Two directors of the Dublin Cinema Group, which operates the Savoy and Screen cinemas in Dublin, have agreed to mediation in an effort to resolve their differences.

Paul Ward, Mount Merrion Avenue, Dublin, had taken a derivative action – an action by a shareholder on behalf of a company – against Paul Anderson, Shrewsbury Road, Dublin, and Omniplex Holdings.

Mr Anderson and members of his family own Omniplex Holdings, with registered offices at Fitzwilliam Square, Dublin. Mr Anderson is also chairman of the DCG board, while Mr Ward is the company secretary.

At the start of the hearing yesterday, Mr Justice Peter Charleton urged both sides to consider mediation rather than have the matter fully fought out in court. Following a short adjournment, lawyers representing both sides said their clients were agreeable to the proposal.

It is understood that Anthony Barr SC is to act as mediator. If mediation did not work out, the judge said he was prepared to start hearing the case today.

Mr Ward alleges that Mr Anderson was approached in 2009 with an opportunity to open a multiplex cinema in Dublin’s St Stephen’s Green Centre and had, through Omniplex Holdings, entered an agreement to operate such a cinema.

In doing so, Mr Ward alleges, Mr Anderson acted contrary to the best interests of DCG and created a conflict of interest between his interests and those of DCG. Mr Ward is seeking a number of orders, including restraining Mr Anderson from participating in management, operation or ownership of the multiplex at the St Stephen’s Green Centre.

He also wants judgment against the defendants over alleged unjust enrichment.

In the second action, Mr Anderson has petitioned for an order winding up DCG. He says the relationship between the two families has irretrievably broken down and the company should be wound up.