HANOVER INSURANCE COMPANY vs. JOHN SUTTON & others. [Note 1]

FLANNERY, J. On December 16, 1994, the plaintiff, Hanover Insurance Company (Hanover), filed an eight-count complaint against the defendants, John Sutton, William J. O'Brien, William J. O'Brien, Inc., and Insurance Partnerships, Inc. (IPI). [Note 3] The gravamen of the complaint was that Sutton, Hanover's former employee, failed in his fiduciary duty to Hanover by diverting a corporate opportunity.

On February 13, 1995, a jury trial commenced on Hanover's original complaint. [Note 4] Before the case went to the jury, Hanover amended its complaint to add three additional counts. [Note 5] On March 1, 1995, verdicts were returned for the defendants on all claims submitted to the jury, which were counts I, IV, VI and XI.

Hanover moved for judgment notwithstanding the verdict. The motion was allowed as to count I based on Sutton's breach of his duty to disclose a corporate opportunity.

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See Mass.R. Civ.P. 50(b), 365 Mass. 814 -815 (1974). The judge, however, ruled that the amount of damages was uncertain and awarded nominal damages of $1.00. Hanover moved for a new trial on the issue of damages, which was denied. See Mass.R.Civ.P. 59(a), 365 Mass. 827 (1974). On the same basis as his ruling on count I, the judge ruled in favor of Hanover on count V. [Note 6]

On May 9, 1996, judgment entered for the plaintiff on counts I and V and for the defendants on all the remaining counts except count III which was reserved pending a hearing on attorneys' fees.

On February 18, 1997, judgment entered in favor of Hanover on count III, on a finding that IPI violated G. L. c. 93A, s. 11, by aiding and abetting Sutton's breach of fiduciary duty. The judge awarded Hanover $1.00 in nominal damages and $168,154.04 in attorneys' fees and costs.

Both Hanover and the defendants, Sutton, O'Brien, IPI, and William J. O'Brien, Inc., appeal. We address, in turn, the issues on appeal: (1) Hanover's contention that it was denied a fair trial because of an accelerated trial date, discovery restrictions, and an unfair protective order; (2) the judge's instructions to the jury on count I; (3) Sutton's liability to Hanover on count I for breach of fiduciary duty; (4) the judge's denial of a jury trial on damages after granting judgment notwithstanding the verdict on count I; (5) IPI's liability to Hanover on count III for engaging in practices that violated G. L. c. 93A; (6) Hanover's contention that the judge erred in finding only nominal damages on count III; (7) the award of attorneys' fees on count III; (8) Sutton's liability to Hanover on count V for loss of corporate opportunity; and (9) the adequacy of the judge's findings of fact and conclusions of law on count VII.

1. Background. We summarize the facts. [Note 7] The Hanover Insurance Company is a national property and casualty insurance company headquartered in Worcester.

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William J. O'Brien was the president of Hanover from 1979 until he resigned in December, 1991. [Note 8] Upon resignation, O'Brien entered into a severance agreement with Hanover. The agreement stated in part:

"For the period January 1, 1992 through December 31, 1994 (the "Consultation Period"), you agree to be available to provide consulting, advisory and related services to Hanover and/or its subsidiaries as may be reasonably requested from time to time by the Chairman of the Hanover Board of Directors . . . .

"For the Consultation Period, you agree not to directly or indirectly solicit the insurance business of any insured of Hanover and/or its subsidiaries or assist any other person to do so or solicit, recruit or assist or encourage a third party to solicit or recruit the services of any current employee, agent or broker of Hanover and/or its subsidiaries."

John Sutton was hired by Hanover in December, 1976, as associate counsel. He held that position until 1980 or 1981 when he was elected vice president, general counsel, and corporate secretary. In May, 1990, O'Brien appointed Sutton president of a local operating company called Hanover Metro, Inc., in New Jersey. Hanover Metro, Inc., Hanover's second largest operating company, was a full-service operation which was responsible for New Jersey, Pennsylvania, and what Hanover deemed "down state New York."

After Sutton's mentor and personal friend, O'Brien, resigned from Hanover, Sutton began considering his professional future. Sutton discussed with John Kittel, [Note 9] Hanover's vice president of marketing and strategic development, the notion of entering a property and casualty insurance business venture. Sutton envisioned establishing a business enterprise to link local insurance companies. The network of local companies would consist of existing agencies with established "books of business."

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Those books of business would be acquired and underwritten by a single company.

Sutton and Kittel approached Joseph Grochmal, a principal of Northington Partners, Inc. (Northington), a Connecticut-based investment banking and venture capital firm specializing in the insurance industry, about raising capital for their business venture. At Grochmal's request, Sutton and Kittel prepared a writing of their business plan, which was completed in September, 1992. After reviewing the plan, Northington embarked on an effort to raise funds for the venture.

