The former Minister-President of Bavaria, Dr. Günther Beckstein, will be available to all GBW AG tenants as an ombudsman for issues relating to the social charter. “We are proud to have gained the former head of Bavaria for this important task,” says Wolfgang Egger, CEO of Patrizia Immobilien AG. “With his extensive life experience as a politician and lawyer, Dr. Beckstein is exactly right for the job,” says Egger. Beckstein was Minister-President of Bavaria from 2007 to 2008, after holding the position of Minister of the Interior of Bavaria from 1993 to 2007. He was a member of the Bavarian State Parliament from 1974 to 2013. Beckstein studied law in Munich and Erlangen. Over 40 years ago, he successfully established a law firm in which he is now working again. Beckstein is also the vice-president and a synod member of the Evangelical Church in Germany (EKD). “I’m looking forward to an interesting new challenge,” says Beckstein about his new role.

With the acquisition of GBW AG from BayernLB by an investor consortium headed by Patrizia in the spring, Patrizia guaranteed the tenants of GBW a comprehensive social charter. This also stipulates considerably better tenant protection than that required under statutory regulations. “We will implement this contractually agreed social charter consistently and in full. This is also demonstrated by the high-profile choice for the position of ombudsman,” comments Egger. “Patrizia is aware of the great responsibility is has towards the tenants and employees of GBW AG, the seller and its investors.”

The ombudsman is available as a neutral arbitrator to tenants of GBW apartments only in respect to issues relating to the social charter. Tenant questions not directly relating to the social charter will still be dealt with by the relevant GBW contacts. As a neutral arbitrator the ombudsman makes recommendations. Those involved still have recourse to the courts.