Hewlett Packard Enterprise Co (NYSE:HPE, XETRA:2HP) is pursuing nearly £1.4 billion from the estate of Mike Lynch following its disastrous takeover of his software company Autonomy, the US technology group's lawyers told the High Court on Tuesday.
HP is attempting to recover losses stemming from its 2011 acquisition of Autonomy for $11.1 billion.
The company alleged Lynch and former finance chief Sushovan Hussain artificially inflated the firm's valuation ahead of the deal.
HP slashed Autonomy's book value by $8.8 billion within twelve months of completion.
Court documents reveal HP is claiming $1.79 billion, including interest and after earlier settlements. Lynch's estate is seeking leave to challenge a 2022 judgment that held him liable, while disputing the $761 million interest charge as "excessive".
Representatives also noted HP has launched separate proceedings suggesting the estate may lack sufficient funds.
A family spokesman said HP's claim was "fundamentally flawed and a wild overstatement".
Lynch, once dubbed Britain's answer to Bill Gates, always denied wrongdoing and was acquitted of criminal charges in America last June.
The entrepreneur died aged 59 when his yacht sank off Sicily in August during a celebration of his US court victory. His daughter Hannah, 18, also perished in the tragedy.