Wyevale, which faces an extraordinary general meeting on September 12, issued a circular to shareholders urging them to vote against the removal of chairman David Williams, as well as directors Andrew Lewis-Pratt and Dianne Thompson.
The board believes the present management team has a 'clear retail-led strategy' and is implementing a 'comprehensive programme of retail improvement initiatives to drive footfall and sales densities'.
Wyevale wants to focus on larger centres, reshape and maximise value from the property portfolio and strengthen the management. Gary Favell has been appointed interim chief operating officer and the search is continuing for a chief executive.
The retailer said: 'Wyevale is a garden centre retailer first and foremost, so why do Laxey's proposed team all have a property background? Also, why did Laxey give up their retail candidate at the last minute?'
Wyevale claims the Laxey bid contains no detail on how it intends to develop the business and comprises a team whose historic focus has been on real estate and corporate activity.
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