After A Decade Of Patient Wait, Dr. Mahtani Is Announced As Majority Shareholder Of Portland Cement

Patience and determination are two major aspects which businessmen must possess, in order to go through various business challenges and staying relevant within the industry. At the same time, there are only a few businessmen who are able to carry out their businesses in an ethical, honest and transparent manner. Dr. Rajan Lekhraj Mahtani is one such businessman who has been defying all odds and has been able to establish successful businesses while staying within ethical boundaries of businesses. As a result, he is one of the few businessmen in Zambia who has gained a positive reputation due to his honest business practices.

For the past one decade, Dr. Rajan Lekhraj Mahtani patiently fought for the legal takeover of his factory, Portland Cement Zambia. The case was registered at Lusaka HC and was dragged for over ten years due to the various shortfalls and issues within the justice system. During this time, several evidences and testimonials were shared, and final decision was given by justice Nkonde. However, this decision which came during the month of May, 2018 shocked nearly everyone as it confirmed Ventriglias and not Dr. Mahtani as the legal owner of Portland Cement.

This misdirected decision was quickly countered by Dr. Mahtani at the Court of Appeal. Further, evidences were shared, and testimonials were given, and the Court of Appeal announced final judgement on 31st January 2019. Based on this decision, it was confirmed that majority shareholding of the factory goes to Dr. Mahtani as his company Finsbury Investments owns 58 percent shares of the factory. Similarly, the Ventriglias are liable for only 42 percent shares at the factory and therefore, own minority shareholding and do not possess any legal ownership on Portland Cement.

This decision from Court of Appeal clearly established the fact that Lusaka High Court was wrong in declaring Ventriglias as only shareholders.