KaDeWe

""I am very pleased with Karstadt. Just yesterday, I read the coverage of our new openings again in peace, for example, the loft floor in KaDeWe or the modernized department stores. Moreover, our new concept KTown has just been awarded 'Department Store of the Year.' I was very happy about that." NICOLAS BERGGRUEN"

"The key points of the strategy: – the discovery of the sentimental and familial connection to Berlin – Nicolas Berggruen's childhood memories of Karstadt as an iconic German department store – flattering words for Berlin, Germany, the Stülerbau, and the KaDeWe – integration of charitable future plans through Berggruen's patronage in the cultural field – presenting oneself with a modest and shy attitude at public appearances. In the sense of "I am not important, Karstadt is important" - "Picasso and the Berggruen Museum" are important – self-portrayal as a man of discernment, disinterested in material possessions – myth of the self-made man with emphasis on personal achievement: Nicolas Berggruen did not become a billionaire through his father's inherited capital, but made his money himself. With his know-how, he built up the holdings."

"The KaDeWe in Berlin is getting a new owner just before Christmas. The Austrian real estate investor René Benko pays a total of more than 1.1 billion euros for the luxury department store and 16 other department stores rented to Karstadt. According to media reports, Benko's company Signa is paying 500 million euros for the KaDeWe alone. The seller is the landlord consortium Highstreet Holding in London. Nicolas Berggruen, the owner of Karstadt, will continue to operate the KaDeWe, but he now has to negotiate a new rent with the new owner."

"Together with the head of her family office, she hosts a video conference with a small circle of managers and investors who gather whenever concrete superlatives beckon. The most important, René Benko, is connected from Austria. He wants to convince Alannah of himself and his business partner Tos Chirathivat, who has sent a representative. With a member of one of the economically most powerful family clans in Thailand, he already manages several luxury department stores like KaDeWe in Berlin or Alsterhaus in Hamburg: huge cathedrals for brand believers whose religions are named Gucci, Prada, or Saint Laurent. Although he is not the bidder with the highest offer, Benko tells Ms. Weston, but he is the one with the best intentions. His strategy: best owner instead of best bidder."