Telstra won’t rule out legal action over forced split

 

Shareholder value to be protected by "whatever means is appropriate".

View larger image
Telstra CEO David Thodey getting ready for business at the company's AGM in Sydney today.
View larger image
Telstra CEO shares a few words with Ben Grubb from iTnews.
View larger image
Telstra CEO David Thodey was kept very busy as shareholders voiced their concerns about the ...

See all pictures here »

Telstra chairman Catherine Livingstone would not rule out legal action if the company could not reach an agreement in negotiations with the Federal Government on the proposed breakup of the company.

At Telstra's annual general meeting today, a shareholder asked Ms Livingstone for assurance as to whether court action would be taken if an outcome could not be reached.

"Would I be able to ... get assurance ... that in the outcome of the negotiations with the government, they would not barter away our option of taking the matter to the court should the need arise?," the shareholder asked.

Ms Livingstone did not rule out legal action.

“In having the discussions, our intention is to protect shareholder value and that protection is being by whatever means is appropriate depending on the circumstances,” Ms Livingstone said.

“It’s a diplomatic answer but it’s the right answer," Ms Livingstone added.

Ms Livingstone said that "all of Telstra’s rights" would "be protected" through negotiations with Government.

"If we do ultimately propose a significant change we will bring that to shareholders for endorsement," she said. "There will be no bartering".


"Spend Millions on their new HQ, but screw the customers..., save a stunning $2.20 ! Oh did we mention we would fight the government too..., The Fattened pigs !"
By scan06disk
 
 
 
Comments: 1
scan06disk
Nov 4, 2009 5:54 PM
Spend Millions on their new HQ, but screw the customers..., save a stunning $2.20 ! Oh did we mention we would fight the government too..., The Fattened pigs !
Comments have been disabled for this article.
 
 
 
Top Stories
Vito Forte: A CIO for tough times
Fortescue Metals CIO talks vendor management and innovation.
 
Telstra shifts BigPond email to Windows Live
All data to be migrated to Microsoft cloud.
 
Vodafone Australia churn nears half a million for 2011
British joint owners 'not pleased'.
 
Sign up to receive iTnews email bulletins
   FOLLOW US...

Latest VideosSee all videos »

Latest Comments
Polls
Would you be concerned about your business' email data being hosted offshore?

   |   View results
Yes
  83%
 
No
  17%
TOTAL VOTES: 245

Vote