Advertisement
Advertisement

Wharf may go to top US court

Wharf Cable may appeal to the United States Supreme Court following a judgment against it in the US Court of Appeals in the long-running legal action mounted against it by United International Holdings (UIH).

UIH had a 1991 technical co-operation agreement to provide technical services to Wharf if the latter was successful in its bid for a pay-television licence.

UIH said it also had a deal to take a stake in Wharf but the two were unable to agree on the terms.

UIH then filed a suit in Colorado alleging fraud and breach of contract and Wharf moved to have the case heard in Hong Kong. Successive courts in Colorado ruled the case should be heard there. The most recent judgment against Wharf was on February 20.

Wharf said it was considering an appeal to the highest court in the US - the Supreme Court.

'The dispute arises from the allegations of UIH concerning a potential investment in Wharf, a closely regulated company which can only do business in Hong Kong. Wharf considers it outrageous that the case should be heard anywhere other than in Hong Kong,' a Wharf spokesman said.

'UIH holds itself out as an international company that does no business in the US, yet it is quick to seek relief in the US courts when it finds it cannot complete a deal overseas. The reasons for requesting a hearing before a jury in Denver are transparent.

'UIH's claims are frivolous and entirely without foundation and will be fought vigorously.'

Post