essex, 186 N.J. at 61 (citing In re Estate of Lash, 169 N.J. 20,
34 (2001)). "Unless the award 'represents a manifest denial of justice,' an
appellate court should not interfere." Ibid. (quoting Musto v. Vidas, 333 N.J.
Super. 52, 74 (App. Div. 2000)).
Here, the judge awarded more than $6.4 million in interest on the buyout
of Robert's shares. The judge found it was "just fair that if you're awarded
something based upon a value fixed in time that you haven't had, that you get an
interest factor built into that." 13 The judge's reasoning was consistent with the
Court's reasoning in Rova Farms. Had Ras provided consideration for Robert's
transfer of his 50% interests, Robert would have enjoyed the benefits of the
13
The judge specifically clarified that the prejudgment interest award was not
predicated upon N.J.S.A. 14A:12-7(8)(d), which permits, in a voluntary stock
buyback, that the court may order interest "at the rate and from the date
determined by the court to be equitable[.]"
A-0495-16T2
36
money for more than a decade. Instead, not only did Robert lack the money
during that time, but also during that same period, Ras and George took actions
that resulted in the devaluation of Robert's interests. We have already addressed
Koger's arguments that any devaluation of KDS and KPS resulted from valid
business judgments, or that it did not benefit from monies diverted from Robert.
As to Koger's claim that the amount of the award renders it inequitable, we
address that derivatively below.
V.
Koger and Ras challenge the judge's valuation of Robert's interests in KDS
and KPS. As noted, on remand, with neither party seeking to offer any
additional evidence on the valuation of the two companies other than what was
presented at trial, the judge accepted Klein's opinions and entered judgment.
Consideration of defendants' arguments requires us to recount some of the trial
testimony.
Klein testified that he applied the income-based and market-based
methods of valuation, not an asset-based method of valuation, and considered
factors listed in the Internal Revenue Service (IRS), Revenue Ruling 59-60, C.B.
A-0495-16T2
37
1959-1.14 After weighting and adjustment, Klein concluded that, as of
November 12, 2007, when Robert filed his initial complaint, KDS had fair value
of $1,547,278, and KPS had fair value of $34,973,236, and the fair value of
Robert's ownership was 50% of those amounts. 15
In his written opinion following the 2008–09 trial, although the judge
never explicitly rejected Klein's opinions, he implicitly did so because he found,
among other things, that neither KDS or KPS "ever had any measurable value
apart from Koger . . . . They were created and operated for the estate planning
and liability-shielding benefits that might accrue, but had no viability or purpose
or value as distinct entities." The judge rejected Robert's claim that his transfer
of 50% interest in the companies was void for lack of consideration, "because
[he found] that neither of those two entities had value at the time Robert
14
In Balsamides, the Court recognized this IRS ruling as "the key reference
regarding valuation of closely held companies[.]" 160 N.J. at 374 n.8.
15
Defendants do not challenge the court's decision to accept Klein's valuation
date as the commencement of the litigation. Appellate courts review the
determination of a valuation date under the abuse of discretion standard. Torres
v. Schripps, Inc., 342 N.J. Super. 419, 437 (App. Div. 2001). Nothing suggests
the court abused its discretion. The chosen valuation date is consistent with
N.J.S.A. 14A:12-7(8)(a), governing voluntary court-ordered purchases of stock,
which provides the court may order the sale of shares valued at "their fair value
as of the date of the commencement of the action or such earlier or later date
deemed equitable by the court[.]"
A-0495-16T2
38
surrendered his interests[.]" Of course, the Court rejected that underlying
conclusion. Sipko, 214 N.J. at 380.
On remand, the judge observed that at trial, defendants failed to "put forth
any approach to value which recognize[d] the existence of KDS or KPS as
corporations distinct from each other, distinct from Koger . . . , and distinct from
non-owner George." He noted that despite the Court's holding and instructions,
defendants maintained on remand that KDS and KPS lacked any value, and
"rebuffed" a "post-remand invitation . . . to consider another expert." The judge
accepted, without further analysis, the "coherent and convincing and unrebutted
evidence of value put [forth] at the trial by [Klein]."
"The findings of the trial court are critical[,] as the valuation of closely-
held corporations is inherently fact-based." Balsamides, 160 N.J. at 368 (citing
Rev. Rul. 59-60). Valuation in such cases "is not an exact science," and "[t]here
is no right answer." Ibid. Our deferential standard of review that applies to
factual findings by a judge in a non-jury trial "is particularly significant in
valuation disputes, which frequently become battles between experts." Ibid.
