Opinion ID: 728910
Heading Depth: 2
Heading Rank: 1

Heading: Successor Liability Cases

Text: 123 Earlier we explained the proper test for successor liability under CERCLA. As the district court relied on a different test, we must vacate all grants of summary judgment premised on the absence of successor liability. On remand, the district court should reconsider its decisions in light of today's opinion. Should any material facts remain genuinely disputed, summary judgment should not be granted. 124 Laurel Park and Beacon Heights Combined Claims: 125 . Jacob Brothers, Inc.: The district court found that the currently constituted Jacob Brothers, Inc. did not assume the CERCLA liability of a previously formed corporation with the same name. Specifically, in 1925 a corporation named Jacob Brothers, Inc. was formed. This company later became known as Brothers Scrap, Inc. In 1987 a different company, Michael Schiavone & Sons, purchased some of the assets of the original Jacob Brothers, Inc. The acquiring company then assigned its rights and duties under the acquisition to a newly formed corporation, Connecticut Iron and Metal, Inc., which later assumed the name Jacob Brothers, Inc. Apparently there is a factual dispute over whether this appellee purchased a portion of the former Jacob Brothers' assets or substantially all of its assets. On remand the district court should decide whether, in light of our opinion, there is a genuine material fact in dispute. 126 . Seymour Brass, Inc.: This appellee, which purchased the assets and business of The Seymour Brass Turning Company, was granted summary judgment based on the absence of successor liability. Beacon Heights Only: 127 . Connecticut Pharmacare, Inc. d/b/a/ Ford Pharmacy and Medical Supply: This business acknowledged disposal of general rubbish, including empty boxes, packing materials, empty or broken bottles of cleansers and prescription medicines, empty containers and paper. The president of the corporation denied sending hazardous substances to the Beacon Heights landfill with the possible exception of such trace substances ... alleged to be included in general rubbish. Dr. Brown concluded that several hazardous substances were found in the appellee's waste that were also found in both landfills. 128 The district court ruled against the Beacon Heights Coalition rejecting the proof in the Brown affidavit and ruling that trace amounts of hazardous substances were insufficient to create CERCLA liability. It also rejected the coalition's argument concerning successor liability under CERCLA. We reverse and remand on all three grounds. 129 . NRS Carting Co., Inc.: The district court granted summary judgment on the question of successor liability. NRS's contention that it was not a successor to Norwalk Refuse Service (Norwalk), but only purchased some commercial customer routes, equipment, and containers from Norwalk, presents a fact question regarding successor liability. 130 . Zollo Drum Company, Inc. (ZDC): The district court granted summary judgment to ZDC (a corporation run by Anthony Zollo) and rejected the Beacon Heights Coalition's argument that ZDC should be liable for the acts of a prior sole proprietorship operated by Richard Zollo (Anthony's father) which was later sold to ZDC.