THE CIRCUIT COURT OF THE STATE OF...
Transcript of THE CIRCUIT COURT OF THE STATE OF...
{SSBLS Main Documents/8929/001/00664942-1 }
STOLL STOLL BERNE LOKTING & SHLACHTER P.C. 209 S.W. OAK STREET, SUITE 500
PORTLAND, OREGON 97204 TEL. (503) 227-1600 FAX (503) 227-6840
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THE CIRCUIT COURT OF THE STATE OF OREGON
FOR THE COUNTY OF MULTNOMAH
MICHAEL LYNCH, as personal representative of the Estate of Edward C. Lynch,
Plaintiff,
v.
PACIFIC FOODS OF OREGON, INC., an Oregon corporation; CHARLES EGGERT, an individual; JOHNATHAN GEHRS, an individual; KAYE BARNES, an individual; MOSS ADAMS LLP, a Washington limited liability partnership; PFO SHAREHOLDERS CORP., an Oregon corporation; and JOHN DOE DEFENDANTS 1-5,
Defendants.
Case No.
COMPLAINT (Violation of Oregon Securities Laws; Breach of Contract; Breach of Fiduciary Duty; Misrepresentation; Negligent Misrepresentation; Declaratory Judgment; Unjust Enrichment) [NOT SUBJECT TO MANDATORY ARBITRATION]
JURY TRIAL DEMANDED
Filing Fee Authority: ORS 21.160(1)(e) Amount in Controversy: in excess of $250 million
SUMMARY OF THE ACTION
1.
This case involves the Estate of Edward (“Ed”) C. Lynch. During his lifetime, Ed was a
wealthy and active philanthropist. Ed died in 2015 at the age of 94. Ed’s most valuable asset
upon his death was his 43 percent interest in Pacific Foods of Oregon, Inc. (“Pacific Foods,”
“the company,” or “PFO”). Pacific Foods is a closely-held organic food company that Ed
founded with his son-in-law, Charles Eggert (“Eggert”), in the 1980s. At the time of his death,
Ed owned Pacific Foods along with Eggert, a number of Eggert’s family members, and a
handful of Pacific Foods employees.
8/21/2017 4:11:34 PM17CV36090
{SSBLS Main Documents/8929/001/00664942-1 }
STOLL STOLL BERNE LOKTING & SHLACHTER P.C. 209 S.W. OAK STREET, SUITE 500
PORTLAND, OREGON 97204 TEL. (503) 227-1600 FAX (503) 227-6840
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2.
Consistent with his lifelong commitment to philanthropy, Ed left substantially all of his
Estate to charity. Ed’s will makes clear his wish that his Pacific Foods interest would be sold to
maximize the economic benefit for charitable purposes.
3.
The Articles of Incorporation for Pacific Foods provided for the redemption of Ed’s
stock by the company following his death. The Articles further provided that Ed’s shares would
be redeemed at fair market value. Following Ed’s death in 2015, Pacific Foods redeemed Ed’s
shares, and represented that the price at which the shares were being redeemed was the true fair
market value for the shares. That representation was incorrect. In fact, Pacific Foods redeemed
Ed’s shares at a value vastly less than true fair market value.
4.
In July of 2017 (twenty-two months after the redemption), Campbell Soup Company
announced that it was acquiring Pacific Foods for $700 million. This amount was higher than
the 2015 redemption valuation by an order of magnitude. There were no changes at Pacific
Foods between 2015 and 2017 that justify or explain the vast difference between the redemption
valuation and the $700 million Campbell purchase price. The explanation is that the 2015
redemption valuation was grossly understated. PFO’s payment of a massively deflated
redemption price to the Estate for Ed’s shares had the effect of transferring the bulk of the value
of Ed’s Estate back to the company, to the very significant detriment of the Estate and to the
great benefit of the remaining shareholders.
5.
Plaintiff brings this suit to recover funds rightfully belonging to the Estate so that such
funds may be distributed to charity according to Ed’s wishes.
{SSBLS Main Documents/8929/001/00664942-1 }
STOLL STOLL BERNE LOKTING & SHLACHTER P.C. 209 S.W. OAK STREET, SUITE 500
PORTLAND, OREGON 97204 TEL. (503) 227-1600 FAX (503) 227-6840
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PARTIES
6.
