Fed: One.Tel founder denies misleading Packer, Murdoch

AAP General News (Australia)
08-01-2001
Fed: One.Tel founder denies misleading Packer, Murdoch

SYDNEY, Aug 1 AAP - One.Tel founder and former chief executive Jodee Rich has denied
his then partners, James Packer and Lachlan Murdoch, were misled in the lead-up to the
company's collapse, The Sydney Morning Herald reported today.

Mr Murdoch and Mr Packer claimed they had been "profoundly misled" when administrators
were appointed on May 30.

But in an interview with the SMH, Mr Rich claimed he was completely stunned at the suggestion.

"For the first two or three weeks it was just disbelief," he told the paper.

"I thought I was part of a parallel universe but after three weeks I woke up to realise
I was part of a tragedy."

Mr Rich said One.Tel worked hard to maintain an open environment giving full access
to shareholders and directors.

He said Packer's PBL chief financial officer George Kleeman was given full access to
all records and to managers and Mr Rich claimed he sent daily e-mails on the cash position
of the company to James Packer and Mr Kleeman.

AAP sal/wasu

KEYWORD: ONETEL RICH

2001 AAP Information Services Pty Limited (AAP) or its Licensors.