19 May 2014

Hutsons sacked by Abano

11:25 am on 19 May 2014

Abano Healthcare has terminated the employment of Peter and Anya Hutson following a ruling in its favour by the Employment Relations Authority.

Abano said the Hutsons had rejected protocols being put in place to manage their conflicts of interest while managing their joint-venture audiology business with Abano.

Mr Hutson's conflicts of interest related to his support of a hostile takeover attempt which, had it succeeded, would have led to him acquiring Abano's share of the joint venture for a song.

Abano managing director, Alan Clarke, who is also the chairman of the joint venture, said terminating their employment does not affect the Hutson's right to continue sitting on the joint venture's board.

Mr Clarke said the joint venture had a disappointing start, but several changes to senior management teams in both Australia and Asia made two years ago have made a significant improvement.

In a statement, Mr Hutson said that his sacking is without justification and an attempt to distract from a special meeting he has requisitioned to vote on removing chairman Trevor Janes.

His employment has been suspended since October last year while Abano clarified its rights to end it.

Mr Hutson said no date for the meeting has been set and that that is an attempt to deny all shareholders their democratic right.

Abano says it is waiting for NZX to sign off on the meeting details and it is moving as quickly as it can to convene the meeting.