On October 6th, 1999, Bruner informed independent distributors that Bruner(R) products would no longer be distributed through that channel, but instead would be distributed through the Culligan(R) dealer system. Subsequently, thirteen (of the more than 60) former distributors filed suit against Bruner and Culligan, claiming breach of contract. They were granted a temporary injunction, which required Culligan to continue selling Bruner products to them on a direct basis.
The injunction was dismissed during a hearing before the New Jersey State Superior Court on Friday, February 4, 2000. The Court ruled that the former Bruner distributors still have access to Bruner products, by purchasing them from local Culligan dealers. In reviewing the facts of the case, the court found that access to Bruner products had not been denied as alleged in their complaint. Therefore, no viable reason existed to continue the injunction and it was dismissed.
"We've made a lot of progress in integrating the Bruner product line into the Culligan dealers' commercial products arsenal," stated Jeanne Cantu, Director of Culligan Commercial Markets. "Now that the former distributors realize they have continued access to high quality Bruner products through our dealers, we will be able to continue to move forward. This is a positive step for both sides and, most importantly, the Bruner products customer."
SOURCE: Culligan
