Rogers family drama: What to know and why you should care

Rogers Communications Inc. finds itself engulfed in a family drama that has spilled out of the boardroom and into the public eye. Here's why you should pay attention.

The family drama surrounding Rogers Communications Inc. could have ripple effects for the company and its shareholders if it’s not resolved soon.

The warning from experts comes as the Canadian telecommunications giant continues to make headlines over a feud involving ousted company chair Edward Rogers, his family and executives.

Rogers, which provides communications services to millions of Canadians, could be defined by this tussle if it continues into the future, experts tell Global News.

Here’s what’s happening.

Rogers started making headlines last week after media reports emerged Edward Rogers, son of late company founder Ted Rogers, wanted to remove CEO Joe Natale and reshuffle corporate leadership.

Multiple reports said the plan was blocked by other board members, including Edward Rogers’ sisters and mother, and his attempt led to him being replaced as corporate chairman.

However, Edward Rogers wasn’t going to go away quietly. As chair of the Rogers Control Trust, the controlling shareholder of the company, he holds 97.5 per cent of the voting power and said he would replace five corporate board directors with his own appointees.

The company said it was invalid, but Edward Rogers held a meeting on Sunday in British Columbia with his five board members and subsequently said he was elected chair of a new corporate board. He plans to take his case to the British Columbia Supreme Court to confirm it.