Opinion ID: 164708
Heading Depth: 2
Heading Rank: 1

Heading: introduction

Text: As an appeal from a motion to dismiss, we present the following facts from the complaint in the light most favorable to Platte Valley. 1 Platte Valley and Imperial began a series of discussions in 1999 concerning Platte Valley’s potential purchase from Imperial of the Torrington Sugar Beet Processing Plant (“the Plant”). In April 2002, these discussions resulted in a written, exclusive negotiation agreement between the two parties, expiring on June 4, 2002. Although they did not reach an agreement by this time, negotiations continued. On July 23, 2002, these talks resulted in “an agreement whereby Imperial would sell the Sugar Processing Plant and associated facilities in Torrington, Wyoming to Platte Valley . . . .” At the conclusion of these talks, Mr. Peiser, 1 We note that Platte Valley submitted an email from Mr. Peiser and other documents to support its position on appeal. When evaluating a Rule 12(b)(6) motion, however, we cannot consider information outside the complaint without converting the motion to one for summary judgment. See Fed. R. Civ. P. 12(b); David v. City and County of Denver, 101 F.3d 1344, 1352 (10th Cir. 1996) (“[A] motion to dismiss pursuant to Fed. R. Civ. P. 12(b)(6) cannot be converted into a summary judgment motion without notice and an opportunity for the parties to present relevant evidence.”). Thus, we will not consider on appeal any evidence outside the complaint and its attached exhibits. -2- President and CEO of Imperial, told officials from Platte Valley that “we have a deal.” On July 24, Imperial sent a written term sheet (the “Term Sheet”) to Platte Valley that set forth the terms agreed to orally on the previous day. The Term Sheet described the property in question as the “Torrington, Wyoming Holly Beet Processing Plant.” Paragraph 10 of the Term Sheet stated that “This term sheet is proprietary and confidential between the parties and shall not become binding on the parties until approved by their respective boards of directors and senior secured lenders.” Relying on this agreement, Platte Valley incurred significant expenses to obtain financing and prepare to purchase the Plant. Without prior notice, Imperial notified Platte Valley on September 24, 2002, that Imperial had already sold the Plant to American Crystal Sugar Company. Platte Valley responded by filing this diversity action. Imperial, in turn, filed its motion to dismiss. Imperial based this motion on the fact that the document offered by Platte Valley, which purports to be the contract, does not comply with the Statute of Frauds and explicitly states that it does not bind either party prior to approval of the agreement by their boards of directors and senior secured lenders. During the motion to dismiss hearing, Platte Valley orally moved to amend its complaint, seeking to add a promissory estoppel -3- claim. The District Court granted Imperial’s motion to dismiss and refused to allow Platte Valley to amend. Platte Valley timely filed this appeal, challenging the District Court’s grant of the Rule 12(b)(6) motion and its refusal to allow an amendment to the complaint.