(Updates to indicate picture available for story)
HONG KONG, July 27 (Reuters) - Chinese smartphone maker
Coolpad Group 2369.HK , part of the cash-strapped LeEco
technology conglomerate, said on Thursday a bank has sued a
subsidiary, demanding early repayment of an 80 million yuan
($11.9 million) loan due Aug. 15.
LeEco, a smart cars to online content conglomerate that is
grappling with the fallout of expanding too fast, has been under
growing pressure from its creditors and business partners. This
month a court in Shanghai ordered a freeze on some of its assets
over late payments to a bank. urn:newsml:reuters.com:*:nL3N1JV3JD
Coolpad said in a statement that the unit, Yulong Computer
Communication Technology, had been sued by a Ping An Bank branch
which argues that it can call in the loan as the financial
situation of the guarantor, another Coolpad unit, had
deteriorated.
Coolpad added that it has consulted lawyers regarding the
case and was gathering evidence to defend itself in court.
Coolpad has repeatedly delayed reporting its earnings, which
were due to be reported in March, because of audit issues since
March. Its shares have been suspended since March 30.
urn:newsml:reuters.com:*:nL3N1JR2SW
LeEco founder Jia Yueting this month resigned as chairman of
the group's main listed unit, Leshi Internet Information &
Technology Corp Beijing 300104.SZ , after making a public plea
for patience. urn:newsml:reuters.com:*:nL3N1JX26E
($1 = 6.7530 Chinese yuan)
(Reporting by Clare Jim; Editing by Edwina Gibbs)
((clare.jim@thomsonreuters.com; +852 2912 6653; Reuters
Messaging: clare.jim.thomsonreuters.com@reuters.net))
Keywords: COOLPAD GROUP LAWSUIT/