Late Tech Tycoon Mike Lynch’s Estate Hit With $940M Fraud Ruling Over HP Autonomy Deal

A UK High Court has ruled that the estate of the late British tech entrepreneur Mike Lynch and his former business partner must pay over £700 million ($940 million) to Hewlett Packard Enterprise (HPE). The judgment follows HPE’s claim that it suffered massive losses due to fraud in its 2011 acquisition of Lynch’s software company, Autonomy.

Lynch, who died in a yacht accident last year, had denied wrongdoing, but the court found in favor of HPE. The ruling effectively bankrupts Lynch’s estate and highlights the long-running legal battle over one of the UK’s biggest tech deals.

Representatives for Lynch’s estate have indicated they may appeal the decision.