In November, 1992, Sutton and Kittel incorporated themselves as Sutton, Kittel & Associates, Inc. (SKA). Sutton and Kittel were SKA's only directors and shareholders; its officers were Kittel, Sutton, and Sutton's wife, a lawyer who served as the corporate secretary and handled all the necessary corporate filings.

The same day SKA was incorporated, O'Brien incorporated William J. O'Brien, Inc. Thereafter, on November 23, 1992, SKA and William J. O'Brien, Inc., executed an agreement by which William J. O'Brien, Inc., would provide consulting services to SKA. [Note 10]

In January, 1993, Hanover's new president, Rupley, met with Sutton to discuss Sutton's being promoted to a position in Hanover's home office. Sutton accepted Rupley's offer in May, 1993. Sutton testified that he did not tell Rupley that he was working on any outside insurance business or that he had formed SKA. He said he told Rupley that, in all fairness, Rupley should know that he had been talking with investment bankers about raising money for a potential new business opportunity.

In March, 1993, Grochmal learned that the Covenant Mutual Insurance Company (Covenant), a long-standing Connecticut mutual insurance company, had been placed in receivership because of disastrous losses caused by Hurricane Andrew in Florida. Grochmal and Northington pursued the possible acquisition of Covenant for the benefit of SKA. Northington's intent, which was known to Sutton, was to acquire Covenant and then implement Sutton and Kittel's plan to establish a network of local property and casualty insurance companies.

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In furtherance of these ends, Grochmal met with the Connecticut Insurance Commissioner to discuss the possible acquisition. Grochmal and Northington also prepared a detailed business plan, dated July 21, 1993, which outlined the financial and corporate structure for the possible acquisition of Covenant by a new company, Insurance Partnerships, Inc. (IPI). The plan listed O'Brien as chairman, Sutton as president, and Kittel as chief operating officer of IPI. IPI's principal business according to the plan

"will be to act as the holding company for a network of property-casualty insurance companies. IPI has targeted the 162-year old Covenant Mutual Insurance Company ('Covenant') as the first company in this network and has worked closely with the Connecticut Insurance Department to develop a structure designed to rehabilitate Covenant.

"IPI anticipates acquiring the 31-state licenses and charter of Covenant exclusive of all current assets and liabilities of the company. In return for these licenses and the charter, IPI will contribute $1 million and 1% of its common stock to the Liquidating Trust established by the Connecticut Insurance Department for disposal of the liabilities of Covenant. IPI expects to build Covenant through the acquisition of profitable agency blocks of business or agencies and to develop Covenant into a captive agency underwriter with significant expense and marketing advantages versus its competitors. IPI will focus on personal lines and small-case coverages produced by its agents."

On August 2, 1993, Northington executed a letter Of intent with the Connecticut Insurance Department for the proposed restructuring and acquisition of Covenant. The letter of intent was signed by Northington on behalf of IPI, a "to-be-formed" corporation.

By March, 1994, Covenant was converted from a mutual company to a stock company, thereby allowing IPI to buy its stock. The to-be-formed entity, IPI, was needed in order to acquire the stock of Covenant. Instead of incorporating a new entity, however, Northington's lawyers elected to use SKA which, by name change, became IPI. IPI executed a definitive

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stock purchase agreement with one Googins [Note 11] for the right to purchase all of Covenant's capital stock, subject to court approval and IPI's securing appropriate financing.

On March 18, 1994, Sutton and Kittel entered into employment agreements with IPI to become part of the company's management team. On May 4, 1994, the demutualization of Covenant was confirmed by the Connecticut Superior Court. Northington invested $2 million in IPI; other investors procured by Northington put in $5 million; and IPI borrowed $4 million. Sutton bought 1,861 shares of common stock in IPI for $18,610; another 2,791 shares were allocated to him by option. On May 25, 1994, IPI's acquisition of Covenant was completed.

On May 26, 1994, Sutton notified Hanover of his resignation from the position of vice president at Hanover, and all other positions that he held with companies affiliated with Hanover, to be effective on June 25, 1994.

Hanover filed the present suit against Sutton, IPI, O'Brien, and William J. O'Brien, Inc., on December 16, 1994.

2. Accelerated trial date, limited discovery, and protective order. Hanover argues that it was denied a fair trial because the trial judge abused his discretion by scheduling an early trial date, restricting discovery, and issuing a protective order. We agree in part.

The scheduling of trial and the conduct and scope of discovery and protective orders are issues within the sound discretion of the motion or trial judge. See Fontaine v. Ebtec Corp., 415 Mass. 309 , 316 (1993) (scheduling); Solimene v. B. Grauel & Co., KG, 399 Mass. 790 , 799 (1987) (discovery); Cronin v. Strayer, 392 Mass. 525 , 534 (1984) (protective order). See also Greenleaf v. Massachusetts Bay Transp. Authy., 22 Mass. App. Ct. 426 , 429 (1986), and cases cited (trial judge's discretion with regard to case management not abused "unless . . . arbitrary . . . . capricious . . . , whimsical . . . . or idiosyncratic"). We hold these standards in mind as we review each claimed error.

a. Accelerated trial date. On December 16, 1994, Hanover filed the original complaint against the defendants. On December 21, 1994, the defendants brought a joint emergency

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motion for summary judgment. [Note 12] The judge heard this motion on January 4, 1995, and scheduled the trial to begin on January 23, 1995. On January 23, 1995, the judge allowed Hanover's motion to continue the trial, setting it for February 6, 1995. The trial did not begin, however, until February 13, 1995.

