Imtech - update on the Fritz & Macziol Schweiz investigation

Following media coverage which contained allegations of unethical business behaviour, Imtech began an internal investigation into the former management of Fritz & Macziol Schweiz. This behaviour allegedly included excessive gifts and entertainment offered to Seco civil servants. The internal investigation initiated by Imtech was conducted by a substantial external team of lawyers, accountants and forensic experts. The office of the public prosecutor in Switzerland has also initiated criminal investigati
March 19, 2014 Read time: 2 mins
Following media coverage which contained allegations of unethical business behaviour, 769 Imtech began an internal investigation into the former management of Fritz & Macziol Schweiz. This behaviour allegedly included excessive gifts and entertainment offered to Seco civil servants.

The internal investigation initiated by Imtech was conducted by a substantial external team of lawyers, accountants and forensic experts. The office of the public prosecutor in Switzerland has also initiated criminal investigations. Imtech is fully cooperating with the Swiss authorities.

The initial findings by Imtech confirm that a non-business relationship existed between the former management of Fritz & Macziol Schweiz and certain Seco civil servants. This was reflected in excessive entertainment, overly informal contacts and questionable business behaviour. A conflict of interest by Fritz & Macziol Schweiz management was also identified. Fritz & Macziol Schweiz is not a suspect in the Swiss criminal investigations at this stage.

Imtech’s investigations have not yet been completed due to the ongoing criminal investigation by the Swiss Authorities and it is therefore it is too early to draw final conclusions. Imtech will provide a further update at a later date.

The management of Fritz & Macziol Schweiz has been replaced. As a consequence of the adverse publicity, the organisation of Fritz & Macziol Schweiz is to be restructured. The potential financial exposure of the situation is difficult to assess, but judged to be limited.

Imtech strongly rejects any unethical business behaviour and has further tightened its already strict policies on matters such as sponsorship, gifts, hospitality and conflicts of interest.
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