Plaintiff Michael Lynch (“Plaintiff”) is the personal representative for the Estate of
Edward C. Lynch (the “Estate”). Ed was Plaintiff’s father. Plaintiff brings this action in his
capacity as the personal representative of the Estate.
7.
Defendant PFO is a closely-held Oregon corporation.
8.
Defendant Eggert is an Oregon resident. Eggert was at all material times and is the
President of PFO, and a member of PFO’s board of directors. At the time of Ed’s death, Eggert
owned approximately 29 percent of PFO. Immediately following Ed’s death, Eggert became
the owner of 100 percent of PFO’s voting stock. Following PFO’s redemption of Ed’s shares
(the “Redemption”), Eggert became PFO’s majority shareholder.
9.
Defendant Jonathan Gehrs (“Gehrs”) is an Oregon resident. Gehrs was at all material
times and is a member of PFO’s board of directors, an employee of PFO and a shareholder of
PFO.
10.
Defendant Kaye Barnes (“Barnes”) is an Oregon resident. Barnes was at all material
times and is an officer, director, and shareholder of PFO.
11.
John Doe Defendants 1-5 are any and all additional members of the board of directors of
PFO from May 2015 through the present, whose identities are unknown to Plaintiff at this time.
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STOLL STOLL BERNE LOKTING & SHLACHTER P.C. 209 S.W. OAK STREET, SUITE 500
PORTLAND, OREGON 97204 TEL. (503) 227-1600 FAX (503) 227-6840
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12.
PFO, Eggert, Gehrs, Barnes, and John Doe Defendants 1-5 are referenced collectively
herein as the “PFO Defendants.” Eggert, Gehrs, Barnes and John Doe Defendants 1-5 are
referenced collectively herein as the “PFO Directors.”
13.
Defendant Moss Adams LLP (“Moss Adams”) is a Washington limited liability
partnership with offices in Multnomah County, Oregon. During the relevant time period, PFO
retained Moss Adams to undertake periodic valuations of PFO. PFO further retained Moss
Adams to undertake the valuation used by PFO for the Redemption.
14.
Defendant PFO Shareholders Corp. is an Oregon corporation. On information and
belief, it was formed in July of 2017 in connection with a potential reorganization of PFO in
anticipation of the Campbell Soup Company acquisition. Plaintiff names PFO Shareholders
Corp. in an abundance of caution and as a party that has or may claim an interest in this action
pursuant to ORS 28.110.
JURISDICTION AND VENUE
15.
This Court has personal jurisdiction over Defendants pursuant to ORCP 4. Venue in
Multnomah County is proper pursuant to ORS 14.080.
GENERAL ALLEGATIONS
16.
PFO was founded by Ed and Eggert in or around 1987. PFO’s primary business is the
manufacture, packaging, distribution and sales of organic beverages and foods.
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STOLL STOLL BERNE LOKTING & SHLACHTER P.C. 209 S.W. OAK STREET, SUITE 500
PORTLAND, OREGON 97204 TEL. (503) 227-1600 FAX (503) 227-6840
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17.
Ed died on May 10, 2015 at the age of 94. Immediately prior to his death, Ed owned
approximately 43 percent of PFO, consisting of 18,750 shares of Type A Voting Common
Stock and 4,446 shares of Type B Non-Voting Common Stock.
18.
At the time of his death, the Articles of Incorporation of Pacific Foods of Oregon, Inc.
(as amended by: (1) the Articles of Amendment for Pacific Foods of Oregon, Inc.; (2) Pacific
Foods of Oregon, Inc. Second Articles of Amendment; and (3) Third Amendment to Articles of
Pacific Foods of Oregon, Inc.) (collectively the “Articles”) contained provisions controlling the
redemption of Ed’s PFO shares upon his death.
19.
The Articles provide that upon Ed’s death, “the Type A [Voting] Shares owned by Ed
shall immediately convert to Type B Non-Voting Shares … .”
20.
The Articles further provide:
Upon the death … of Ed … [PFO] shall redeem the Shares owned or held by Ed … in accordance with Section 2.6 of this Article II. Redemption shall occur within ninety (90) days of the Determination Date.