We see no abuse of discretion in scheduling an early trial date under the circumstances of this case. First, the judge may have been concerned (as the defendants argued in their emergency motion) that Hanover's complaint was an effort by a potential competitor to squelch competition and, therefore, any delay could cause irreparable harm to a start-up venture. Moreover, as the defendants state, Hanover precipitated the speedy trial by demanding several forms of equitable relief in its complaint, including preliminary injunctions against the business activities of O'Brien, Sutton, and IPI. Accordingly, an expedited resolution of Hanover's complaint protected the interests of all parties. See Mass.R.Civ.P. 65(b)(2), 365 Mass. 833 (1974). [Note 13]

b. Limitation on discovery. Hanover next argues that the

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judge erred by limiting the discovery of information in the possession, custody, or control of the defendants or third party witnesses to events occurring before June, 1994. [Note 14] Hanover maintains that this order was prejudicial because count VI alleged that IPI and William J. O'Brien, Inc., interfered with Hanover's three-year nonsolicitation agreement with O'Brien, which did not expire until December 31, 1994. [Note 15] Therefore, preventing Hanover from discovering information about events between June and December hindered its ability to explore this claim. We agree.

"While discovery orders are reviewable on appeal from entry of a final judgment, we do not interfere with the judge's exercise of discretion in the absence of a showing of prejudicial error resulting from an abuse of discretion." Solimene v. B. Grauel & Co., KG, 399 Mass. at 799. Hanover has made such a showing here. The limitation on discovery to events before June, 1994, was error in view of the allegations concerning Hanover's nonsolicitation agreement with O'Brien, which did not end until December, 1994. Accordingly, we remand the case for discovery concerning events relevant to count VI (and VII, see infra section 6) from June 1 through December 31, 1994. If warranted by such discovery, the trial judge shall set aside the verdict and grant a new trial on count VI. If nothing material took place

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between June and December, the verdict on count VI shall stand.

c. Protective order. On January 19, 1995, the judge issued a protective order which governed the handling of all documents, testimony, and other information filed during discovery and other proceedings in the action. The order provided that confidential material could be used only for the purpose of preparing for and conducting the action and not for any business or other purpose. The order limited the disclosure of the confidential material to specific individuals named in the order.

On appeal, Hanover argues among other things that the reach of the protective order, at least as it related to expert witnesses, was error. [Note 16] Hanover's counsel sought leave to show confidential material to expert witnesses if they were advised of the protective order. The judge responded, "No. No. Leave experts out of it at this point. Leave experts out. It seems to me that if we proceed with damages we will have time to show experts this information. Then I can measure actually what we are talking about." Hanover's counsel did not object to the ruling at that point.

On the fifth day of trial, the issue came up again. The judge allowed the experts to examine the material saying:

"I have responsibilities to these people and I'm not going to keep them and their public responsibilities ad infinitum. But I am going to give you hopefully a fair opportunity to use whatever exhibits that are in this case for the preparation of your damage testimony. So your expert may now have access to all such exhibits. If you wish to make copies of them, you may do so. The originals will remain in this court.

"To that extent, your expert will be free to use all exhibits free of all restrictions, except [for] two exhibits that I have been contemplating [referring to two exhibits by number]. And as to that, his examination will [be] considered to be under the so-called protective order or confidentiality order.

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The question of disclosure will come, if raised, at the time the question is put to him."

Hanover did not object to the lateness of the ruling. Assuming without deciding that Hanover preserved this issue for appeal, we find no error. The protective order was issued as an exercise of the judge's discretion to protect the defendants from Hanover's request for information regarding their development of business contacts and other competitively sensitive documents. See Mass.R.Civ.P. 26(c), as amended, 423 Mass. 1401 (1996). Moreover, there was no harm to Hanover from the protective order as the judge ultimately permitted Hanover's expert witnesses to review the confidential information prior to testifying. No prejudice was shown from the delay in their viewing this information.

