Legal proceedings arising from a bitter row within the Coman family over ownership and control of their multi-million euro pub and drinks business in Dublin are due to open before the High Court next week.
In a hearing set for Tuesday, the court will be asked to resolve the exact nature of an alleged agreement of February 5th, 2003, between Mr Patrick Coman (80) and Ms Mary Coman (70), founders of the business, and five of their sons.
It has been alleged the agreement related to the future ownership of the business and that there was an agreement to buy out the 52 per cent shareholding held by the parents for €7 million.
Mr David Barniville, for Geoffrey, John, Patrick Jnr, Thomas and Denis Coman - told an earlier hearing that the agreement was secured because the parties wanted "a complete break" from each other "in business and regrettably in personal terms".
The family are involved in the Coman's pub and wholesale drink business in Rathgar. Last February, Mr Justice Herbert refused an application by the parents for an injunction, to continue until the determination of the full proceedings, against the five sons and the company, Patrick Coman Ltd, for payment of what was claimed to be €100,000 arrears (€50,000 each) of directors' salaries for 2003 and their ongoing salary thereafter.
