Guardian Media Group chairman Paul Myners has been caught up in the libel case being brought by Tesco against The Guardian.
Details of an alleged conversation between Myners and Tesco chairman David Reid have been included in a writ filed by the grocer at the High Court last week.
Tesco cites the conversation as evidence that The Guardian knew allegations that Tesco avoided paying£1 billion in tax were “false, malicious and defamatory”.
Myners and Reid may have to give evidence if the case goes to trial.
Tesco is seeking “special damages”, which lawyers say could lead to a multimillion pound compensation.
The grocer said the allegations led to significant disruption and diversion of senior management and board directors’ time. It added that customers had boycotted the retailer since the claims and the grocer has reserved the right to claim for “loss of profits”.
Last year, The Guardian printed a number of articles claiming that Tesco avoided paying£1 billion in tax by using an offshore structure for property ventures.
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