Fressnapf founder and Signa investor Torsten Toeller is trying to get back at least part of the money he invested in René Benko’s now-bankrupt Signa Group. German news magazine “Spiegel” reported in its current issue that Toller has filed a lawsuit against Laura Private Foundation, which Benko founded with her mother Ingeborg. Toeller’s investment firm, Fressnapf Luxembourg, exercised an option that Benco promised to return its 4.5 percent stake in Cigna Holding. However, “Spiegel” reports that the investment company did not receive the money for it. A related case has been pending at the Vienna Commercial Court since early August. Reports suggest that Benko may be living off his mother Ingeborg’s gift of money. His mother, a retired kindergarten teacher, is a beneficiary of two private foundations. He reportedly signed a new gift deal with his son a few months ago. According to “Spiegel”, the lawyer of Laura Private Foundation left the case without comment and did not comment on the donation agreement. René Benko’s attorney also did not comment in response to APA’s written request.
