Login
IMF Bentham, Pipers win SEAS Sapfor forestry scheme case
The Supreme Court of NSW has found that Australian Executor Trustees (SA) Limited is liable to pay equitable compensation of over $80 million for breach of trust.
Jerome Doraisamy
Source: bhointeriors.com/projects/imf-bentham/
Litigation funder IMF Bentham and national firm Piper Alderman acknowledged the judgment in favour of their client, David Kerr, in his capacity as additional trustee of the SEAS Sapfor forestry scheme.
While final orders are awaited, the trustee is expected to be awarded compensation of approximately $80 million plus costs, payable by AET.
The proceedings, as noted by the Supreme Court in its published summary of the judgment, concerned a breach by AET of its duties as trustee when it consented to the sale of the trees and land on which the trees were growing and discharged the Covenantholders’ security without receiving the proceeds of sale and without procuring alternate security.
“AET was obliged to withhold its consent to any sale of the land if that sale would cause the interests of Covenantholders to be materially prejudiced or cause any reduction in the protection afforded to the Covenantholders,” it said.
AET retained Sparke Helmore to advise them on the transaction.
While final orders are awaited, the trustee is expected to be awarded compensation of approximately $80 million plus costs, payable by AET, IMG noted in a statement.
IMF investment manager Oliver Gayner said: “Seven years ago in mid-2012, the Covenantholders who invested their savings into the SEAS Sapfor scheme were shocked to learn that the entirety of their investments had been lost to Gunns and its lenders.”
“Naturally we are delighted on behalf of the Covenantholders that the injustice they have suffered has been recognised by the court, and the trustee whose sole job was to protect their interests has been found liable to pay them compensation.
“Given the court’s clear and unambiguous ruling we hope the matter can now be quickly and finally resolved in the interests of all stakeholders”.
Piper Alderman partner Simon Morris added: “This is a hugely satisfying and long-awaited outcome for Covenantholders who, as found by Justice Stevenson, have been let down by the professional trustee they entrusted to protect their investment.”
“Piper Alderman is pleased to have been able to play a role in recovering the Covenantholders losses. For lawyers and corporate trustees this decision will rebound for the things it says about the responsibilities of corporate trustees, their advisers and equitable compensation.
“There are salutary lessons here for corporate trustees about the consequences of their failures when, but for their breach a loss would not have been suffered.”
Jerome Doraisamy
Jerome Doraisamy is the editor of Lawyers Weekly. A former lawyer, he has worked at Momentum Media as a journalist on Lawyers Weekly since February 2018, and has served as editor since March 2022. He is also the host of all five shows under The Lawyers Weekly Podcast Network, and has overseen the brand's audio medium growth from 4,000 downloads per month to over 60,000 downloads per month, making The Lawyers Weekly Show the most popular industry-specific podcast in Australia. Jerome is also the author of The Wellness Doctrines book series, an admitted solicitor in NSW, and a board director of Minds Count.
You can email Jerome at:
