merger doctrine (Wisconsin) · Go Syfert
← Wisconsin issues

merger doctrine in Wisconsin

13 Wisconsin opinions name it 2 courts 1901–2025 2 in the last five years

The cases below were cited by Wisconsin courts in a sentence that names this issue. Sides come from how each citing opinion treated the case (Syfertize flag on that citation), so a case can appear on both: that is where the law is contested. A red or yellow chip is the case's own overall treatment.

Followed or applied (10)

CaseFollowedCited
Production Credit Ass'n of Madison v. Laufenberggreen
wisctapp · 1988 · cited in 3 Wisconsin opinions naming this issue, 2001–2024
2 sentences

2024The doctrine “is a common-law principle applied throughout all state and federal forums, in a basically consistent manner.” Production Credit Ass’n v. Laufenberg, 143 Wis. 2d 200, 205 , 420 N.W.2d 778 (Ct. App. 1988). ¶12 The merger doctrine as adopted in Wisconsin provides: When a valid and final personal judgment is rendered in favor of the plaintiff: (1) The plaintiff cannot thereafter maintain an action on the original claim or any part thereof, although [the plaintiff] may be able to maintain an action upon the judgment; and 2 The American Law Institute published the first version of this

2024The doctrine “is a common-law principle applied throughout all state and federal forums, in a basically consistent manner.” Production Credit Ass’n v. Laufenberg, 143 Wis. 2d 200, 205 , 420 N.W.2d 778 (Ct. App. 1988). ¶12 The merger doctrine as adopted in Wisconsin provides: When a valid and final personal judgment is rendered in favor of the plaintiff: (1) The plaintiff cannot thereafter maintain an action on the original claim or any part thereof, although [the plaintiff] may be able to maintain an action upon the judgment; and 2 The American Law Institute published the first version of this

23
Town Bank v. City Real Estate Development, LLCgreen
wis · 2010 · cited in 2 Wisconsin opinions naming this issue, 2018–2018
2 sentences

2018The Redemption Agreement, unlike the Operating Agreement or the Ancillary Restrictive Covenant, addresses the relationship between all three. ¶60 For example, the merger clause in Section 10.2 states that "[t]his Agreement" (meaning the Redemption Agreement) constitutes the "entire agreement" between the "parties" (meaning Great Lakes, Dr. Pannu, and Midwest) 21 "pertaining to its subject matter" and that it "supersedes all prior agreements, promises, covenants, arrangements, communications, representations, or warranties, whether oral or written, by [Great Lakes] or [Midwest]." It "expressly

2018The Redemption Agreement, unlike the Operating Agreement or the Ancillary Restrictive Covenant, addresses the relationship between all three. ¶60 For example, the merger clause in Section 10.2 states that "[t]his Agreement" (meaning the Redemption Agreement) constitutes the "entire agreement" between the "parties" (meaning Great Lakes, Dr. Pannu, and Midwest) 21 "pertaining to its subject matter" and that it "supersedes all prior agreements, promises, covenants, arrangements, communications, representations, or warranties, whether oral or written, by [Great Lakes] or [Midwest]." It "expressly

22
Riley Manufacturing Company, Inc. v. Anchor Glass Container Corporationgreen
ca10 · 1998 · cited in 2 Wisconsin opinions naming this issue, 2018–2018
2 sentences

2018Co., 157 F.3d at 780-81 (holding "the existence of the merger clause 33 No. 2016AP601 in the Settlement Agreement [in combination with the lack of arbitration clause] raises at least an ambiguity on the question of the intent of the parties to allow an arbitrator to decide the validity of the 1991 arbitration clause" because it "raises legitimate questions as to the continuing existence and scope of the arbitration clause in the Manufacturing Agreement" and thus, "the question of whether an agreement to arbitrate continues to exist . . . is a question for the courts"). ¶66 Consequently, this m

2018Co. , 157 F.3d at 780-81 (holding "the existence of the merger clause in the Settlement Agreement [in combination with the lack of arbitration clause] raises at least an ambiguity on the question of the intent of the parties to allow an arbitrator to decide the validity of the 1991 arbitration clause" because it "raises legitimate questions as to the continuing existence and scope of the arbitration clause in the Manufacturing Agreement" and thus, "the question of whether an agreement to arbitrate continues to exist ... is a question for the courts"). ¶66 Consequently, this matter requires a j

22
Waukesha Concrete Products Co. v. Capitol Indemnity Corp.green
wisctapp · 1985 · cited in 4 Wisconsin opinions naming this issue, 1988–2024
2 sentences

2024Waukesha Concrete, 127 Wis. 2d at 344 .

