Christoph Blocher finances Baz
Contrary to all his statements to the contrary, Christoph Blocher is said to hold a significant stake in the Basler Zeitung. According to the Tages-Anzeiger, this has been confirmed by «reliable sources in banking circles.».
Blocher has secured his power at Baz through a number of complex contracts, writes the Tages-Anzeiger in its Thursday edition. Moritz Suter holds 100 percent of all shares and acts as publisher, but there is a previously unknown additional agreement: Suter can return his block of shares, which he bought a year ago for 1 million francs, to Blocher at any time. In return, Blocher has the right to demand the return of the Baz shares within six months. According to the Tages-Anzeiger, Blocher has made use of this right: the deadline for returning the shares is said to have been running since September. In addition, Blocher is said to be behind a loan of around CHF 70 million to the media company. Marcel Ospel is said to have been the front man with the banks and the loan is said to have been attributed to him. However, Blocher is also behind this via an additional agreement.
(Image: Keystone)