21.
The “Determination Date” is defined as “thirty (30) days following … the death
… of Ed … .”
22.
The Articles at Section 2.6 state that:
For purposes of this Article II, the Purchase Price for the Corporation’s Shares (whether Type A or Type B Shares) shall be based on the True Fair Market Value of the Corporation. The Corporation will obtain an annual appraisal to determine its True Fair Market Value (the “Appraisal”). The Appraisal will be obtained from Moss Adams, LLP, or another independent appraisal firm designated by the Board of Directors.
{SSBLS Main Documents/8929/001/00664942-1 }
STOLL STOLL BERNE LOKTING & SHLACHTER P.C. 209 S.W. OAK STREET, SUITE 500
PORTLAND, OREGON 97204 TEL. (503) 227-1600 FAX (503) 227-6840
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23.
The Articles define “True Fair Market Value” as:
the total value of the Corporation determined by independent appraisal under Section 2.6 below, based upon the assumption of 100% control (i.e. on an absolute majority basis). No discounts or premiums shall apply in determining the Corporation’s True Fair Market Value.
24.
Upon Ed’s death, pursuant to the Articles, the PFO Defendants converted all of Ed’s
Type A Voting Common Stock to Type B Non-Voting Common Stock.
25.
Prior to Ed’s death, the only owners of PFO Type A Voting Common Stock were Ed
and Eggert. Thus, immediately following Ed’s death and the conversion of Ed’s voting shares
to non-voting shares, Eggert became the owner of 100 percent of PFO’s outstanding voting
stock.
26.
The PFO Defendants engaged Moss Adams to undertake a valuation of PFO as of the
Determination Date – June 9, 2015 (30 days following Ed’s death).
27.
Moss Adams provided its Valuation Analysis (the “Valuation Analysis”) to PFO under a
cover letter dated September 3, 2015. Plaintiff is unaware whether this was the first or only
time the Valuation Analysis was provided to the PFO Defendants. The Valuation Analysis
states that “Moss Adams LLP was engaged by Pacific Foods of Oregon, Inc. … to determine
the True Fair Market Value (as defined by the Third Amendment to Articles of Pacific Foods of
Oregon, Inc.) of the Company as of June 9, 2015 in connection with Mr. Ed Lynch’s death, on
May 10, 2015.”
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STOLL STOLL BERNE LOKTING & SHLACHTER P.C. 209 S.W. OAK STREET, SUITE 500
PORTLAND, OREGON 97204 TEL. (503) 227-1600 FAX (503) 227-6840
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28.
The Valuation Analysis contains Moss Adams’ “Concluded Value” of PFO as a total
dollar amount for all shares (and further breaks the value down to a per share value). The Moss
Adams’ Concluded Value, which was used by the PFO Defendants to set the purchase price for
Ed’s shares in connection with the Redemption, is referenced herein as the “Purported Value.”
29.
In a letter dated September 4, 2015, Eggert wrote to Plaintiff regarding the basis for the
valuation and redemption logistics. Eggert’s letter purported to explain the Purported Value,
and further informed Plaintiff of the amount of the purchase price for the Redeemed Shares (the
“Purchase Price”). Consistent with Ed’s percentage of ownership of PFO, the Purchase Price
was approximately 43 percent of the total Purported Value (adjusted downward by certain
offsets as allowed by the Articles). Eggert’s letter further stated that, “One thing to note is
Moss Adams’ valuation assumes an outside sale of the company.”
30.
On or after September 4, 2015, PFO sent Plaintiff a copy of the Valuation Analysis.
31.
Moss Adams was at all times aware that the Purported Value and the Valuation Analysis
would be shared with Plaintiff and would be used by the PFO Defendants and Plaintiff in
connection with the Redemption.
32.
On information and belief, the PFO Defendants effectuated the Redemption and
purchased all of Ed’s PFO shares (the “Redeemed Shares”) at some point after September 4,
2015. In or around December 2015, Plaintiff began receiving installment payments from PFO
for the Redeemed Shares. A significant portion of the Purchase Price has not been paid.
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STOLL STOLL BERNE LOKTING & SHLACHTER P.C. 209 S.W. OAK STREET, SUITE 500
PORTLAND, OREGON 97204 TEL. (503) 227-1600 FAX (503) 227-6840
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33.
