http://ap.tbo.com/ap/breaking/MGAX168JKPD.htmlNEW YORK (AP) - Newspaper publisher Hollinger International Inc. removed Conrad Black as its chairman Saturday, hours after announcing a lawsuit alleging that he and an associate improperly took more than $200 million from the company.
Hollinger International, publisher of newspapers including the Chicago Sun-Times and The Daily Telegraph in London, said the executive committee of its board of directors removed Black as chairman, effective immediately. He remains the company's controlling shareholder.
The lawsuit was filed in federal court in New York Friday but announced by the company Saturday. It accuses Black and David Radler, the company's former president and chief operating officer, of "repeated and systematic schemes to divert corporate assets and opportunities to themselves."
Hollinger International is seeking recovery of the money, which includes fees paid to both men as part of asset sales. It also wants the return of fees paid to Hollinger International's Toronto-based parent company Hollinger Inc., which is controlled by Black, as well as two privately held companies also controlled by Black. snip
Hollinger International's board includes several prominent public figures, including Henry Kissinger, defense adviser Richard Perle and former Illinois Gov. James R. Thompson.
more