BayWa in crisis: Bafin is examining the threat of expropriation of small investors!

BayWa in crisis: Bafin is examining the threat of expropriation of small investors!

Shock for BayWa! The financial regulator Bafin has sounded the alarm bells and is examining the agricultural giant's 2023 annual financial statements. There are massive doubts as to whether BayWa provided timely information about impending liquidity problems and high interest rate risks. Just a few weeks after the balance sheet was presented, the company was on the verge of bankruptcy! Investor advocate Daniela Bergdolt expressed concern: “How could BayWa not say a word about its financial difficulties at the general meeting in June?”

Expropriation of small investors and farmers?

The situation could have dramatic consequences for many shareholders. BayWa is struggling with enormous debts and high interest rates, and there is speculation that the Raiffeisen banks, as major shareholders, could force small investors and farmers, who together own 38 percent of the company, out of the company. “That would be a cold expropriation of small investors,” warns Bergdolt. She is calling for an external audit of the supervisory board and is threatening to sue for damages if the Bafin assumption is confirmed.

Bafin has already focused on PWC's auditors, who had approved the annual financial statements, even though they were supposed to have been informed about the impending payment problems. “That is the central task of an auditor,” says Bergdolt. The uncertainty about BayWa's future is fueling fears among shareholders who had relied on a stable dividend and security in their retirement provision. Faith in BayWa as a reliable institution could soon be shaken!