Citing a breach of agreement, Mahmud Kamani, the billionaire creator of Boohoo, is facing a large claim worth £118.5 million. Richard Womack, a former IT contractor, claims to be the third founder of the fashion retail company and is represented by JMW Solicitors.
Womack first worked with Kamani in 1998, when he supplied IT consulting services to Pinstripe Clothing Co., Kamani’s company. The main focus of the complaint centres on a 2006 contract in which Kamani is said to have asked Womack to create a website for online clothes sales. Womack claims that they came to an agreement whereby he would perform the work in return for a 10% stake in the business.
In almost two years, Womack says he created the website’s backend, created custom stock management software, and was instrumental in many other areas of Boohoo’s operations outside of the online platform. Womack claims that since 2006, he has not been fairly acknowledged or compensated for his significant services.
Womack said, “It’s very galling to have had zero recognition for the part I played and the time, the money, and expertise I invested.”
Mahmud Kamani’s spokesman responded by calling Womack’s allegations “entirely without merit.” The spokeswoman said that Womack had already requested money in writing prior to taking legal action in February, and Kamani’s attorneys have completely addressed the most recent accusations.
The statement ends with the allegation that Womack is not due any money and that any formal claim made against Mr. Kamani will result in an action to have it struck out.
