The group of 20 dealers and collectors is being represented by Class Law, a legal firm specialising in group actions against corporate interests. Stephen Alexander of Class Law is confident that the US settlement is an adequate basis for British action. “We will use the American judgments to force the issue quickly,” he said. Because the 1998 Competition Act cannot be applied to cases retrospectively, Mr Alexander intends to use legal torts to force his case. He has invited any dealer interested in joining the action to contact him or turn up to the meeting in London, this Thursday (February 7) at noon in the Howard Hotel, Temple Gardens, WC2.
Lawyers take UK class action move against auction giants
LAST year’s United States class action against Sotheby’s and Christie’s over price fixing may now be followed by similar action in the UK. Dealers who missed out on the $512m compensation paid to settle the claims over US auctions will meet in London this week to plan a similar legal challenge in Britain.
