IN BRIEF: Watchstone interim loss widens on costs of claim against PwC
Watchstone Group PLC - former insurance software provider originally called Quindell; now cash shell pursuing litigation claims - Pretax loss widens to GBP6.0 million in six months that ended June 30 from GBP2.1 million a year before. Has no revenue, so loss is due to higher administrative expenses. These primarily are legal costs, including GBP4.9 million for Watchstone's claim against PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP. The High Court dismissed Watchstone's claim, and while it seeks permission to appeal, Watchstone must pay PwC's legal costs, as well as its own. Other outstanding claims are against Aviva Canada, part of Aviva PLC, and against UK tax collector HMRC over the recovery of historic VAT. "We remain focussed on realising the group's remaining litigation assets as efficiently as possible and are confident of returning further cash sums to shareholders in due course," Watchstone says. Read More