(citation omitted). However, "we need not give deference to the trial judge's
determinations of what discounts or premiums the determination of fair value
may include, or must exclude, since they are questions of law." Casey v.
A-0495-16T2
39
Brennan, 344 N.J. Super. 83, 110 (App. Div. 2001), aff'd, 173 N.J. 177 (2002)
(citing Balsamides, 160 N.J. at 372–73); see also Denike v. Cupo, 394 N.J.
Super. 357, 382 (App. Div. 2007) (recognizing de novo standard of review
regarding "what standards of value are permissible to consider" in valuing an
LLC (citing Casey, 344 N.J. Super. at 113), rev'd on other grounds, 196 N.J. 502
(2008)).
When valuing a closely held corporation, "[t]he goal is to arrive at a fair
market value for a stock for which there is no market." Bowen v. Bowen, 96 N.J. 36, 44 (1984).16 Although "[n]o general formula may be given that is
applicable to the many different valuation situations[,]" the IRS recommends
that "all available financial data, as well as all relevant factors affecting the fair
market value, should be considered." Ibid. (first alteration in original) (quoting
Rev. Rul. 59-60). Those factors include "the history of the firm, the nature of
the company, the outlook for the industry, the book value of the stock, the size
of the block to be valued, the earnings and dividend-paying capacities of the
company, and the existence of goodwill or other intangible assets." Ibid.
Additionally, "[t]he very nature of the term 'fair value' suggests that courts must
16
Although as the Court explained in Balsamides, the term "fair value" that
applies to a court-ordered voluntary buyout pursuant to N.J.S.A. 14A:12-
7(8)(c), "is not synonymous with fair market value." 160 N.J. at 374.
A-0495-16T2
40
take fairness and equity into account . . . ." Lawson Mardon Wheaton, Inc. v.
Smith, 160 N.J. 383, 400 (1999).
Although expert testimony as to valuation is appropriate, the judge has
discretion to reject the expert's opinion, even if it is the only expert evidence
offered at trial. See Torres, 342 N.J. Super. at 431 (holding that trial judge has
discretion to reject expert valuation of corporate stock, even when it is only
expert evidence presented at trial). Accordingly, even properly admitted expert
valuation testimony is subject to the factfinder's analysis based on the methods
and assumptions used by the expert. See Bowen, 96 N.J. at 49–50 (in divorce
case, holding that accountant expert's valuation of stock in closely held
corporation was admissible but entitled to minimal weight, because expert
offered no basis in generally-accepted accounting principles).
Defendants argue the judge erred by failing to provide any analysis
regarding the methods Klein employed in valuing the two companies, including
the criticisms of Klein's method noted by defendants' expert at trial, and the
overall fairness of Klein's valuation. Robert counters by arguing that the judge
provided defendants with an opportunity to present competing valuations, but
they chose not to do so. We conclude, however, that by simply accepting Klein's
opinions, which he implicitly rejected at trial, without any considered
A-0495-16T2
41
explanation for their acceptance on remand, the judge failed to reach "a
reasoned, just and factually supported conclusion[,]" by "weigh[ing] and
evaluat[ing] the experts' opinions, including their credibility[.]" Pansini Custom
Design Assocs., LLC v. City of Ocean City, 407 N.J. Super. 137, 144 (App. Div.
2009).
The lack of any analysis is especially problematic in light of the testimony
of Martin A. Schmidt, the defense expert at trial. Schmidt asserted that Klein
failed to account for the impact that Koger's support, infrastructure, and
goodwill had on the value he attached to Koger, KDS and KPS. In his testimony,
Klein admitted a lack of knowledge regarding the licensing agreements in place
between Koger and the two companies. In his decision following trial, the judge
obviously credited the import of Schmidt's testimony to some degree, because
he concluded that KDS and KPS lacked any independent value and were totally
dependent on Koger.
