Harry Winston Says Ekati Stakeholder Launchs Legal Suit

Harry Winston Diamond Corp. said a minority stakeholder of the Ekati diamond mine sued to block the company’s proposed acquisition of BHP Billiton Ltd.’s 80 percent share of the Canadian operation.

C. Fipke Holdings Ltd. alleged in an action in Ontario Superior Court of Justice that offers made by BHP to Fipke didn’t comply with Fipke’s rights under joint-venture agreements for Ekati, Toronto-based Harry Winston said yesterday in a statement. The suit also names Harry Winston, Stewart Blusson, who is another minority owner, and Blusson-controlled Archon Minerals Ltd., according to the statement.