During the pandemic, the European Commission approved State aid for FBB to equalise losses caused by the COVID-19 crisis. This aid was, however, tied to rigid conditions including:

• an acquisition ban;
• a ban on dividend and bonus payments;
• individually negotiated business policy requirements that substantially limited FBB’s economic freedom.

On behalf of the BBH group, partner and lawyer Christoph von Donat as well as partner of counsel and lawyer Gabriele Quardt assisted their client both in the State aid procedure and the process aimed at removing the imposed conditions. Thanks to FBB’s proven economic recovery, FBB was able to demonstrate that it increased its value by more than the aid granted plus interest in a mere two years. As a result, the European Commission recognised the full redemption of such State aid and removed all conditions it had imposed.

Christoph von Donat, partner and lawyer at BBH, underlines the significance of this decision:

“The fact that the European Commission has removed the conditions is a notable achievement. The airport operator is thus once again free to make its own economic decisions. We are delighted about the successful outcome of this complex procedure and would like to thank, in particular, the representatives of the Federal Ministry for Digital Affairs and Transport. Their repeated and tireless dedication to the matter helped to speed up the Commission’s decision-making process.”

This achievement is yet another example of the BBH group’s legal expertise in complex State aid procedures, and demonstrates the firm’s commitment to assisting companies facing strategic challenges.

With more than 700 employees, 7,000 clients and 7 offices, the BBH group is a leading provider of advisory services to energy and infrastructure companies and their customers. Energy and supply companies, particularly public utilities, municipalities and local authorities, industrial companies and international groups are among its core clients. The BBH group assists these and many other companies and organisations with legal, business and strategic advice.

Contact:                                                                       
Prof. Dr. Ines Zenke                                                   
Rechtsanwältin/Lawyer, Partnerin                                        
Phone +49 (0)30 611 28 40 - 179                                    
ines.zenke@bbh-online.de                       

Visit the BBH group online at www.die-bbh-gruppe.de, www.bbh-blog.de, twitter.com/BBH_online or instagram.com/die_bbh_gruppe.