3. Count I - Breach of fiduciary duty against Sutton.

a. Fiduciary duty instruction. Hanover claimed against Sutton for breach of fiduciary duty, alleging that during Sutton's employment with Hanover, he actively competed with Hanover, solicited Hanover's customers, and acted in his own interest to the detriment of Hanover. The jury found for Sutton. [Note 17]

Hanover contends that the judge's erroneous charge on count I infected all the jury verdicts insofar as they related to Sutton's conduct. Specifically it claims error in the judge's refusal to instruct the jury that (1) notwithstanding the fact that an employee at-will can secretly prepare to compete with his employer, he cannot actively compete; and (2) an employee may not solicit the customers of his employer during his employment. These are correct statements of law. See Chelsea Indus. v. Gaffney, 389 Mass. 1 , 11-12 (1983) ("an executive employee is barred from actively competing with his employer [during] the tenure of his employment, even in the absence of an express covenant"). See also Augat, Inc. v. Aegis, Inc., 409 Mass. 165 , 172-173 (1991) (an employee who plans to compete with his employer "may not appropriate his employer's trade secrets . . . solicit his employer's customers while still working for his employer . . . or carry away certain information, such as lists of customers"). "Every possible correct statement of law need not, however, be included in jury instructions if the

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instructions as given are correct and touch on the fundamental elements of the claim." Kobayashi v. Orion Ventures, Inc., 42 Mass. App. Ct. 492 , 503-504 (1997), and cases cited.

The judge instructed as follows: "I have outlined on that board the four elements of the claim and those elements are: duty, and breach, and damage, and causation. And what I shall do is now discuss with you in more detail each of those four elements." The judge then proceeded to explain to the jury each of the elements. [Note 18] We conclude his instructions adequately address each element of the claim and, therefore, find no error.

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b. Judgment notwithstanding the verdict. After the jury returned a verdict in favor of Sutton on the breach of fiduciary duty claim, [Note 19] Hanover moved for judgment notwithstanding the verdict, pursuant to Mass.R.Civ.P. 50(b). The judge allowed the

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motion, insofar as it concerned Sutton's failure to disclose the Covenant opportunity to Hanover. [Note 20]

"In reviewing the judge's allowance of the motion for judgment notwithstanding the verdict, we apply the same standard as we would apply for a review of a motion for directed verdict." Service Publications, Inc. v. Goverman, 396 Mass. 567 , 571 (1986), citing D'Annolfo v. Stoneham Hous. Authy., 375 Mass. 650 , 657 (1978). See O'Shaughnessy v. Besse, 7 Mass. App. Ct. 727 , 729 (1979). The general test is whether "anywhere in the evidence, from whatever source derived, any combination of circumstances could be found from which a reasonable inference could be drawn in favor of the [party prevailing at trial]." Service Publications, Inc., supra at 571, quoting from Poirier v. Plymouth, 374 Mass. 206 , 212 (1978).

It can rarely be ruled as matter of law that the party having the burden of proof has sustained that burden. J. Edmund & Co. v. Rosen, 412 Mass. 572 , 575 (1992). In allowing such motions, the Federal cases construing the analogous Fed.R.Civ.p. 50(b) (construction of analogous Federal rule may serve as a guide to construction of the Massachusetts rule, see O'Shaughnessy v. Besse, 7 Mass. App. Ct. at 728 n.2) state that the judge "must be able to say . . . there is insufficient evidence for permitting any different finding" (i.e., other than for the claimant). Gatenby v. Altoona Aviation Corp., 407 F.2d 443, 446 (3d Cir. 1968), quoting from Mihalchak v. American Dredging Co., 266 F.2d 875, 877 (3d Cir.), cert. denied, 361 U.S. 901 (1959). "The test is a strict one, and a directed verdict for the party having the burden of proof may be granted only where he has established his case by evidence that the jury would not be at liberty to disbelieve." Hurd v. American Hoist & Derrick Co., 734 F.2d 495, 499 (10th Cir. 1984),

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quoting from Service Auto SupplyCo. v. Harte & Co., 533 F.2d 23, 25 (1st Cir. 1976). Such evidence is produced where the party's "own binding testimony precludes a verdict for him." J. Edmund & Co. v. Rosen, 412 Mass. at 575, quoting from Smith & Zobel, Rules Practice s. 50.8 (1977). "A directed verdict for the party bearing the burden of proof may be granted only if the evidence is such that without weighing the credibility of the witnesses the only reasonable conclusion is in his favor." 734 F.2d at 499. See generally 9A Wright & Miller, Federal Practice & Procedure s. 2535 (1995); Smith & Zobel, Rules Practice s. 50.8(2) (1977).

The judge allowed Hanover's motion on the ground that Sutton had a duty to disclose the Covenant opportunity to Hanover before appropriating it for his own benefit, and he failed to do so. "The requirements that determine the propriety of pursuing corporate opportunities . . . [are] referred to . . . as the 'Corporate opportunity doctrine.'" Demoulas v. Demoulas Super Markets, Inc., 424 Mass. 501 , 528 (1997). In applying the doctrine to the evidence in this case, we conclude that the result reached by the judge is supported by the evidence and that no reasonable inference could otherwise be drawn than in favor of Hanover.

The corporate opportunity doctrine is based on "the principle that corporate directors and officers are bound by their duty of loyalty to subordinate their self-interests to the well being of the corporation. A person who owes a fiduciary duty to a corporation is prohibited from taking, for personal benefit, an opportunity or advantage that belongs to the corporation." Id. at 529, citing 1 Cox & Hazen, Corporations s. 11.7 (1995). "In selecting a test for determining which ventures rightfully belong to a corporation, and are subject to the corporate opportunity doctrine, the corporation deserves broad protection. Rather than limiting the doctrine's coverage only to those instances where the proposed venture is demonstrably similar to existing and prospective corporate activities, the focus is on the paramount obligations of the fiduciary." Demoulas, supra at 529.

