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Victims of Brazil’s ‘sinking city’ to have case heard in the Netherlands

Communities lost to damage caused by salt mines in Northern Brazil are celebrating after securing the right to sue petrochemical company Braskem in the Dutch courts.

The claimants, who have seen their homes collapse and neighbourhoods disappear beyond repair in the municipality of Maceió, Alagoas due to the nature of Braskem’s mining are one step closer to justice.

Represented by global law firm Pogust Goodhead and local co-counsel Lemstra Van der Korst, they will now have their case for compensation assessed in the Dutch courts after Braskem S.A, the largest petro-chemical company in Brazil, failed to offer adequate and fair redress.

Residents of the area have watched in horror as their community has been hit by small earthquakes caused by nearby mining for salt underground for over four decades. Many have been evacuated to escape the tumbling walls, buildings and businesses after the structures built on top of now unsafe land threaten to topple further. While few others remain – resolute not to accept small sums of money offered by Braskem to relocate.

The exodus and crumbling of buildings are now evident by the ghost-town like images of the neighbourhoods which were once home to hundreds of small businesses. Braskem have offered what lawyers say are unfair sums of compensation after being obliged to remove families from the ‘red’ danger zones in the area – but have failed to accept liability.

Furthermore, the company’s ‘moral damages’ offers have been made on a per-household rather than on a per person basis and have equated to the same as the value of lost luggage by an airline in Brazil or less, according to caselaw from Brazilian Courts.

Several of the claimants attended the hearing in May in Rotterdam where lawyers argued that it is necessary to litigate against Braskem in the Dutch courts where the company have their European headquarters.

Maria Rosangela Ferreria Da Silva, 58, attended and told the court she and her family had lost their sense of identity when her neighbourhood crumbled – and she and her family were forced to move away. She lost her mum shortly afterwards and has been fighting for justice ever since.

She said: “I would say justice has been done. Thank God, I wake up with this news; I will be the happiest woman in the world, it will be my best gift. After being alive, that’s it. That the God I trust has never abandoned me. So, I would say ‘justice has been done’, and thank God.”

The ruling rejected all of Braskem’s arguments against jurisdiction in the Dutch Courts – and an application to appeal. The court stated: “The claims against both Braskem SA and the Braskem NL entities have a delictual basis. In the main proceedings, in addition to Braskem SA, the Braskem NL entities, as part of the Braskem group, were held jointly and severally liable for the (same) damaging consequences of the earthquakes (as a result of mining activities) on the basis of the environmental liability law in general and the doctrine of indirect polluter’s liability in particular, according to plaintiffs in Brazil. In this sense, the claims against the Braskem NL entities on the one hand and Braskem SA on the other are inextricably linked.”

It held: “The Braskem group, and therewith Braskem SA as top-holding of the group, has chosen to locate the entities that take the financial decisions, and its European headquarters, in Rotterdam. Against this background, Braskem SA could reasonably foresee that, if not only these entities but also herself – as top-holding – were to be sued, this could happen before this Court.

The jurisdictional success is the latest in a run of cases for lawyers at Pogust Goodhead – who recently won an appeal to have the case of 200,000 victims of Brazil’s worst environmental disaster, the Mariana dam disaster, litigated in the UK courts. They have also secured settlements in relation to VW and British Airways claimants.

Now the claim has been accepted to be heard in the Netherlands, the case is expected to enter the merits phase where liability is established.

Partner at Pogust Goodhead Marc Krestin said: “Taking this case to the Dutch courts is about getting justice for the people who have lost everything as a result of the mining activities of Braskem. They have lost their homes, their community and their sense of identity due to this large corporation taking what it wants from the land and not giving a second thought to the environment and people around them that it may harm.

“We are here to see that this does not keep happening. We now urge Braskem to take note of this ruling, stop denying responsibility for its actions and do the right thing by all those that have been harmed.”

