Difference between revisions of "Isaac Kaye"

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Kaye was a supporter of the South Africa's Apartheid regime<ref>Michael Gillard, 28th September 2000. Apartheid Supporter Who Is a £100,000 Backer of Labour. The Daily Express</ref>, the Afrikaner-led National party<ref>Maguire K (2002) [http://www.guardian.co.uk/uk/2002/apr/13/politics.partyfunding Profile:Isaac Kaye] <i>The Guardian</i> 13th April 2002. Accessed 4th April 2008</ref>. Such claims are reported to be contested by Kaye’s lawyer. However, as Osler states<ref>Osler, D. (2006) [http://www.davidosler.com/2006/04/new_labour_and_the_generic_med.html New Labour and the generic medicine scam] Accessed 4th April 2008</ref>, 'it was admitted that Kaye did back one National Party candidate on grounds of childhood friendship' ([[John Erasmus]]<ref>McSmith, A. (2002) [http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/main.jhtml?xml=/news/2002/04/13/ndonor13.xml  Fraud squad raids firm of Labour Party donor] <i>The Telegraph</i>13th April 2002. Accessed 4th April 2008</ref>). Kaye is reported to have met Erasmus whilst he was in Rhodesia (now known as Zimbabwe), however little else is known about Kaye's time there<ref><i>The Express</i> HE STAYS QUIET ABOUT HIS STRIFE AND TIMES IN SOUTH AFRICA. 28th September 2000</ref>. According to The <i>Express</i>, 'Erasmus served in the Rhodesian security forces after the whites-only government of [[Ian Smith]] declared UDI in 1965'.   
 
Kaye was a supporter of the South Africa's Apartheid regime<ref>Michael Gillard, 28th September 2000. Apartheid Supporter Who Is a £100,000 Backer of Labour. The Daily Express</ref>, the Afrikaner-led National party<ref>Maguire K (2002) [http://www.guardian.co.uk/uk/2002/apr/13/politics.partyfunding Profile:Isaac Kaye] <i>The Guardian</i> 13th April 2002. Accessed 4th April 2008</ref>. Such claims are reported to be contested by Kaye’s lawyer. However, as Osler states<ref>Osler, D. (2006) [http://www.davidosler.com/2006/04/new_labour_and_the_generic_med.html New Labour and the generic medicine scam] Accessed 4th April 2008</ref>, 'it was admitted that Kaye did back one National Party candidate on grounds of childhood friendship' ([[John Erasmus]]<ref>McSmith, A. (2002) [http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/main.jhtml?xml=/news/2002/04/13/ndonor13.xml  Fraud squad raids firm of Labour Party donor] <i>The Telegraph</i>13th April 2002. Accessed 4th April 2008</ref>). Kaye is reported to have met Erasmus whilst he was in Rhodesia (now known as Zimbabwe), however little else is known about Kaye's time there<ref><i>The Express</i> HE STAYS QUIET ABOUT HIS STRIFE AND TIMES IN SOUTH AFRICA. 28th September 2000</ref>. According to The <i>Express</i>, 'Erasmus served in the Rhodesian security forces after the whites-only government of [[Ian Smith]] declared UDI in 1965'.   
  
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Osler reports<ref>Osler, D. (2006) [http://www.davidosler.com/2006/04/new_labour_and_the_generic_med.html New Labour and the generic medicine scam] Accessed 4th April 2008</ref> that Kaye also offered National Party minister for health Dr [[Lapa Munnik]] the 'use of cars to transport supporters to the polls at a crucial 1979 by-election'. Munnik is described as 'an apartheid stalwart who threatened to close Catholic schools if they dared to admit non-white pupils'. Kaye also served on the board of [[South African Druggists]] (1977-1982) whose 'executives were also seconded to assist the election efforts of the Afrikaaner-led National Party'. According to [[Peter Goldberg]] ('Kaye's right-hand man') Kaye had personally approved every gift or payment given<ref>Gillard, M. (2000) 'APARTHEID SUPPORTER WHO IS A GBP 100,000 BACKER OF LABOUR'. The <i>Express</i>. 28th september 2000</ref>.
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Osler reports<ref>Osler, D. (2006) [http://www.davidosler.com/2006/04/new_labour_and_the_generic_med.html New Labour and the generic medicine scam] Accessed 4th April 2008</ref> that Kaye also offered National Party minister for health Dr [[Lapa Munnik]] the 'use of cars to transport supporters to the polls at a crucial 1979 by-election'. Munnik is described as 'an apartheid stalwart who threatened to close Catholic schools if they dared to admit non-white pupils'. Kaye also served on the board of [[South African Druggists]] (1977-1982) whose 'executives were also seconded to assist the election efforts of the Afrikaaner-led National Party'. According to [[Peter Goldberg]] ('Kaye's right-hand man') Kaye had personally approved every gift or payment given, yet Kaye is reported to have 'no recollection' of supporting Munnik or Bornman (another National Party candidate who received support by Kaye). Kaye's laywer, [[Warren Roiter]], states that the only South African political party Kaye had "financially aided" was the opposition [[Progressive Party]] and that Kaye 'is a warm supporter of the peaceful transition to a multi-racial democracy in that country'. yet claims to the contrary continues to mount<ref>Gillard, M. (2000) 'APARTHEID SUPPORTER WHO IS A GBP 100,000 BACKER OF LABOUR'. The <i>Express</i>. 28th september 2000</ref>.
  