Immediately upon Ed’s death, Eggert became the controlling shareholder of PFO, based
on his ownership of 100 percent of PFO’s voting shares, and further based on the number of
shares he owned and his role as President of PFO and a member of its board of directors.
34.
Prior to the redemption of Ed’s shares, Eggert owned approximately 29 percent of the
outstanding shares of PFO (voting and non-voting). Following the Redemption, in addition to
his status as the only voting shareholder, Eggert further became the majority owner of PFO,
holding approximately 50.4 percent of all outstanding shares.
35.
At all relevant times, the PFO Defendants were exploring the potential that a larger
corporation would acquire PFO.
36.
PFO is a local organic food manufacturer and distributor. Consumer demand for organic
and natural foods has grown tremendously in recent times. For years, natural and organic
public food companies have been trading at significantly higher values relative to other public
food manufacturers and distributors. For well over a decade, large food manufacturers and
distributors have been acquiring natural and organic food companies at a record pace. Further,
in those acquisitions, the large food manufacturers and distributors have been paying
significantly higher multiples of revenues relative to other acquisitions generally.
37.
Prior to Ed’s death, the PFO Defendants had identified Campbell Soup Company as a
potential buyer of PFO. Campbell Soup Company, along with its wholly-owned subsidiary,
Campbell Investment Company, is referenced collectively herein as “Campbell.”
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STOLL STOLL BERNE LOKTING & SHLACHTER P.C. 209 S.W. OAK STREET, SUITE 500
PORTLAND, OREGON 97204 TEL. (503) 227-1600 FAX (503) 227-6840
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38.
Prior to Ed’s death, executives from Campbell visited PFO’s facilities in Oregon in
connection with a potential acquisition.
39.
On July 6, 2017, Campbell announced that it was acquiring PFO for $700 million (the
“Campbell Value”). The Campbell Value was vastly higher (by an order of magnitude) than the
Purported Value (as of June 9, 2015) provided by Defendants twenty-two months earlier.
40.
There were no material changes at PFO that could potentially explain the vast
discrepancy in the Purported Value as June of 2015 and the $700 million purchase price
announced in July of 2017.
41.
The explanation is that the Purported Value was incorrect, and grossly undervalued
PFO.
42.
The Valuation Analysis states that the Standard of Value used for the valuation was the
True Fair Market Value of the Company as defined in the Articles. The Valuation Analysis
further states:
For purposes of this valuation, we have assumed that True Fair Market Value is analogous to Fair Market Value for the Company. The term “Fair Market Value” is defined by Revenue Ruling 59-60 as the price at which the property would change hands between a willing buyer and a willing seller, when the former is not under any compulsion to buy and the latter is not under any compulsion to sell, both parties having reasonable knowledge of the relevant facts.
43.
The Purported Value was not, in fact, even in the ballpark of the price at which PFO (or
its shareholders) would have been willing to sell PFO in 2015, or what a willing buyer (such as
Campbell) would have been willing to pay for PFO in 2015.
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STOLL STOLL BERNE LOKTING & SHLACHTER P.C. 209 S.W. OAK STREET, SUITE 500
PORTLAND, OREGON 97204 TEL. (503) 227-1600 FAX (503) 227-6840
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CLAIMS FOR RELIEF
FIRST CLAIM FOR RELIEF Violations of Oregon Securities Law – ORS 59.127
(Against All Defendants)
44.
Plaintiff incorporates by reference the allegations in the above paragraphs as if fully set
forth herein.
45.
The Redeemed Shares are securities within the meaning of ORS 59.015(19)(a).
46.
PFO purchased the Redeemed Shares by means of an untrue statement of a material fact
or an omission to state a material fact necessary in order to make the statements made, in light
of the circumstances under which they were made, not misleading in violation of ORS
59.127(1)(b).
47.
Eggert successfully solicited the purchase of the Redeemed Shares by means of an
untrue statement of a material fact or an omission to state a material fact necessary in order to
make the statements made, in light of the circumstances under which they were made, not
misleading in violation of ORS 59.127(1)(b).
48.