In Demoulas, the court imposed a duty on the fiduciary to fully disclose to the corporation the corporate opportunity. "The disclosure requirement takes from the fiduciary the power to decide whether the opportunity . . . is in the corporation's interest and removes the temptation posed by 'a conflict between self-interest and integrity.'" Id. at 531, quoting from Durfee v. Durfee & Canning, Inc., 323 Mass. 197 , 198 (1948).

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See Energy Resources Corp. v. Porter, 14 Mass. App. Ct. 296 , 299-302 (1982). Accordingly, where the fiduciary discloses the corporate opportunity to the corporation, and the decision about whether the opportunity is in the corporation's best interest is made by disinterested members of the corporation rather than by the fiduciary, conflict may be avoided and fairness to the corporation better ensured. Demoulas, supra at 531. In sum, to satisfy a fiduciary's duty of loyalty, an officer who seeks to pursue a corporate opportunity must

"first disclose material details of the venture to the corporation, and then either receive the assent of disinterested directors or shareholders, or otherwise prove that the decision is fair to the corporation. Otherwise, the officer . . . acts in violation of his fiduciary duties, and whatever gain or advantage that he acquires may be held for the benefit of the corporation so as to deny him any benefit or profit."

Id. at 533, and cases cited.

With this standard in mind, we next examine the corporate opportunity that the judge found was usurped in violation of Sutton's fiduciary duty to Hanover. As previously stated, the judge concluded that the Covenant opportunity represented a corporate opportunity that rightfully belonged to Hanover and was diverted from it in a breach of fiduciary duty. Covenant's status as a diverted corporate opportunity is based on the following evidence.

As previously summarized, Sutton and Kittel discussed the notion of establishing a business enterprise to link property and casualty insurance companies. Sutton and Kittel prepared a written proposal for establishing this business venture and, thereafter, incorporated themselves under the name Sutton, Kittel & Associates. After reviewing their proposal, Northington, where Grochmal was employed, agreed to try to raise capital to fund the proposal.

In March, 1993, after learning that Covenant was in receivership, Northington pursued the possible acquisition of Covenant for the benefit of Sutton and Kittel's business enterprise. Northington's intent was to acquire Covenant and then implement Sutton and Kittel's business plan by establishing a network of local property and casualty insurance companies,

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In furtherance of these ends, Grochmal met with the Connecticut Insurance Commissioner to discuss the possible acquisition. On August 2, 1993, Northington executed a letter of intent with the Connecticut Insurance Department for the proposed restructuring and acquisition of Covenant. The letter of intent was signed by Northington on behalf of IPI, a to-be-formed corporation. [Note 21] By March, 1994, Covenant was converted from a mutual company to a stock company, thereby allowing IPI to purchase the stock of Covenant.

In granting judgment notwithstanding the verdict, the judge stated that he inferred from the evidence that Sutton had the level of knowledge concerning the Covenant opportunity that was detailed and analyzed in the IPI business plan and had the duty to disclose this opportunity to Hanover with that degree of specificity. Sutton, however, testified that he did not believe that he saw the plan. Hence it could be inferred that he might not have known the level of detail contained therein. The defendants, therefore, argue that the judge erred in the inference he drew. We agree that the judge's inference in favor of the moving party was improper. See Moose v, Massachusetts Inst. Of Technology, 43 Mass. App. Ct. 420 , 421 (1997), quoting from Conway v. Smerling, 37 Mass. App. Ct. 1 , 3 (1994) ("[e]vidence that contradicts the testimony of the nonmoving party is to be ignored" when ruling on a motion for judgment notwithstanding the verdict). See also Cherick Distribs., Inc. v. Polar Corp., 41 Mass. App. Ct. 125 , 126 (1996). However, we conclude, from Sutton's own testimony, that even if he did not have the level of knowledge inferred by the judge, he had sufficient knowledge of the Covenant opportunity to require disclosure to Hanover before diverting it for his own benefit. Sutton testified that he knew that Northington, the company working with him on his proposed business venture, was attempting to acquire Covenant when it went into receivership. He further stated that Northington made him aware of its intent to acquire the company and then implement the plan he and Kittel had

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drafted." [Note 22] Sutton's testimony as to his own knowledge is binding on him. McFaden v. Nordblom, 307 Mass. 574 , 575 (1940). Maldonado v. Thomson Natl. Press Co., 16 Mass. App. Ct. 911 , 912 (1983).