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An award-winning investigation by the South African journalist Martin Welz, also alleges that Kaye seconded one of his company's executives to campaign for another candidate, [[Gerrit Bornman]]<ref>Monbiot, G. (2008) 'Comment & Debate: This scandal makes it clear: for Labour, money trumps principle every time: Peter Hain's choice of donor defaces his reputation and reveals the surrender of his party&#8239; to the super-rich'. <i>The Guardian</i>. 5th February 2008</ref>. Bornman is reported to have told the <i>Express</i> that Kaye had been a "substantial" backer of the National party<ref>ibid</ref>. In <i>The Express</i><ref><i>The Express</i> HE STAYS QUIET ABOUT HIS STRIFE AND TIMES IN SOUTH AFRICA. 28th September 2000</ref> in 2000, Welz is quoted as saying that Kaye 'lived in the best suburbs, dined in the best restaurants and socialised in the best circles'. <i>The Express</i> article continues by reporting that Kaye 'had a large and beautiful house in the upmarket Sandton suburb of Johannesburg. It was obscured behind a large garden at the end of a long, gated drive'. Kaye is reported to have been careful to avoid personal publicity whilst in South Africa. Even in 2000, IVAX's company documents make no reference to his previous business activities in connection to South Africa<ref><i>The Express</i> HE STAYS QUIET ABOUT HIS STRIFE AND TIMES IN SOUTH AFRICA. 28th September 2000</ref>.
+
An award-winning investigation by the South African journalist Martin Welz, also alleges that Kaye seconded one of his company's executives to campaign for another candidate, [[Gerrit Bornman]]<ref>Monbiot, G. (2008) 'Comment & Debate: This scandal makes it clear: for Labour, money trumps principle every time: Peter Hain's choice of donor defaces his reputation and reveals the surrender of his party&#8239; to the super-rich'. <i>The Guardian</i>. 5th February 2008</ref>. Bornman is reported to have told the <i>Express</i> that Kaye had been a "substantial" backer of the National party<ref>ibid</ref>.  
 +
 
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In <i>The Express</i><ref><i>The Express</i> HE STAYS QUIET ABOUT HIS STRIFE AND TIMES IN SOUTH AFRICA. 28th September 2000</ref> in 2000, Welz is quoted as saying that Kaye 'lived in the best suburbs, dined in the best restaurants and socialised in the best circles'. <i>The Express</i> article continues by reporting that Kaye 'had a large and beautiful house in the upmarket Sandton suburb of Johannesburg. It was obscured behind a large garden at the end of a long, gated drive'. Kaye is reported to have been careful to avoid personal publicity whilst in South Africa. Even in 2000, IVAX's company documents make no reference to his previous business activities in connection to South Africa<ref><i>The Express</i> HE STAYS QUIET ABOUT HIS STRIFE AND TIMES IN SOUTH AFRICA. 28th September 2000</ref>.
  
 
Kaye appears to have moved from Rhodesia to South Africa in the 1970's with his partner [[Bernard 'Dusty' Miller]]. They are reported to have 'built up their [[Alumina Development]] group into a major supplier to hospitals' before selling it for £8.5million to [[South African Druggists]] in 1977<ref><i>The Express</i> HE STAYS QUIET ABOUT HIS STRIFE AND TIMES IN SOUTH AFRICA. 28th September 2000</ref>. The <i>Chemist and Druggist</i> report that Kaye undertook his initial training as a pharmacist in the Rhodesian township of Bulawayo<ref><i>Chemist and Druggist</i> 'It's goodbye from him' June 28th 2003</ref>
 
Kaye appears to have moved from Rhodesia to South Africa in the 1970's with his partner [[Bernard 'Dusty' Miller]]. They are reported to have 'built up their [[Alumina Development]] group into a major supplier to hospitals' before selling it for £8.5million to [[South African Druggists]] in 1977<ref><i>The Express</i> HE STAYS QUIET ABOUT HIS STRIFE AND TIMES IN SOUTH AFRICA. 28th September 2000</ref>. The <i>Chemist and Druggist</i> report that Kaye undertook his initial training as a pharmacist in the Rhodesian township of Bulawayo<ref><i>Chemist and Druggist</i> 'It's goodbye from him' June 28th 2003</ref>

Revision as of 15:09, 14 June 2008

Background

Isaac Kaye (born South Africa) was Deputy Chief Executive of the IVAX Corporation and Chairman of Norton Healthcare. in 2002, he is described by the Guardian as being a 'seventysomething multi-millionaire' who 'moved to Britain in 1985, took Irish citizenship and salted away a small fortune in a Channel Islands trust fund from a US business deal'[1]. According to The Express, Kaye moved to Britain shortly after his partner Bernard Miller who arrived in 1982[2]. In 2008, Kaye is reported to be 78 years of age[3]

Kaye's first company in Britain was called Harris Pharmaceuticals (which Kaye became involved with in 1982), at the time Harris supplied their companies in South Africa[4]. Harris was half-owned by companies in South Africa and the tax havens of Liechtenstein and the Channel Islands until it was sold to IVAX in 1990[5]. Harris was then renamed Norton Healthcare, which was later changed to Ivax Pharmaceuticals UK. Kaye is reported to have 'made £23m from the deal and has a £12m stake in the parent company'[6]. In 1985, Kaye was appointed as Chairman of IVAX Pharmaceuticals UK, a position he held until retiring in 2003. In 2003, he also retired from his position as deputy chief executive officer with the IVAX Corporation and announced his intention not to stand for re-election to the IVAX board.[7]

The Ivax Corporation is a huge Florida-based health company. Norton Healthcare, the largest generic drugs company in Britain, is a subsidiary of IVAX. Kaye earned close to £600,000 at IVAX in 1999 (alongside a personal stake worth more than £12million)[8], $550,301 at IVAX in 1998 (plus share options worth up to $1.5 million) and $521,520 in 1997[9]. In 2001, Kaye cashed 93,750 of his shares and 'reaped more than a million dollars-nearly equaling his salary and bonus'[10].