Although he valued all the Koger entities as one, Schmidt justified
application of a marketability discount to their value. 17 In Balsamides, the Court
17
At trial, plaintiff's counsel objected to Schmidt's explanation, arguing that
under Balsamides, a marketability discount was inapplicable to the buyout
ordered in an oppressed shareholder action. Ironically, following remand, with
definitive rulings from this court and the Supreme Court that there was no
A-0495-16T2
42
held that trial courts must decide whether to apply a marketability discount to
determine the value of shares in a closely-held corporation and "must take into
account what is fair and equitable." 160 N.J. at 377. As the Court explained,
"A minority discount adjusts for lack of control over the business entity, while
a marketability discount adjusts for a lack of liquidity in one's interest in an
entity." Id. at 373. The Court recognized that while "marketability discounts
generally should not be applied in determining the 'fair value' of a dissenting
shareholder's stock in an appraisal action[,] . . . there may be situations where
equity compels another result." Id. at 376 (citing Lawson Mardon Wheaton, 160 N.J. at 402).
Citing N.J.S.A. 14A:12-7(1)(c), the Court also said, "[I]n deciding
whether to apply a marketability discount to determine the 'fair value' of shares
of a shareholder forced to sell his stock in a judicially ordered buy-out[, courts]
must take into account what is fair and equitable." Id. at 377. The Court
explained:
It is important to note the distinction between applying
a discount at the corporate level to one or more of the
values initially determined in valuing the entire
corporation, as opposed to applying a discount at the
shareholder level after the corporation has been valued.
shareholder oppression, that objection, if it had merit at the time, lacks merit
now.
A-0495-16T2
43
Discounting at the corporate level may be entirely
appropriate if it is generally accepted in the financial
community in valuing businesses.
[Id. at 373–74 (quoting 1 John MacKay II, New Jersey
Business Corporations, § 9-10(c)(2), n. 426 (citations
omitted)).]
On remand, the court failed to address the issue at all.
To be clear, while the judge should have considered Schmidt's criticisms
of Klein's methods on remand, he did not err by disregarding Schmidt's proposed
valuation, because Schmidt admitted that he did not treat KDS and KPS as
independent, valuable corporate entities. That opinion clearly conflicts with the
Court's holding that KDS and KPS had independent value. We also reject
defendants' argument that Klein's valuation was based heavily on an asset
identified by Robert — Enterprise Software — even though the judge
determined after trial that it did not exist. Klein clearly testified that his
valuation relied on revenue streams derived from whatever assets the companies
had. Defendants' claim that Klein's valuation "heavily" relied upon a non -
existent asset is specious.
We also reject Koger's attempt to present, for the first time in its appellate
brief, an alternative method of valuation based upon the profits and losses of
KDS and KPS from 2005 onward. Nothing in the record demonstrates Koger
A-0495-16T2
44
urged this valuation method at trial. We refuse to address the argument for the
first time on appeal. See Nieder v. Royal Indem. Ins. Co., 62 N.J. 229, 234
(1973) (noting general rule that appellate courts will not address an argument
presented for the first time on appeal (citing Reynolds Offset Co. v. Summer, 58 N.J. Super. 542, 548 (App. Div. 1959))).
Accordingly, and reluctantly, we remand the matter to the trial court for
reconsideration of the valuation of KDS and KPS, and, in turn, the value of
Robert's 50% interest in each corporation as of the valuation date. The court's
conclusions following remand will also impact the amount of pre-judgment
interest included in the judgment, and, while we affirm an award of pre-
judgment interest, any award is subject to the discretionary guidance provided
above. The court should consider all sources of information that affect the
fairness and equity of Klein's suggested buyout price, including Schmidt's
criticisms, the idiosyncratic relationship between Koger, KDS, and KPS, and its
effect on valuation under all the circumstances of the case.
We acknowledge the court's ability to marshal additional proofs, if
necessary, to determine a fair and equitable buyout amount. See Bowen, 96 N.J.
at 43 (trial courts may marshal additional proofs to resolve valuation disputes);
Torres, 342 N.J. Super. at 436 (when determining fair value of corporation's
A-0495-16T2
45
shares, if parties fail to present sufficient expert testimony, trial judge must seek
assistance from other sources). However, we wish to make clear that we are not
ordering a new evidentiary hearing, additional experts' reports or further
discovery on the issue. We leave the conduct of the remand to the sound
discretion of the judge. 18
In sum, in A-0495-16, we affirm in all respects, except as to the amount
of the judgment, including the amount of pre-judgment interest. We remand to
the trial court for further proceedings consistent with this opinion.
