Hollinger Inc. is suing Hollinger International over the $1.8-billion sale of the Telegraph Group Ltd. to the Barclay brothers.

In a release issued Thursday evening, Hollinger Inc. wants a Delaware court to force a shareholder vote on the sale.

"The [Hollinger Inc.] complaint alleges that such shareholder approval is required under Delaware law because the Telegraph Group Limited sale allegedly constitutes a sale of substantially all of the Company's assets," Hollinger International said.

In a release of its own, Hollinger Inc. said, "We do not believe that Hollinger International should be allowed to disenfranchise shareholders and deny them their fundamental legal rights."

Sir Frederick and Sir David Barclay paid Hollinger International $1.8 billion for the London-based Telegraph newspaper, its sister publication the Sunday Telegraph and the Spectator magazine.

Black had previously said he insisted on a shareholder vote.

Hollinger International believes that the sale of the Telegraph Group Ltd. does not require a shareholder vote. "[Hollinger International] believes that the sale of the Telegraph Group at this time presents the best opportunity to maximize value for all of the company's shareholders," it said.

Hollinger Inc., which is controlled by Conrad Black, owns 18.2 per cent of the equity of the Hollinger International and 68 per cent of the voting power of the company's common stock.