In 2006 IVAX was aquired by Teva which is described as 'Israel's largest company'. The aquisition is reported to have created 'the world's largest generics company'.

Kaye lives in a luxury apartment in Grosvenor Square, Mayfair, London[11][12] (since 1990[13]) and has been a registered voter since 1991[14].

Kaye is reported to have stepped down as chairman of Norton Healthcare in 2003[15]. Plunkett's Health Care Industry Almanac reports IVAX profits totalling $243,200,000 for 2001, $131,000,000 for 2000 and $70,700,000 for 1999. Their sales totals were $1,215,400,000, $793,400,000, and $656,500,000 respectively.

Kaye, the 'Smooth Talker'

Peter Goldberg, who is reported to have been Kaye's 'right-hand man', describes Kaye as having "pizzazz, fantastic gut feel for a gap or a deal. He's a people's man, a smooth talker. He knew everyone in Pretoria. If he needed to get to know someone he got to know them, even if he had to go through a ten foot wall." [16].

South Africa's Apartheid regime

Kaye was a supporter of the South Africa's Apartheid regime[17], the Afrikaner-led National party[18]. Such claims are reported to be contested by Kaye’s lawyer. However, as Osler states[19], 'it was admitted that Kaye did back one National Party candidate on grounds of childhood friendship' (John Erasmus[20]). Kaye is reported to have met Erasmus whilst he was in Rhodesia (now known as Zimbabwe), however little else is known about Kaye's time there[21]. According to The Express, 'Erasmus served in the Rhodesian security forces after the whites-only government of Ian Smith declared UDI in 1965'.

Osler reports[22] that Kaye also offered National Party minister for health Dr Lapa Munnik the 'use of cars to transport supporters to the polls at a crucial 1979 by-election'. Munnik is described as 'an apartheid stalwart who threatened to close Catholic schools if they dared to admit non-white pupils'. Kaye also served on the board of South African Druggists (1977-1982) whose 'executives were also seconded to assist the election efforts of the Afrikaaner-led National Party'. According to Peter Goldberg ('Kaye's right-hand man') Kaye had personally approved every gift or payment given, yet Kaye is reported to have 'no recollection' of supporting Munnik or Bornman (another National Party candidate who received support by Kaye). Kaye's laywer, Warren Roiter, states that the only South African political party Kaye had "financially aided" was the opposition Progressive Party and that Kaye 'is a warm supporter of the peaceful transition to a multi-racial democracy in that country'. yet claims to the contrary continues to mount[23].

An award-winning investigation by the South African journalist Martin Welz, also alleges that Kaye seconded one of his company's executives to campaign for another candidate, Gerrit Bornman[24]. Bornman is reported to have told the Express that Kaye had been a "substantial" backer of the National party[25].

In The Express[26] in 2000, Welz is quoted as saying that Kaye 'lived in the best suburbs, dined in the best restaurants and socialised in the best circles'. The Express article continues by reporting that Kaye 'had a large and beautiful house in the upmarket Sandton suburb of Johannesburg. It was obscured behind a large garden at the end of a long, gated drive'. Kaye is reported to have been careful to avoid personal publicity whilst in South Africa. Even in 2000, IVAX's company documents make no reference to his previous business activities in connection to South Africa[27].

Kaye appears to have moved from Rhodesia to South Africa in the 1970's with his partner Bernard 'Dusty' Miller. They are reported to have 'built up their Alumina Development group into a major supplier to hospitals' before selling it for £8.5million to South African Druggists in 1977[28]. The Chemist and Druggist report that Kaye undertook his initial training as a pharmacist in the Rhodesian township of Bulawayo[29]

Financing Labour

Kaye spent £5,000 in 1997 and 1998 on tickets for Labour gala dinners and donated £100,000 to Labour in 1999[30]. He also gave £10,000 to the London mayoral campaign of Frank Dobson, the former Labour health secretary. According to The Guardian, the Labour party has declined to comment on its relationship with Kaye. He gave the Labour Party more than £5,000 in 2000.[31]. The Express highlights the 'hypocrisy at the heart of New Labour', by reporting that Nelson Mandela addressed the Labour Party conference in 2000, a hypocritical move after receiving substantial funding from Kaye since 1997. According to the Express 'To accept even a penny from such a figure reveals a shocking lack of principle among the party hierarchy'[32].

In 2008, The Independent reports[33] that Kaye donated nearly £15,000 to Peter Hain through the Progressive Policies Forum (PPF) think tank (which was set up three months after the launch of Mr Hain's campaign) to finance Hain's failed deputy leadership campaign. The Progressive Policies Forum was set up by John Underwood (former director of communications for the Labour Party, founder of Clear Communications and Business Development Director of Freshwater UK[34]) in 2006 and 'channelled over £50,000 in donations and loans to Peter Hain's deputy leadership campaign'[35]. The report continues by stating that the PPF 'has no staff, no board, no website and no published research'. Hain appeared as a guest of honour at Freshwater's table at a Labour fund-raising dinner and publicly praised Freshwater as a "modern, dynamic company" that he wanted to see go "from strength to strength"[36]. He is reported to have "absolutely no regrets" over his links to the company.

