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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.

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Harry Edwards

Partner, Melbourne

Harry Edwards
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Damien Byrne Hill

Partner, London

Damien Byrne Hill
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Sarah Penfold

Senior Associate, London

Sarah Penfold
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Ceri Morgan

Professional Support Consultant, London

Ceri Morgan

Key contacts

Harry Edwards photo

Harry Edwards

Partner, Melbourne

Harry Edwards
Damien Byrne Hill photo

Damien Byrne Hill

Partner, London

Damien Byrne Hill
Sarah Penfold photo

Sarah Penfold

Senior Associate, London

Sarah Penfold
Ceri Morgan photo

Ceri Morgan

Professional Support Consultant, London

Ceri Morgan
Harry Edwards Damien Byrne Hill Sarah Penfold Ceri Morgan