Bank Berenberg isn't what the casual observer would call a flash bank – discretion is a key value for the institute, which has reached the ripe old age of 425. The party marking its jubilee was a tad different – heart-throb entertainer Robbie Williams was there to personally lead the ceremonial «Happy Birthday»-song.
Bank Berenberg invited its 1,250 employees – including the 87 from Zurich and Geneva – to Hamburg for a memorable bash. With 425 years, Berenberg is the oldest bank in Germany and second only to the Italian institute Monte dei Paschi worldwide.
The 900 employees present were offered with a spectacle, Germany's «private banking magazin» reported today.
The highlight of the party was a 40-minute concert by Robbie Williams (picture). The popstar was flown in for the occasion. His wrap-up was an ironic «Happy Birthday, Rich People,» to which his hosts happily sang along.
Hans und Paul Berenberg founded the company in 1590 in the Hanseatic metropole of Hamburg. Originally, Berenberg was active in the trade of fabrics. Over the course of the centuries, Berenberg turned into a renowned private bank, leaving its history of trade behind.
The bank since was led by personally liable partners. Hendrik Riehmer (pictured left), Hans-Walter Peters (middle) and Andreas Brodtmann (right) are currently in charge of the company.
In Switzerland, the institute has had a presence for the 26 years, with branches in Zurich and Geneva. International private banking clients are cared for from London and Switzerland.
Peter Raskin (picture left) is chief executive officer at Berenberg Switzerland and in charge of private banking. In a recent interview with finews.ch he talked extensively about the growth plans of the bank and the future of the Swiss financial market.
