One of Australia’s best-known businessmen is being sued for more than $5 million over claims that he unlawfully conspired to get rid of the head of his British operation.
A statement of claim has been filed in the High Court in London claiming Jim Penman, the owner and head of Jim’s Group, and two of his business associates acted in concert to remove the British master franchisee, Paul Carr, last year.
Jim’s Group is the second-largest franchise operation in Australia with more than 3000 franchisees in 28 different businesses. It has branches in Britain, Canada and New Zealand.
Mr Carr is suing Mr Penman, his former offsider Phil Maunder, former British business partner Richard Harrison and Jim’s Group. Mr Penman said he would defend the claims and countersue for damages. More.