Court Opinion

ID: 9884539
Source: CourtListenerOpinion
Date Created: 2023-10-06 03:00:56.572077+00
Date Added: 2024-06-11T07:48:39.295744
License: Public Domain

SUPPLEMENTAL OPINION ON DENIAL OF REHEARING*  Mr. JUSTICE DOWNING delivered the opinion of the court: Aero’s petition for rehearing raised a technical point regarding the opinion’s reference to the trial court’s resolution of whether Casati’s agency to sell was revocable at will. (See section II, part B.) This supplemental opinion addresses that point. Aero contends this court’s reference to the trial court’s finding of a contract irrevocable at Aero’s will misconstrued that finding as one of fact. Aero claims the trial court’s finding was one of law but, nevertheless, incorrect because the record indicates the contract was severable. We note at the outset that Aero never raised or anticipated on appeal the issue of contract severability. Rather, Aero contended by implication that the only irrevocable agency was one coupled with an interest. Aero did not recognize law holding that a partially performed bilateral contract breached prior to the time for full performance supports recovery of the profits contracted for by the injured party be he an agent or otherwise. See Lake Shore & Michigan Southern Ry. Co. v. Richards (1894), 152 Ill. 59, 80, 38 N.E. 773; Izzo v. City of Loves Park (1959), 20 Ill. App. 2d 117, 125, 155 N.E.2d 312; see generally 11 Williston, Contracts §§1301,1397 (3d ed. 1968). Part B of section II reasons that the instant contract, bilateral at the time petitioner removed the property from the market, was supported by Casati’s consideration and therefore was not revocable at will. Casati’s consideration was to solicit tenants and buyers. The “bonus” money was to be paid upon presentation of an unconditional buyer. Aero concedes Casati’s employment to supervise construction was predicated upon $15,000 compensation. The record, however, is silent as to whether Casati’s consideration in the form of solicitation was to be compensated solely from the $15,000, or from the “bonus” money, or both. The nonseverable nature of Casati’s consideration, and compensation therefor, establish a contract of agency which is not revocable at will. Andros v. Hansen Realty Co. (1976), 44 Ill. App. 3d 635, 639, 358 N.E.2d 664.  The trial court’s conclusion that the contract was not revocable at will is supported by the record. Such a determination necessarily went beyond the four corners of the contract. Our opinion recognizes the determination as one of fact which is reviewable in light of the manifest weight of the evidence. Although our treatment of the issue in part B is brief, our citation of authority adequately indicates our opinion that Casati’s consideration was not severable and, therefore, was sufficient to support an irrevocable agency to sell. That agency to sell was breached by Aero. Accordingly, the doctrine of anticipatory repudiation is an appropriate theory under which Casati may seek recovery. We hereby deny Aero’s petition for rehearing. Aero’s petition for rehearing denied. STAMOS and PERLIN, JJ., concur.   The original opinion is found at 90 Ill. App. 3d 530.