In purchasing the Redeemed Shares, PFO and Eggert made untrue statements of material
fact including, without limitation that:
(a) the Purported Value was the True Fair Market Value of PFO;
(b) the Purported Value was based on the price at which PFO would change hands
between a willing buyer and a willing seller; and
(c) the Purported Value assumed an outside sale of PFO.
{SSBLS Main Documents/8929/001/00664942-1 }
STOLL STOLL BERNE LOKTING & SHLACHTER P.C. 209 S.W. OAK STREET, SUITE 500
PORTLAND, OREGON 97204 TEL. (503) 227-1600 FAX (503) 227-6840
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49.
In purchasing the Redeemed Shares, PFO and Eggert omitted to state material facts,
including, without limitation that:
(a) the Purported Value did not represent the true fair market value of PFO;
(b) the true fair market value of PFO was in fact vastly higher than the Purported
Value;
(c) the Valuation Analysis was incorrect;
(d) large food manufacturers were acquiring natural and organic food companies at a
record pace;
(e) in those acquisitions, the large food manufacturers and distributors had been
paying significantly higher multiples of revenues relative to other acquisitions
generally;
(f) the Valuation Analysis failed to use proper comparable transactions and failed
properly to weight the income and market (public company and acquisition)
approaches;
(g) PFO was a very attractive acquisition target; and
(h) PFO and Eggert would not have sold PFO for the Purported Value, and instead
would have demanded a vastly higher price.
50.
Plaintiff did not know of Defendants’ untruths and omissions.
51.
Eggert is jointly and severally liable with PFO pursuant to ORS 59.127(3). At all
relevant times, Eggert controlled PFO and was an officer and director of PFO. Eggert further
participated and materially aided in the purchase.
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STOLL STOLL BERNE LOKTING & SHLACHTER P.C. 209 S.W. OAK STREET, SUITE 500
PORTLAND, OREGON 97204 TEL. (503) 227-1600 FAX (503) 227-6840
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52.
Barnes, Gehrs and John Doe Defendants 1-5 are jointly and severally liable with PFO
and Eggert pursuant to ORS 59.127(3). At all relevant times, Barnes was an officer and director
of PFO. At all relevant times, Gehrs was a director of PFO.
53.
Moss Adams is jointly and severally liable with PFO and Eggert pursuant to ORS
59.127(3). Moss Adams participated and materially aided in the purchase by preparing the
Valuation Analysis, without which the purchase could not have been completed.
54.
Pursuant to ORS 59.127(2), Defendants are liable for damages in the amount that would
be recoverable upon tender of the consideration paid for the securities, plus any amount
received on the securities, less the consideration paid for the securities, plus interest at the rate
set forth in ORS 82.010 beginning 120 days from the date of Ed’s death. Defendants are liable
to Plaintiff on this claim for an amount to be proven at trial in excess of $250 million.
55.
Pursuant to ORS 59.127(9), Defendants should be required to pay Plaintiff’s reasonable
attorney fees.
SECOND CLAIM FOR RELIEF Breach of Contract
(Against PFO)
56.
Plaintiff incorporates by reference the allegations in the above paragraphs as if fully set
forth herein.
57.
The Articles are a contractual agreement between PFO and its shareholders.
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STOLL STOLL BERNE LOKTING & SHLACHTER P.C. 209 S.W. OAK STREET, SUITE 500
PORTLAND, OREGON 97204 TEL. (503) 227-1600 FAX (503) 227-6840
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58.
The Articles, including the duty of good faith and fair dealing implied in all contracts,
required PFO to redeem the Redeemed Shares at true fair market value.
59.
In breach of the Articles and the duty of good faith and fair dealing, PFO purchased the
Redeemed Shares at an amount vastly less than true fair market value.
60.
Plaintiff has fully performed his obligations under the Articles.
61.
As a direct result of PFO’s breach of the Articles, Plaintiff has been damaged in an
amount to be proven at trial in excess of $250 million. Alternatively, as the result of its breach,
PFO should be ordered to disgorge the full amount of the windfall it received as the result of its
breach of the Articles, in an amount to be proven at trial in excess of $250 million. Plaintiff
seeks an award of prejudgment interest on this claim at the rate set forth in ORS 82.010
beginning 120 days from the date of Ed’s death.
