WaMu bankruptcy judge rejects attempt by company to get shareholder financial data

Judge denies WaMu attempt to get shareholder data

WILMINGTON, Del. — A Delaware bankruptcy judge is rejecting Washington Mutual’s attempt to get personal financial information from shareholders who are demanding an annual company meeting.

The company argued Tuesday that it needs to know whether the shareholders have the financial ability to wage a proxy contest before it spends money from the bankruptcy estate on an annual meeting.

Attorneys for the shareholders committee say its members have promised not to wage a proxy contest, and that the company is just trying to stall.

The judge ruled Washington Mutual is not entitled to the information.