Eva Mathews, Maiya Kéidan

(Reuters) – Canada’s court will decide which board and chair Rogers Communications Inc are legitimate. This dispute has ruined the nation’s largest wireless carrier, after a bitter feud within the founding family.

It is anticipated that the judge will rule at approximately 5 p.m. ET (2100 GMT) may bring an end to the lengthy battle between one of Canada’s most powerful business families. The interest in this family spans across telecoms media and sports.

Rarely, a public debate in Canada’s corporate world resulted over the leadership of the company. The stock has been affected by the controversy. Analysts have also raised concerns about Rogers’ C$20billion ($16.1billion) offer for Shaw Communications (NYSE).

One top shareholder said, “As shareholders, we would love to have it solved and know the CEO and continue,” citing the sensitive nature of the matter.

According to the shareholder, the stock was not given an opportunity to reflect strong operating results due to the drama currently taking place. This is despite the fact that earnings momentum will likely continue.

Rogers shares are up 0.8% this year, compared to the 18.1% gain in BCE(NYSE:) Inc. and the 14.7% increase in Telus Corp (NYSE:) Corp during that same period.

“One (CEO or another) will likely deliver on the momentum the operations currently have and the Shaw agreement. The shareholder stated that Edward Rogers will win the case and said it is more than just about having all the uncertainties removed.

Both sides made their case Monday. Lawyers for Edward Rogers, the former chairman, argued that he was authorized to appoint new boards without a shareholder meeting. Lawyers for the company countered, arguing that there were no proper processes in naming a new board.

Judge must decide whether Edward Rogers (the son of Ted Rogers), had the authority to change the board with only a written consent. Rogers Communications has been incorporated in British Columbia and his lawyers argue that written consent is enough.

Edward Rogers, the chairman of the family trust that controls 97.5% voting shares of the company, is claimed by his lawyers to have the right.

Rogers Communications lawyer David Conklin stated that the late founder saw a deadlock between the family trust board and the board, and requested a meeting.

In September Edward Rogers, trying to replace Joe Natale, Rogers’ CEO, caused a dispute. He was at odds with both his mother and the two Rogers sisters. The ensuing power fight saw Edward Rogers lose out and he was forced to resign as Rogers Communications chair.

Edward Rogers created a brand new board using his authority as the Rogers Control Trust chair. The trust named him the chair. The Supreme Court of British Columbia was then asked to approve his list of directors.

($1 = 1.2461 Canadian dollars)