Pogust Goodhead pursues the case in partnership with law firms Neves Macieywski, Garcia e Advogados Associados, Omena Advocacia, Araújo e Máximo Advogados Associados, and Lemstra Van der Korst.

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Manolete Partners Announces New Revolving Credit Facility with HSBC Bank

By Harry Moran |

Manolete Partners Plc (AIM:MANO), the leading UK-listed insolvency litigation financing company, is pleased to announce it has signed a new Revolving Credit Facility ("RCF") with its existing provider, HSBC UK Bank Plc ( "HSBC"). 

The new RCF provides Manolete with the same level of facility as the previous arrangement, at £17.5m. However, the margin charged to Manolete by HSBC on the new RCF is at a reduced rate of 4.0% (previously 4.7%) over the Sterling Overnight Index Average (SONIA) and has a reduced non-utilisation fee, from 1.88% to 1.40%. 

The new RCF is a 3.25-year facility with an initial maturity of 27 June 2028. Manolete has the option to further extend the facility on its current terms by an additional year. 

The covenants remain unchanged except for the Asset Cover covenant which has been relaxed for the next six months. 

Steven Cooklin, CEO commented: "We are delighted to have secured a new long-term commitment to the business from HSBC, which is testament to the strong partnership we have established since 2018. The improved terms of the facility demonstrate confidence in the Manolete business." 

This announcement contains inside information as defined in Article 7 of the Market Abuse Regulation No. 596/2014 ("MAR"). 

Angeion Group Expands Mass Tort Litigation Management Capabilities Through Merger with Case Works

By Harry Moran |

Angeion Group (“Angeion”), the industry leader in end-to-end group litigation support, announced today its merger with Case Works, a premier provider of case data management solutions, including client engagement, medical record retrieval, medical review, and inventory analysis. Neutral, but never passive, this strategic integration of Case Works reinforces Angeion’s forward thinking approach to providing seamless tech-enabled support for complex litigation firms and leading law departments, with efficiency and precision.

The merger of Angeion and Case Works follows majority investments into both companies by private equity firm Renovus Capital Partners (“Renovus”) in 2024. Angeion also acquired bankruptcy administration solutions provider Donlin Recano in late 2024. Renovus worked alongside the companies’ founders and management teams to unify the businesses and deliver a seamless experience for clients and employees throughout the integration.

Case Works has earned a reputation of excellence by ensuring accuracy, completeness, and applicability of case data to support legal requirements. By combining their core capabilities with Angeion’s advanced technology and data-driven approach, this merger further solidifies Angeion’s position as the most trusted partner for navigating complex, high-stakes litigation and settlements.

Effective large-scale litigation and settlements rely on comprehensive, well-organized data and the ability to apply that data effectively within the context of a particular project. Combining Case Works’ proven excellence in capturing and managing critical case information with Angeion Group’s expertise in technology, process efficiency and claims management, provides a more structured, more transparent, and more effective approach to large-scale litigation and settlement management.

“Case Works brings deep expertise and a proven track record of supporting firms with large data and medical record retrieval needs. They are known for their dedication to precision, care and bedside manner,” said Steven Weisbrot, CEO of Angeion Group. “Together, we are raising the bar for what clients can expect—faster, more accurate processes and a commitment to white glove service.”

Angeion Group and Case Works share a common vision: to set the new standard for how large-scale litigation and group settlement support can combine technological efficiency with thoughtful human interaction. Both organizations are driven by a commitment to innovation, precision, and efficiency and are mindful that litigants should expect and receive compassion and respect throughout the group litigation process. This merger will elevate industry standards and ensure that all parties, their council, and the courts benefit from a more streamlined, thoughtful and effective process.

“We’re excited to join forces with Angeion Group,” said Susan Barfield, Founder of Case Works. “Their commitment to innovation and client service aligns perfectly with our own, and we look forward to delivering even greater value to the firms and clients we support.”

