Dianne Willmore, who passed from mesothelioma in 2009, won a landmark £240,000 case, holding Knowsley Borough Council liable for her asbestos exposure during school. Her case prompted legal and financial ramifications for local authorities nationwide, leading to increased awareness and changes in asbestos-related negligence proceedings.
The High Court has appointed Ian Barrett and Shane McCarthy of KPMG as joint provisional liquidators to Dolphin MUT 116 Ltd, an Irish special purpose vehicle linked to Dolphin Trust Insolvency (now German Property Group).
Dolphin Trust collapsed in 2020 after taking over €1 billion from investors – including around 1,800 Irish investors, who put approximately €150 million into its loan note products between 2012 and 2019.
The Dolphin Trust group is currently undergoing an insolvency (Dolphin Trust Insolvency) process in Germany.
MUT 116 was set up to generate investment in Dolphin Trust products from Irish investors.
Its total liabilities will ultimately amount to €99 million, while its assets come to a mere €10,500.
Mr. Justice Senan Allen made the order on Wednesday 28 April after being told by Peggy O’Rourke SC on behalf of MUT 116 that the company’s directors—Brian Flynn, of Glenvar Park, Blackrock, Co Dublin; and Eanna McCloskey, Millfarm, Dunboyne, Co Meath – were of the view that the appointment would help to secure the best possible outcome for creditors.
The directors had previously resisted a petition to wind up another Irish special purpose vehicle linked to Dolphin Trust, MUT 103 Ltd, arguing that there were existing plans in place to deal with creditors. Ms O’Rourke said the position had changed on account of the Court’s appointment of a liquidator to MUT 103.
Mr. Justice Allen appointed the joint provisional liquidators pending the hearing of a petition to wind up MUT 116 next month.
He noted that the directors had previously taken the position that the best course of action would be for them and Wealth Options Trustees Ltd, administrator for Dolphin Trust products in Ireland, to liaise with investors.
He observed that since MUT 103’s winding-up the directors had changed their view as to the most appropriate method of seeking to obtain the best possible return for investors.
In light of the fact that Myles Kirby had been appointed liquidator to MUT 103, the judge noted there might be an argument for appointing the same person as liquidator to MUT 116.
He said that the safer course, for the time being, was to appoint different provisional liquidators and that the matter could be revisited on the hearing of the winding-up petition if necessary.
How Coleman Legal can help?
Coleman Legal is currently assisting investors involved in this investment scheme to explore their legal options. Our dedicated team has extensive experience in claims relating to professional negligence across a range of industries and we are ready to advise and assist you with your case.
If you believe you have been mis-sold a financial product and suffered financial losses arising from the Dolphin Trust Insolvency, please contact our Professional Negligence Team today at Coleman Legal to discuss if you have a potential legal action. Free Phone 1800 844 104 or Email: [email protected]
Related Articles
Clodagh Magennis
Head of Client Services
F: 1800-844-104
E: [email protected]
”At Coleman Legal, excellence in customer care is paramount. We aim to meet both prospective and existing clients’ needs professionally and in a friendly manner with a clear objective of giving quality legal advice and reaching a positive outcome.”