McKillen to sue NAMA for ‘breach of privacy’

Paddy McKillen is suing NAMA amid claims the state agency breached his privacy and released confidential information in an ongoing fight for control of luxury London hotels, reports this mornings Irish Independent.

Mr McKillen has been battling Britain’s Barclay Brothers – David and Frederick – to retain ownership in the high-profile Maybourne hotel group in London, which includes exclusive properties such as the Connaught, Claridges and the Berkeley.

The hotel businesses were originally acquired in 2004, using nearly €800m in debt from Anglo Irish Bank and Bank of Ireland.

Financier and former tax inspector Derek Quinlan had also been involved in the hotel group, but the Barclays now control Mr Quinlan’s 35.4pc stake in the Maybourne holding company – Coroin – having acquired the related debt in 2011. Mr McKillen has a 36.2pc stake in Coroin.

Mr McKillen has alleged that the agency “wrongfully and improperly provided confidential information to the Barclay interests, their servants or agents”. He claims the Barclays sought to “lobby NAMA” about his loans.

NAMA will “dispute the action vigorously”.