Lewis Silkin has acted for Jonathan Friend (and Friend TP Limited) in the successful defence of a High Court claim brought by Friend Media Technology Systems Limited and Friend MTS Limited on the direction of its current management team. Both entities are part of the Friend Group which was founded by Mr Friend two decades ago and of which he remains a director and shareholder.
The team was led by David Samuels (Partner), supported by Alistair Hayes (Senior Associate), Craig Turner (Associate), Oliver Shepley (Associate) and Tom Glenn (Solicitor Apprentice).
The Claimants pursued various claims, alleging that Mr Friend had breached his contractual obligations, directors’ duties and fiduciary duties, all of which failed in their entirety. Allegations that Mr Friend had disclosed the Claimants’ confidential information were also dismissed and described by the Court as being “hopeless” and “without foundation”.
Mr Friend was found to have been an “honest witness” who “has at all times acted as he honestly believed was in the best interests of the Friend Group”.
Commenting on the decision, David Samuels said: “Mr Friend has faced serious and unfounded claims against him, and we are delighted both to have acted for him in his comprehensive defence, and by the Court’s findings that he was honest and has not breached any of his duties ”
Lewis Silkin instructed Gavin Mansfield KC (Littleton Chambers), Tom Ogg (11KBW), Samuel Willis (11BW) and Carla Fischer (Littleton Chambers). The Claimants were represented by Addleshaw Goddard, Dan Oudkerk KC (Essex Court Chambers) and Jamie Randall (Serle Court).
You can find the judgment here.