Leni Gas & Oil to go ahead with legal action against MOG over Malta deal

Leni Oil & Gas Plc said last night that it has "instructed its lawyers to prepare the necessary applications to compel disclosure" of the information, which relates to MOG's US$10 million partnership deal with former BP boss Tony Hayward's Genel Energy.

Shortly before the Genel tie-up, Leni sold a 10pc stake in the licences to MOG for a nominal US$1 plus us$19,050 in past liabilities.

Leni, whose executive chairman is serial entrepreneur David Lenigas, has questioned whether it may have been misled before selling its interests at the low price.

It demanded to know more about the chronology of the Genel deal and the results of seismic surveys.

An MOG spokesman said: "we don't think it's appropriate to comment on legal matters in public, but continue to refute claims of misrepresentation made by Leni Gas."