Building materials supplier files suit vs 25-yr business partner

MANILA, Philippines - Dexterton Corp., a local supplier and distributor of building materials, lighting fixtures and furniture, has filed a P50-million damage suit against Grohe Pacific Pte Ltd., the manufacturer, distributor and supplier of sanitary wares and accessories bearing the Grohe brand in Southeast Asia and Pacific Regions. Dexterton has been the exclusive distributor of Grohe products in the Philippines since 1986.

In a 32-page complaint filed with the Quezon City Regional Trial Court, Dexterton accused Grohe Pacific of reneging on its commitment to supply the firm with Grohe products so it could meet commitments to three major property developments. It also claimed that Grohe Pacific is allegedly interfering with Dexterton’s agreements and business dealings with the developers of these three major projects.

Based on the complaint, Dexterton claimed that Grohe Pacific misled it to use its money, manpower and other resources in trying to supply Grohe products to these three major property development projects and for other marketing and promotional activities for Grohe products.

This Dexterton did upon the assurance that it would retain its exclusive distributorship of Grohe products in the Philippines. 

According to Dexterton, Grohe Pacific refused to supply the company with Grohe products and is now allegedly trying to deal with the developers of these major property developments directly.

Dexterton is asking the court for an award of more than P50 million in damages against Grohe Pacific. Dexterton said the actions of Grohe Pacific has not only caused the company financial losses, but have also irreparably damaged its reputation. 

Dexterton is also asking that Grohe Pacific be enjoined from dealing directly with these major developers and from doing any act which would interfere with its agreements, commitments or business relationship with said developers.