Hain is reported to have been an anti-apartheid campaigner, yet Kaye's support of the pro-apartheid National Party did not stop him from taking the money[37]. This leads us on to a crucial question when it comes to the financing of political parties, a question of how morals and ideals can be swept aside in the process of securing finances. How 'money trumps principle every time'. As Monbiot states...

'You enter politics with the highest ideals and end up grovelling to multi-millionaires. Campaign finance is not the only reason for the corruption of leftwing political parties. But any system without a cap on individual donations encourages the mass abandonment of political programmes. You need to spend much less time and effort and money to secure thousands of pounds from a rich man than to shake it out of the piggybanks of hundreds of new members. Who can blame you if you adjust your programme to please the millionaires?'[38]

In 2006 and 2007, 27% of Labour's money came from individual donations of more than £100,000. As Monbiot describes, 'Aside from the largesse of Lord Sainsbury and Lakshmi Mittal, almost all of this is City money, much of it from men who run private equity companies. To what extent this influences Labour's failure to tax the super-rich, we will never know - which is, of course, the problem'[39].

Kaye is also reported to have 'paid for new tennis courts at Chequers'[40]

Gifts for influence

In South Africa during the 1970's, Kaye companies CE Electro-Medical and Continental Ethicals (which were controlled through Alumina Development Corporation) 'captured a large slice of the business for X-ray film and drugs from South African hospitals'[41]. Alumina was sold for £8.5million to South African Druggists in 1977. Kaye was then involved with South African Druggists as a director until 1982.

The Guardian reported that[42]...

'Kaye was caught up in a "gifts for influence" scandal in South Africa during the early 1980s amid claims that doctors were being rewarded with everything from cars and TVs to swimming pool equipment and chandeliers for prescribing drugs made by his then firm. He denied any impropriety, saying the giving of presents was not an inducement but an appreciation'.

Monbiot[43] adds that the 'gifts' given by Kaye's drugs company (Alumina) went 'to people working in the health sector, including academics who sat on the South African government's advisory panels, the head of the Medical Research Council and the minister of health'. The list of 'gifts' also included shares and trips abroad. The official inquiry into the scandal found that Kaye had "no scruples about applying dishonest or unethical methods".

A report by the Express in 2000 lists gifts including company cars, payment of credit card and garage bills, swimming pool equipment, chandeliers, a radio control unit for a model boat, TV sets, trips to Europe, the Far East and shares in Kaye linked companies. These 'gifts' which were disclosed in 1983 were described by Kaye's Former employees as 'an essential part of an aggressive campaign "to win friends in high places"'[44].

Recipients are also reported to have included 'eminent professors of medicine at top South African universities and senior officials in charge of hospital supplies and services. One professor was the former personal physician to South African prime ministers and presidents'[45]. The report continues by stating that 'Former executive Jimmy de Villiers said sweeteners of up to GBP 10,000 a year were paid to officials and doctors'.

After the scandal was exposed, Kaye admitted that 'gifts' had been given, but denied that it was to influence the officials or doctors to award supply contracts. He claimed that they were a gesture of 'appreciation' rather than an inducement. 'sweeteners' of up to £10,000 a year (as claimed by de Villiers) certainly seems a substantial sum if, as Kaye asserts, 'at no time' were gifts or favours offered with the expectation that anyone would 'favour' his company. This practice of 'gift' giving was denounced by the Pharmaceutical & Chemical Manufacturers Association and by the Medical Council of South Africa. There was also an investigation carried out by a commission of inquiry.[46].

According to the Express, 'Kaye's success in Britain, the row over Norton's sales tactics and his support of the government in power mirrors exactly what happened in South Africa'[47].

In 1996, Norton Healthcare was severely condemned by the Association of the British Pharmaceutical Industry for offering "unnacceptable inducements" (including mountain bikes and Marks and Spencers vouchers) to pharmacists who increased their orders for Norton products.[48]. It is reported that Labour's health minister complained that "it is completely unacceptable for pharmaceutical companies to encourage health professionals to use their products through free gifts and other sweeteners"[49].

In 1998, the government announced that it was giving Norton a £990,000 Regional Selective Assistance grant to set up a new plant in London. The purpose of this grant is to boost employment in the local area and to promote "inward investment in the manufacturing sector"[50]. Yet, as The Guardian goes on to report, Norton's parent company revealed that it would stop manufacturing in the UK (and move to Ireland) the week before the government announced this funding! In October 1998 it closed down all its other manufacturing and packaging plants in South East England and moved them to Ireland, cutting 500 jobs in the process. This "re-structuring" helped the IVAX Corporation's share price to rise by 80% in 1998 - Kaye is the second largest shareholder, with a stake worth $136 million held by the I. Kaye Family Trust (via a Guernsey-based company called Charter Trust, which in turn hold the shares via another company called Azure Ltd)[51].

Barring Union Activity - a violation of rights

Kaye refuses to recognise Trade Unions at Norton Healthcare because they are "not in line with company philosophy"![52] According to Osler, 'In May 2000, a Kentucky judge ruled that Norton unlawfully violated the rights of its nurses at one of its US hospitals, by barring them from union activity in their own time. This was held to be in violation of the National Labor Relations Act'[53].

NHS £400m rip-off?

