The Master Meat Packers Group (MMPG) of 10 individual companies had a significant turnover of hundreds of millions of pounds and its former managing director, Mr Pascal Phelan, had intended to convert the companies into a formal group structure but this had been frustrated, the High Court was told yesterday.

Earlier, lawyers for beef baron Mr Larry Goodman and other defendants in the High Court action brought by Mr Phelan against them were told they would be allowed address the court following the completion of the opening of the case by senior counsel for Mr Phelan.

Following an application yesterday by Mr Dermot Gleeson SC, for Mr Goodman, Mr Justice Murphy said that given the length and complexity of the case, it might be fairer to allow counsel for the defence to address the opening (for Mr Phelan) before evidence in the case is called.

In his application, Mr Gleeson suggested that his side be allowed to outline its position after the opening by Mr James Salafia SC, for Mr Phelan. He said the parameters of the dispute might be better set if that happened. It would be unfair if Mr Phelan's counsel had a week to tell all about the issues and he (Mr Gleeson) had no opportunity of saying what his case was and giving a "modest outline" of what the issues were.

Mr Salafia continued his opening address yesterday when he reviewed written agreements and arrangements between Mr Phelan and his former partner in MMPG, Jordanian businessman, Mr Zakariah El Taher.

Counsel said MMPG had been a group of companies with common shareholders that had significant turnovers of hundreds of millions of pounds. Mr Phelan had not converted it into a formal group structure although, following advice, he had intended to do so as it had certain tax advantages. However, this had been one of the matters that had been frustrated and had caused problems.

The hearing continues today.