Schwanbeck v. Fed.-Mogul Corp., 592 N.E.2d 1289 (Mass. 1992). · Go Syfert
Schwanbeck v. Fed.-Mogul Corp., 592 N.E.2d 1289 (Mass. 1992). Cases Citing This Book View Copy Cite
276 citation events (176 in the last 25 years) across 14 distinct courts.
Strongest positive: Niederhauser v. Paradigm Geophysical Corp. (masssuperct, 2016-05-25)
Treatment trajectory · 1992 → 2026 · click a year to view as-of
1992 2009 2026
Top citers, strongest first. 50 distinct citers. How cited ↗
discussed Cited as authority (verbatim quote) Niederhauser v. Paradigm Geophysical Corp.
Mass. Super. Ct. · 2016 · signal: see also · quote attribution · 1 verbatim quote · confidence high
it is elementary that an unambiguous agreement must be enforced according to its terms
examined Cited as authority (quoted) Smith v. Jenkins (2×)
D. Mass. · 2011 · quote attribution · 2 verbatim quotes · confidence low
although whether a particular set of acts, in their factual setting, is unfair or deceptive is a question of fact ... the boundaries of what may qualify for consideration as a 93a violation is a question of law.
examined Cited as authority (quoted) Casavant v. Norwegian Cruise Line Ltd.
Mass. · 2011 · signal: accord · quote attribution · 1 verbatim quote · confidence high
although whether a particular set of acts, in their factual setting, is unfair or deceptive is a question of fact. . . the boundaries of what may qualify for consideration as a c. 93a violation is a question of law . . .
examined Cited as authority (quoted) Zabin v. Picciotto
Mass. App. Ct. · 2008 · signal: see · quote attribution · 1 verbatim quote · confidence high
although whether a particular set of acts, in their factual setting, is unfair or deceptive is a question of fact, ... the boundaries of what may qualify for consideration as a c. 93a violation is a question of law
examined Cited as authority (quoted) Davidson v. General Motors Corp.
Mass. App. Ct. · 2003 · quote attribution · 1 verbatim quote · confidence low
although whether a particular set of acts, in their factual setting, is unfair or deceptive is a question of fact . . ., the boundaries of what may qualify for consideration as a 93a violation is a question of law.
discussed Cited as authority (quoted) Natick Auto Sales, Inc. v. Department of Procurement & General Services
Mass. App. Ct. · 1999 · quote attribution · 1 verbatim quote · confidence low
competing for the prize is within the realm of permissible interference
examined Cited as authority (quoted) Commonwealth v. Reske
Mass. App. Ct. · 1997 · quote attribution · 1 verbatim quote · confidence low
estimates of value by a prospective seller to a prospective customer, especially a sophisticated one, cannot be seriously considered as a representation. what the seller depicts as a golden goose the buyer describes as an albatross; the seller's lake is the buyer's pond
discussed Cited as authority (rule) MICHAEL GERHARDT & Another v. ROBERT S. BURR & Others.
Mass. App. Ct. · 2026 · confidence medium
As the judge noted, it is "elementary that an unambiguous agreement must be enforced according to its terms," Schwanbeck v. Federal-Mogul Corp., 412 Mass. 703, 706 (1992), and here the agreements require the plaintiffs to be paid based on the owner distributions that Burr actually pays himself.
cited Cited as authority (rule) Nagesh Mahanthappa, Solely in His Capacity as Representative of the Former Securityholders of Twistdx, Inc. v. Alere, Inc. and Innovacon, Inc.
Mass. Super. Ct. · 2026 · confidence medium
Auth., 479 Mass. 419, 428 (2018), quoting Schwanbeck v. Federal-Mogul Corp., 412 Mass. 703, 706 (1992).
examined Cited as authority (rule) WAYNE P. CAPOLUPO v. CAMILLE MIRAGLIOTTA DALY, Personal Representative, & Others. (3×) also: Cited "see"
Mass. App. Ct. · 2025 · confidence medium
Because "the offer did not differentiate between the interest in land and the interest in personal property, the entire agreement [falls] within the Statute of Frauds." Schwanbeck v. Federal-Mogul Corp., 412 Mass. 703, 709 (1992).
cited Cited as authority (rule) CHARLES J. BACON, SECOND v. KENNETH J. MCMULLEN & Another.
Mass. App. Ct. · 2025 · confidence medium
L. c. 259, § 1." Schwanbeck v. Federal-Mogul Corp., 412 Mass. 703, 709 (1992).
