The former CEO of Vinci in the defendants' bench

Posted in economy, international, news, opinions, special by admin on March 25th, 2010

If you want to meet Antoine Zacharias usually must go on the shores of Lake Leman to 71 years, the former CEO of Vinci now lives in Geneva. But Thursday and Friday, the boss forced to resign in June 2006 will be in Paris. Or more precisely at Nanterre, where his trial took place before the 15th chamber of the court.

All started from a complaint by a shareholder of Vinci, Michelangelo Tiphineau, filed June 12, 2006 a few days after the resignation of Zacharias. The approach of the small carrier and the departure of the historical pattern of the group have the same origin: the huge sums affected by Zacharias between 2003 and 2005 when he was the CEO of the world's leading construction companies. Up to 250 million euros, based on the share price higher.Including severance pay of 12.5 million, an annual retreat of 2.5 million and stock options by tens of millions.

The prosecutor in Nanterre has conducted a preliminary investigation for two years after which Philippe Courroye, public prosecutor has decided that the dismissal of former boss 40 of ACC before the court. A rare event, especially since, in this case, Zacharias did not leave behind a group of shareholders difficulties or ruined. Under his leadership, the net result of Vinci has been multiplied by 21, and the market capitalization by 20.

"This is the trial of a system that loses his head with a CEO who receives are astronomical compared to the employee base of Vinci," says Frederik-Karel Canoy, the lawyer Tiphineau online payday advance! ???!!!???!!!."All decisions regarding those fees are legal because they were passed without any reservation by the Board of Directors," whispered one in the circle by Zacharias. The functioning of the board is just the heart of this case. It is in this place that had played the beginning, dramatic, CEO. His heir apparent, then denigrated, Xavier Huillard, had alerted administrators against the greed of his boss.

Five years in prison

He had a wound, he has returned to court the former leader to his beard neatly trimmed, on suspicion of abuse of social goods. He took particular offense to have changed in May 2004 the composition of the Remuneration Committee, which had capped his salary. Exit therefore Alain Minc, Patrick Faure, the former boss of Renault Sport, and Serge Michel, a former General of the water.In their place is especially Alain Dinin, Nexity's boss, Dominique Ferrero, banker, and Quentin Davies, a British MP. The salary Zacharias then flew, including up to 4.2 million euros in 2005.

If the abuse of social goods is confirmed, Zacharias risk up to five years imprisonment and 375 000 euros fine. And if his former employer, Vinci, was a civil party, he will not claim damages.

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