Cases

Collins Stewart Ltd & Another v The Financial Times Ltd

Facts

The FT published an article concerning High Court proceedings for wrongful dismissal brought against Collins Stewart Ltd by an ex-employee. The article reported allegations of improper and/or criminal conduct made against the company in the Particulars of Claim (annexed to the Claim Form) in the dismissal case. Collins Stewart Ltd and its parent company, Collins Stewart Tullett Plc, brought an action for libel against the FT, which included a special damages claim quantified by reference to the fall in the Plc's share price since the article's publication. The Claimants contended that the fall in market capitalisation of £230m was the best available reflection of the loss of future revenues. Eady J had ruled that there should be a split trial, with liability and general damages tried by judge and jury and special damages by judge alone.

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