The defendants further argue that the Covenant situation was not a corporate opportunity that Hanover would have pursued. However, "the existence of a[n] . . . impediment is a matter for a corporation's board to consider when deciding whether to accept or decline an opportunity that has been disclosed to it, and the existence of any impediment does not excuse the failure of a fiduciary to present the opportunity to the board . . . . [Note 23] [B]ecause full disclosure did not occur here, we do not need to address whether [Hanover] could have feasibly pursued [the Covenant opportunity]. The nondisclosure of a corporate opportunity is, in itself, unfair to a corporation and a breach of fiduciary duty." [Note 24] Demoulas, supra at 534-535.

Accordingly, considering the evidence with all reasonable

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inferences in Sutton's favor, we agree with the trial judge that there can be but one reasonable conclusion - the Covenant situation was a corporate opportunity that Sutton failed to disclose to Hanover and instead diverted for his own benefit. We, therefore, affirm the allowance of Hanover's motion for judgment notwithstanding the verdict.

c. Damages entered on count I. Hanover challenges the judge's award of only nominal damages in the amount of $1.00 on count I, after granting Hanover's motion for judgment notwithstanding the verdict. [Note 25] Hanover moved for a new trial on the issue of damages pursuant to Mass.R.Civ.P. 59(a), which was denied. Hanover claims error in the denial of this motion.

Because the jury found for the defendant on count 1, and so did not reach the issue of damages, Hanover complains that it was deprived of the chance of having a jury decide its damages for lost corporate opportunity. Though ruling in Hanover's favor on count I upon Hanover's motion for judgment notwithstanding the verdict, the judge concluded that the evidence of the value of lost corporate opportunity introduced at trial was too uncertain to go to a jury, awarded nominal damages, and ordered equitable relief under count V. See Van Brode Group, Inc. v. Bowditch & Dewey, 36 Mass. App. Ct. 509 , 520-523 (1994).

Hanover sought to prove its damages for lost corporate opportunity by introducing evidence of the value of Covenant licenses as of May 24, 1994, the date of their transfer to IPI. Hanover claims that the corporate opportunity it lost by Sutton's breach of loyalty was the chance to acquire those licenses

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for a purchase price of $1.5 million between August, 1993, and May, 1994. Hanover's expert placed the market value of the Covenant licenses as of the date they were transferred to IPI at $2.4 million. Based on that figure, minus the purchase price paid by IPI, Hanover claims lost profit damages of at least $900,000.

Over objection, Hanover's expert, Herman Shwide, was permitted to testify as to the value of the Covenant licenses. [Note 26] At the hearing on Hanover's motion for judgment notwithstanding the verdict, however, the judge expressly rejected Shwide's opinion of the market value of the Covenant licenses as too uncertain for any jury to consider it as evidence of the value of the lost opportunity that Hanover should recover against Sutton.

In determining the remedy for Sutton's breach, the judge properly considered the gain to Sutton through his usurping of the corporate opportunity. "Where a corporate fiduciary obtains a gain or advantage through a violation of his duty of loyalty, a court may properly order restitution of the gain, so as to deny any profit to the wrongdoer and prevent his unjust enrichment." Demoulas, 424 Mass. at 556. In the absence of evidence at trial regarding Sutton's profits derived from his stock purchase, [Note 27] the judge appropriately granted Hanover equitable relief under count V. [Note 28]

4. Count III - G. L. c. 93A claim against IPI. Hanover and IN appeal from the judgment entered in favor of Hanover against IPI, awarding $1.00 in nominal damages and $168,154.04 in attorneys' fees and costs, for violation of G. L. c. 93A, s. 11. Hanover and IPI both challenge the sufficiency of the judge's findings of fact. See Mass.R.Civ.P. 52(a), as amended, 423 Mass. 1402 (1996). Additionally, Hanover argues that the judge erred in awarding $1.00 in nominal damages and only $168,154.04 in attorneys' fees and costs. IPI argues that

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the judge erred in finding liability under G. L. c. 93A, s. 11, and awarding attorneys' fees. We affirm.

While the judge's findings on count III were abbreviated, they were made just after he made his extensive findings on count V. [Note 29] Those findings clearly were intended to apply to the other nonjury counts. He explicitly based his conclusion that IPI had violated c. 93A on his finding that IPI had "aided and abetted" Sutton in breaching his fiduciary duty to disclose the Covenant opportunity to Hanover. He also found that a proposed insurer such as Covenant "would have been of great interest" to Hanover. We conclude that sufficient facts were found to support the finding of liability on count III.

