Background to this event is the break up of the Deutschland AG in recent years and a possible renaissance. A renaissance of the Deutschland AG would not be based on purely economic criteria, but on a specific corporate culture, which influences companies' structures and the business community as a whole. Discussing this topic in a historical context is as important as questioning the consequences for companies' Corporate Social Responsibility practices. For further information please refer to the brief background information provided below.

The term Deutschland AG describes a network of investors, banks and industrial corporations which became established after the Second World War.

Überkreuzbeteiligungen (large scale cross shareholdings) provided the basis for mutually beneficial close relationships between German companies. This network of politics, banks and corporations provided security from hostile takeovers, kept competition at a safe level, especially from foreign companies, and helped overcome economic and social challenges. These close relationships have, however, increasingly been seen as an encumbrance on companies in times of globalisation and the importance placed on shareholder value. (for more background information please visit www.wikipedia.org (German)

Press
pdf ca. 18 kb Abschied von der Deutschland AG. Oder kommt sie doch wieder? Eine Diskussion.
Frankfurter Allgemeine Zeitung; 17th February 2006.