THIRD CLAIM FOR RELIEF Breach of Fiduciary Duty/Aiding and Assisting
(Against All Defendants)
62.
Plaintiff incorporates by reference the allegations in the above paragraphs as if fully set
forth herein.
63.
Following Ed’s death, the Estate held a minority interest in PFO, a closely-held
corporation.
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STOLL STOLL BERNE LOKTING & SHLACHTER P.C. 209 S.W. OAK STREET, SUITE 500
PORTLAND, OREGON 97204 TEL. (503) 227-1600 FAX (503) 227-6840
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64.
Eggert owed fiduciary duties to Plaintiff (in his capacity as the personal representative
of the Estate) by virtue of his position as the controlling shareholder, President and a director of
PFO.
65.
The PFO Directors owed fiduciary duties to Plaintiff (in his capacity as the personal
representative of the Estate) by virtue of their positions as directors and/or officers of PFO.
66.
The PFO Directors owed Plaintiff the fiduciary duties of care, loyalty, good faith, fair
dealing, and full disclosure. As shareholders in PFO, each of the PFO Directors had a very
significant personal financial interest in PFO’s redemption of Ed’s shares.
67.
The PFO Directors breached their fiduciary duties to Plaintiff in connection with the
Redemption at least in the following ways:
(a) effectuating the Redemption in an amount other than at true fair market value;
(b) approving and/or consciously or recklessly disregarding the seriously flawed
Valuation Analysis; and
(c) making and/or consciously or recklessly disregarding the misstatements and
omissions made in connection with the Redemption, as detailed in paragraphs 48
& 49 above, and paragraphs 74 & 75 below.
68.
The PFO Directors have all become significantly enriched as the result of their breaches
of fiduciary duty alleged herein.
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STOLL STOLL BERNE LOKTING & SHLACHTER P.C. 209 S.W. OAK STREET, SUITE 500
PORTLAND, OREGON 97204 TEL. (503) 227-1600 FAX (503) 227-6840
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69.
PFO acted in concert with the PFO Directors, and gave substantial assistance to the PFO
Directors in connection with the Redemption. PFO is jointly and severally liable for the PFO
Directors’ breaches of fiduciary duty.
70.
Moss Adams acted in concert with the PFO Directors and gave substantial assistance to
the PFO Directors in connection with the Redemption, including through the Valuation
Analysis. Moss Adams is jointly and severally liable for the PFO Directors’ breaches of
fiduciary duty.
71.
As the direct and foreseeable result of the PFO Directors’ breaches of fiduciary duty,
Plaintiff has been damaged in an amount to be proven at trial in excess of $250 million.
Alternatively, the PFO Directors and PFO should be ordered to disgorge the full amount of the
windfall they have received as the result of the breaches of fiduciary duty alleged herein, in an
amount to be proven at trial in excess of $250 million. Plaintiff seeks an award of prejudgment
interest on this claim at the rate set forth in ORS 82.010 beginning 120 days from the date of
Ed’s death.
FOURTH CLAIM FOR RELIEF Misrepresentation/Aiding and Assisting
(Against All Defendants)
72.
Plaintiff incorporates by reference the allegations in the above paragraphs as if fully set
forth herein.
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STOLL STOLL BERNE LOKTING & SHLACHTER P.C. 209 S.W. OAK STREET, SUITE 500
PORTLAND, OREGON 97204 TEL. (503) 227-1600 FAX (503) 227-6840
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73.
PFO and Eggert made material misrepresentations to Plaintiff in connection with the
Redemption, as stated in paragraph 48 above. PFO and Eggert also omitted to disclose material
facts when they were under a duty to speak, as stated in paragraph 49 above.
74.
Moss Adams made material misrepresentations to Plaintiff in connection with the
Redemption and the Valuation Analysis, including, without limitation, that:
(a) the Purported Value was the true fair market value of PFO; and
(b) the Purported Value was based on the price at which PFO would change hands
between a willing buyer and a willing seller.
75.
