Pekelis, J.
Environmental Research and Development Corporation (ERADCO), general partner of Campus Park Associates, a real estate limited partnership, appeals from certain portions of a judgment in favor of the limited partners. ERADCO claims that the trial court erred in (1) holding that ERADCO had been effectively removed as general partner and properly replaced by Pace Corporation; (2) finding that ERADCO had breached a number of fiduciary duties toward the limited partners; (3) holding that ERADCO was not entitled to receive a 25 percent interest in the partnership profits; (4) denying ERADCO 1 percent of the net value of the partnership; and (5) denying ERAD CO's motion for a new trial.
The limited partners cross-appeal, claiming that the trial court erred in (1) awarding ERADCO certain partnership expenses; (2) holding that ERADCO did not violate the securities act; (3) holding that ERADCO did not violate the Consumer Protection Act; and (4) failing to award the limited partners prejudgment interest and attorney's fees. We affirm in part and reverse in part.
I
Facts
This action was brought in May of 1984 by 28 limited partners of Campus Park Associates against ERADCO, the general partner of Campus Park, and Patrick Easter, who owns ERADCO. ERADCO organized the Campus Park limited partnership in 1978 and sold units through the use of a private placement memorandum. The partnership units were offered under a claim of exemption from registration filed with the Securities Division, pursuant to RCW 21.20.320(1). Each limited partner entered into the certificate and agreement of limited partnership.
The primary asset of Campus Park is an 83-acre parcel of land located in Federal Way, Washington, which was [85]*85purchased for $2,472,333 in December 1978. The subject property remained raw land and was never the subject of any land use planning, zoning, or environmental action. No roads or utilities were constructed or installed, and no sales were completed.
On May 4, 1984, after a number of incidents involving alleged breaches of fiduciary duties by ERADCO, 74.4 percent of the limited partners voted by proxy to remove ERADCO and elect a successor general partner, the Pace Corporation. An amended certificate of limited partnership was filed on May 5, 1984, reflecting the removal and replacement of the general partner.
On May 7, 1984, the limited partners filed their complaint in this action, alleging, inter alia, breaches of the limited partnership agreement, fraud and misrepresentation, violations of RCW 21.20.010, the anti-fraud provision of the securities act, and violations of fiduciary duties. The limited partners sought to enjoin ERADCO from taking any further actions as general partner and an order compelling ERADCO to turn over books and records and provide an accounting. They further prayed for damages, termination of all contractual liabilities under the partnership agreement, and attorney's fees and costs.1
ERADCO answered, alleging improper removal and requesting reinstatement or dissolution of the partnership. ERADCO further sought a 25 percent interest in the net value of the partnership, and "reimbursable expenses" as provided for in the partnership agreement.
The limited partners brought a motion for a declaratory or partial summary judgment ratifying their action in removing ERADCO and appointing Pace. Partial summary judgment was granted. After a 4-week trial, the trial court again ratified the removal of ERADCO and substitution of Pace and held that by its acts ERADCO had breached a [86]*86number of fiduciary duties to the limited partners. While the trial court held that these breaches did not constitute violations of the securities act or the Consumer Protection Act, it denied ERADCO's claim for a 25 percent cash distribution, awarding it only its expenses and a refund with interest of its capital contribution. After the court's decision was rendered, ERADCO made a motion for a new trial under CR 59(a)(1). The basis for the motion was a conversation between the judge and attorney David Hoff, in which the judge asked for recommended sources of partnership law. The motion was denied. Both sides bring this timely appeal.
II
Analysis
A. Removal of General Partner
ERADCO argues that its removal as general partner was ineffective because the vote was not unanimous, no meeting was held for the vote, some limited partners did not receive notice of the vote, and ERADCO was neither notified of the vote nor given an opportunity to be heard regarding the issue of its removal. It also argues that these failures to notify ERADCO evidence bad faith and were breaches of the limited partners' fiduciary duties to ERADCO.
The limited partnership agreement provides as follows:
14. Rights, Powers and Voting Rights of Limited Partners.
14.2 Limited Partners shall only have the right to vote upon the following matters affecting the basic structure of the Partnership:
14.2.1 Removal of the General Partner for cause;
14.2.2 Election of a successor General Partner;
14.7 Matters upon which the Limited Partners may vote shall require a majority vote, as defined in paragraph 3.8 of this Agreement, to pass and become effective.
Paragraph 3.8 defines "majority vote" as 66 percent of the outstanding units. Paragraph 14.6 provides that voting may [87]*87be by "written proxy" and that state laws "pertaining to corporate proxies shall govern all Partnership proxies."
There is nothing in the partnership agreement that requires that a meeting be held when voting upon removal or that all partners should receive notice of such a vote. We reject the argument made by ERADCO that the reference to state laws pertaining to corporate proxies implicates meeting notice requirements. The agreement allows for voting by "written proxy" and provides that a majority vote, i.e., 66 percent, is sufficient. Thus, since 74.4 percent of the limited partners voted properly to remove ERADCO as general partner, we hold that the removal was valid, and we affirm the trial court on this issue.