cited Cited as authority (rule) Hector Maza, Monjid Hamdan, and Cortney Mittelsteadt v. Giner, Inc. and Andrew Belt
Mass. Super. Ct. · 2025 · confidence medium
Auth., 479 Mass. 419, 428 (2018), quoting Schwanbeck v. Federal-Mogul Corp., 412 Mass. 703, 706 (1992). “[S]ophisticated parties are bound by the terms of their agreement.
cited Cited as authority (rule) Impact Technology Licensing , LLC, and Boston Technology Consultants Group, Inc. (d/B/A Impact Technology Development) v. Barry-Wehmiller Companies, Inc.; Carr Biosystems, LLC; Pneumatic Scale corp.(d/B/A \pneumatic Scale Angelus Corp.\"); \\"
Mass. Super. Ct. · 2025 · confidence medium
Auth., 479 Mass. 419, 428 (2018), quoting Schwanbeck v. Federal-Mogul Corp., 412 Mass. 703, 706 (1992). “[S]ophisticated parties are bound by the terms of their agreement.
cited Cited as authority (rule) GREGORY McCARTHY v. JACOB F. YOUNG, THIRD, Trustee, & another
Mass. App. Ct. · 2025 · confidence medium
Schwanbeck v. Federal-Mogul Corp., 412 Mass. 703, 706 (1992).
cited Cited as authority (rule) travers/dombroski Pc v. Kimberleah Collins.
Mass. App. Ct. · 2024 · confidence medium
It is true that "an unambiguous agreement must be enforced according to its terms." Schwanbeck v. Federal-Mogul Corp., 412 Mass. 703, 706 (1992), citing Freelander v. G. & K.
cited Cited as authority (rule) Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Inc. the Brigham and Women's Hospital, Inc. Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Inc. Joslin Diabetes Center, Inc. President and Fellows of Harvard College the Children's Hospital Corporation v. Matep LLC
Mass. Super. Ct. · 2024 · confidence medium
Auth., 479 Mass. 419, 428 (2018), quoting Schwanbeck v. Federal-Mogul Corp., 412 Mass. 703, 706 (1992).
cited Cited as authority (rule) International Association of Fire Fighters v. National Fire
Mass. Super. Ct. · 2024 · confidence medium
Auth., 479 Mass. 419, 428 (2018), quoting Schwanbeck v. Federal-Mogul Corp., 412 Mass. 703, 706 (1992).
discussed Cited as authority (rule) Columbia Plaza Associates v. Northeastern University (2×) also: Cited "see"
Mass. · 2024 · confidence medium
Nowhere in this section is CPA's approval required or discussed. "[A]n unambiguous agreement must be enforced according to its terms." Schwanbeck v. Federal-Mogul Corp., 412 Mass. 703, 706 (1992).
cited Cited as authority (rule) Candace Langevin v. Dawn Theresa Booth-Desmarais.
Mass. App. Ct. · 2023 · confidence medium
L. c. 259, § 1." Schwanbeck v. Federal-Mogul Corp., 412 Mass. 703, 709 (1992).
discussed Cited as authority (rule) Boston Executive Helicopters v. Francis T. Maguire
D. Mass. · 2020 · confidence medium
Co., 391 F.3d 287, 298-299 (1st Cir. 2004), and will enforce any unambiguous terms, Schwanbeck v. Fed.-Mogul Corp., 412 Mass. 703, 706 (1992). 1) Lease for West Apron and DC-3 Ramps BEH first argues that Norwood failed to provide it with a lease for the Agreement’s promised amount of ramp space “free of encumbrances” because FlightLevel, another airport operator, has claimed preexisting access rights over the same ramp space.
cited Cited as authority (rule) Whelden v. U.S. Bank, N.A.
D. Mass. · 2020 · confidence medium
“Any promise involving real property is enforceable only if that promise meets the requirement of the statute of frauds.” Schwanbeck v. Federal-Mogul Corp., 592 N.E.2d 1289, 1293 (Mass. 1992).
cited Cited as authority (rule) Alenci v. Hometown Oakpoint I, LLC
D. Mass. · 2020 · confidence medium
Absent breach, “an unambiguous agreement must be enforced according to its terms.” Schwanbeck v. Federal- Mogul Corp., 592 N.E.2d 1289, 1292 (Mass. 1992).
cited Cited as authority (rule) Beauregard v. Meldon
D. Mass. · 2019 · confidence medium
Schwanbeck v. Fed.- Mogul Corp., 412 Mass. 703, 709 (1992).
discussed Cited as authority (rule) LSDP 15, LLC v. EAC Organics, Inc.
D. Mass. · 2018 · confidence medium
It is a rule of ancient origin that “[a]ny promise involving real property is enforceable only if that promise meets the requirements of the Statute of Frauds.” Schwanbeck v. Fed.-Mogul Corp., 412 Mass. 703, 709 (1992); see also Mass Gen.
cited Cited as authority (rule) Wilder Companies, Ltd. v. California Pizza Kitchen, Inc.
