Hedge fund seeks injunction to block Reuters story

Brevan Howard Asset Management, a British hedge fund, has sought an injunction to prevent Reuters publishing a story that the firm says is based on confidential information.

Rachel Armstrong of Reuters writes, “A spokesman for Brevan Howard, one of Europe’s biggest hedge fund management firms, did not immediately respond to a request for comment on Monday.

“A Reuters spokeswoman said: ‘Our objective is to publish news and information in the public interest, which we believe outweighs any confidentiality concerns in this matter.’

“Under Britain’s legal system, individuals and companies can file for privacy or confidentiality injunctions to try to stop the media publishing information that they say is confidential. The court orders are best known for their use by celebrities seeking to stop British newspapers publishing stories about their personal lives.

“Most applications for privacy injunctions are granted. Their effectiveness has been questioned by some media lawyers as details of stories subject to the measures have often been shared on social media or published by overseas news outlets not subject to UK law.”

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