Managing Partner Daniel Astaire has provided comment in City AM on the news that Ocado is looking to force Marks & Spencer to hand over a £190m payment linked to their online joint venture.

Commenting on the potential next steps in the dispute, Daniel said: “This will ultimately turn on the construction of the joint venture agreement.

“It appears that M&S will be seeking a strict interpretation of the language used, whereas Ocado may look to rely on legal issues such as the prevention principle, or some form of tortious interference by M&S arguing the latter’s behaviour has made targets and KPIs unattainable.

“Of course there may also be legal limits on liability within the joint venture. The contract is generally king.”

Daniel’s comments were published in City AM, 4 March 2025.