2020Id. at 344 .

14
Buckeye Check Cashing, Inc. v. Cardegnagreen
scotus · 2006 · cited in 2 Wisconsin opinions naming this issue, 2018–2018
2 sentences

2018Co. , 157 F.3d at 780-81 (holding "the existence of the merger clause in the Settlement Agreement [in combination with the lack of arbitration clause] raises at least an ambiguity on the question of the intent of the parties to allow an arbitrator to decide the validity of the 1991 arbitration clause" because it "raises legitimate questions as to the continuing existence and scope of the arbitration clause in the Manufacturing Agreement" and thus, "the question of whether an agreement to arbitrate continues to exist ... is a question for the courts"). ¶66 Consequently, this matter requires a j

2018Co. , 157 F.3d at 780-81 (holding "the existence of the merger clause in the Settlement Agreement [in combination with the lack of arbitration clause] raises at least an ambiguity on the question of the intent of the parties to allow an arbitrator to decide the validity of the 1991 arbitration clause" because it "raises legitimate questions as to the continuing existence and scope of the arbitration clause in the Manufacturing Agreement" and thus, "the question of whether an agreement to arbitrate continues to exist ... is a question for the courts"). ¶66 Consequently, this matter requires a j

12
Granite Rock Co. v. International Brotherhood of Teamstersgreen
scotus · 2010 · cited in 2 Wisconsin opinions naming this issue, 2018–2018
2 sentences

2018Co. , 157 F.3d at 780-81 (holding "the existence of the merger clause in the Settlement Agreement [in combination with the lack of arbitration clause] raises at least an ambiguity on the question of the intent of the parties to allow an arbitrator to decide the validity of the 1991 arbitration clause" because it "raises legitimate questions as to the continuing existence and scope of the arbitration clause in the Manufacturing Agreement" and thus, "the question of whether an agreement to arbitrate continues to exist ... is a question for the courts"). ¶66 Consequently, this matter requires a j

2018Co. , 157 F.3d at 780-81 (holding "the existence of the merger clause in the Settlement Agreement [in combination with the lack of arbitration clause] raises at least an ambiguity on the question of the intent of the parties to allow an arbitrator to decide the validity of the 1991 arbitration clause" because it "raises legitimate questions as to the continuing existence and scope of the arbitration clause in the Manufacturing Agreement" and thus, "the question of whether an agreement to arbitrate continues to exist ... is a question for the courts"). ¶66 Consequently, this matter requires a j

12
Kallas v. B&G REALTYgreen
wisctapp · 1992 · cited in 1 Wisconsin opinions naming this issue, 2025–2025
2 sentences

2025See Kallas v. B & G Realty, 169 Wis. 2d 412, 419-20 , 485 N.W.2d 278 (Ct. App. 1992) (an easement is extinguished by merger when the dominant and servient estates are owned by the same person).

2025See Kallas v. B & G Realty, 169 Wis. 2d 412, 419-20 , 485 N.W.2d 278 (Ct. App. 1992) (an easement is extinguished by merger when the dominant and servient estates are owned by the same person).

11
Bank of Sun Prairie v. Marshall Development Co.green
wisctapp · 2001 · cited in 1 Wisconsin opinions naming this issue, 2024–2024
2 sentences

2024Co., 2001 WI App 64 , ¶9 & n. 5, 242 Wis. 2d 355 , 626 N.W.2d 319 (quoting RESTATEMENT ch. 3, intro. note (1982)). 9 No. 2023AP751 ¶21 On this record, we conclude that reversal on this issue would not blindside the circuit court.

