Burford Capital defends itself and Invesco against short-selling attack

'Throwing in Woodford for headline value'

Burford Capital has defended itself and Invesco's Mark Barnett against a "false and misleading" attack on both parties by US short-seller Muddy Waters.

In a statement on Thursday (8 August), the litigation financer said its directors "intend to purchase a significant number of Burford shares" and the board would consider buying back stock following this week's share price tumble. On Wednesday (7 August), US hedge fund Muddy Waters said that it had started shorting Burford, accusing it and its largest shareholder Invesco of "unethical behaviour". That led Invesco to stating it was considering its legal options and "categorically refut[ing] any accusations of improper or unethical behaviour on behalf of Invesco or fund manager Mark Bar...