B. Substitution of General Partner
ERADCO argues that its removal triggered the dissolution of the partnership since the election of a successor general partner was not unanimous.2 The limited partners reply that the agreement is ambiguous on this point, and that the ambiguity must be construed against ERADCO, who drafted the agreement. Thus, they contend that their substitution of Pace for ERADCO is valid.
In paragraph 14.2.2 of the agreement, the limited partners are given the right to vote on the election of a successor general partner. Paragraph 14.7 indicates that only a majority vote, defined as 66 percent, is required, while paragraph 18.1.2 requires a unanimous vote. The private placement memorandum contains a similar inconsistency.
The general rule is that ambiguities of any contract are to be resolved against the drafter. Guy Stickney, Inc. v. Underwood,
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Pekelis, J.
Environmental Research and Development Corporation (ERADCO), general partner of Campus Park Associates, a real estate limited partnership, appeals from certain portions of a judgment in favor of the limited partners. ERADCO claims that the trial court erred in (1) holding that ERADCO had been effectively removed as general partner and properly replaced by Pace Corporation; (2) finding that ERADCO had breached a number of fiduciary duties toward the limited partners; (3) holding that ERADCO was not entitled to receive a 25 percent interest in the partnership profits; (4) denying ERADCO 1 percent of the net value of the partnership; and (5) denying ERAD CO's motion for a new trial.
The limited partners cross-appeal, claiming that the trial court erred in (1) awarding ERADCO certain partnership expenses; (2) holding that ERADCO did not violate the securities act; (3) holding that ERADCO did not violate the Consumer Protection Act; and (4) failing to award the limited partners prejudgment interest and attorney's fees. We affirm in part and reverse in part.
I
Facts
This action was brought in May of 1984 by 28 limited partners of Campus Park Associates against ERADCO, the general partner of Campus Park, and Patrick Easter, who owns ERADCO. ERADCO organized the Campus Park limited partnership in 1978 and sold units through the use of a private placement memorandum. The partnership units were offered under a claim of exemption from registration filed with the Securities Division, pursuant to RCW 21.20.320(1). Each limited partner entered into the certificate and agreement of limited partnership.
The primary asset of Campus Park is an 83-acre parcel of land located in Federal Way, Washington, which was [85]*85purchased for $2,472,333 in December 1978. The subject property remained raw land and was never the subject of any land use planning, zoning, or environmental action. No roads or utilities were constructed or installed, and no sales were completed.
On May 4, 1984, after a number of incidents involving alleged breaches of fiduciary duties by ERADCO, 74.4 percent of the limited partners voted by proxy to remove ERADCO and elect a successor general partner, the Pace Corporation. An amended certificate of limited partnership was filed on May 5, 1984, reflecting the removal and replacement of the general partner.
On May 7, 1984, the limited partners filed their complaint in this action, alleging, inter alia, breaches of the limited partnership agreement, fraud and misrepresentation, violations of RCW 21.20.010, the anti-fraud provision of the securities act, and violations of fiduciary duties. The limited partners sought to enjoin ERADCO from taking any further actions as general partner and an order compelling ERADCO to turn over books and records and provide an accounting. They further prayed for damages, termination of all contractual liabilities under the partnership agreement, and attorney's fees and costs.1
ERADCO answered, alleging improper removal and requesting reinstatement or dissolution of the partnership. ERADCO further sought a 25 percent interest in the net value of the partnership, and "reimbursable expenses" as provided for in the partnership agreement.
The limited partners brought a motion for a declaratory or partial summary judgment ratifying their action in removing ERADCO and appointing Pace. Partial summary judgment was granted. After a 4-week trial, the trial court again ratified the removal of ERADCO and substitution of Pace and held that by its acts ERADCO had breached a [86]*86number of fiduciary duties to the limited partners. While the trial court held that these breaches did not constitute violations of the securities act or the Consumer Protection Act, it denied ERADCO's claim for a 25 percent cash distribution, awarding it only its expenses and a refund with interest of its capital contribution. After the court's decision was rendered, ERADCO made a motion for a new trial under CR 59(a)(1). The basis for the motion was a conversation between the judge and attorney David Hoff, in which the judge asked for recommended sources of partnership law. The motion was denied. Both sides bring this timely appeal.
II
Analysis
A. Removal of General Partner
ERADCO argues that its removal as general partner was ineffective because the vote was not unanimous, no meeting was held for the vote, some limited partners did not receive notice of the vote, and ERADCO was neither notified of the vote nor given an opportunity to be heard regarding the issue of its removal. It also argues that these failures to notify ERADCO evidence bad faith and were breaches of the limited partners' fiduciary duties to ERADCO.