IPI contends (a) IPI did not come into existence until after the Covenant opportunity expired and, therefore, it could not be liable for a breach of Sutton's fiduciary duty; (b) the conduct complained of arose out of the employment context, and thus is shielded from c. 93A liability; and (c) SKA was not engaged in "trade or commerce" at the time of Sutton's alleged breach. IPI also argues that the judge erred in awarding attorneys' fees because Hanover recovered only nominal damages of one dollar. We reject these claims.

a. IPI's identity with SKA. The judge found that Sutton's duty to disclose the Covenant opportunity to Hanover arose during the period from May, 1993, through August 2, 1993, the date when the opportunity was diverted to IPI. IPI argues that it did not come into existence until after this period and, therefore, could not have aided and abetted Sutton in his breach of fiduciary duty. In response, Hanover contends that SKA was incorporated in November, 1992, and IPI was the result of a simple name change from SKA to IPI with no legal distinction in the underlying entity. See Coken Co. v. Department of Pub. Works, 9 Mass. App. Ct. 596 , 590-591 (1980). IPI claims there was not only a name change, but rather a complete financial and structural reorganization of SKA. Whether IPI is the same organization as SKA, with only a different name, is a factual one. The judge specifically found (in his findings under count V) that SKA and IPI were the same corporation.

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b. Conduct arising out of the employment context. We reject IPI's suggestion that because Sutton, as an employee of Hanover, could not be liable to Hanover under G. L. c. 93A, see Manning v. Zuckerman, 388 Mass. 8 , 12-15 (1983), IPI, too, could not be liable under G. L. c. 93A. See Augat, Inc. v. Aegis, Inc., 409 Mass. at 172 (c. 93A violation where defendant corporation participated with its employee in violation of his duty of loyalty to former employer).

c. SKA's engagement in "trade or commerce." Arguing that SKA was merely a corporate shell that had not engaged in "trade or commerce" at the time of Sutton's alleged breach of fiduciary duty, and had only executed a consulting agreement with William J. O'Brien, Inc., IPI contends that there was no evidence that SKA was a party to any commercial transaction during the relevant period.

In his findings on count V, the trial judge explicitly found that SKA/IPI had engaged in a variety of activities during the relevant period. Grochmal sought funds for the new venture and on August 2, 1993, negotiated a letter of intent for the purchase of a restructured Covenant Mutual. The letter of intent was discussed with Sutton and the record shows that it was between "Insurance Partnerships, Inc. [a] to-be-formed Connecticut Corporation" and the Connecticut Insurance Department. It was signed by the chairman of Northington, "[o]n behalf of Insurance Partnerships, Inc." The record also shows that on July 19, 1993, People's Bank wrote to IPI that it had approved its request for a ten million dollar loan for its Covenant venture. These activities come within the rubric of "trade or commerce" as defined in c. 93A, s. 1(b):

"'Trade' and 'commerce' shall include the advertising, the offering for sale, . . . of any . . . security as defined in subparagraph (k) of section four hundred and one of chapter one hundred and ten A [Note 30] and any contract of sale of a commodity for future delivery, and any other article,

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commodity, or thing of value wherever situate, and shall include any trade or commerce directly or indirectly affecting the people of this commonwealth."

General Laws c. 93A, s. 1(b), as amended by St. 1987, c. 664, s. 1. See Augat, Inc. v. Aegis, Inc., 409 Mass. 165 (1991) (c. 93A violation where plaintiff's employee secretly solicited other key employees to join competing to-be-formed corporation). There was no error in finding a c. 93A violation.

d. Attorneys' fees. IPI argues that the judge erred in awarding attorneys' fees under G. L. c. 93A, s. 11, because Hanover recovered only nominal damages on this claim. "A plaintiff suing under s. 11 . . . cannot recover attorneys' fees for merely identifying an unfair or deceptive act or practice. Under s. 11, that unfair or deceptive conduct must have had some adverse effect upon the plaintiff, even if it is not quantifiable in dollars." Jet Line Servs., Inc. v. American Employers Ins. Co., 404 Mass. 706 , 718 (1989). IPI argues that Hanover suffered no "adverse effect" and claims that this is evident in the award of only nominal damages which cannot be considered equivalent to an "adverse effect." The award of nominal damages on count III was informed by the judge's findings on count I. See note 29, supra. Rather than finding that Hanover suffered no adverse effect, the judge, as is evident from his findings on count I, considered the extent of the damages to be "uncertain" and not quantifiable. See note 25, supra.

Moreover, Hanover obtained equitable relief against Sutton and IPI. IPI violated c. 93A by participating with Sutton in the breach of the latter's duty to disclose the Covenant opportunity to Hanover. A constructive trust was placed on Sutton's shares and an injunction issued against IPI enjoining it from transferring these shares. [Note 31] Equitable relief is authorized under s. 11. This is not a case where the only recovery is in the form of attorneys' fees, see Jet Line, supra at 718, and the fee award here falls within the statutory provision allowing an award of

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reasonable attorneys' fees "in addition to other relief." [Note 32] As stated in Star Financial Servs., Inc. v. Aastar Mort. Corp., 89 F.3d 5, 15 (1st Cir. 1996), "the language in Jet Line is not necessarily inconsistent with an award of attorneys' fees to a plaintiff that receives injunctive relief only."

We turn to the arguments of Hanover and IPI who both claim that the judge erred in calculating the amount of attorneys' fees under count III. Hanover contends that the judge abused his discretion in entering an award that was internally inconsistent with his written decision. In his order on counsel fees, the judge stated, "In the court's judgment, counsel submitted hourly rates [that] are consistent with rates charged by competent counsel in the Boston area of comparable standing and skill in comparable cases with similar outcomes achieved at trial." Hanover argues that it was error for the judge to make this statement and then enter an award that was approximately one third the amount of the fees it earned and submitted to the court.