Mass. Super. Ct. · 2015 · confidence medium
Schwanbeck v. Federal-Mogul Corp., 412 Mass. 703, 706 (1992).
cited Cited as authority (rule) Cummings Properties, LLC v. National Leisure Group, Inc.
Mass. Super. Ct. · 2013 · confidence medium
See also Rogaris v. Albert, 431 Mass. 833, 835 (2000); Schwanbeck v. Federal-Mogul Corp., 412 Mass. 703, 706 (1992).
cited Cited as authority (rule) B&B Ventures, LLC v. Parcel C, LLC
Mass. Super. Ct. · 2011 · confidence medium
Schwanbeck Federal Mogul Corp., 412 Mass. 703, 706 (1992).
cited Cited as authority (rule) Anthony Artuso v. Vertex Pharmaceuticals, Inc.
1st Cir. · 2011 · confidence medium
See Cochran, 328 F.3d at 7 ; Schwanbeck v. Fed.Mogul Corp., 412 Mass. 703 , 592 N.E.2d 1289, 1292 (1992).
discussed Cited as authority (rule) Lopes v. Williams
Mass. Dist. Ct., App. Div. · 2010 · confidence medium
Williams cannot be held responsible for the payment of the disputed portion of the March, 2009 rent, under the terms of the Housing Assistance Program Contract (“HAP Contract”) between Lopes and Mendes, as landlords, and HAC, at Part C, the ‘Tenancy Addendum,” “[t]he tenant is not responsible for paying the rent to owner covered by PHA 9 housing assistance payment under the HAP contract between the owner and the PHA.” Here, as in Curtis v. Surrette, 49 Mass. App. Ct. 99 (2000), the language prohibiting the landlords from seeking HAC’s portion of the monthly rent from the tenant i…
cited Cited as authority (rule) Sampsel v. DJG Construction Corp.
Mass. Super. Ct. · 2009 · confidence medium
Schwanbeck v. Federal-Mogul Corp., 412 Mass. 703, 706 (1992).
cited Cited as authority (rule) Crespo v. Cynosure, Inc.
Mass. Super. Ct. · 2008 · confidence medium
Schwanbeck v. Federal-Mogul Corp., 412 Mass. 703, 706 (1992).
cited Cited as authority (rule) Genesis II, LLC v. Chan
Mass. Super. Ct. · 2008 · confidence medium
“It is [ ] elementary that an unambiguous agreement must be enforced according to its terms.” Schanbeck v. Federal-Mogul Corp., 412 Mass. 703, 706 (1992).
cited Cited as authority (rule) Linear Retail Danvers 1, LLC v. Casatova, LLC
Mass. Super. Ct. · 2008 · confidence medium
If the contractual language is unambiguous, the “agreement must be enforced according to its terms.” Schwanbeck v. Federal-Mogul Corp., 412 Mass. 703, 706 (1992).
examined Cited as authority (rule) Atlantech Inc. v. American Panel Corp. (3×) also: Cited "see", Cited "see, e.g."
D. Mass. · 2008 · confidence medium
Schwanbeck v. Federal-Mogul Corp., 412 Mass. 703 , 592 N.E.2d 1289, 1292 (Mass.App.1992). 50 .
cited Cited as authority (rule) Gator Development, Inc. v. New England Power Co.
Mass. Super. Ct. · 2007 · confidence medium
G.L.c. 259, §1; Schwarnbeck v. Federal-Mogul Corp., 412 Mass. 703, 709 (1992).
discussed Cited as authority (rule) Kniskern v. Mayer
Mass. Super. Ct. · 2007 · confidence medium
In Massachusetts, it is “elementary that an unambiguous agreement must be enforced according to its terms.” Schwanbeck v. Federal-Mogul Corp., 412 Mass. 703, 706 (1992); Curtis v. Surrette, 49 Mass.App.Ct. 99 (2000).
discussed Cited as authority (rule) SMS Financial V, LLC v. Conti
Mass. App. Ct. · 2007 · confidence medium
SMS argues that an unambiguous contract must be enforced in accordance with its terms, see Schwanbeck v. Federal-Mogul Corp., 412 Mass. 703, 706 (1992), and that evidence extrinsic to the contract should not have been received to show a different agreement or create an ambiguity, see Governor Apartments, Inc. v. Carney, 342 Mass. 351, 354 (1961).
cited Cited as authority (rule) Rae v. JP Morgan Chase Bank
Mass. Super. Ct. · 2007 · confidence medium
Schwanbeck v. Federal-Mogul Corp., 412 Mass. 703, 706 (1992); Massachusetts Municipal Wholesale Elec.
cited Cited as authority (rule) KRR Pembroke, LLC v. Global Data Systems, Inc.
Mass. Super. Ct. · 2006 · confidence medium
If the language used is unambiguous, the “agreement must be enforced according to its terms.” Schwanbeck v. Federal-Mogul Corp., 412 Mass. 703, 706 (1992); accord Freelander v. G.&K.
discussed Cited as authority (rule) Galvin v. Excel Switching Corp.
Mass. Super. Ct. · 2006 · confidence medium
