Newly constituted Rogers board deemed legitimate

A B.C. Supreme Court judge has made a key ruling in the battle over control of the board of Rogers Communications.

Justice Shelley Fitzpatrick has ruled in favour of Edward Rogers, the son of the late Ted Rogers, who has been battling with his mother and two of his sisters for control of the company.

Edward Rogers was removed as chair after he attempted to remove Joe Natale from his role as CEO. He then named new directors to the company without a vote of the board.

Justice Fitzpatrick ruled it was Rogers’ right, as chair of the family trust to remove and replace the five directors.

A lawyer representing Rogers’ mother and two sisters had argued the independent decision went against the company’s governance practices and the wishes of the late Ted Rogers.

#BREAKING Justice Shelley Fitzpatrick has granted petition to ousted Rogers Communications Chair Edward Rogers re: legitimacy of new board keeping him in charge of media empire.

Lawyer for Rogers Communications is asking for time to file appeal. @CityNewsVAN

— Marcella Bernardo (@MBernardoNews) November 5, 2021

Fitzpatrick did not share reasons for siding with Edward Rogers.

The judge has not shared reasons for siding with Edward Rogers.

Lawyers on losing side seek stay of proceedings to come back to court Tuesday to file expedited appeal.

Judge suggests this is on behalf of Rogers CEO Joe Natale.

Edward’s lawyer says “no basis.”@CityNewsVAN

— Marcella Bernardo (@MBernardoNews) November 5, 2021

In court filings, Edward Rogers claimed his family members were on board with a plan to remove current Joe Natale from his position as CEO. He said his family, along with the board approved Natale’s retirement, only to backpedal on the plans a couple of days later.

Lawyers representing Edward Rogers’ mother Loretta Rogers and sisters Martha Rogers and Melinda Rogers-Hixon requested a stay of proceedings until an appeal may be heard. The judge rejected that request, stating it’s not necessary because there is no sign there will be an immediate change in Rogers leadership.

The company moved ahead with plans to acquire Shaw Communications Inc. in the spring. The $26 billion deal is still awaiting regulatory approvals.

Justice Fitzpatrick said her decision was effective immediately.

Rogers Communications is incorporated in British Columbia — the reason for the court fight beginning in that province.

Rogers is the parent company of this website and radio station