An Oskaloosa-based bank improperly interfered in efforts to buy the assets of Schaffer Bridal & Formal, a deal that would have placed the two oldest names in Greater Des Moines formal wear on the same page, if not under the same roof, according to a lawsuit filed in Polk County District Court.

Mary Jo Harty, president of Skeffington’s, and business partner Susan Hagedorn claim in the lawsuit filed June 16 that First National Bank Midwest backed out of an oral agreement that would have allowed them to buy the assets of Panache Inc., the parent of Schaffer’s Bridal & Formal.

First National Bank Midwest holds Panache’s assets, including the Schaffer’s trade name, as the result of court rulings in the wake of the death of businessman Ed Boesen. Harty and Hagedorn intend to operate Schaffer’s as stand-alone business, separate from Skeffington’s.

Boesen had acquired Panache after paying its bank debts. He also owned the Harmony Building at West Glen Town Center, where Schaffer’s was located.

Harty and Hagedorn wanted to buy the business assets only and move to another building at West Glen that is owned by developer Gary Kirke.

Kirke participated in negotiations involving bank representatives, Harty and Hagedorn for the purchase of Panache’s assets and was present when bank President Paul Swenson said, “we have a deal,” according to the lawsuit. Swenson and another bank officer, Brad Sporrer, also are named as defendants in the lawsuit.

After reaching the agreement, Harty and Hagedorn obtained financing, secured a lease and took other steps to close the deal. Part of the agreement was that Harty and Hagedorn also would assume claims for a vehicle lease and rent for a Schaffer’s location in the East Village.

The lawsuit accuses First National Bank Midwest of breach of contract and accuses Swenson and Sporrer of improperly interfering in the contract to buy Panache’s assets.

The lawsuit also seeks to prevent First National Bank Midwest from selling Panache’s assets to anyone other than Harty and Hagedorn.