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Case Study

WestLB (B): Going with the flow

By Michael Yaziji, Heidi Strebel and Aileen Ionescu-Somers

7 pages

November 2011

Reference: IMD-1-0316

The B-case chronicles the continuing NGO protests after WestLB closed on the loan to the pipeline company OCP. The focus of the protests shifted to the choice of pipeline route. The NGOs argued that the route with the least negative environmental and social impacts was one that ran alongside the existing pipeline. The route proposed and then built by OCP follows the first pipeline initially and then deviates, passing through areas that are designated of ‘outstanding biodiversity’, including ecological reserves and natural parks. WestLB failed to react or respond to the protests. Both NGOs and the federal state of North-Rhine Westphalia put increasing pressure on the bank but for a long time WestLB failed to react.

Learning Objective

Reacting and communicating during a crisis; addressing concerns from a wider group of stakeholders.

Keywords

Project Financing, Non-Governmental Organization Campaign, Sustainability, Financial Services, Finance

Settings

World/global
2001-2011

Available Languages

English

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This case study is part of a series

WestLB (A): In the pipeline - responsible financing
WestLB (B): Going with the flow
WestLB (C): A change in direction

This case study is part of a series

WestLB (A): In the pipeline - responsible financing
WestLB (B): Going with the flow
WestLB (C): A change in direction

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