Schwanbeck v. Federal-Mogul Corp., 412 Mass. 703, 706 (1992). 6 Here, the plaintiffs do not appear to argue that the Option Agreement is ambiguous with respect to the operative date of employment for vesting purposes, nor would such an argument prevail.
discussed Cited as authority (rule) Winlake II, Inc. v. Mercier (2×)
Mass. Super. Ct. · 2006 · confidence medium
It is “elementary that an unambiguous agreement must be enforced according to its terms.” Schwanbeck v. Federal-Mogul Corp., 412 Mass. 703, 706 (1992).
cited Cited as authority (rule) BBNT Solutions, LLC v. 625 Concord, Inc.
Mass. Super. Ct. · 2006 · confidence medium
Schwanbeck v. Federal-Mogul Corp., 412 Mass. 703, 706 (1992); Louis Stoico, Inc. v. Colonial Development Corp., 369 Mass. 898, 902 (1976).
examined Cited as authority (rule) Lederer v. JOHN SNOW, INC. (3×) also: Cited "see"
D. Mass. · 2006 · confidence medium
General Principles of Contract Interpretation It is an “elementary” principle of contract interpretation that “an unambiguous agreement must be enforced according to its terms.” Schwanbeck v. Federal-Mogul Corp., 412 Mass. 703, 706 , 592 N.E.2d 1289, 1292 (1992).
cited Cited as authority (rule) Cape Oil Delivery, Inc. v. Hayes
Mass. Super. Ct. · 2005 · confidence medium
Schwanbeck v. Federal-Mogul Corp., 412 Mass. 703, 709-10 (1992).
discussed Cited as authority (rule) Wolverine Proctor & Schwartz, Inc. v. Aeroglide Corp. (2×) also: Cited "see"
D. Mass. · 2005 · confidence medium
Co. v. Bearce, 412 Mass. 442, 446-47 , 589 N.E.2d 1235, 1238 (1992). *370 “It is also elementary that an unambiguous agreement must be enforced according to its terms.” Schwanbeck v. Federal-Mogul Corp., 412 Mass. 703, 706 , 592 N.E.2d 1289, 1292 (1992).
cited Cited as authority (rule) Cify of Everett v. Barletta Engineering Corp.
Mass. Super. Ct. · 2005 · confidence medium
The Supreme Judicial Court has stated that “an unambiguous agreement must be enforced according to its terms.” Schwanbeck v. Federal-Mogul Corp., 412 Mass. 703, 706 (1992), citing Freelander v. G.&K.
discussed Cited as authority (rule) DSF Investors, LLC v. Lyme Timber Co. (2×) also: Cited "see"
Mass. Super. Ct. · 2004 · confidence medium
Here, the parties spoke very plainly: Section 11 of the Term Sheet is unequivocal and unambiguous that there will be no binding agreement with respect to the Neceo Building project until the parties execute a definitive written agreement, that the parties’ negotiations and course of conduct shall not create any legally binding obligations, and that either party may terminate the negotiations at any time for any reason. 13 An unambiguous agreement is to be enforced according to its terms, Schwanbeck v. Federal-Mogul Corp., 412 Mass. 703, 706 (1992), and the language in Section 11 certainly qu…
cited Cited as authority (rule) Meskell v. Bertone
Mass. Super. Ct. · 2004 · confidence medium
Moreover, “(i]t is . . . elementary that an unambiguous agreement must be enforced according to its terms.” Schwanbeck v. Federal-Mogul Corp., 412 Mass. 703, 706 (1992).
cited Cited as authority (rule) Flag Wharf, Inc. v. Hickney
Mass. Super. Ct. · 2004 · confidence medium
“It is also elementary that an unambiguous agreement must be enforced according to its terms.” Schwanbeck Federal Mogul Corp., 412 Mass. 703, 706 (1992).
discussed Cited as authority (rule) Boyle v. International Truck & Engine Corp.
1st Cir. · 2004 · confidence medium
Trust Nat’l Bank v. Varadian, 419 *13 Mass. 841, 647 N.E.2d 1174, 1179 (1995) (quoting Schwanbeck v. Federal Mogul Corp., 412 Mass. 703 , 592 N.E.2d 1289, 1292 (1992) (internal citations and quotations omitted)).
Retrieving the full opinion text from the archive…
John R. Schwanbeck vs. Federal-Mogul Corporation & Another
Massachusetts Supreme Judicial Court.
May 27, 1992.
592 N.E.2d 1289
John M. Harrington, Jr. (John C. Bartenstein with him) for the plaintiff., Michael P. Angelini (Vincent F. O’Rourke, Jr., & Barry A. Bachrach with him) for Vellumoid, Inc., Samuel Adams (Ralph T. Lepore, III, with him) for Federal-Mogul Corporation.
Nolan, Lynch, O'Connor, Greaney.
Cited by 196 opinions  |  Published
6 passages pin-cited by 6 cases
Pinpoint authority: #9,915 of 633,719
Citer courts: Massachusetts Appeals Court (4) · D. Massachusetts (2) · Massachusetts Supreme Judicial… (1)
[*704] Nolan, J.

