The proceedings were brought by Hartside Ltd, an Isle of Man-based company, which claimed it and Heineken, then named Murphy Brewery Ireland Ltd, entered into a joint venture agreement (JVA) with several other parties in November 1996 for the acquisition and ownership of Nash Beverages Ltd (NBL). A number of ancillary agreements were also entered into including a management agreement between Hartside and Heineken and a keg delivery agreement, it was claimed. The claims were denied. Depressing Hartside claimed the business of the joint venture, including keg delivery and wholesale drinks distribution, was to be conducted under the terms of the JVA. It claimed Heineken breached the terms of the JVA and the management agreement in taking steps that had the effect of advancing Heineken's own interests and depressing the value of NBL and consequently Hartside's interest in NBL.