Naeem v Grant Thornton Limited
MAZIN LOUIS NAEEM
Law Firm / Organization
Gorman Nason Lawyers
Lawyer(s)

Andrew W. Costin

GRANT THORNTON LIMITED, in its capacity as receiver of the assets, undertaking and property of 669699 N.B. Ltd., MP Atlantic Wood Ltd. and New Future Lumber Ltd.
Law Firm / Organization
Cox & Palmer
  • Nature of the Motion:

    • Mr. Naeem sought leave under the receivership order and the Bankruptcy and Insolvency Act (BIA) to sue GTL for gross negligence in its duties as a receiver and trustee.
    • Alleged failures included mismanagement of assets, resulting in their diminished value, causing Mr. Naeem’s personal guarantees to be called by Royal Bank of Canada (RBC).
  • Background:

    • GTL was appointed receiver in 2018 for companies in financial distress under the Companies’ Creditors Arrangement Act (CCAA).
    • GTL handled multiple sales processes for company assets, with approvals from the court. However, asset value significantly diminished due to vandalism, fires, and failed sales.
    • RBC secured judgments against Mr. Naeem for over $1 million under personal guarantees for corporate debts.
    • Mr. Naeem claimed GTL’s negligence resulted in both asset devaluation and his liability under guarantees.
  • Key Findings:

    1. Lack of Evidence:
      • GTL’s sales efforts and processes were court-approved and diligent. Asset losses primarily affected RBC, not Mr. Naeem.
    2. Causation Issues:
      • Failed transactions were attributed to 703779 N.B. Ltd., a buyer, not GTL. Courts had previously ruled GTL's conduct in managing sales was appropriate.
    3. Previous Rulings:
      • Mr. Naeem’s arguments about his personal guarantees and GTL’s negligence were rejected in prior litigation, making this motion a collateral attack.
    4. Limitations Period:
      • All alleged acts of negligence occurred before December 2019. The motion filed in 2023 exceeded the two-year statutory limitation.
  • Decision:

    • The motion was dismissed as the claims lacked merit, were time-barred, and amounted to a collateral attack on prior judgments.
    • Costs of $7,500 plus disbursements were awarded to GTL.
Court of King's Bench of New Brunswick
SJM-25-2018
Corporate & commercial law
$ 7,500
Defendant