Watchstone Group PLC Prospective claim by Slater and Gordon (7958E)
May 11 2017 - 2:01AM
UK Regulatory
TIDMWTG
RNS Number : 7958E
Watchstone Group PLC
11 May 2017
Watchstone Group plc
("Watchstone" or the "Group")
Prospective claim by Slater and Gordon
Further to its announcement on 30 November 2016, Watchstone
Group plc (LON:WTG) has now received further correspondence from a
firm of solicitors acting for Slater and Gordon Limited (ASX: SGH)
("SGH") stating that it intends to issue proceedings by the end of
this month. Its letter states that SGH intends to make a claim for
a total amount of approximately GBP600m on the basis that but for
fraudulent misrepresentation it would not have entered into the
transaction at all.
A groundless claim for fraudulent misrepresentation was
dismissed by the independent barrister in respect of the warranty
escrow process relating to the sale of the Professional Services
Division in November 2016 ("Opinion"). The Opinion, which was
formed on the basis of evidence provided by both SGH and
Watchstone, stated that a misrepresentation claim was not a bona
fide claim with a better than 50 per cent prospect of success.
Watchstone denies any misrepresentation in the strongest terms
and remains satisfied that neither the warranty claim nor a
misrepresentation claim have merit and will defend such claims
robustly if proceedings are brought.
Despite multiple requests, SGH has continuously declined to
disclose key evidence in its possession which would be relevant to
the merits and quantum of its purported claims. Watchstone believes
this evidence will be available to it in the event that SGH issues
proceedings and it intends to seek disclosure of such information
at the earliest possible opportunity.
Watchstone will make further announcements in due course, as
appropriate.
For further information:
Watchstone Group plc Tel: 020 7930
8033
alexnekrassov@newcenturymedia.co.uk
Tel: 020 7418
Peel Hunt LLP, Nominated Adviser 8900
and broker
Dan Webster
This information is provided by RNS
The company news service from the London Stock Exchange
END
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