Chris Hutching
Friday 19th December 2003 |
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Thomas, chairman of Christchurch Casinos, said yesterday a statement by Sky City to the NZX midweek confirmed his suspicions that talks had been going on without his knowledge about a rearrangement in the shareholding of the casino.
Late last week Thomas deposed Christchurch Casinos managing director Arthur Pitcher, an appointee to the casino board of 41% shareholder Aspinall, which was in talks with Sky about selling its holding. Pitcher retains his job as chief executive.
Aspinall has demanded Pitcher be reinstated as a director or its lawyers will serve an injunction.
Thomas is also chairman and a significant shareholder in Queenstown tourism and investment company Skyline Enterprises, which has 41% of Christchurch Casinos and wants the Aspinalls' stake if it is for sale.
Thomas is supported on the board by another Skyline director, Philip Hensman, against London-based director James Osborne. Stephen Lyttelton is an independent director.
Thomas said he removed Pitcher because he wanted a "neutral position" on the board. Ironically, Sky City is a 60% joint-venture partner with Skyline Enterprises in the Sky City Queenstown Casino.
Pitcher said yesterday he was constrained from commenting but he understood he was still a director even though the Companies Office records show he resigned on December 12. According to the constitution of the company, directors may be removed on a resolution.
Meanwhile, Aspinall (NZ) has issued its own statement, saying Pitcher cannot be removed without its approval.
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