This action arises out of failed negotiations between the plaintiff and the defendant, Federal-Mogul Corp., for the purchase and sale of Federal-Mogul’s Vellumoid Division (division), which Federal-Mogul eventually sold to another party (buyer), who organized a new corporation, the defendant Vellumoid, Inc. The plaintiff alleged in his complaint that Federal-Mogul breached an agreement to negotiate in good faith with the plaintiff and to honor the plaintiff’s right of first refusal; defrauded the plaintiff; and violated G. L. c. 93A, § 11 (1990 ed.). The plaintiff alleged that the buyer tortiously interfered with the plaintiff’s contractual and advantageous business relationship with Federal-Mogul, and also violated G. L. c. 93A, § 11 (1990 ed.).

Following a jury-waived trial, bifurcated as to liability and damages, the trial judge issued extensive findings and rulings in the plaintiff’s favor: The judge awarded the plaintiff approximately $10,200,000 in damages for his “lost opportunity” to own the division; double damages under G. L. c. 93A; interest in the amount of approximately $9,600,000; and attorney’s fees of approximately $2,500,000. The total damages amounted to over $32,500,000.

Both defendants appealed, and the plaintiff cross appealed from “all rulings, orders and decisions adverse to his interests.” The Appeals Court reversed the judgment and remanded the action to the Superior Court. Schwanbeck v. Federal-Mogul Corp., 31 Mass. App. Ct. 390, 417 (1991). The Appeals Court held that: (1) an obligation to negotiate in good faith means that neither party may enter into the preliminary agreement for some ulterior purpose, and that Federal-Mogul satisfied this obligation, id. at 396-405; (2) a draft agreement entered into between Federal-Mogul and the buyer did not constitute an enforceable offer which triggered the plaintiff’s right of first refusal, id. at 406; (3) certain misrepresentations made by Federal-Mogul to the plaintiff were not actionable because the plaintiff did not rely on them to his detriment, id. at 410-412; (4) two other misrepresentations by Federal-Mogul to the plaintiff were actionable under both common law fraud and G. L. c. 93A, id. at 411-412,[*705] 415-416; (5) the facts found by the judge did not warrant the conclusion that the buyer had tortiously interfered with the plaintiffs relationship with Federal-Mogul, id. at 412-413; and (6) with the exception of the two misrepresentations by Federal-Mogul, neither Federal-Mogul nor the buyer engaged in unfair or deceptive acts in violation of G. L. c. 93A, §11, id. at 413-416. The Appeals Court, in reversing the judgment, remanded the case for consideration of damages and attorney’s fees allocable to Federal-Mogul’s two misrepresentations and the damages which flowed therefrom. Id. at 417.

