Harlequin boss in high stakes court showdown with investors

Ames could face bankruptcy

Laura Miller
clock • 5 min read

The owner and chairman of investment scheme Harlequin Property is facing off against investors in the High Court in a case that threatens bankruptcy for him, and which could trigger the collapse of the company.

A judgement was expected on 13 January that could have made the reportedly twice bankrupt David Ames insolvent for a third time, potentially forcing the break-up of Harlequin to pay his creditors. But after hearing from both sides at the Royal Courts of Justice in London, Judge Mrs Justice Cox adjourned the case pending her decision. Lawyers for Ames and his wife Carol argued that an earlier out of court deal in which the couple agreed to pay £1.3m to a group of 24 investors should be annulled. A bargain was struck in 2014 to get the investors to drop a case in which they alleged t...

To continue reading this article...

Join Professional Adviser for free

  • Unlimited access to real-time news, industry insights and market intelligence
  • Stay ahead of the curve with spotlights on emerging trends and technologies
  • Receive breaking news stories straight to your inbox in the daily newsletters
  • Make smart business decisions with the latest developments in regulation, investing retirement and protection
  • Members-only access to the editor’s weekly Friday commentary
  • Be the first to hear about our events and awards programmes

Join

 

Already a Professional Adviser member?

Login

More on Investment

Future of Investment Festival: Our specialist sessions for advisers

Future of Investment Festival: Our specialist sessions for advisers

Future-proofing advice, building sustainable portfolios, all things SDR

Professional Adviser
clock 19 April 2024 • 2 min read
Why non-transparent managers are behind most failed acquisitions

Why non-transparent managers are behind most failed acquisitions

‘They don’t understand the importance of culture and cohesion’

Rami Cassis
clock 12 April 2024 • 3 min read
Partner Insight: Understanding the investment universe

Partner Insight: Understanding the investment universe

Invesco
clock 12 April 2024 • 6 min read