Wennemer Set to Become Opel Advisor

Former Continental AG CEO, Manfred Wennemer, is set to represent Berlin on an advisory board overseeing the trust that administers Opel, according to a Reuters report. Wennemer, who led Continental’s rearguard action against Schaeffler Group’s July 2008 hostile takeover, stepped down last August after seven years with the company when the automotive supplier managed to overcome Conti’s defences. He was subsequently nominated to join the board of steel wire manufacturer Bekaert in March 2009.

According to Reuters, the trust holds 65 per cent of Opel shares and is charged with ensuring that 1.5 billion euros ($2.1 billion) in bridge financing offered by Berlin and the four German states with Opel plants is not misappropriated.