After its establishment in the year 2004, Portland Cement Zambia underwent many changes in terms of its shareholding pattern. The final shareholding pattern was established in the year 2006 based on which, Finsbury Investments owned by Dr. Rajan Mahtani was considered as owner of the cement-manufacturing factory. This further helped in getting loans from banks and related financial institutions so that construction of the factory is finished and operations are improved. However, the same did not occur appropriately with the unethical disturbances created by the Ventriglias family. Out of nowhere, the Ventriglia family took over the ownership of Portland Cement by sending goons to the factory. Dr. Rajan Mahtani was forced to appeal to the Lusaka High Court for justice but did not receive it as the decision from the Lusaka High Court was extremely controversial. The second court where the case was taken by Dr. Rajan Mahtani was higher Court of Appeal. Here, the case proceedings went for about nine months and based on the available documents and testimonials, final ownership of the Portland Cement went in favour of Dr. Rajan Mahtani. Justice Mwinde on behalf of the higher Court of Appeal also condemned the decision from Lusaka High Court judge as it was considered as misdirected and unethical. Justice Mwinde on behalf of the higher Court of Appeal gave this decision on 31st January 2019 and also announced that the amount payable by Finsbury Investments against the majority shares of Portland Cement is K580,000 and not K580 million as previously appealed by the Ventriglias.
Few weeks ago, the Ventriglias surprised everyone by making an appeal to the Supreme Court Zambia. In their appeal, they challenged the decision from the higher Court of Appeal saying it was misdirected and wrong. However, a bench of three judges from the Supreme Court Zambia have effectively rejected this appeal from the Ventriglias and Dr. Rajan Lekhraj Mahtani remains the sole proprietor of Portland Cement factory.