Do ex-managers owe Emsland millions?

Two ex-managers of the German potato processor Emsland Group are accused of bribery and corruption. By doing business illegally, they would have made $2 million 12 years ago. However, many questions remain unanswered in court.

The hearing against the 2 ex-managers of Emsland started last week in the court of Osnabrück. The big question is whether the two have done illegal business with a logistics service provider in Bremen reports the Weser Kurier.

According to Emsland Group, the 2 managers would have concluded an exclusive contract with the company and thus have made €6 million. In addition, they are said to have reached an agreement with the leaders of the logistics service provider in Bremen about participating in this company. These 2 men are also being charged.

no competition
The lawyers of the 2 former top men rejected the allegations. At the time of the case (in 2007), according to them, there were no competitors of a comparable order. There could therefore be no question of bribery. In addition, the lawyers doubt whether their clients have earned more than €3 million each.

During the hearing it became clear that many farmers still feel betrayed by the Emsland group. Several hundred farmers from the county of Bentheim and Emsland (in the west of the state of Lower Saxony) are members of the producer organisation.

Delay due to ongoing procedures
However, the entire legal process is being slowed down by a number of undecided proceedings. For example, Emsland Group is demanding compensation of €2 million from the ex-managers. Conversely, the 2 managers are still claiming compensation against their former employer. The 4 defendants face a maximum prison sentence of 5 years.

Jeanette Pennings

Jeannet has her roots in the flower bulb sector and she grew up on an agricultural company in the northern part of North Holland. As a generalist she reports for Boerenbusiness across all sectors. She is also exploring the possibilities of sponsored advertising.

j.pennings@boerenbusiness. Nl

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