When Frank Dobson was Health Minister he called on the NHS to save money by buying cheaper generic drugs, rather than expensive name brands. However, as NHS spending shifted to the generic drugs, their prices increased too - for instance, by 1999 the price of a pack of Norton Healthcare Thyroxine tablets had increased from £6.84 12 months earlier, to £44.89![54] As a result the NHS doesn't save money, but the IVAX Corporation makes huge profits. As stated by Osler, 'Such tactics saw Ivax’s profits rise over 70% in 2000, despite a 12% decline in turnover'[55]. IVAX's "Easi-Breathe" inhaler has been named a Millennium Product by the Government and is displayed in the Dome[56]. Norton Healthcare is reported to be 'the biggest supplier of generic drugs to the NHS'[57].

In 2002 The Guardian reported that, Kaye's company was 'raided by police investigating an alleged £400m rip-off of the NHS' and was 'one of six firms suspected of being involved in a price fixing cartel to push up prices charged to the NHS'. IVAX denied any 'wrongdoing'[58]. After initial enquiries carried out by the Counter Fraud Directorate of the Department of Health, The Serious Fraud Office (SFO) began an investigation 'into a suspected conspiracy to defraud the NHS in relation to prices charged by suppliers for prescribed penicillin based antibiotics and warfarin between 1st January 1996 and 31st December 2000'[59]. One of the antibiotics (called amoxycillin) is described as 'one of Britain's most commonly prescribed drugs' which the companies allegedly conspired to raise the price of, 'by up to 260 per cent'[60]. The NHS reportedly spends £39million a year on amoxycillin[61] and in the Evening Standards 'Experts are reported to have said that the NHS 'could have been overcharged by as much as 30 million'[62]. In April 2006, The Guardian reported that Norton had 'been named in three ongoing lawsuits relating to the supply of blood-thinning drug warfarin, penicillin-based antibiotics and a generic version of anti-ulcer pill Zantac'[63].

The six pharmaceutical companies being investigated by the Serious Fraud Office were[64]:

The Daily Mail reports[65] that 'NHS investigators claim that in 1997 and 1998 senior representatives from the seven firms met near Heathrow and agreed to act together'. According to the NHS's Claim Form, 'A series of meetings followed at which the defendants negotiated a sophisticated scheme by means of which the prices and supply of penicillins in the UK market could be controlled and manipulated'. It is alleged that this involved 'raising prices and restricting supply' in order to 'almost quadruple the cost of the common antibiotic amoxicillin'. The allegations also relate to the price fixing of over 30 other drugs. The Independent also adds the claims that, at the Heathrow meeting, the senior representatives of the firms 'considered the possibility of arrangements designed to reduce competition in the UK..' and agreed to 'refuse to sell the drugs to the NHS below an agreed price'[66]. The Sunday Times reported in 2002 that 'Executives are said to have held a secret meeting in offices in Kensington High Street, London, in July 1998 to review their plot and extend it to overseas markets. It is claimed the groups lied about supplies of warfarin to force the price up'[67]. The report continues by stating that the 'Government alleges' that...

'In 11 months in 1997 Regent increased revenue on sales of warfarin by 140% though the volume of its supplies remained mostly the same. This gave the company Pounds 750,000 in extra revenue. Goldshield increased the price of one pack of drugs from Pounds 6.94 to Pounds 20.82 at around the same time'.

The SFO later (27th April 2006) reported[68] that nine persons appeared in court on 'charges of conspiracy to defraud the National Health Service' along with 5 Companies (including Norton Healthcare) 'on conspiracy to defraud charges'. The 'persons' were Jonathan Raymond Close and Nicholas Mark Foster (both formerly of Norton Healthcare Limited) alongside Denis William O’Neill and John Stephen Clark (of Kent Pharmaceuticals Limited), Luma Auchi (formerly of Regent-GM Laboratories), Michael John Frederick Sparrow (formerly of Generics (UK) Limited), Anil Kumar Sharma (formerly of Ranbaxy (UK) Limited), Ajit Ramanlal Patel and Kirti Vinubhai Patel (of Goldshield Group Plc). On the 9th April 2006 (shortly before the companies appearance in court), Medical News Today reported [69] that The Department of Health and Norton Healthcare Ltd and Norton Pharmaceuticals Ltd had 'jointly announce settlement of the claims'. Norton did not admit any liability in relation to the charges but did pay compensation to the NHS for the amount of £13.5 million. In the report, Jim Gee (Director of Counter Fraud Services for the Department of Health) stated that "Norton is the third of the defendant companies to have recognised the strength of the claim made by the NHS..." The £13.5million was paid out to the NHS in England and Wales[70].

It appears that the case was due to go to trial in September 2008[71] in what The Guardian describes as 'the biggest prosecution for alleged fraud ever launched in the United Kingdom'[72]. However, in April 2008, it was announced that 'A drugs group has agreed a £2.8m settlement with the Scottish Government and health boards over the alleged price fixing'. Norton is reported to have agreed to the £2.8 million payment as a 'full and final settlement' and without admiting any liability[73]. The report also mentions that the Goldshield Group paid £750,000 after agreeing a similar deal in March 2008.

Subsidiaries and Brands

The IVAX Corporation's other subsidiaries include Zenith Goldline Pharmaceuticals, Goldcaps Inc., Diamedix Corporation, Baker Norton Pharmaceuticals, Immunovision and DVM Pharmaceuticals (all based in Florida), Gelkaps GmbH (Germany), Elvetium S.A. (Argentina), Baker Norton Asia (Hong Kong), Delta Biologicals (Italy) and Galena a.s. Opava (Czech Republic).

