Hammonds’ drawings fight nears closureHammonds has settled with seven out of eight former ­partners involved in a £1.7m profits dispute with the firm, days before a cost hearing was due following a High Court clash.

The firm has settled with former partners Marija Danilunas, John Deacon, Mark Hilton, Jonathan Hosie, Simon Palmer, Martin Thomas and Stephen Tupper.

David Jones is yet to reach an ­agreement with the firm, which is expected to pursue costs against Jones.

The firm said in a statement: “It’s a matter of huge regret that David has not settled with us and we’ll ­continue to search for an amicable resolution with him.” (See the Litigation Blog for more.)