Former Dick Smith in Rotorua Central mall. Photo / Stephen Parker
A class action against failed electronics chain Dick Smith on behalf of disgruntled shareholders has been given the green light.
The Supreme Court of NSW has granted legal firm Bannister Law leave to file a class action against Dick Smith (DSHE) on Monday.
Bannister Law principal Charles Bannister says the
ruling is a win for shareholders who loss a lot of money when the company collapsed in January 2016.
"Thousands of shareholders have lost tens of millions because, we allege, DSHE contravened provisions of the Corporations Act, including by engaging in misleading or deceptive conduct on various occasions throughout 2015," he said in a statement on Tuesday.
Mr Bannister said the firm alleges that the retailer misled shareholders about the financial health of the company through directors' declarations that the accounts during 2015 were up to Australian Accounting Standards. He said it will be alleged that the use of supplier rebates to artificially inflate Dick Smith's reported profit deceived shareholders who have suffered loss and damage as a result.
