Fortescue Metals engaged a law firm to investigate the behaviour of executive chairman Andrew Forrest after receiving an anonymous letter.

Seyfarth Shaw LLP concluded that none of the matters in the letter were substantiated and there were no adverse findings, a Fortescue Metals spokesman said on Monday.

The statement did not disclose the nature of the allegations.

The Australian Financial Review reported on Sunday the investigation involved whether Dr Forrest had had a relationship with a Fortescue employee.

Dr Forrest, 61, and his wife Nicola Forrest announced last Thursday they had decided to separate after 31 years of marriage.

Fortescue said it selected Seyfarth Shaw to investigate because the law firm had demonstrated expertise in investigations of such a nature and was independent, having never previously represented Fortescue or Dr Forrest.

The law firm’s legal fees weren’t contingent on any particular finding or outcome, and Seyfarth Shaw was provided with full access to electronic records, documents, employees and information to conduct a forensic review, Fortescue said.

Seyfarth Shaw Australian managing partner Darren Perry led the probe.

Fortescue said it has several channels for team members to report complaints either anonymously or in person, in keeping with accepted whistle-blower protocols, and remained committed to doing so.

– AAP