Mega World has a recovery plan in place that has no impact on staff. That’s what CEO Rudy Claes says. On Monday, the court will decide whether or not to grant protection against creditors. The CEO strongly denies allegations of fraud.
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Mega World is Blokker’s successor in Belgium. The controversial Dutch businessman Dirk Bron took over the chain with 670 employees and converted it into a discount store. But in the corona crisis, the company ran into financial difficulties. Trade union ACV Puls filed a complaint against Bron, who is in his home country is on trial for fraud.
Claes says he is confident that the company will receive protection from the court. He presents a recovery plan with a focus on cost control. Store closings or layoffs are not included in the plan. “We need all 119 branches,” says Claes. However, the pricing, product range and rental prices of retail properties will be examined. No effort will be required of the staff, it says.
The unions asked questions about money transfers to Monaco earlier this week. But there is nothing wrong with that, says Claes. “Payments to a supplier in Monaco are perfectly legal in a normal commercial relationship. Actual deliveries, order forms and invoices are set against the payments. The competent authorities may come and check this. ‘
In the meantime, Mega World itself is litigating against the previous owner of the chain. “Cases were not reported in the sale,” says Claes.
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