Hewlett Packard targets Mike Lynch’s estate in £3 billion lawsuit

Hewlett Packard Enterprise (HPE) is pursuing a £3 billion damages claim against the estate of Mike Lynch following his death in a yacht disaster. Lynch, who was involved in a civil fraud case regarding the sale of his company Autonomy in 2011, had been cleared of criminal charges earlier in June. The High Court ruled in favor of HPE in 2022, stating that Lynch and his former finance chief had inflated the company's revenues prior to the acquisition. Lynch died on August 19, 2023, when his superyacht sank during a storm off the coast of Sicily, resulting in the loss of six lives, including his 18-year-old daughter. The yacht was reportedly hosting a gathering to celebrate Lynch's acquittal. HPE's legal team intends to hold Lynch's family accountable for the damages awarded in the civil case, despite the tragic circumstances surrounding his death. The damages hearing took place in February 2024, with a judge expected to announce the decision later this year. HPE has expressed its commitment to see the proceedings through to their conclusion, indicating that the legal battle will continue despite Lynch's passing. The incident has also led to investigations into the yacht's crew, including the captain, who faces potential charges of manslaughter and culpable shipwreck. This situation highlights the complexities of legal accountability in the wake of personal tragedy, as HPE seeks to recover losses attributed to Lynch's alleged fraudulent activities.