2024Co., 2001 WI App 64 , ¶9 & n. 5, 242 Wis. 2d 355 , 626 N.W.2d 319 (quoting RESTATEMENT ch. 3, intro. note (1982)). 9 No. 2023AP751 ¶21 On this record, we conclude that reversal on this issue would not blindside the circuit court.

11
Brenton State Bank of Jefferson v. Tiffanygreen
iowa · 1989 · cited in 1 Wisconsin opinions naming this issue, 2001–2001
1 sentence

2001See Brenton State Bank, 440 N.W.2d at 585-86 . ¶ 31.

11
Bellande v. United Statesgreen
ca5 · 1928 · cited in 1 Wisconsin opinions naming this issue, 1979–1979
1 sentence

1979See Bellande v. United States, 5 Cir., 1928, 25 F.2d 1 , and Steigman v. United States, 3 Cir. 1915, 220 *328 F. 63, both rejecting the merger rule as applied to conspiracies.

11

Distinguished, questioned or overruled (0)

CaseNegativeCited
No negative-treatment citations attached to this issue in Wisconsin. Read the followed side critically anyway.

Also cited on this issue (16)

CaseCitedYears
Caylus v. . the New York, Kingston and Syracuse Rd. Co. neutral
ny · 1879
2 sentences

1941Co. 76 N. Y. 609 . ...

1901Co. 76 N. Y. 609 .

21901–1941
Menard, Inc. v. Liteway Lighting Products neutral
wisctapp · 2004
2 sentences

2024The Laceys cited this authority for the proposition that a “money judgment was sufficient to dissolve the contract between the parties.” See Menard, 273 Wis. 2d 439 , ¶24 & n.4; Post, 157 Wis. 2d at 659-60 .3 At and around the cited passages in Post, this court addressed “res judicata” principles that evoke the merger doctrine.4 See Post, 157 Wis. 2d at 658-60 . 3 More specifically, footnote 4 of Menard states: To the extent Menard’s argument relates to a timeline wherein the judgment was satisfied and then items were returned, Liteway was given a money judgment, not a replevin judgment.

2024Menard, Inc. v. Liteway Lighting Prods., 2004 WI App. 95, ¶24 n.4, 273 Wis. 2d 439 , 685 N.W.2d 365 (emphasis added), abrogated on other grounds by Kruckenberg v. Harvey, 2005 WI 43 , 279 Wis. 2d 520 , 694 N.W.2d 879 . 4 As this court has explained, under the approach used in the RESTATEMENT, the merger doctrine “is an aspect of res judicata”: the term “res judicata” is used in a broad sense to include three concepts: “merger—the extinguishment of a claim in a judgment for plaintiff; bar—the extinguishment of a claim in a judgment for defendant; and issue preclusion—the effect of the determina

12024–2024
Post v. Schwall green
wisctapp · 1990
2 sentences

2024The Laceys cited this authority for the proposition that a “money judgment was sufficient to dissolve the contract between the parties.” See Menard, 273 Wis. 2d 439 , ¶24 & n.4; Post, 157 Wis. 2d at 659-60 .3 At and around the cited passages in Post, this court addressed “res judicata” principles that evoke the merger doctrine.4 See Post, 157 Wis. 2d at 658-60 . 3 More specifically, footnote 4 of Menard states: To the extent Menard’s argument relates to a timeline wherein the judgment was satisfied and then items were returned, Liteway was given a money judgment, not a replevin judgment.

2024The Laceys cited this authority for the proposition that a “money judgment was sufficient to dissolve the contract between the parties.” See Menard, 273 Wis. 2d 439 , ¶24 & n.4; Post, 157 Wis. 2d at 659-60 .3 At and around the cited passages in Post, this court addressed “res judicata” principles that evoke the merger doctrine.4 See Post, 157 Wis. 2d at 658-60 . 3 More specifically, footnote 4 of Menard states: To the extent Menard’s argument relates to a timeline wherein the judgment was satisfied and then items were returned, Liteway was given a money judgment, not a replevin judgment.

