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The first judgment in a shareholder class action in England & Wales has been handed down by the High Court today in Sharp v Blank [2019] EWHC 3078 (Ch) (also known as The Lloyds/HBOS litigation).

In rejecting the claim brought by a group of shareholders against Lloyds relating to its acquisition of HBOS in 2008, the decision of the High Court provides clarity on some of the most important battlegrounds which arise in shareholder class actions as well as guidance for listed companies and their directors on various key aspects of capital markets and M&A transactions.

This significant decision will have ramifications for listed companies, and their advisers, in the UK.

A briefing paper setting out our observations and insights is available here.

Download Briefing

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London Financial Services Disputes Dispute Resolution Class Actions Financial Institutions Harry Edwards Damien Byrne Hill Sarah Penfold Ceri Morgan