Blue v Ashley (Rev 1)

Blue v Ashley (Rev 1)

No reasonable person present would have understood Mr Ashley's statement as a serious contractual offer; the conversation was banter, not intended to create legal relations, and lacked essential terms such as a specified period for achieving the share price target.

Parties
Claimant: Mr Jeffrey Ross Blue; Defendant: Mr Michael James Wallace Ashley
Jurisdiction
England and Wales
Judgment Date
26 July 2017
Procedural Posture
Civil / Judgment After Trial
Outcome
Claim dismissed
Legal Topics
Formation of Contract, Intention to Create Legal Relations, Certainty of Terms, Consideration, Oral Agreements
Contract Law Formation of Contract Intention to Create Legal Relations Certainty of Terms Consideration Oral Agreements

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Parties

Mr Jeffrey Ross Blue

Claimant

Mr Michael James Wallace Ashley

Defendant

Procedural Posture

Civil / Judgment After Trial

Legal Issues

  1. 1 Whether an oral contract was formed between Mr Blue and Mr Ashley for a £15 million payment if Sports Direct share price reached £8
  2. 2 Whether the agreement was intended to be legally binding
  3. 3 Whether the terms were sufficiently certain and complete

Ratio Decidendi

No reasonable person present would have understood Mr Ashley's statement as a serious contractual offer; the conversation was banter, not intended to create legal relations, and lacked essential terms such as a specified period for achieving the share price target.

Court Disposition

Claim dismissed