Sir Stelios Haji-Ioannou issues defamation proceedings against the Regus Group Plc and Mark Dixon its CEO

Sir Stelios, the founder of easyGroup, which includes easyOffice.co.uk, has today issued defamation proceedings through Schillings (the leading law firm in reputation management) against Mark Dixon, CEO of international serviced office company Regus Group Plc, and the company itself, which is listed on the London Stock Exchange.

Sir Stelios is suing following claims made to the Financial Times in May 2008.

Sir Stelios said today: "I was called a liar to a publication I respect hugely and one that is very important in my business career. This is unacceptable to me and I have decided to take this legal step to clear my name and my reputation in the City."

More detailed legal papers will be served in 14 days and Mark Dixon and Regus Group Plc will have a further 28 days in which to respond.