The war of words between Inveresk and Klippan Paper chairman Jan Bernander continues to escalate, with claims from the Swede that Inveresk is trying to appoint a chief executive without consulting him.


But Inveresk finance director Gerard Cassels said the firm was "going about its business in the normal fashion" and was reviewing a shortlist of nominees for the chief executive role.


"It seems strange to me that the corporate raider wants to put in place his own hired gun," added Cassels.


Bernander and his associate, London-based accountant Alan Walker, are seeking board representation with a view to a possible merger of the two paper companies.


Bernander, who has a 22% holding in Inveresk, said that if the group appointed a chief executive without his prior agreement, there would be a "tremendous problem".


Chief executive and managing director Stefan Kay is retiring, along with chairman William Goodall, who is standing down at the groups AGM.


Cassels also queried Bernanders claims in the Scottish press that he was turning up this week for a directors meeting. "Neither I nor my board are aware of it," he said.


Story by Andy Scott