Accountant Mr Neal Duggan has lodged a notice of appeal to the Supreme Court questioning the recent High Court judgment which found that the price paid for the acquisition of Fitzwilton was fair and reasonable. The claim by Mr Duggan that the acquisition by Stoneworth, a company controlled by Dr Tony O'Reilly and Mr Peter Goulandris, was not made at "arm's length" was rejected by the High Court last November.

A spokesperson for Fitzwilton declined to comment on Mr Duggan's notice to appeal. The Irish Take-over Panel had previously concluded that the independent directors of Fitzwilton, who had recommended the deal, did not have a conflict of interest in their business and personal associations with Dr O'Reilly.