12024–2024
Kruckenberg v. Harvey green
wis · 2005
2 sentences

2024Menard, Inc. v. Liteway Lighting Prods., 2004 WI App. 95, ¶24 n.4, 273 Wis. 2d 439 , 685 N.W.2d 365 (emphasis added), abrogated on other grounds by Kruckenberg v. Harvey, 2005 WI 43 , 279 Wis. 2d 520 , 694 N.W.2d 879 . 4 As this court has explained, under the approach used in the RESTATEMENT, the merger doctrine “is an aspect of res judicata”: the term “res judicata” is used in a broad sense to include three concepts: “merger—the extinguishment of a claim in a judgment for plaintiff; bar—the extinguishment of a claim in a judgment for defendant; and issue preclusion—the effect of the determina

2024Menard, Inc. v. Liteway Lighting Prods., 2004 WI App. 95, ¶24 n.4, 273 Wis. 2d 439 , 685 N.W.2d 365 (emphasis added), abrogated on other grounds by Kruckenberg v. Harvey, 2005 WI 43 , 279 Wis. 2d 520 , 694 N.W.2d 879 . 4 As this court has explained, under the approach used in the RESTATEMENT, the merger doctrine “is an aspect of res judicata”: the term “res judicata” is used in a broad sense to include three concepts: “merger—the extinguishment of a claim in a judgment for plaintiff; bar—the extinguishment of a claim in a judgment for defendant; and issue preclusion—the effect of the determina

12024–2024
Turner v. Taylor green
wisctapp · 2003
2 sentences

2020The cases Gartner cites are thus inapplicable here. 6 See Turner v. Taylor, 2003 WI App 256 , ¶1 n.1, 268 Wis. 2d 628 , 673 N.W.2d 716 (court of appeals need not address all issues raised by the parties if one is dispositive). 18 No. 2019AP2067 declaration, and no declaration may prejudice the right of persons not parties to the proceeding.” Gregory Gartner, individually, has never been a party to this case.

2020The cases Gartner cites are thus inapplicable here. 6 See Turner v. Taylor, 2003 WI App 256 , ¶1 n.1, 268 Wis. 2d 628 , 673 N.W.2d 716 (court of appeals need not address all issues raised by the parties if one is dispositive). 18 No. 2019AP2067 declaration, and no declaration may prejudice the right of persons not parties to the proceeding.” Gregory Gartner, individually, has never been a party to this case.

12020–2020
Prima Paint Corp. v. Flood & Conklin Mfg. Co. green
scotus · 1967
2 sentences

2018See supra ¶ 108 and notes 13-14. 17 Majority op., ¶ 64. 18 Id. , ¶ 61. 19 Buckeye , 546 U.S. at 444 & n.1, 126 S.Ct. 1204 ; Prima Paint , 388 U.S. at 402 -04 , 87 S.Ct. 1801 ; see also Granite Rock , 561 U.S. at 297-300 , 130 S.Ct. 2847 . 20 Puzzlingly, the majority calls into question this framework.

2018See supra ¶ 108 and notes 13-14. 17 Majority op., ¶ 64. 18 Id. , ¶ 61. 19 Buckeye , 546 U.S. at 444 & n.1, 126 S.Ct. 1204 ; Prima Paint , 388 U.S. at 402 -04 , 87 S.Ct. 1801 ; see also Granite Rock , 561 U.S. at 297-300 , 130 S.Ct. 2847 . 20 Puzzlingly, the majority calls into question this framework.

12018–2018
Dairyland Equipment Leasing, Inc. v. Bohen green
wis · 1980
2 sentences

2018Bradley, J., dissenting). 14 Dairyland , 94 Wis. 2d at 608 -09 , 288 N.W.2d 852 ; Matthew , 54 Wis. 2d at 341 -42 , 195 N.W.2d 611 ; 11 Richard A. Lord, Williston on Contracts § 33:14 (4th ed. 2002) ; Restatement (Second) of Contracts § 213. 15 See majority op., ¶¶ 47, 56, 64, 67, 75. 16 At ¶¶ 59-60, the majority appears to read the merger clause in a way that is untethered to the subject matter of the Redemption Agreement.