As to 3129-16
Ras argues that the judge abused his discretion by lifting the stay on
execution and summarily ordering the forfeiture of the alternative security in his
February 13, 2017 order, as subsequently modified by the court's corrective
February 28, 2017 order. He claims it was error for the judge to rely o n the
look-back accounting as justification. Ras also argues the judge wrongfully
imposed a constructive trust on his income and assets. We start with some
general principles.
18
We recognize that the trial judge, who was also the remand judge, has since
retired. However, we have full confidence that based on the trial testimony and
the exhibits included in the appendices on appeal, and the exercise of his or her
discretion to seek further information if necessary, the judge on remand will be
able to complete this exquisitely difficult task.
A-0495-16T2
46
"A trial court . . . is empowered to condition a stay of a judgment pending
appeal by requiring an appellant to post a supersedeas bond in order to protect
the respondent from the loss of the use of funds otherwise immediately due."
Grow Co. v. Chokshi, 403 N.J. Super. 443, 477 (App. Div. 2008); see also R.
2:9-5(a) (providing that a stay of a judgment "in a civil action adjudicating
liability for a sum of money . . . shall be stayed only upon the posting of a
supersedeas bond or other form of security . . . unless the court otherwise orders
after notice and on good cause shown").
The court must determine whether "good cause" exists to permit the
posting of alternative security, and the burden is on the party seeking a stay
supported by alternative security, "to show that the posting of a supersedeas
bond in the full judgment amount would cause undue economic hardship and
that in the circumstances such lesser amount or other form of security is
adequate and just." R. 2:9-6(a)(2).
In the event the court approves a form of security other
than a supersedeas bond . . . , the court shall impose
additional conditions on the judgment debtor to prevent
the dissipation, the diminution in the aggregate value,
or the diversion of the judgment debtor's assets during
the appeal.
[Ibid.]
A-0495-16T2
47
The judge permitted the posting of alternative security, in part, because
Ras and George claimed a lack of liquidity and inability to pay for the
supersedeas bond. On the day after the judge's final decision on remand, defense
counsel represented that any supersedeas bond required one-hundred percent
collateralization. It was the same day that Ras and George began wiring money
to Slovakia.19 In his written decision supporting the February 13, 2017 forfeiture
order, the judge explained the significance of the timing:
The [d]efendants steadfastly concealed these
transactions from late July and early August, 2016, up
through January 14, 2017, in response to a court-
mandated disclosure designed to ascertain, among other
things, whether assets available for bonding were being
moved.
The stark reality is that [d]efendants had cash . . . to
fully bond the [j]udgment, knew that 100% collateral
would be required for bonding companies, and elected
instead to transfer the monies available to secure a stay
to relatives overseas. And they chose to conceal it
throughout the long, protracted efforts to get alternative
security in place, based upon the supposed lack of any
alternative.
He concluded that defendants' actions, "while . . . convincing the court to compel
[p]laintiff to accept woefully inadequate alternatives, . . . warrants the lifting of
19
The judge made clear, as do we, that defense counsel had no knowledge of
these events at that time.
A-0495-16T2
48
the stay and the execution on the sole asset posted, and the real estate long ago
ordered to be posted."
As we understand Ras's argument, the judge's earlier September 30, and
December 13, 2016 orders anticipated forfeiture of posted assets only if it was
determined after notice and hearing that there were "material
misrepresentation[s]" in the ordered accounting of assets or the look back
accounting. He claims that the judge held no hearing and "impose[d] punitive
and draconian sanctions" on grounds other than material misrepresentations. He
also argues that the judge lacked jurisdiction to order forfeiture of his
Connecticut property, which was owned by a foreign limited liability company
in which Ras was the sole member, and because Ras only agreed to obtain a
mortgage on the property and offer its proceeds as security. We reject these
contentions.
Initially, it is clear that had the judge known that George and Ras
transferred an amount roughly equivalent to the judgment in the days following
the final remand decision, he would have never approved, even provisionally,
the alternative security arrangement. It was defendants' burden to demonstrate
good cause to support the posting of alternative security pending appeal, but
they repeatedly engaged in actions that tested the court's indulgence and
A-0495-16T2
49
prolonged meaningful review of their financial circumstances. The court acted
well within its discretion by ending the alternative security arrangement and
ordering the forfeiture of defendants' posted security.
