Deutsche/Mannesmann: Josef A on trial

The decision by Germany’s federal court to retry Josef Ackermann over the Mannesmann case has dealt a big blow to his leadership at Deutsche Bank. Even the bank’s chairman, Rolf Breuer, is openly speculating about the succession. It isn’t clear whether Breuer is doing so because he fears Ackermann will quit over the second trial, or because he wants to ease him out. It’s probably a bit of both – but his words are likely to force the decision. It’s easy to see why Ackermann might be tempted to ...