A Delaware-based wind energy company is suing four former employees, accusing them of conspiracy in forming a South Dakota wind business.

The four men founded Brandon-based ReNew Energy Maintenance in August. The civil lawsuit filed by Energy Maintenance Service accuses the former executives of pursuing business opportunities for their new company while still employed by EMS.

Gary Fish, James Mikel, Nicholas Siddens and Michael Sherman resigned from EMS between Aug. 10 and Aug. 19. On Aug. 21, ReNew Energy Holdings was incorporated with the South Dakota secretary of state's office.

Fish declined to discuss the case but said there is no reason why the two companies cannot co-exist. The lawyer for EMS, Michael Shaffer of Sioux Falls, declined comment.