Cordlife Group Limited Issues Critical Update on Legal Claims Relating to Cord Blood Units (HC/OA 1365/2025)

Key Points from the Announcement

• Legal Proceedings Update: Cordlife Group Limited (“Cordlife” or the “Company”) has provided an update regarding ongoing legal claims (HC/OA 1365/2025) initiated by a group of clients (the “Claimant Group”) who allege that their cord blood units (CBUs) were damaged while under the Company’s storage.
• Application for Conversion: After consultations with its legal advisers, Rajah & Tann Singapore LLP, Cordlife has applied to the General Division of the High Court to convert OA 1365 into an originating claim (the “Conversion Application”). This procedural move is significant as it could impact how the claims are adjudicated and the scope of arguments allowed.
• Procedural Steps and Timeline: The Company filed the necessary legal documents, including a summons for conversion and an affidavit in response to OA 1365 as well as supporting the Conversion Application on 13 January 2026. The Claimant Group is required to file their reply affidavit by 3 February 2026.
• Potential Financial Impact: The Company is actively assessing the potential financial ramifications of these claims on its financial results for the year ending 31 December 2026 (FY2026). The announcement notes that if Cordlife is ultimately ordered to pay damages for the OA 1365 Claims within FY2026, this will negatively affect the Group’s financial position for that year.

What Shareholders Need to Know

• Material Litigation: The ongoing litigation and the possibility of a court order for Cordlife to pay damages present a material risk to the company’s earnings and balance sheet in FY2026.
• Potential Share Price Impact: If the court rules against Cordlife and orders significant payouts, it could have a substantial negative impact on the Company’s share value due to the direct hit to FY2026 profits and possibly its cash position.
• Cautionary Statement: The Board has explicitly advised shareholders and potential investors to exercise caution when dealing in the Company’s shares due to the pending outcome of the litigation. Investors are urged to seek professional advice if unsure how to proceed.
• Ongoing Disclosure: The Company has committed to keeping shareholders updated on all material developments in accordance with Singapore Exchange listing rules.

Detailed Timeline and Legal Process

• 2 December 2025: Prior announcement outlining the status of claims related to the alleged damage to CBUs.
• 13 January 2026: Cordlife files the summons for conversion and supporting affidavit in response to OA 1365 and in support of the Conversion Application.
• 3 February 2026: Deadline for the Claimant Group to file their affidavit in reply.
• The substantive hearing of OA 1365 and the Conversion Application are expected to be heard together, subject to court directions.

Management Statement

The statement is signed by Company Secretaries Cheok Hui Yee and Goh Xun Er as of 14 January 2026, underscoring the seriousness with which the Board is treating this matter.

Conclusion

Investors should closely monitor developments in this case, as an adverse court ruling could have significant financial and share price implications for Cordlife Group Limited in FY2026. The outcome remains uncertain, and the Company is taking legal steps to address the claims and defend its position.

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute investment advice. Investors are encouraged to perform their own due diligence and consult professional advisors before making investment decisions based on this information.

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