Freixenet, one of the leading producers of one of Catalonia's signature products - its sparkling wine, cava - is right now passing into German hands, at the end of arduous negotiations among the different families with holdings in the firm. The new owner, the company Henkell, a sparkling wine producer set up in 1832 and the largest exporter in the sector, will take control after more than two years of intense negotiation. During this time, Freixenet's export business has collapsed, its profitability has fallen significantly and, as a consequence of all this, the families that own the firm have failed to receive their previous juicy dividends over the last few years.
A couple of reflections on this. For this cava multinational from Sant Sadurní d’Anoia to fall into German hands is the law of the market and there is little that can be said, given that companies are bought and sold nowadays all over the world with absolute normality. However, as the chairman of Freixenet, José Luis Bonet, has become known as a leading figure in the opposition to Catalonia's independence process who has irresponsibly praised decisions by companies to abandon Catalonia - when in fact they only moved their business addresses - then the firm's transfer to German ownership must remain as a sad paradox. A case where putting one's own house in order was required before criticising others. Because, when it comes down to it, what has happened to Freixenet is indeed the real loss of a Catalan company.
And secondly, a person who has played a major role in so many recent political debates, has given lessons to others left, right and centre and yet who has not been capable of protecting his own business is perhaps not the most suitable person to continue directing the Barcelona Trade Fair and the Spanish Chamber of Commerce. Not the ideal candidate for all the public responsibilities he has borne over recent years.