Corporations – piercing the corporate veil

Listen to this article

Wisconsin Court of Appeals

Civil

Corporations – piercing the corporate veil

This appeal concerns the circuit court’s discretionary decision to pierce Sooner Sales’ corporate veil and hold its sole director, employee, and shareholder, Gary Haub, liable for contract damages. Michels Corporation and Sooner entered into a contract in which Sooner agreed to procure “drill pipe” for Michels. Sooner failed to procure all of the agreed-upon pipe and also failed to refund Michels’ payment for the unfulfilled quantity. Michels sued, seeking to pierce Sooner’s corporate veil and hold Haub jointly and severally liable.

The circuit court concluded that, under the circumstances, it was proper to pierce Sooner’s corporate veil and hold Haub liable. Haub appeals that decision. As we explain, Haub fails to squarely address the circuit court’s reasoning and, therefore, fails to persuade us that the court erred. We affirm. Not recommended for publication in the official reports.

2012AP165 Michels Corporation v. Haub, et al.

Dist IV, Dodge County, Bissonnette, J., Lundsten, P.J.

Attorneys: For Appellant: Nash, Randall L., Milwaukee; For Respondent: Kastens, Aaron H., Milwaukee