In 2002, IVAX is reported to have 'recently' aquired Puerto Rican based company ChemSource (Which develops, manufactures and sells active pharmaceutical ingredients for a variety of pharmaceuticals products)[74]

In 2002, it is also reported that IVAX 'established a company in France by acquiring Merck Sharp & Dohme's portfolio of generic products there[75]. IVAX also 'entered into a collaboration with Novartis' in order to market IVAX's Airmax multidose dry powder inhaler[76].

In 2002, Plunkett's Health Care Industry Almanac describes IVAX's 'Brands/Divisions/Affiliates' as[77]...

Affiliations

  • Israel Healthcare Ventures (IHCV)[81] - Kaye is a founding member of the IHCV which was created in 2001. The IHCV describes itself as 'a venture capital fund dedicated to providing venture capital investment to Israeli life sciences companies'[82].
  • Isaac Kaye Family Trust - was set up in 1988 (it is reported that this was mainly for his children). In 2000 the Trust owned more than £50million shares in IVAX[83].

According to the Sunday Tribune (Ireland), Ivax's second largest shareholder is reported to be Azure Ltd. Azure Ltd held a $136m stake in IVAX in April 2000. This was held on behalf of the Charter Trust Company, which is an offshore company that represents the Kaye Family Trust[84] .

Takeovers

In 2007, The Star in South Africa made reference to an offer made by Issac Kaye to Natie Kirsh (the controlling shareholder of Greatermans and uncle of Primedia chief executive William Kirsh) in an article which included a piece about takeover bids which are 'directed only at the holders of voting shares and not at the holders of non-voting shares'. The offer was made by Kaye and Dusty Miller to shareholder Kirsh only. It appears to have then been overturned by the High Court[85].

The Express in 2000 made reference to Kaye and Miller's Greatermans activities. Little details are given, however they do report that (in relation to the Greatermans sale)...

'The buyers cut the purchase price and later sued, claiming profits had been overstated and liabilities understated. There was also a police investigation but no prosecution'[86]..

Tax Loophole

In an article in 2002 on the subject of how 'Rich people are costing Britain millions in lost tax by not registering their houses in their own names', the Guardian reports that Kayes home in Grosvenor Square was owned by a company which in turn was owned by a 'family trust'[87]. The article claims that through the exploitation of legal loopholes 'wealthy individuals... appear to be enjoying the country's choicest property virtually tax-free'. The article also mentions Margaret Thatcher, Mohamed Al Fayed, David Potter, Tony Tabatznik, Lakshmi Mittal, Uri David, Rupert Allason, Wafic Said, Prince Bandar and Christopher Ondaatje as others who are not the registered owners of their homes who may benefit from such a loophole.

The company which owns Kaye's home is reported to be Woodworth Investment Ltd. Kaye has 'Non-domiciled' status in the UK and it is estimated that he stands to potentially save stamp duty in the region of £60,000 and inheritance tax of at least £500,000[88]

Other news

In 2001, Kaye met The Duke of Kent at Norton Healthcare's headquarters at London's Royal Docks[89]