In connection with the Redemption and the Valuation Analysis, Moss Adams omitted to
state material facts when it was under a duty to speak, including, without limitation that:
(a) the Purported Value did not represent the true fair market value of PFO;
(b) the true fair market value of PFO was in fact vastly higher than the Purported
Value;
(c) the Valuation Analysis was incorrect;
(d) the Valuation Analysis failed to use proper comparable transactions and failed
properly to weight the income and market (public company and acquisition)
approaches;
(e) natural and organic public food companies were trading at significantly higher
values relative to other public food manufacturers and distributors;
(f) large food manufacturers were acquiring natural and organic food companies at a
record pace;
{SSBLS Main Documents/8929/001/00664942-1 }
STOLL STOLL BERNE LOKTING & SHLACHTER P.C. 209 S.W. OAK STREET, SUITE 500
PORTLAND, OREGON 97204 TEL. (503) 227-1600 FAX (503) 227-6840
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(g) in those acquisitions, the large food manufacturers and distributors had been
paying significantly higher multiples of revenues relative to other acquisitions
generally; and
(h) PFO was a very attractive acquisition target.
76.
The PFO Defendants and Moss Adams were aware of their misrepresentations and
omissions. Alternatively, the PFO Defendants and Moss Adams made their misrepresentations
and omissions in reckless disregard of the truth.
77.
Plaintiff did not know of the untruth of Defendants’ representations and was unaware of
Defendants’ omissions. Plaintiff relied on Defendants’ misrepresentations and omissions and
had a right to so rely.
78.
All Defendants acted in concert with and aided and assisted in the actions of the PFO
Defendants and Moss Adams as alleged herein. All Defendants are jointly and severally liable
with the PFO Defendants and Moss Adams.
79.
As the direct and foreseeable result of the misrepresentations and omissions alleged
herein, Plaintiff has been damaged in an amount to be proven at trial in excess of $250 million.
Alternatively, the PFO Directors and PFO should be ordered to disgorge the full amount of the
windfall they have received as the result of the misrepresentations and omissions alleged herein,
in an amount to be proven at trial in excess of $250 million. Plaintiff seeks an award of
prejudgment interest on this claim at the rate set forth in ORS 82.010 beginning 120 days from
the date of Ed’s death.
{SSBLS Main Documents/8929/001/00664942-1 }
STOLL STOLL BERNE LOKTING & SHLACHTER P.C. 209 S.W. OAK STREET, SUITE 500
PORTLAND, OREGON 97204 TEL. (503) 227-1600 FAX (503) 227-6840
Page 18 – COMPLAINT
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FIFTH CLAIM FOR RELIEF Negligent Misrepresentation/Aiding and Assisting
(Against All Defendants) 80.
Plaintiff incorporates by reference the allegations in the above paragraphs as if fully set
forth herein.
81.
In the course of their business and professional relationship with Plaintiff, Eggert, PFO
and Moss Adams supplied information for the guidance of Plaintiff in connection with the
Redemption. Eggert, PFO and Moss Adams knew or should have known that the Purported
Value and Valuation Analysis would be supplied to Plaintiff in connection with the
Redemption. Eggert, PFO and Moss Adams supplied material false information and omitted to
state material facts necessary in order to make the statements made, in light of the
circumstances under which they were made, not misleading, as alleged in paragraphs 48, 49, 74
& 75 above.
82.
Eggert, PFO and Moss Adams were negligent in communicating information to
Plaintiff, and failed to exercise reasonable care and competence in obtaining and
communicating information to Plaintiff. Plaintiff reasonably and justifiably relied on the
misrepresentations and omissions alleged herein.
83.
All Defendants acted in concert with and aided and assisted in the actions of Eggert,
PFO, and Moss Adams as alleged herein. All Defendants are jointly and severally liable with
Eggert, PFO and Moss Adams.
{SSBLS Main Documents/8929/001/00664942-1 }
STOLL STOLL BERNE LOKTING & SHLACHTER P.C. 209 S.W. OAK STREET, SUITE 500
PORTLAND, OREGON 97204 TEL. (503) 227-1600 FAX (503) 227-6840
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84.
As the direct and foreseeable result of the negligent misrepresentations and omissions
alleged herein, Plaintiff has been damaged in an amount to be proven at trial in excess of $250
million. Alternatively, the PFO Directors and PFO should be ordered to disgorge the full
amount of the windfall they have received as the result of the misrepresentations and omissions
alleged herein, in an amount to be proven at trial in excess of $250 million. Plaintiff seeks an
award of prejudgment interest on this claim at the rate set forth in ORS 82.010 beginning 120
days from the date of Ed’s death.
