If the general public knows him mainly as a host and producer of TV shows, Arthur is also a formidable businessman. At 57, Mareva Galanter’s husband is increasing his investments in various areas. And this January 16, 2024, we learn that the media man and his associates are at war with Nespresso. But why exactly?
298 million euros in damages
The AFP indicates that Arthur and his 10 associates within Ethical Coffee Company (ECC based in Switzerland) are demanding no less than 280 million Swiss francs (298 million euros). Founded in 2008 in Friborg by Jean-Paul Gaillard, a former Nespresso employee who wanted to launch cheaper biodegradable pods, the company was sunk in 2018, due to legal proceedings launched by the coffee giant to protect its brand.
Ultimately, in 2022, Nespresso achieved a turnover of 6.4 billion. In the meantime, during the “war of the pods“that the two companies engaged in, “other competitors have rushed into the market“, indicated Me François Besse to AFP. And the amount of the damage suffered by ECC remained to be assessed, he adds.
For the moment, of the sum announced today, we do not know how much Arthur could claim. According to the Swiss daily, 24 Heures, Estelle Lefébure’s ex-companion would have invested an amount of 8 million euros which he would have paid between 2009 and 2010 to increase his stake in ECC to 5%.
Arthur the “spearhead”
If it is presented as the “spearhead” of this procedure, by the AFP, in the event of victory in court, it is only after taxes and distribution of dividends, that Arthur could finally recover 5% of the remaining sum. A figure that he still need to be estimated.
F.A.