The limited partnership agreement provides as follows:
14. Rights, Powers and Voting Rights of Limited Partners.
14.2 Limited Partners shall only have the right to vote upon the following matters affecting the basic structure of the Partnership:
14.2.1 Removal of the General Partner for cause;
14.2.2 Election of a successor General Partner;
14.7 Matters upon which the Limited Partners may vote shall require a majority vote, as defined in paragraph 3.8 of this Agreement, to pass and become effective.
Paragraph 3.8 defines "majority vote" as 66 percent of the outstanding units. Paragraph 14.6 provides that voting may [87]*87be by "written proxy" and that state laws "pertaining to corporate proxies shall govern all Partnership proxies."
There is nothing in the partnership agreement that requires that a meeting be held when voting upon removal or that all partners should receive notice of such a vote. We reject the argument made by ERADCO that the reference to state laws pertaining to corporate proxies implicates meeting notice requirements. The agreement allows for voting by "written proxy" and provides that a majority vote, i.e., 66 percent, is sufficient. Thus, since 74.4 percent of the limited partners voted properly to remove ERADCO as general partner, we hold that the removal was valid, and we affirm the trial court on this issue.
B. Substitution of General Partner
ERADCO argues that its removal triggered the dissolution of the partnership since the election of a successor general partner was not unanimous.2 The limited partners reply that the agreement is ambiguous on this point, and that the ambiguity must be construed against ERADCO, who drafted the agreement. Thus, they contend that their substitution of Pace for ERADCO is valid.
In paragraph 14.2.2 of the agreement, the limited partners are given the right to vote on the election of a successor general partner. Paragraph 14.7 indicates that only a majority vote, defined as 66 percent, is required, while paragraph 18.1.2 requires a unanimous vote. The private placement memorandum contains a similar inconsistency.
The general rule is that ambiguities of any contract are to be resolved against the drafter. Guy Stickney, Inc. v. Underwood, 67 Wn.2d 824, 827, 410 P.2d 7 (1966). Application of this rule would allow us to dispose of this issue by construing the agreement to require only a majority vote, were it not for Washington's limited partnership law which [88]*88seems to compel a different result. RCW 25.10.440 provides as follows:
A limited partnership is dissolved and its affairs shall be wound up upon the happening of the first to occur of the following:
(4) An event of withdrawal of a general partner unless at the time there is at least one other general partner and the partnership agreement permits the business of the limited partnership to be carried on by the remaining general partner and that partner does so, but the limited partnership is not dissolved and is not required to be wound up by reason of any event of withdrawal if, within ninety days after the withdrawal, all partners agree in writing to continue the business of the limited partnership and to the appointment of one or more additional general partners if necessary or desired . . .
(Italics ours.) An "event of withdrawal" is defined by RCW 25.10.230(3) as removal of a general partner in accordance with the partnership agreement.
A related provision, RCW 25.10.220, which contemplates the admission of additional general partners, rather than the substitution of a general partner, provides: "Unless otherwise provided in the partnership agreement, . . . additional general partners may be admitted only with the specific written consent of each partner." (Italics ours.) The "unless" clause was added to the Washington version of the 1976 Revised Uniform Limited Partnership Act (RULPA) adopted as RCW 25.10 by our Legislature in 1981. Compare Laws of 1981, ch. 51, § 22 with Revised Uniform Limited Partnership Act § 401 & comment, 6 U.L.A. 295 (Supp. 1987).
It is apparent that our Legislature made a positive decision in enacting RCW 25.10.220 to allow the partnership agreement to control. The fact that it did not do so in enacting RCW 25.10.440(4) evidences a legislative intent that all limited partners consent to the substitution of . a general partner when no other general partner remains, [89]*89whether there be an agreement to the contrary or not.3
In construing the section of the RULPA upon which RCW 25.10.220 is based, one court has said: "The purpose of that section . . . is to give each limited partner, who has no voice in the operation of the partnership business, the opportunity to prevent his investment from falling into the hands of an unknown or unwanted general partner." Wasserman v. Wasserman, 7 Mass. App. Ct. 167, 175, 386 N.E.2d 783, 788, 6 A.L.R.4th 1268 (1979). The same policy applies with even greater force when one contemplates not the admission of additional general partners, but rather, the substitution of a new general partner where no other general partners remain.4 Cf. RCW 25.04.180(7); Beebe v. Allison, 112 Wash. 145, 192 P. 17 (1920) (in general partnership context, all partners must consent to the admission of a new member).
We conclude, therefore, based on the legislative history and general principles of partnership law, that under RCW 25.10.440(4) dissolution occurs by operation of law where no general partner remains following the removal of a general partner, if there has been no unanimous approval of a substitute general partner within 90 days.5 Thus, we hold [90]*90that Campus Park Associates was dissolved, and the partnership must now proceed to wind up its affairs.
The remainder of this opinion has no precedential value. Therefore, it will not be published but has been filed for public record. See RCW 2.06.040; CAR 14.
Coleman, A.C.J., concurs.