Primary Health Care boss Peter Gregg will face charges of falsifying accounts during his time as an executive at construction firm Leighton Holdings.
The Australian Securities and Investments Commission alleges Mr Gregg twice breached the section of the Corporations Act relating to falsification of books while at Leighton in 2011, and he will appear in Sydney's Downing Centre Local Court on January 31.
In a statement issued by his lawyers, Mr Gregg denies that he breached any civil or criminal law, and said he will be seeking to have the notice heard as a matter of urgency.
Primary Health Care, an operator of medical centres and pathology labs, said it was notified of the matter late on Monday, and its board met on Tuesday to review the implications for the company and its shareholders.
Mr Gregg served as deputy chief executive officer and chief financial officer at Leighton between 2009 and 2013, and was appointed Primary Health Care chief executive in 2015.
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Several media reports have alleged Leighton and some of its subsidiaries engaged in foreign bribery while Mr Gregg was an executive at the company, allegations Mr Gregg has previously denied.
CIMIC Group, which was formerly known as Leighton, said it has not been served a notice in relation to Mr Gregg's matter, and has not been charged with any offence.
The news unnerved Primary Health Care investors, with the stock dropping 20 cents, or 4.75 per cent, to $4.01. Cimic shares fell 52 cents, or 1.4 per cent, to $36.08.
