Dispute over operation of EBS branches is resolved

A long-running dispute between EBS and Betty Martin Financial Services Ltd over the termination of an agency agreement to operate branches in Athlone, Longford and Lucan has been resolved through settlement. BMFS had alleged that EBS unlawfully ended the agreement in 2017 after the company refused to engage in the alleged mis-selling of financial products. EBS denied these allegations and asserted its entitlement to terminate the arrangement. BMFS successfully obtained an injunction from the High Court in 2019, which was upheld on appeal. The matter had been listed for hearing before the Commercial Court. On Tuesday, counsel for BMFS informed the court that settlement discussions had concluded, and both parties agreed the action should be struck out and the injunction vacated. Mr Justice Denis McDonald welcomed the resolution. The hearing would have lasted several weeks. The company, founded by the late Betty Martin of Co Roscommon, is now operated by her children.