WestLB Ag v Nomura Bank International Plc & Anor

WestLB Ag v Nomura Bank International Plc & Anor

The Second Defendant acted irrationally by limiting its valuation to a dealer poll without making enquiries of MITCO regarding redemption, rendering its determination not binding. However, the Claimant failed to prove on the balance of probabilities that the shares had a value in excess of the Defendants' fee, and thus suffered no damage.

Parties
Claimant: WestLB AG; First Defendant: Nomura Bank International PLC; Second Defendant: Nomura International PLC
Jurisdiction
England and Wales
Judgment Date
11 November 2010
Procedural Posture
Commercial Court / Final Judgment
Outcome
Claim dismissed
Legal Topics
Valuation of Investment Fund, Calculation Agent Discretion, Redemption of Shares, Bad Faith and Irrationality in Valuation, Interpretation of Contractual Terms

Case Brief

Summary, issues, holding and outcome

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Parties

WestLB AG

Claimant

Nomura Bank International PLC

First Defendant

Nomura International PLC

Second Defendant

Procedural Posture

Commercial Court / Final Judgment

  1. 1 Whether the calculation agent's determination of NAV was binding
  2. 2 Whether the calculation agent acted irrationally or in bad faith
  3. 3 Proper construction of contractual terms regarding timing and method of valuation

Ratio Decidendi

The Second Defendant acted irrationally by limiting its valuation to a dealer poll without making enquiries of MITCO regarding redemption, rendering its determination not binding. However, the Claimant failed to prove on the balance of probabilities that the shares had a value in excess of the Defendants' fee, and thus suffered no damage.

Court Disposition

Claim dismissed