Worthington seeks talks with rebel shareholders

Bosses of troubled air conditioning firm Worthington Nicholls were today seeking talks with the rebel shareholders looking to oust the company’s senior directors.

The Cheshire-based firm said it wants to “engage in fresh discussions” with Simon Beart, who has the backing of more than 14% of shareholders for plans to axe four directors, including chairman Alastair Stoddart.

The latest problems for Worthington come after it warned in August that the wet summer had hit demand at its maintenance division and said contracts were delayed due to flooding.