22/01/2009

Anglo Investors To Sue As Bankers Cut And Run

It has emerged that Anglo Irish Bank stakeholders will attempt to sue the bank and its senior management following revelations over its concealment of loans.

It is believed the bank and its former executives are likely to be sued for breach of confidence and trust, fraud and negligent misrepresentation.

Controversy has plagued the bank after the dramatic collapse in its share price and the 'jumping of ship' by four of its top executives.

Irish Nationwide Building Society is also being sued, along with its auditors KPMG and Ernst & Young, and Anglo Irish Bank’s auditors.

The four former directors of the bank are also expected to face legal actions for alleged breach of fiduciary duty by acting against the interests of shareholders

the Oireachtas Committee on Economic Regulatory Affairs was told last week that the bank's disgraced ex-Chairman, Seán FitzPatrick, had concealed loans exceeding €87 million over an eight-year period.

One shareholder of the bank, a senior counsel, has already lodged papers in the High Court suing the bank as a corporate entity.

Monday’s ship jumping by the entire Anglo Irish board, along with the retirement of Bank of Ireland boss Brian Goggin, is believed to be the start of a banking board exodus as administrators move in.

(DW/BMcC)

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