Notes

  1. ↑ Maguire K (2002) Profile:Isaac Kaye The Guardian 13th April 2002. Accessed 4th April 2008
  2. ↑ The Express HE STAYS QUIET ABOUT HIS STRIFE AND TIMES IN SOUTH AFRICA. 28th September 2000.
  3. ↑ Grimston, J., Woolf, M. & Gadher, D. (2008) 'THE DONORS: FROM DIAMOND BROKER TO DEMOLITION MAN'. The Sunday Times 13th January 2008
  4. ↑ The Express HE STAYS QUIET ABOUT HIS STRIFE AND TIMES IN SOUTH AFRICA. 28th September 2000.
  5. ↑ The Express HE STAYS QUIET ABOUT HIS STRIFE AND TIMES IN SOUTH AFRICA. 28th September 2000.
  6. ↑ Maguire K (2002) Profile:Isaac Kaye The Guardian 13th April 2002. Accessed 4th April 2008
  7. ↑ Chemist & Druggist 'It's goodbye from him'. 28th June 2003
  8. ↑ Gillard, M. (2000) 'APARTHEID SUPPORTER WHO IS A GBP 100,000 BACKER OF LABOUR'. The Express. 28th september 2000
  9. ↑ Ref needed
  10. ↑ Fakler, J. T. (2002) 'Companies keep their options open'. South Florida Business Journal. 9th August 2002
  11. ↑ Evans, R & Hencke, D. (2002) 'Tax loopholes on homes benefit the rich and cost UK millions'. The Guardian 25th May 2002. Accessed 22nd May 2008
  12. ↑ Maguire K (2002) Profile:Isaac Kaye The Guardian 13th April 2002. Accessed 4th April 2008
  13. ↑ The Express HE STAYS QUIET ABOUT HIS STRIFE AND TIMES IN SOUTH AFRICA. 28th September 2000.
  14. ↑ The Express HE STAYS QUIET ABOUT HIS STRIFE AND TIMES IN SOUTH AFRICA. 28th September 2000.
  15. ↑ Brogan, B. & Gysin, C. (2008) Hain faces sack in sleaze inquiry; He could be barred - but Brown might fire him first. The Daily Mail (London). 12th January 2008
  16. ↑ Gillard, M. (2000) 'APARTHEID SUPPORTER WHO IS A GBP 100,000 BACKER OF LABOUR'. The Express. 28th september 2000
  17. ↑ Michael Gillard, 28th September 2000. Apartheid Supporter Who Is a £100,000 Backer of Labour. The Daily Express
  18. ↑ Maguire K (2002) Profile:Isaac Kaye The Guardian 13th April 2002. Accessed 4th April 2008
  19. ↑ Osler, D. (2006) New Labour and the generic medicine scam Accessed 4th April 2008
  20. ↑ McSmith, A. (2002) Fraud squad raids firm of Labour Party donor The Telegraph13th April 2002. Accessed 4th April 2008
  21. ↑ The Express HE STAYS QUIET ABOUT HIS STRIFE AND TIMES IN SOUTH AFRICA. 28th September 2000
  22. ↑ Osler, D. (2006) New Labour and the generic medicine scam Accessed 4th April 2008
  23. ↑ Gillard, M. (2000) 'APARTHEID SUPPORTER WHO IS A GBP 100,000 BACKER OF LABOUR'. The Express. 28th september 2000
  24. ↑ Monbiot, G. (2008) 'Comment & Debate: This scandal makes it clear: for Labour, money trumps principle every time: Peter Hain's choice of donor defaces his reputation and reveals the surrender of his party  to the super-rich'. The Guardian. 5th February 2008
  25. ↑ ibid
  26. ↑ The Express HE STAYS QUIET ABOUT HIS STRIFE AND TIMES IN SOUTH AFRICA. 28th September 2000
  27. ↑ The Express HE STAYS QUIET ABOUT HIS STRIFE AND TIMES IN SOUTH AFRICA. 28th September 2000
  28. ↑ The Express HE STAYS QUIET ABOUT HIS STRIFE AND TIMES IN SOUTH AFRICA. 28th September 2000
  29. ↑ Chemist and Druggist 'It's goodbye from him' June 28th 2003
  30. ↑ Maguire K (2002) Profile:Isaac Kaye The Guardian 13th April 2002. Accessed 4th April 2008
  31. ↑ Ref needed
  32. ↑ The Express 'THE EXPRESS LEADER'. 28th September 2000
  33. ↑ Brady, B. (2008) 'I've done nothing wrong,' Peter Hain insists, as he battles for his political lifeThe Independent 13th January 2008. Accessed 4th April 2008
  34. ↑ Freshwater UK Directors Accessed 4th April2008
  35. ↑ Brady, B. (2008) 'I've done nothing wrong,' Peter Hain insists, as he battles for his political lifeThe Independent 13th January 2008. Accessed 4th April 2008
  36. ↑ Pierce, A. (2008) 'Why he fell Spending spree that sent Hain's career into a tailspin' The Daily Telegraph. 25th January 2008.
  37. ↑ Monbiot, G. (2008) 'Comment & Debate: This scandal makes it clear: for Labour, money trumps principle every time: Peter Hain's choice of donor defaces his reputation and reveals the surrender of his party  to the super-rich' The Guardian 5th February 2008
  38. ↑ Monbiot, G. (2008) 'Comment & Debate: This scandal makes it clear: for Labour, money trumps principle every time: Peter Hain's choice of donor defaces his reputation and reveals the surrender of his party  to the super-rich' The Guardian 5th February 2008
  39. ↑ Monbiot, G. (2008) 'Comment & Debate: This scandal makes it clear: for Labour, money trumps principle every time: Peter Hain's choice of donor defaces his reputation and reveals the surrender of his party  to the super-rich' The Guardian 5th February 2008
  40. ↑ The Evening Standard (London). 'Drugs boss in NHS fraud inquiry is big Labour donor; Londoner's Diary'. 12th April 2002.
  41. ↑ Gillard, M. (2000) 'APARTHEID SUPPORTER WHO IS A GBP 100,000 BACKER OF LABOUR'. The Express 28th September 2000
  42. ↑ Maguire K (2002) Profile:Isaac Kaye The Guardian 13th April 2002. Accessed 4th April 2008
  43. ↑ Monbiot, G. (2008) 'Comment & Debate: This scandal makes it clear: for Labour, money trumps principle every time: Peter Hain's choice of donor defaces his reputation and reveals the surrender of his party  to the super-rich'. 5th February 2008.
  44. ↑ Gillard, M. (2000) 'APARTHEID SUPPORTER WHO IS A GBP 100,000 BACKER OF LABOUR'. The Express 28th September 2000
  45. ↑ Gillard, M. (2000) 'APARTHEID SUPPORTER WHO IS A GBP 100,000 BACKER OF LABOUR'. The Express 28th September 2000
