THG v Zedra - Limitation Defences in Unfair Prejudice Claims

Introduction

Until recently, uncertainty remained as to whether any applicable limitation period applied to unfair prejudice petitions brought under section 994 of the Companies Act 2006. Despite the long history of such claims and the importance of them to the resolution of shareholder disputes, no clear legislative or judicial guidance was to be found on this question.

A recent decision of the Supreme Court in THG Plc v Zedra Trust Company (Jersey) Limited has overturned a decision of the Court of Appeal which surprised many experienced litigators in this field. The Supreme Court decision potentially has wider ramifications both in this jurisdiction and others in which ‘actions upon a specialty’ have an applicable statutory limitation period.

In this webinar, Phillip Patterson of Gatehouse Chambers analyses both judgments and offers thoughts on the potential implications for shareholder disputes and other claims in this and other jurisdictions.

The webinar will appeal most to solicitors and barristers who already practice in the fields of company law and shareholder disputes.

What You Will Learn

This webinar will cover the following:

• What was previously understood to be the position on limitation in unfair prejudice petitions?
• What did the Court of Appeal decide in Zedra?
• What did the Supreme Court decide?
• What are the implications for unfair prejudice petitions in the future?
• What wider implications might arise?

This pre-recorded webinar will be available to view from Friday 1st May 2026

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