Fujitsu picks B&M for IT dispute

Baker & McKenzie's Harry Small has been called in to deal with the court battle. Co-op claims that no contract was ever signed and alleges that ICL failed to implement a major IT retail system.

The instruction is a blow for Masons, which represented ICL on most of its IT litigation. Masons advised ICL on a similar claim by Kwik-Fit, which was settled in 2001.

A Masons partner said that the firm is upset not to be working on the case, but continues to advise Fujitsu on non-contentious matters.

ICL refutes the Co-op claim and states that despite a new contract not being completed, the systems did work and were covered by an old contract. ICL has launched a counter claim for £1.3m of unpaid bills.

DLA's Graham Orchison is advising the Co-op.