  46. ↑ Gillard, M. (2000) 'APARTHEID SUPPORTER WHO IS A GBP 100,000 BACKER OF LABOUR'. The Express 28th September 2000
  47. ↑ Gillard, M. (2000) 'APARTHEID SUPPORTER WHO IS A GBP 100,000 BACKER OF LABOUR'. The Express 28th September 2000
  48. ↑ Death of the Noble Idea Posted February 5, 2008 Big money trumps everything in politics, even the most dearly-held beliefs By George Monbiot. Published in the Guardian 5th February 2008; FRANCIS WHEEN, WHEEN'S WORLD: DOBBO'S MEDICINE MAN: FRANK'S PHARMACEUTICAL FRIENDS The Guardian April 26, 2000
  49. ↑ Monbiot, G. (2008) 'Comment & Debate: This scandal makes it clear: for Labour, money trumps principle every time: Peter Hain's choice of donor defaces his reputation and reveals the surrender of his party  to the super-rich'. 5th February 2008.
  50. ↑ Monbiot, G. (2008) 'Comment & Debate: This scandal makes it clear: for Labour, money trumps principle every time: Peter Hain's choice of donor defaces his reputation and reveals the surrender of his party  to the super-rich'. 5th February 2008.
  51. ↑ McGee, H. (2002) 'Alleged fraud firm linked to millionaire with Irish passport'. Sunday Tribune (Ireland). 14th April 2002
  52. ↑ Cited in Osler, D. (2006) New Labour and the generic medicine scam Accessed 4th April 2008, Original source:FRANCIS WHEEN, WHEEN'S WORLD: DOBBO'S MEDICINE MAN: FRANK'S PHARMACEUTICAL FRIENDS The Guardian April 26, 2000
  53. ↑ Osler, D. (2006) New Labour and the generic medicine scam Accessed 4th April 2008
  54. ↑ Osler, D. (2006) New Labour and the generic medicine scam Accessed 4th April 2008
  55. ↑ Osler, D. (2006) New Labour and the generic medicine scam Accessed 4th April 2008
  56. ↑ Ref needed
  57. ↑ Livingstone, T. (2008) I find it hard to see how he can continue if he is the sort of man who forgets about pounds 100,000'. The Western Mail. 12th January 2008
  58. ↑ Maguire K (2002) Profile:Isaac Kaye The Guardian 13th April 2002. Accessed 4th April 2008
  59. ↑ Serious Fraud Office Suspected fraud on the National Health Service Press release 10th April 2002. Accessed 4th April 2008
  60. ↑ The Times 'The week that was Britain'. 27th December 2003
  61. ↑ Newling, D. (2003) 'Drug firms 'in price-fix scam'. The Daily Mail. 22nd December 2003
  62. ↑ Goodway, N. (2003) 'Drug firms face action over '170m NHS fraud'. The Evening Standard 22nd December 2003.
  63. ↑ Bowers, S.(2006) Financial: Pharmaceutical: Norton pays NHS £13.5m over price fixing claims. The Guardian April 5th 2006
  64. ↑ Serious Fraud Office Suspected fraud on the National Health Service Press release 10th April 2002. Accessed 4th April 2008
  65. ↑ NEWLING, D. (2003) Drug firms 'in price-fix scam'. The Daily Mail. 22nd december 2003
  66. ↑ Burleigh, J. (2003) 'NHS TO SUE SEVEN DRUG FIRMS FOR FIXING PRICE' OF MEDICINES'. The Independent. 22nd December 2003
  67. ↑ Calvert, J. (2002) 'Government sues drug giants for 'cheating' NHS'. Sunday Times. 22nd December 2002
  68. ↑ Serious Fraud Office Fraud on the National Health Service. Appearance at Magistrates Court Accessed 4th April 2008
  69. ↑ Medical News Today Norton Settles NHS Claim For 'Price Fixing', UK 9th April 2006. Accessed 4th April 2008
  70. ↑ BBC News Drug group backs £2.8m settlement. 30th April 2008. Accessed 30th April 2008
  71. ↑ Livingstone, T. & Shipton, M. (2008) 'I made a mistake but it was an innocent mistake'. The Western Mail. 25th January 2008.
  72. ↑ Monbiot, G. (2008) 'This scandal makes it clear: for Labour, money trumps principle every time: Peter Hain's choice of donor defaces his reputation and reveals the surrender of his party  to the super-rich'. 5th February 2008
  73. ↑ BBC News Drug group backs £2.8m settlement. 30th April 2008. Accessed 30th April 2008
  74. ↑ Plunkett's Health Care Industry Almanac (2002) 'Individual Data Profiles On Each Of THE HEALTH CARE 500'. January 2004
  75. ↑ FD (Fair Disclosure) Wire 'Q1 2003 Ivax Earnings Conference Call - Final'. 24th April 2003
  76. ↑ FD (Fair Disclosure) Wire 'Q1 2003 Ivax Earnings Conference Call - Final'. 24th April 2003
  77. ↑ Plunkett's Health Care Industry Almanac (2002) 'Individual Data Profiles On Each Of THE HEALTH CARE 500'. January 2004
  78. ↑ Hebrew University of Jerusalem Isaac Kaye Accessed 9th April 2008
  79. ↑ Hebrew University of Jerusalem Isaac Kaye Accessed 9th April 2008
  80. ↑ Siegel, J. (2007) 'HU researchers cited for work on obesity brain surgery Alzheimer's'. The Jerusalem Post. 6th June 2007
  81. ↑ Hebrew University of Jerusalem Isaac Kaye Accessed 9th April 2008
  82. ↑ Israel Healthcare Ventures Home Page Accessed 9th April 2008
  83. ↑ The Express HE STAYS QUIET ABOUT HIS STRIFE AND TIMES IN SOUTH AFRICA. 28th September 2000.
  84. ↑ McGee, H. (2002) 'Alleged fraud firm linked to millionaire with Irish passport'. Sunday Tribune (Ireland). 14th April 2002
  85. ↑ Crotty, A. (2007) 'Fluctuating iTraxx index puts Primedia buyout on the edge'. The Star. 13th august 2007
  86. ↑ The Express HE STAYS QUIET ABOUT HIS STRIFE AND TIMES IN SOUTH AFRICA. 28th September 2000
  87. ↑ Evans, R & Hencke, D. (2002) 'Tax loopholes on homes benefit the rich and cost UK millions'. The Guardian 25th May 2002. Accessed 22nd May 2008
  88. ↑ The Guardian 'Special Investigation: Tax loopholes on homes benefit the rich and cost UK millions: Choice homes, virtually tax free'. 25th May 2002
  89. ↑ Chemist & Druggist. 'Norton gets a right royal touch'. 17th February 2001
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