The judge had the authority to order further financial disclosures " to
prevent the dissipation, the diminution in the aggregate value, or the diversion
of the judgment debtor's assets during the appeal." R. 2:9-6(a)(2). While the
financial disclosures and look-back accounting may have been accurate, the
overseas transfers effectively undermined any "good cause" that supported
posting the alternative security in the first place, regardless of the alleged
reasons for the transfers. There were no disputed facts for the judge to
adjudicate at a hearing. More importantly, neither the September 30 nor the
December 13, 2016 order limited the court's inherent, equitable authority to
ensure the alternative security was adequate, and to forfeit the security when a
failure to do so otherwise threatened the court's ability to enforce the judgment.
As for the Connecticut property, the February 28, 2017 corrective order
added it to the New Jersey properties already forfeited in the earlier order. In
support of defendants' motion on short notice to post alternative security, Ras
filed a certification. He certified that he was "ready and willing to pledge real
property" he owned — the Connecticut property — valued at $6.75 million. The
A-0495-16T2
50 September 2016 order that originally approved the posting of alternative
security required Ras to post "[t]he deed" to the Connecticut property. Ras
raised no objection on the grounds that the court lacked jurisdiction to i mpose
such a condition because the property was in Connecticut.
The possibility of a mortgage, and the posting of its proceeds in lieu of a
deed, arose later. In a December 2016 letter to the judge, the SFA outlined the
jurisdictional issues and other difficulties and recommended that Ras obtain a
mortgage and post the proceeds as security. At proceedings that led to the
February 2017 orders, it was represented that Ras applied to refinance the
Connecticut property. Ras again never argued that the court lacked jurisdiction
over the asset. In fact, Ras never obtained a mortgage on the Connecticut
property.20
We also reject the argument that the judge abused his discretion by
imposing a constructive trust on Ras's income and assets. "A constructive trust
is a remedial device through which the 'conscience of equity' is expressed; it
20
Robert's brief asserts that the property became embroiled in Ras's subsequent
divorce proceedings and remained so as of the filing of Robert's brief. He asserts
that the property remains "out of the reach of execution." We express no opinion
about how Robert might execute on the property if it became available and what
procedure he would need to employ. We only reject the notion that the judge
could not order forfeiture of the property.
A-0495-16T2
51
will be imposed when a person has acquired possession of or title to property
under circumstances which, in good conscience, will not allow the property's
retention." Thompson v. City of Atl. City, 386 N.J. Super. 359, 375–76 (App.
Div. 2006) (quoting Flanigan v. Munson, 175 N.J. 597, 608 (2003)). The
following two-prong test applies to determinations of whether a constructive
trust is warranted: "a court must find that a 'wrongful act' caused the property
to come into the hands of the recipient and that the recipient will be 'unjustly
enriched' if it is not returned." Id. at 376 (quoting Flanigan, 175 N.J. at 608).
The "wrongful act" necessary for imposition of a constructive trust need not be
criminal; it includes, but it is not limited to, "fraud, mistake, undue influence,
or breach of a confidential relationship, which has resulted in a transfer of
property." D'Ippolito v. Castoro, 51 N.J. 584, 589 (1968). The circumstances
in which a constructive trust may be imposed are as extensive as required to
reach an equitable result. Thompson, 386 N.J. Super. at 376.
Here, the judge explained that his imposition of a constructive trust was
based upon Ras's failure to disclose the transfer of assets overseas. He focused
upon defendants' concealment of the transfers from the court, while at the same
time claiming they lacked sufficient liquidity to post a bond. That concealment
was certainly a wrongful act, as was Ras's failure to disclose in the first place
A-0495-16T2
52
the existence of the Slovakian properties, the encumbrance of which was the
alleged reason for the transfers. The transfers permitted Ras to enrich himself
at the expense of his brother and delayed any possible execution on the extant
judgment.
We reject Ras's argument that imposition of a constructive trust conflicts
with statutory limits on post-judgment execution of wages and certain personal
property. N.J.S.A. 2A:17-56(a); N.J.S.A. 2A:17-19. The court's creation of an
equitable constructive trust is separate from the execution process. The
arguments warrant no further discussion. R. 2:11-3(e)(1)(E).
As to A-0495-16, we affirm in part, reverse in part, and remand for further
proceedings consistent with this opinion. As to A-3129-16, we affirm, subject
of course to the court's ability to vacate or amend the orders under review
following the remand proceedings. We do not retain jurisdiction.
A-0495-16T2
53
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