Pettigrew v George Wimpey UK Ltd [electronic resource]

[2007] EWHC 2559 (QB), 29 June 2007. Considers issues which may demonstrate whether the introduction by an agent is responsible for the sale of a property. The claimant estate agent (P) introduced the respondent development company (W) to some development land. P registered W's interest with the vendor (H)'s solicitors twice over four years. However there were personnel changes within W and P's contract for introduction moved on. H made a contract with a developer who was subsequently taken over by W. Purchase of the land by W was made some eight years after P's introduction. P claimed commission on the sale. W argued that P's introduction was not the effective cause of introduction owing to personnel changes and the information not being passed on. "Held": The burden of proof that the introduction was responsible for the sale lay with P. P's introduction had not been considered by W since three years after the introduction, and such information had been destroyed. The purchase came about due to significant personal and company structuring changes involving W and the developer with whom H made contract. Judgment for the defendant.