This court granted the plaintiffs application for further appellate review. After a careful review of the record and arguments of counsel, we conclude that, while we agree with the Appeals Court’s result, we do have some significant dif-‘ ferences with that court’s reasoning. We remand this case for consideration of damages and attorney’s fees in accordance with the Appeals Court’s decision. We also respond briefly to those areas of the Appeals Court’s opinion with which we disagree without repeating the facts which are generously set forth in that opinion.

1. The obligation to negotiate in good faith. Both the trial judge and the Appeals Court concluded that the stated intention of the plaintiff and Federal-Mogul “to proceed in good faith in the negotiation of ... a binding definitive agreement” constituted a contractual obligation in spite of the parties’ preceding disclaimer. [2] 31 Mass. App. Ct. at 396. The[*706] courts differed, however, on whether Federal-Mogul violated this alleged duty to negotiate in good faith. We believe, however, that it is not necessary to determine what constitutes an obligation to negotiate in good faith or whether Federal-Mogul breached any such obligation, because we conclude that the parties did not bind themselves contractually to any such obligation.

It is a settled principle of contract law that “[a] promise made with an understood intention that it is not to be legally binding, but only expressive of a present intention, is not a contract.” Kuzmeskus v. Pickup Motor Co., 330 Mass. 490, 493 (1953). Phoenix Spring Beverage Co. v. Harvard Brewing Co., 312 Mass. 501, 506 (1942). Wellington v. Apthorp, 145 Mass. 69, 74 (1887). It is also elementary that an unam'biguous agreement must be enforced according to its terms. Freelander v. G. & K. Realty Corp., 357 Mass. 512, 516 (1970). There is no ambiguity in the letter of intent between the plaintiff and Federal-Mogul. The parties clearly stated certain contractual commitments to which they were binding themselves and, just' as clearly, they followed those commitments with an expression of their intention to proceed to negotiate in good faith. That this expression of intent follows the parties’ disclaimer of binding effect and begins with the[*707] word “however” does not elevate its status from a mere expression of intent into a binding obligation. [3]

2. The right of first refusal. Both the trial judge and the Appeals Court also concluded that Federal-Mogul was contractually bound to recognize that the plaintiff had a right of first refusal. 31 Mass. App. Ct. at 406. In contrast to the parties’ written statement concerning good faith negotiations, Federal-Mogul’s promise concerning the plaintiff’s right of first refusal was far more than a mere expression of intention, see note 2, supra, and therefore we agree with the conclusion of the lower courts. The trial judge found that Federal-Mogul violated that duty, by failing to give the plaintiff an opportunity to purchase the division on the same terms as were set out in a January 8, 1981, draft memorandum initialled by Federal-Mogul and the buyer, because, concluded the trial judge, that memorandum constituted a firm offer. [4]

The Appeals Court, reversing the judge, concluded that the memorandum did not constitute a firm offer “because it contained a major hole pertaining to how the buyer would pay the purchase price, and the amount of that price, itself, was unresolved.” Schwanbeck v. Federal-Mogul Corp., 31 Mass. App. Ct. at 406. The Appeals Court reasoned that the memorandum was deficient with regard to the price because:[*708] (1) the memorandum did not specify which of Federal-Mogul’s liabilities would be assumed by the buyer or the value of whatever liabilities the buyer would assume; (2) various economic terms within the memorandum varied from the terms of the agreement that Federal-Mogul and the buyer executed on February 2, 1981; and (3) neither the value nor the attributes of the preferred stock, which was contemplated as part of the purchase price, were addressed by the memorandum. Schwanbeck v. Federal-Mogul Corp., 31 Mass. App. Ct. at 407-409. Once again, we agree with the Appeals Court’s result although we disagree with that court’s reasoning.

