September 1, 2002
Judgment Goes To The Heart Of Disputed Shareholding
Richmond Limited has welcomed the reserved interim judgment of Justice William Young, in the proceedings to determine
the status of the shareholding of PPCS Limited since 1998.
Richmond says Justice Young’s judgment has confirmed the Company’s concerns about the real nature of the cornerstone
(33%) shareholding acquired by HKM Nominees in 1998. While both the seller of that shareholding, NZ Meat Board, and
Richmond believed HKM was a genuine investor on behalf of Maori investment interests, Justice Young found: “The reality
that HKM was at that time intended to be just a nominee for PPCS is unmistakable.”
Richmond Chairman Sam Robinson says that PPCS’ relevant interest in the HKM shares, in contravention of the Company’s
Constitution and the Securities Amendment Act, had been at the very heart of the longstanding shareholding dispute in
Richmond.
“We went to the court looking for an outcome to resolve festering shareholder issues. We now know for sure the real
nature of HKM’s shareholding and the covert involvement of PPCS.”
Mr Robinson said that Justice Young’s judgment was a lengthy one involving many issues that deserved reflection and
further detailed study by the Company’s legal team led by Bill Wilson QC.
The judgment released late Friday was the initial step in a two-phase process. The second phase involves a further
hearing and decision concerning remedies for breaches found by Justice Young.
Mr Robinson says Richmond is looking for a speedy resolution of proceedings.
Ends