Entrepreneur Charles Sharland wins case over divorce pay-off
SOFTWARE entrepreneur Charles Sharland has won an high profile case against his ex-wife, who was seeking an improved divorce settlement.
The award-winning businessman, the founder and chairman of Warrington and New York-based AppSense, faced a legal challenge from his ex-wife Alison, over the £10m-plus settlement she received when they divorced in 2012 after 17 years of marriage.
The Court of Appeal rejected Mrs Sharland’s legal team’s bid to have the divorce case reopened on the basis of a dispute over the valuation of Mr Sharland’s stake in AppSense.
Mrs Sharland, had claimed that the settlement – which awarded her a greater share of the couple’s liquid assets in exchange for a lower share in the business – was unfair following rumours in the press of a higher-than-expected valuation of the company when it was said to be planning to float on the stock market.
Beth Wilkins and James Brown of Manchester law firm JMW Solicitors acted for Mr Sharland, in the case.
They said in a statement: “The agreement Mr and Mrs Sharland reached over 18 months ago gives Mrs Sharland more than 50% of their liquid assets and a less than 50% interest in Mr Sharland’s shares – generous given the facts of the case.
“Mr Sharland has always been prepared to stand by the agreement and he is very pleased to see good sense prevail.
“This matter has caused enormous family disruption and Mr Sharland hopes that this decision can allow the family to move forwards.”
In a statement, Irwin Mitchell, the law firm representing Alison Sharland, said she was “disappointed by the Court’s decision”, and would be seeking permission to appeal at the Supreme Court.
Ros Bever, a specialist family and divorce lawyer at Irwin Mitchell said: “Mrs Sharland had accepted a settlement that is based on inaccurate information disclosed by her husband so the agreement she believed she had reached for half of the couple’s assets does not give her an equal share; a crucial requirement for Mrs Sharland throughout the negotiations.
“This case is not just about Mrs Sharland achieving justice, it is about ensuring that the Courts send out a powerful message that dishonesty will not be tolerated, proving that fairness will prevail in divorce settlements.”
