BDO Stoy Hayward have taken the record producer to the High Court over unpaid bills.

A spokeswoman for Waterman said: ‘The claim is wholly without merit and its in the hands of our lawyers. It will be vigorously defended and a counter claim put in place.’

The multi-millionaire, whose stable of artists included Kylie Minogue and Steps, has failed to pay BDO’s invoices, according to a High Court writ. BDO is suing Waterman, and his companies: Pete Waterman Ltd; London and North Western Railway Co; and Just Like the Real Thing Ltd for £525,876.

The firm invoiced Waterman for £248,693 of work done between September 2003 and September 2007, but after paying £70,000 on account, he has refused to pay the balance, according to the suit.

BDO was hired as tax agent and adviser to Pete Waterman group and its subsidiaries, as well as auditors to PWL Group, the writ says.

In the legal documents, the firm claims that London and North Western Railway Co still owe £226,657, for work including the de-merger of its steam business. After interest has been taken into account, the total amount BDO is seeking comes to £525,876.

The unit says Waterman and his companies did not raise any disagreements or queries about the bills, but just declined to pay them.

The music mogul has written and produced more than 200 hit songs and was part of the hugely successful team Stock Aitken and Waterman.

BDO said: ‘It is always our preference to settle any dispute with a client amicably and we are seeking to do so in this situation.

‘However, it is sometimes necessary to issue a writ in order to protect our own position.’