News
Misrepresentations Prove Costly in IT Contract
A recent case heard by the High Court demonstrates the risks associated with making inaccurate claims when tendering for contracts.
The case involved British Sky Broadcasting Ltd. (Sky) and IT firm Electronic Data Systems Ltd. (EDS). Problems with the integration of Sky's customer relationship management system led it to cancel its contract with EDS. However, Sky subsequently discovered that EDS had made false representations about the analysis it had done as part of the tender process under which it was awarded the work.
Mr Justice Ramsey ruled, after a six-year legal battle, that EDS had made dishonest representations during the tender process and had made further negligent misrepresentations during the course of the project itself.
The damages are expected to exceed £200 million. Although EDS had a limitation of damages clause in its contract with Sky, this will be void because of the fact that the representations on which Sky relied were dishonestly made.
The moral of the story is that when tendering or contracting for work, make sure the claims you make are honestly made – or be prepared for the consequences if things go wrong.
Please contact Roger Stone at Chichester or Sarah Evans at Selsey for more information.