Exchange forwards Fyffes file to DPP

The Irish Stock Exchange has sent a file to the Director of Public Prosecutions containing allegations that current directors…

The Irish Stock Exchange has sent a file to the Director of Public Prosecutions containing allegations that current directors of the fruit distribution company, Fyffes, were involved in insider dealing.

The DPP will consider the matter and decide whether it should be investigated by the Garda.

This development comes as former Fyffes director and DCC chief executive, Mr Jim Flavin, is already being investigated by the Garda for unlawful trading.

A Fyffes spokesman refuted the allegations yesterday and said the firm was "appalled" by the suggestion.

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"We refute any allegations that any of the current directors of Fyffes or those other than Mr Jim Flavin were involved with dealings that are now being investigated".

He would not comment further before court proceedings.

Fyffes is suing DCC claiming that as a director Mr Flavin received management information indicating difficult trading conditions ahead of a decision to sell Fyffes shares.

Eagle Star and Hibernian have begun separate legal proceedings against DCC and its chief executive.

Both firms lost money after buying Fyffes shares from DCC when it disposed of its 10 per cent stake in February 2000.

Two US investment management groups, Boston-based Putnam Asset Management and Denver-based Founders Asset Management are also suing DCC over the group's sale of its stake in Fyffes two years ago.