Republic of Austria files for insolvency against René Benko

This is what “Der Standard” reports online. Accordingly, the application should also be based on the fact that Benko did not fully meet his obligation to make a deposit of 3 million euros in the holding company’s restructuring process. On the other hand, there are open financial claims against him. His tax advisors are said to have submitted an application for a deferral. According to reports, the finance department already has a so-called arrears certificate in its hands, which can serve as justification for filing for insolvency.

• More on the topic: Signa: 305 million transfers contestable? (OÖNplus)

The spokeswoman for the Innsbruck regional court, Birgit Fink, told the APA that they would not comment on the matter. After all, it is a non-public process, she emphasized on Wednesday afternoon.

The insolvency court must now examine the application

The insolvency court must now examine the application. If it comes to the conclusion that everything in the insolvency application is formally correct, the person concerned will be invited to a consensual meeting. He will be asked about the facts of the case and his financial situation – and about his solvency and any other debts. The court then makes its decision on the insolvency application. If the debtor can pay, the insolvency application is rejected. According to the newspaper’s information, this meeting has not yet taken place.

• Also read: Signa: The next major bankruptcy

According to “Der Standard”, none of those involved were able to speak on this topic. It is known that there were lengthy financial tax audits in connection with Benko’s Signa, which were also the subject of chats between Benko and the former Secretary General in the Ministry of Finance, Thomas Schmid, and in the parliamentary U-Committee. There were different opinions between Finanz and Benko’s tax advisors, but an agreement was ultimately reached. Tax audits are currently underway again in the Signa Group.

Guarantee: Only first installment paid by yourself

As far as Benko’s guarantee to pay 3 million euros to the mass is concerned, the report from Holding insolvency administrator Christof Stapf from the beginning of this week shows that he paid the first installment himself. The second tranche from January 8th in the amount of 845,000 euros did not come from Benko himself, but was paid for him “by a third party”. According to the report, the last installment was announced “for this week”, also “from a third party”. It is not known whether the third tranche for the estate or the tax debt has now been paid.

According to “Der Standard”, those involved in the matter do not suspect that Benko cannot pay these amounts. Rather, we are talking about legal considerations. Signa Holding currently only has 6 million euros in its cash register.