The loss is estimated at 45 million euros
“to date, before insurance and implementation of legal actions”
.
A considerable sum in absolute terms, and in view of the size of the company.
The amount of the alleged fraud amounts to almost half of the group's operating profit for 2020 (106 million euros).
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The fraud was discovered on Monday, December 20. The audit committee was then convened. Then an emergency board meeting was organized at 7:30 p.m. the same day to inform its members of the situation. The fraud being substantial, Eramet had to warn the markets on Tuesday morning, at the same time as its internal employees.
The group
"immediately carried out the necessary investigations, mobilized all the internal and external resources required to put an end to these fraudulent activities"
and
"took the disciplinary measures of immediate effect against the identified personnel"
, specifies- there in a statement. At this time, only one person has been sanctioned but the investigation is continuing. The company specifies that it will now file a complaint and initiate
"palliative actions"
to limit the impact on its accounts of fraud. It is also considering strengthening its
“internal control system”
.
The embezzled 45 million euros will be recognized
"in operating income for fiscal year 2021"
, warns Eramet, which will publish its annual results on February 23.
"Headquarters cash flow is impacted, but the subsidiaries are not affected,"
said a spokesperson.
Asked by
Le Figaro
, the group refuses for the moment to give more details on the nature of the fraud.
The Eramet share sold 0.64% on Tuesday, December 21, to 69.90 euros.
