OMV Petrom SA v Glencore International AG

OMV Petrom SA v Glencore International AG

The judge's discretion was exercised on the wrong basis by treating the award of enhanced interest as purely compensatory; the correct approach is to award the maximum 10% uplift in cases of unreasonable conduct to incentivise settlement and mark disapproval, considering all circumstances.

Parties
Claimant/appellant: OMV Petrom SA; Defendant/respondent: Glencore International AG
Jurisdiction
England and Wales
Judgment Date
27 March 2017
Procedural Posture
Civil Appeal / Judgment on Appeal From High Court
Outcome
Appeal allowed
Legal Topics
Interest Awards, Costs Consequences, CPR Part 36, Litigation Conduct, Settlement Incentives

Case Brief

Summary, issues, holding and outcome

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Parties

OMV Petrom SA

Claimant/appellant

Glencore International AG

Defendant/respondent

Procedural Posture

Civil Appeal / Judgment on Appeal From High Court

  1. 1 Appropriate rate of enhanced interest under CPR Part 36.14(3)(a) and (c)
  2. 2 Whether enhanced interest is compensatory or penal
  3. 3 Court's discretion in awarding enhanced interest and costs

Ratio Decidendi

The judge's discretion was exercised on the wrong basis by treating the award of enhanced interest as purely compensatory; the correct approach is to award the maximum 10% uplift in cases of unreasonable conduct to incentivise settlement and mark disapproval, considering all circumstances.

Court Disposition

Appeal allowed

Orders

  • Enhanced interest on both the award and costs for the period from expiry of the Part 36 offer until judgment at 10% over base rate.
  • Original rates ordered by the judge replaced with maximum uplift.