2018Bradley, J., dissenting). 14 Dairyland , 94 Wis. 2d at 608 -09 , 288 N.W.2d 852 ; Matthew , 54 Wis. 2d at 341 -42 , 195 N.W.2d 611 ; 11 Richard A. Lord, Williston on Contracts § 33:14 (4th ed. 2002) ; Restatement (Second) of Contracts § 213. 15 See majority op., ¶¶ 47, 56, 64, 67, 75. 16 At ¶¶ 59-60, the majority appears to read the merger clause in a way that is untethered to the subject matter of the Redemption Agreement.

12018–2018
Matthew v. American Family Mutual Insurance green
wis · 1972
2 sentences

2018Bradley, J., dissenting). 14 Dairyland , 94 Wis. 2d at 608 -09 , 288 N.W.2d 852 ; Matthew , 54 Wis. 2d at 341 -42 , 195 N.W.2d 611 ; 11 Richard A. Lord, Williston on Contracts § 33:14 (4th ed. 2002) ; Restatement (Second) of Contracts § 213. 15 See majority op., ¶¶ 47, 56, 64, 67, 75. 16 At ¶¶ 59-60, the majority appears to read the merger clause in a way that is untethered to the subject matter of the Redemption Agreement.

2018Bradley, J., dissenting). 14 Dairyland , 94 Wis. 2d at 608 -09 , 288 N.W.2d 852 ; Matthew , 54 Wis. 2d at 341 -42 , 195 N.W.2d 611 ; 11 Richard A. Lord, Williston on Contracts § 33:14 (4th ed. 2002) ; Restatement (Second) of Contracts § 213. 15 See majority op., ¶¶ 47, 56, 64, 67, 75. 16 At ¶¶ 59-60, the majority appears to read the merger clause in a way that is untethered to the subject matter of the Redemption Agreement.

12018–2018
Glover v. Marine Bank of Beaver Dam green
wis · 1984
2 sentences

2001It also argues the alternative grounds asserted by Grimmer to support the summary judgment — Wis. STAT. §§ 846.10 and 846.101 (1999-2000) 3 as construed in Glover v. Marine Bank, 117 Wis. 2d 684, 693-94 , 345 N.W.2d 449 (1984), and the doctrine of claim preclusion — do not bar this action. 4 ¶ 5.

2001It also argues the alternative grounds asserted by Grimmer to support the summary judgment — Wis. STAT. §§ 846.10 and 846.101 (1999-2000) 3 as construed in Glover v. Marine Bank, 117 Wis. 2d 684, 693-94 , 345 N.W.2d 449 (1984), and the doctrine of claim preclusion — do not bar this action. 4 ¶ 5.

12001–2001
Fish v. Amsted Industries, Inc. green
wis · 1985
2 sentences

1994Indeed, in discussing the merger exception, the supreme court in Fish expressly noted that "[t]he key element in determining whether a merger or de facto merger has occurred is that the transfer of ownership was for stock in the successor corporation rather than cash." Id. at 301 , 376 N.W.2d at 824 .

1994Indeed, in discussing the merger exception, the supreme court in Fish expressly noted that "[t]he key element in determining whether a merger or de facto merger has occurred is that the transfer of ownership was for stock in the successor corporation rather than cash." Id. at 301 , 376 N.W.2d at 824 .

11994–1994
United States v. Fleming green
dc · 1966
1 sentence

1979See also LaFave and Scott, supra.” As noted by the court, the reasons for rejecting the merger rule are cogent ones, equally applicable to the present case: “To compel acquittal of an attempt because the completed offénse was proved would result in the ‘anomalous situation of a defendant going free “not because he was innocent, but for the very strange reason, that he was too guilty.” ’ (Footnote omitted.) United States v. Fleming, supra, 215 A.2d at 840-841 .

