Berezovsky gets £35m costs bill

Russian oligarch Boris Berezovsky (pictured) has been ordered to pay £35m to cover the defence costs of his failed claim against Chelsea owner Roman Abramovich.

The battle between the former business partners was settled in August when the High Court found Berezovsky was not entitled to a stake in Abramovich’s business interests worth £3bn. In court documents released today, it was confirmed the claimant will be responsible for all the costs incurred by the defendant during the court proceedings.

International firm Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher and Flom represented Abramovich, while Berezovsky’s solicitors were from Addleshaw Goddard.

The case took almost 11 months to conclude and is reputed to be the most expensive private action in English legal history. Berezovsky was also ordered by the High Court to pay £3.75m to cover the defence costs in a second claim against tycoon Vasily Anisimov.