High Court Finds Jacob Corlett Likely Forged Signature in Yodel Takeover Case
Jacob Corlett launched a takeover of Yodel in January 2024, acquiring the company for £1 with plans to merge it with his Shift business. However, Yodel struggled financially and was unable to pay debts to HM Revenue & Customs and others within six months. In June 2024, Yodel was sold again for £1 to Judge Logistics Ltd (JLL). Subsequently, Polish parcel locker group InPost purchased JLL for £106 million and now owns Yodel.
On 19 December 2025, Mr Justice Fancourt ruled in the High Court that Corlett probably forged his mother Tamara Gregory's signature on warrants intended to grant him control of Yodel. Forensic handwriting analysis raised doubts about the signatures, noting that documents allegedly signed at Corlett's Liverpool flat were done with three different pens and were connected to a breakfast meeting two days before JLL's takeover. The judge found the evidence strongly suggested forgery and criticized Corlett for ignoring creditors' interests and the possibility that rescue funding would be needed.
Following the ruling, InPost CEO Michael Rouse described the decision as extraordinary. He stated that Yodel would pursue further legal action, including claims for breach of fiduciary duty and misappropriation of funds. The Shift business was contacted for comment regarding the matter.
