Opinion ID: 2347288
Heading Depth: 1
Heading Rank: 2

Heading: Wayne v. Pepsi

Text: To prevail in its claim that Pepsi tortiously interfered with its relationship with Schweppes, Wayne was required to show: (1) the existence of a contract; (2) Pepsi's knowledge of that contract; (3) its intentional interference therewith; and (4) the damages resulting therefrom. Smith Dev. Corp. v. Bilow Enterprises, Inc., 112 R.I. 203, 211, 308 A.2d 477, 482 (1973). The parties agree that there was a contract and that Pepsi was aware of its existence but disagree on whether Pepsi intentionally interfered with that contract. Wayne argues that the trial justice failed to consider the positive evidence that a Pepsi vice president had suggested to certain of Schweppes' executives that Wayne's contract be terminated and that Pepsi become Schweppes' exclusive distributor in the New England states. The trial justice's oversight of this evidence, Wayne contends, deprives his finding of noninterference of the great weight to which it would otherwise be entitled on review. If that were the only pertinent evidence on the question of interference and if it were accurately related, Wayne would be on more solid ground. But its accuracy is disputed and in addition there is other evidence to the effect that Schweppes' decision to appoint Pepsi its exclusive distributor for the New England states was based upon its own business judgment that a single distributor would be more effective than several and would eliminate many of the marketing problems then being encountered. It was upon this evidence that the trial justice based his finding of noninterference, and by accepting it he impliedly rejected that referred to by Wayne and hence cannot be said to have overlooked it. Gordon v. Campanella Corp., 112 R.I. 417, 425, 311 A.2d 844, 849 (1973); Flynn v. Pearce, 106 R.I. 323, 330, 259 A.2d 401, 44)4 (1969). Accordingly, Wayne has failed to sustain its burden of establishing at least one of the Bilow requirements. The plaintiff's appeal is denied and dismissed, the judgment appealed from is affirmed, and the case is remitted to the Superior Court for further proceedings. ROBERTS, C. J., was present at oral argument but retired prior to consideration or decision of this case. Mr. Justice Doris did not participate.