The first two reasons offered by the Appeals Court do not support a conclusion that the buyer did not make a firm offer to Federal-Mogul on January 8, 1981. Under the terms of the memorandum, whatever liabilities the plaintiff would have assumed from Federal-Mogul were to be deducted from the purchase price. The liabilities, therefore, would have had no net economic effect on the purchase price and their indefinite value did not affect the memorandum’s status as a firm offer. Similarly, because the' parties were free to modify the terms of the memorandum, that they did so does not mean that the initial memorandum was not a firm offer. See Beach & Clarridge Co. v. American Steam Gauge & Valve Mfg. Co., 202 Mass. 177, 182 (1909).

The memorandum’s provision that the price was to include an undisclosed amount of stock at an undetermined value with unspecified attributes, however, standing alone, would have made, the memorandum too indefinite to constitute a firm offer. [5] See Simons v. American Dry Ginger Ale Co., 335 Mass. 521, 523 (1957). The judge found and the plaintiff contends, however, that any deficiencies in the memorandum were corrected by extrinsic evidence, specifically the parties’[*709] notes and oral testimony, which established that the parties had arrived at a price of $300,000 for the preferred stock and that the basic features of the stock had been worked out. The Appeals Court, however, without explanation, did not consider the extrinsic evidence and concluded that whether the memorandum was enforceable was a question of law rather than fact. Schwanbeck v. Federal-Mogul Corp., 31 Mass. App. Ct. at 406. The plaintiff asserts, in response to the Appeals Court’s position, that, when evidence is of a mixed character, testimonial and documentary as was the situation in the present case, the fact finder’s determination is subject to the more deferential, “clearly erroneous” standard of review. See Bresky v. Rosenberg, 256 Mass. 66, 75 (1926) (if evidence of contract consists of more than writings, question is for jury); Gel Sys. Inc. v. Hyundai Eng’g & Constr. Co., 902 F.2d 1024, 1027 (1st Cir. 1990) (where trial judge relied on written agreement and extrinsic evidence, findings would be set aside only if clearly erroneous).

While we agree with the Appeals Court that whether the memorandum was a firm offer is a question of law, that conclusion requires some explanation in response to the plaintiff’s persuasive arguments to the contrary. We have held previously that a person with a right of first refusal cannot exercise that right until “the owner has received a bona fide and enforceable (written) offer from a third party.” Roy v. George W. Greene, Inc., 404 Mass. 67, 70 (1989). Unarticulated in Roy, although critical to its reasoning, is the fact that the dispute in that case concerned an interest in land, a right of first refusal to purchase an automobile repair shop. See id. at 67-68. Any promise involving real property is enforceable only if that promise meets the requirements of the Statute of Frauds, G. L. c. 259, § 1 (1990 ed.). As in Roy, the dispute in this case concerns both real and personal property, and, because the offer did not differentiate between the interest in land and the interest in personal property, the entire agreement fell within the Statute of Frauds. See First Nat’l Bank v. Fairhaven Amusement Co., 347 Mass. 243, 245 (1964).

[*710] In order for Federal-Mogul to have had an enforceable offer from the buyer that would have satisfied the Statute of Frauds, Federal-Mogul would have had to prove not only an agreement, but also “a memorandum in writing containing the terms of that [agreement] in so far as [Federal-Mogul] seeks to enforce them.” Fichera v. Lawrence; 312 Mass. 287, 288 (1942). See Bouvier v. L’Eveque, 324 Mass. 476, 478 (1949). “The price of a parcel of land is undoubtedly an essential element of a contract for its sale.” Shayeb v. Holland, 321 Mass. 429, 432 (1947). We are of opinion, therefore, that the price offered by the buyer for the division was an essential element that Federal-Mogul would have had to prove by a writing in order to enforce the buyer’s offer. We are satisfied that the price was too indefinite because of the undetermined value of the preferred stock in the written memorandum.