“We’re honored to have partnered with these leading companies, building upon our strong track record in tech-enabled legal services,” added Lee Minkoff, Managing Director at Renovus. “We’d also like to thank founders Steve Weisbrot and Susan Barfield for their leadership throughout this game changing merger for the group litigation support industry.”

Angeion remains steadfast in its mission to completely modernize and optimize complex litigation management to the benefit of all stakeholders.

About Case Works

Case Works is the leading provider of tech-enabled litigation support solutions to the country’s premier plaintiff law firms. Based in Austin, Texas, the Company was created with a single mission: To Help Lawyers Help People. Case Works provides a full suite of case management services including claims qualification, intake, medical records retrieval & review, case development, and ongoing plaintiff engagement.

About Angeion Group

Angeion Group is a leading provider of legal notice and settlement administration services, leveraging advanced technology, proven best practices, and expert consulting to manage class actions, mass torts, and collective redress administration. Recognized for its innovation, efficiency, and unwavering client commitment, Angeion Group continues to redefine industry standards.

Moneypenny Unites Under One Brand as It Celebrates 25 Years of Excellence

By Harry Moran |

Moneypenny, the world’s customer conversation expert, proudly marks 25 years of delivering exceptional service and innovation. As part of this milestone, Moneypenny is unifying all of its brands across the US, including VoiceNation, Alphapage, Sunshine Communication Services, and Choice Voice, under one internationally recognized name. 

This transition reinforces Moneypenny’s dedication to a clear and dynamic future for its clients and people while reflecting the values and passion that have driven its success. Started in 2000 after a pivotal missed phone call resulted in a missed business opportunity, Moneypenny has since delivered world-class customer conversations to thousands of global businesses. Over the past 10 years, Moneypenny has expanded its presence across the US, growing under the Moneypenny, VoiceNation, Alphapage, Sunshine Communication Services, andChoice Voicebrands. Now, all will operate under the beloved Moneypenny brand in its Atlanta and Miami offices, as well as virtually in hubs across the country. This unification enhances the ability to offer seamless customer communication solutions and strengthens Moneypenny’s position as the world’s customer conversation experts. 

“As we celebrate 25 years of service, we are excited to express more clearly and concisely our passion to those we serve. By bringing the best of all of our businesses together under one brand, we make it easier for businesses to see the full range of solutions we offer, while also enhancing opportunities for our people. This transition underscores Moneypenny’s commitment to excellence, innovation, and a unified global strategy.” said Richard Culberson, CEO of Moneypenny North America. 

"As a company proudly headquartered in Wrexham UK, a city with a rich history and a growing international profile, Moneypenny is proud to represent that same spirit of fellowship, excellence, and focus on what matters most, people,” said Jesper With-Fogstrup, Group CEO of Moneypenny. “Just as Wrexham soccer has captured hearts across the US, Wrexham’s own Moneypenny has captured hearts by connecting businesses, technology, and people on both sides of the pond. We couldn’t be more excited to have all our teams driven by this shared spirit."

To mark its silver anniversary, Moneypenny will celebrate with a throwback “year 2000” prom for its US teams – a tribute not only to Moneypenny’s remarkable quarter-century history, but also to a time before smartphones, live chat, and a global pandemic put companies on call 24-7By embracing a unified brand, celebrating its legacy, and continuing to invest in its people and AI-driven solutions, Moneypenny is setting the stage for an even stronger future.

About Moneypenny

As the world’s customer conversation experts, Moneypenny’s unique blend of brilliant people and AI technology integrates seamlessly to deliver customer conversations that unlock valuable opportunities for businesses, 24/7. Available across all voice and text channels, Moneypenny responds to and fulfils requirements for thousands of UK and US clients who value their reputation and recognize that the key to sustainable growth is working with a partner who allows them to scale in an agile way. This year, Moneypenny proudly celebrates 25 years of service, having been named one of the “100 Best Companies to Work For” seven times and earning recognition as a Great Place To Work (GPTW). Moneypenny was also named as ‘Best Global Support’ in The Forbes Advisor - The Best Answering Services of 2024.