Erste Group boss Bernhard Spalt has defended the bank’s plan to pay dividends for 2019 despite the Corona economic crisis. At the same time, he speaks out in the “Kurier” interview (Saturday edition) against job cuts at the big bank because of Corona.
“We are in a very comfortable equity situation,” said Spalt in the interview. There is “really no reason to completely exclude a dividend payment. How much will be decided in November,” said Spalt. In the fourth quarter, it will be much easier to assess how the crisis will affect banks.
When asked about a savings package at “Erste”, the bank boss pointed out that the savings targets had already been outlined in November. “We are fully committed to this, Corona will not make it obsolete. But we do not take Corona as an opportunity to establish employee reduction programs.” (apa / kle)
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