11979–1979
Bowen v. . Mandeville green
ny · 1884
2 sentences

1901Sherman v. Brett, 7 Wis. 139 ; Freeman, Judgments, § 222; Morgan v. Skidmore, 55 Barb. 263 ; Bowen v. Mandeville, 95 N. Y. 237 ; Vail v. Reynolds, 118 N. Y. 297 .

1901Freeman, Judgments, § 222, and cases cited; Rice v. King, 7 Johns. 19 ; Bowen v. Mandeville, supra. If the answer to the inquiry in that regard be in the affirmative, then both remedies are concurrently available unless the situation fall within the exception stated, the doctrine of merger.

11901–1901
Vail v. . Reynolds green
ny · 1890
1 sentence

1901Sherman v. Brett, 7 Wis. 139 ; Freeman, Judgments, § 222; Morgan v. Skidmore, 55 Barb. 263 ; Bowen v. Mandeville, 95 N. Y. 237 ; Vail v. Reynolds, 118 N. Y. 297 .

11901–1901
Sherman v. Brett neutral
wis · 1859
1 sentence

1901Sherman v. Brett, 7 Wis. 139 ; Freeman, Judgments, § 222; Morgan v. Skidmore, 55 Barb. 263 ; Bowen v. Mandeville, 95 N. Y. 237 ; Vail v. Reynolds, 118 N. Y. 297 .

11901–1901
Morgan v. Skidmore neutral
· 1869
1 sentence

1901Sherman v. Brett, 7 Wis. 139 ; Freeman, Judgments, § 222; Morgan v. Skidmore, 55 Barb. 263 ; Bowen v. Mandeville, 95 N. Y. 237 ; Vail v. Reynolds, 118 N. Y. 297 .

11901–1901
Brush v. Taggart neutral
nysupct · 1810
1 sentence

1901Freeman, Judgments, § 222, and cases cited; Rice v. King, 7 Johns. 19 ; Bowen v. Mandeville, supra. If the answer to the inquiry in that regard be in the affirmative, then both remedies are concurrently available unless the situation fall within the exception stated, the doctrine of merger.

11901–1901

Statutes the citing opinions construe

WI § Wis. Stat. § 808.10 (4)

Counted by distinct opinions that both name this issue and are annotated to the section; sections every opinion cites regardless of issue are not filtered here, so read the counts against the total above.

Where else courts name it

NY 473 (1823–2026) GA 286 (1933–2026) WA 272 (1927–2026) OH 245 (1896–2026) PA 232 (1906–2026) TX 217 (1888–2026) CA 168 (1919–2025) IL 100 (1900–2026) NC 73 (1920–2026) FL 70 (1938–2026) UT 68 (1945–2025) OR 64 (1977–2026) MA 63 (1921–2026) MD 60 (1962–2026) CO 59 (1895–2026) AL 56 (1872–2025) IA 53 (1883–2026) MO 49 (1894–2024) CT 48 (1979–2025) MI 43 (1894–2025) ID 41 (1959–2025) NJ 36 (1942–2025) KS 34 (1918–2026) VA 33 (1990–2025) TN 33 (1917–2026) DC 27 (1966–2024) HI 27 (1906–2026) MS 23 (1967–2023) KY 22 (1971–2025) MN 21 (1960–2017) AZ 19 (1927–2026) SC 19 (1981–2025) NM 19 (1943–2024) OK 18 (1930–2026) RI 18 (1989–2018) WV 16 (1987–2025) DE 15 (1930–2026) IN 14 (1878–2017) AR 14 (1916–2025) WY 13 (1951–2022) MT 13 (1980–2020) WI 13 (1901–2025) NH 13 (1988–2025) VT 10 (1996–2026) NE 10 (1926–2016) NV 8 (1985–2019) ME 7 (1976–2018) ND 6 (1984–2025) SD 6 (1980–2020) VI 4 (2008–2025) AK 2 (1989–2021)

Opinions by the citing court's state. A doctrine retained in one state and abandoned in another shows up here as a year span that stalls.

← Caselaw search · G Cite Topics · Brief Check