Since the purpose of a preliminary injunction is to maintain the status quo pending a hearing on the merits, rather than to determine the parties' ultimate rights (see Matter of 35 N.Y. City Police Officers v City of New York, 34 AD3d 392, 393-394), the motion court exercised its discretion appropriately in granting plaintiffs' motion to the extent of directing defendant to place into escrow a certain sum of money. However, inasmuch as the denial of injunctive relief as to the entirety of the sum disputed by the parties would disturb the status quo, we modify to the extent indicated.
We have considered the arguments raised by defendant on the cross appeal and find them unavailing.