The judge’s findings about the value of the preferred stock, since it was not contained in the written memorandum, would have had to have been based on extrinsic evidence. That the parties had written notes and conversations about the preferred stock is irrelevant because the offer, involving the sale of land, was clearly within the Statute of Frauds. We conclude, therefore, as a matter of law, that Federal-Mogul had no firm offer from the buyer prior to the expiration of the plaintiffs right of first refusal on January 15, 1981.

3. Other issues. Our conclusion, in accordance with the result reached by the Appeals Court, that Federal-Mogul did not breach any obligation to negotiate in good faith or the plaintiffs right of first refusal, similarly leads us to support the Appeals Court’s determinations that Federal-Mogul’s conduct did not require Federal-Mogul to negotiate past the expiration of the plaintiffs right of first refusal; that, with two exceptions, Federal-Mogul did not commit common law fraud; that the buyer did not tortiously interfere with the plaintiffs contractual and advantageous relationship with Federal-Mogul; and that, with the exception of Federal-Mogul’s two misrepresentations, neither Federal-Mogul nor the buyer engaged in any unfair or deceptive acts in violation of[*711] G. L. c. 93A. Consequently, there is no need to consider the plaintiff’s argument on appeal concerning the judge’s award of damages.

The judgment is reversed and the case is remanded for consideration of damages and attorney’s fees in accordance with the opinion of the Appeals Court.

So ordered.

2

The relevant portions of the parties’ letter of intent are as follows: “Of course, this letter is not intended to create, nor do you or we presently have any binding legal obligation whatever in any way relating to such sale and purchase other than (i) with respect to the cost of appraisers and the review of OSHA compliance and repairs to remedy flooding . . . and (ii) those arising from the Confidentiality Agreement .... No further obligation will arise until a definitive agreement is reduced to writing and executed by you, the New Corporation and us and then only to the extent provided for and subject to the terms and conditions (e.g., approval of our Board of Directors) which may be set forth therein.

“However, it is our intention, and, we understand, your intention immediately to proceed in good faith in the negotiation of such binding definitive agreement. . . .[*706] “No public or private announcement to the employees of the [division] or others shall be made without our prior consent. A mutually agreed upon public announcement of the proposed transaction will, however, be made not later than the signing of the definitive agreement.

“It has been agreed that we are under no moral or legal obligation to refrain from negotiating the sale of the [division] with others until the definitive agreement has been executed. However, should any firm offer to purchase such business be made to us by a third party before December 1,

1980, you will have a right of first refusal to purchase such business on the same terms and conditions contained in such offer. Such right shall be exercisable by you by delivery to us of written notice of such exercise on or before the 15th day following our delivery to you of a writing setting forth such terms and conditions.”

The parties later extended the right of first refusal to January 15, 1981.

3

We note that the contractual commitments in the letter of intent incorporated a binding covenant of good faith and fair dealing. See Anthony’s Pier Four, Inc. v. HBC Assocs., 411 Mass. 451, 473 (1991), and cases cited.

4

The judge concluded that this memorandum constituted not only a firm offer but also a contract. The Appeals Court characterized the question on appeal as whether the memorandum constituted an “enforceable offer" or an “enforceable contract.” Schwanbeck v. Federal-Mogul Corp., 31 Mass. App. Ct. 390, 406 (1991). The plaintiff contends on appeal that a firm offer requires something less than that envisioned by the Appeals Court. The parties themselves did not define what they meant by a “firm offer,” and this term is used frequently only in the Uniform Commercial Code, see G. L. c. 106, § 2-205 (1990 ed.), which is inapplicable to the present case. In the absence of any contractual definition, we conclude that a “firm offer” in these circumstances is an offer that, were it not for the plaintiff’s right of first refusal, would be enforceable on Federal-Mogul’s manifestation of acceptance of the terms of the offer. Cf. Roy v. George W. Greene, Inc., 404 Mass. 67, 69-71 (1989).

5

The memorandum stated: “The Purchaser shall deliver a certificate or certificates for _ shares of its Preferred Stock (the “Preferred Stock”), which Preferred Stock shall have the attributes described in Exhibit Three to this Agreement.” There was, at that time, no Exhibit Three to the memorandum.