Court Opinion

ID: 3012053
Source: CourtListenerOpinion
Date Created: 2015-10-13 21:05:17.259317+00
Date Added: 2024-06-11T18:04:25.419007
License: Public Domain

OPINION OF THE COURT
 

  NYGAARD, Circuit Judge.
 

  In this appeal, Appellant, Central Garden and Pet Company, asks us to reverse those portions of the District Court’s Order that granted the Axelrods’ motion to confirm a January 31, 2001 arbitration award rendered in the Axelrods’ favor by PrieeWaterhouseCoopers. The initial conflict arose out of Central’s purchase of all of the Axelrods’ shares of TFH Publications. The arbitration was conducted to resolve disputes that arose between the Axelrods and Central as to the amount, if any, of additional purchase price Central owed to the Axelrods. Central argues on appeal that the District Court should have dismissed the Axelrods’ petition to confirm the arbitration award because the arbitration was not an arbitration at all, but rather an appraisal. Further, Central argues that the District Court should have abstained or stayed judgment pending the conclusion of a state court action. We conclude that neither issue has merit, and would affirm, except that both parties agree the District Court erred by calling its order a Declaratory Judgment, rather than a mere confirmation of an arbitrator’s award. We agree, will vacate the Declaratory Judgment and remand the cause for the District Court to enter a judgment confirming the arbitration award.