A hearing to overturn an Egyptian jail sentence of two years imposed on J Sainsbury’s chief executive has been postponed until May 21.
A judge in Giza ruled yesterday that the hearing on a case that dates back 16 years to Sainsbury’s investment in an Egyptian business should be heard by another judge.
The move comes as Mike Coupe grapples with announcing the supermarket group’s first loss in a decade as it writes down valuations in large parts of its property portfolio.
Sources close to the company said that the courtroom drama, which has also dragged in Justin King, the former chief executive, was an unwelcome distraction for Mr Coupe at a difficult time for the retailer.
Sainsbury’s is expected on Wednesday to report its