### Louisiana Court Upholds Broker’s Win in Auto Shop Dispute
Louisiana’s Second Circuit Court of Appeal affirmed a district court ruling on April 8, 2026, awarding Victus 1, Inc., doing business as Benchmark Business Brokers, a victory over Bradshaw’s Body Shop, Inc., aka Bradshaw’s Auto Body. The decision stems from a contract dispute where the broker sought payment for services rendered. Details of the award amount and exact claims remain limited in public records.
The case ignited when Benchmark Business Brokers, a firm specializing in business sales, sued Bradshaw’s Body Shop after the auto repair outfit allegedly stiffed them on fees. Represented by attorneys Tracy W. Houck and others, the brokers claimed entitlement to compensation—likely a commission or liquidation fee—for matchmaking or deal facilitation services. Bradshaw’s, defended by Robert W. Maxwell and Steven E. Soileau, appealed the trial court’s judgment in Bossier Parish, arguing the lower court got it wrong.
The appellate panel—Judges Cox, Thompson, and Ellender—upheld the ruling without published reasons in the available opinion, a common practice for straightforward affirmances under Louisiana rules. This means the trial court’s findings on contract breach or service value stood firm. For business brokers, it reinforces that courts won’t let clients dodge agreed payments, protecting deal-makers in Louisiana’s competitive sales market.
**Bottom Line:** Brokers can count on courts enforcing service contracts—don’t sign if you can’t pay.
https://www.courtlistener.com/opinion/10839211/victus-1-inc-dba-benchmark-business-brokers-v-bradshaws-body-shop/
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