The High Court has ordered the sale of a separating couple’s combined controlling stake in a valuable technology company, with the proceeds to be divided equally between them.
Ms Justice Nuala Jackson granted a decree of judicial separation after finding that no normal marital relationship had existed for more than a year before proceedings were issued. The parties, anonymised as A.B. and C.B., married in 2004 and have three adult children who remain dependent.
The family’s principal asset is its combined shareholding in Company D, a computer technology business developed during the marriage. The respondent was central to the technical innovation behind the company, while the applicant had substantial management, marketing, administrative and financial involvement and is now its chief executive.
Together, the parties directly and indirectly hold about 67% of Company D. The company’s board decided in September 2025 that it should be put up for sale, and both spouses ultimately agreed that their combined shareholding should be sold and its value divided equally.
The main dispute concerned whether the respondent’s shares should first be transferred to the applicant so she alone could control the sale. The judge rejected that approach for now, finding that the respondent remained deeply connected to the business and had legitimate concerns about maximising value and protecting minority shareholders.
However, the court ordered both parties to cooperate fully and prohibited conduct which might disrupt, delay or reduce the value of the sale. A facilitator or observer is to be appointed, with the court retaining power to intervene on 48 hours’ notice and potentially transfer shares if either party unreasonably obstructs a reasonable deal.
The applicant is also to retain Company B income, stated to be about €3,000 per month, while the children remain dependent. After the main business sale, the respondent must pay €300 per month to each child.