Century 21 Lawsuit Heads for Trial

MIAMI-The appellate division of the Superior Court of New Jersey has denied Century 21 Real Estate Corp. and its parent, Cendant Corp., an appeal seeking to dismiss a lawsuit by current and former Century 21 franchisees, including one in Miami-Dade County.

The franchisees filed the class-action lawsuit Jan. 20, 2002. The suit seeks unspecified monetary damages for breach of contract, breach of the duty of good faith and fair dealing, and breach of fiduciary duty, among other claims.

The complaint alleges Cendant and Century 21 failed to fulfill their obligations under the franchise agreements to Century 21 franchisees throughout the country. The suit also charges Cendant and Century 21 with redirecting resources paid by Century 21 franchisees to benefit other Cendant real estate entities.