Avoiding the risk of corruption in Central Europe
Our client, a US construction and engineering group, had joined a consortium with a local company to bid for a state-awarded contract for the construction of hospitals and clinics in a central European country. Our client had a number of concerns.
The local partner had retained two consultants whose job was to lobby and influence the key decision makers in the Ministry of Health. We examined the background of these consultants and their role as lobbyists in previous deals and concluded that, while their record of activities as lobbyists and promoters was extensive, their reputation for propriety was generally good and their fees were reasonable and proportionate to the circumstances. We also examined the reputations of officials within the Health Ministry responsible for awarding the contract. As a result of our investigation, our client felt confident and justified in pursuing the opportunity.