We disagree and we find no abuse of discretion in the judge's award of $150,000 as reasonable attorneys' fees and $18,154.04 as reasonable expenses. "The amount of a reasonable attorney's fee, awarded on the basis of statutory authority is largely discretionary with the judge, who is in the best position to determine how much time was reasonably spent on a case, and the fair value of the attorney's services." Fontaine v. Ebtec Corp., 415 Mass. at 324. While the judge accepted the rates submitted by Hanover's counsel, there were other factors - the reasonableness of the time spent by counsel, and the results achieved which include the other issues in the case on which Hanover was unsuccessful - warranting the judge's reduction in the amount of fees requested.

In contrast, IPI argues that the judge erred in not limiting the award of attorneys' fees to provable hours directly attributable to the G. L. c. 93A claim. We recognize that, "[f]or services to be compensable under Chapter 93A, there must be a relationship 'between the depth of the services provided and what is at stake.'" Industrial Gen. Corp. v. Sequoia Pac. Sys. Corp., 849 F. Supp. 820, 826 (D. Mass. 1994), quoting from Morse v.

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Mutual Fed. Sav. & Loan Assn., 536 F. Supp. 1271, 1283 (D. Mass. 1982). However, "[a]s a rule, where a single chain of events gives rise to both a common law and a Chapter 93A claim, apportionment of legal effort between the two claims is not necessary . . . . [Nonetheless], effort expended on an unsuccessful common law claim brought in concert with a successful Chapter 93A claim should not be compensated" Id. (citations omitted). The judge recognized these principles and, in awarding attorneys' fees, found "a common core of facts underpinned counts I, III and V . . . ."

5. Count V - Declaratory judgment against Sutton for loss of corporate opportunity. Pursuant to G. L. c. 231A, s. 1, Hanover sought a declaratory judgment against Sutton for loss of a corporate opportunity. Having found that the Covenant situation was a business opportunity for Hanover, which Sutton failed to disclose and instead diverted for his own benefit in breach of his fiduciary duty to Hanover, the judge entered judgment in favor of Hanover on count V. Since the judgment notwithstanding the verdict in favor of Hanover on count I is affirmed, the defendants' argument that the decisions on counts I and V are inconsistent is without merit.

The defendants also argue that the type of relief awarded on count V was error. They contend that, by imposing a constructive trust, the judge made Hanover a minority shareholder of the new insurance company, IPI, and placed competing companies in the odd position of owing fiduciary duties to one another. We find no error in the relief granted. [Note 33] See Demoulas, supra at 545 & n.50 (to remedy breach of fiduciary duty by

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diversion of corporate opportunity, trial judge could have properly ordered defendant corporate officer to transfer to plaintiff the defendant officer's shares in competing corporation).

6. Count VII - G. L. c. 93A claims against IN and William

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J. O'Brien, Inc. Hanover claimed against IPI and William J. O'Brien, Inc., for violation of G. L. c. 93A. The complaint alleged that the acts of the defendants in procuring the breaches of contracts of Sutton and O'Brien (count VI) "were unfair and deceptive acts or practices in commerce or trade or were unfair competition." The judge, reserving this claim for himself, entered judgment for the defendants.

On appeal, Hanover challenges the sufficiency of the judge's findings of fact and conclusions of law on this count. See Mass. R.Civ.P. 52(a). Since the judge's findings on count VII were most abbreviated, and since we have in section 2b of this opinion, supra, remanded count VI for further discovery, we also remand count VII for further findings. Such findings should be made even if the verdict on count VI is to stand.

7. Conclusion. We summarize the conclusions we have reached on the issues before us:

(1)

Count I. We affirm the allowance of Hanover's motion for judgment notwithstanding the verdict and the award of nominal damages.

(2)

Count III. We affirm the finding of liability under G. L. c. 93A and the judgment for attorneys' fees.

(3)

Count V. We affirm the finding of liability and relief awarded.

(4)

Count VI. We vacate the judgment for the defendants. The case is remanded for further discovery concerning events from June 1, 1994, through December 31, 1994. Depending on the results of discovery, a new trial may be warranted on count VI; or the judgment on the original verdict shall be restored.

(5)

Count VII. We vacate the judgment and remand for further findings of fact.

We affirm the judgments and the relief awarded in counts I (judgment notwithstanding the verdict), III, and V. The judgments for the defendants in counts VI and VII are vacated, and the case is remanded for further discovery pertaining to those counts from June 1, 1994, through December 31, 1994. The judge, after discovery and such hearings as he deems appropriate, shall determine whether a new trial is warranted on count

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VI. He shall issue findings of fact and a judgment on count VII which shall, among other things, reflect the developments, if any, on remand of count VI.

So ordered.