SIXTH CLAIM FOR RELIEF Oregon Declaratory Judgments Act, ORS 28.010, et seq.
(Against the PFO Defendants and PFO Shareholders Corp.)
85.
Plaintiff incorporates by reference the allegations in the above paragraphs as if fully set
forth herein.
86.
Plaintiff seeks a declaration of his rights under the Articles. Plaintiff seeks a
declaration:
(a) declaring that he is entitled to be paid true fair market value for the Redeemed
Shares;
(b) setting the amount of such true fair market value; and
(c) ordering PFO and the PFO Directors to take whatever actions necessary to
effectuate payments to the Estate in compliance with the terms of the Articles and the Court’s
rulings.
{SSBLS Main Documents/8929/001/00664942-1 }
STOLL STOLL BERNE LOKTING & SHLACHTER P.C. 209 S.W. OAK STREET, SUITE 500
PORTLAND, OREGON 97204 TEL. (503) 227-1600 FAX (503) 227-6840
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87.
Pursuant to ORS 28.080, Plaintiff further seeks an award of his damages in an amount to
be proven at trial in excess of $250 million, and equitable relief requiring PFO and the PFO
Defendants to disgorge any and all benefits received as the result of their failure to comply with
the Articles. The equitable relief should include interest at the rate set forth in ORS 82.010
beginning 120 days from the date of Ed’s death.
SEVENTH CLAIM FOR RELIEF Unjust Enrichment
(Against the PFO Defendants)
88.
Plaintiff incorporates by reference the allegations in the above paragraphs as if fully set
forth herein.
89.
The PFO Defendants improperly and unjustly obtained a benefit from Plaintiff by
redeeming the Redeemed Shares at a price vastly below true fair market value.
90.
Permitting the PFO Defendants to retain the benefits and profits from their actions
would be unjust.
91.
Plaintiff is entitled to restitution and disgorgement in an amount to be proven at trial in
excess of $250 million and interest at the rate set forth in ORS 82.010 beginning 120 days from
the date of Ed’s death.
{SSBLS Main Documents/8929/001/00664942-1 }
STOLL STOLL BERNE LOKTING & SHLACHTER P.C. 209 S.W. OAK STREET, SUITE 500
PORTLAND, OREGON 97204 TEL. (503) 227-1600 FAX (503) 227-6840
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PRAYER FOR RELIEF
Plaintiff asks that the Court enter judgment against Defendants and award Plaintiff:
(a) Actual damages in an amount to be proven at trial;
(b) Declaratory and equitable relief requiring that Plaintiff be paid true fair market
value for the Redeemed Shares, setting such true fair market value, and ordering the PFO
Defendants to take whatever actions necessary to effectuate the redemption on proper terms;
(c) An order requiring disgorgement of profits wrongfully gained as the result of
Defendants’ actions alleged herein;
(d) Costs of court;
(e) Attorneys’ fees pursuant to ORS 59.127(9);
(f) Prejudgment interest as requested herein; and
(g) Such other and further relief as the Court deems just and appropriate under the
circumstances.
DEMAND FOR JURY TRIAL
Plaintiff demands a trial by jury of all claims, defenses, and matters that are so triable.
DATED this 21st day of August, 2017.
STOLL STOLL BERNE LOKTING & SHLACHTER P.C. By: s/Jennifer S. Wagner
Gary M. Berne, OSB No. 774077 Timothy S. DeJong, OSB No. 940662 Jennifer S. Wagner, OSB No. 024470
209 SW Oak Street, Suite 500 Portland, OR 97204 Telephone: (503) 227-1600 Facsimile: (503) 227-6840
{SSBLS Main Documents/8929/001/00664942-1 }
STOLL STOLL BERNE LOKTING & SHLACHTER P.C. 209 S.W. OAK STREET, SUITE 500
PORTLAND, OREGON 97204 TEL. (503) 227-1600 FAX (503) 227-6840
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Email: [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] Attorneys for Plaintiff
Trial Attorney: Gary M. Berne