US food services giant Aramark has lost its latest legal challenge against an order forcing it to sell Aberdeenshire catering firm Entier after its lawyers missed an appeal deadline by just over 19 hours.
The Court of Session has upheld a Competition Appeal Tribunal decision refusing Aramark extra time to challenge a Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) ruling that its acquisition of a 90% stake in the Westhill-based business harmed competition in the UK offshore catering market.
Aramark's legal advisers mistakenly calculated the appeal deadline as February 13 rather than February 12, with judges rejecting arguments that the company should not be held responsible for its lawyers' error.
Founded by Peter Bruce in 2008, Entier operates internationally and reported turnover of £69.7million in its latest financial year, with pre-tax profits of £2.1million.
The business currently employs 700 people internationally.
An Aramark spokesman said: “We are disappointed by the Court of Session’s decision to uphold the Competition Appeal Tribunal’s refusal to extend time for Aramark’s application to review the CMA’s decision regarding our acquisition of Entier.
“We are considering whether to seek permission to appeal to the UK Supreme Court.”