Possible Bribes in Russia by HP in Germany

Raids took place last week in Russia and Germany on HP offices and by Russian Prosecutors.

If there is anything more frightening then 60 Minutes at the front door, its a group of Russian prosecutors.

The investigation revolves around suspected bribes, occurring seven years ago.
German investigators are looking into possible corruption linked to a $47 million sale of computers to Russia. They are examining whether the company paid bribes to win the contract, Wolfgang Klein, a spokesman at Saxony’s Chief Prosecutor’s Office, said.

Under the lamp, nine people are being investigated for breach of trust.

Apparently, the suspects may have set up a system of sham companies and contracts, leading to 8 million euros ($10.8 million) in improper payments.

“It is unclear where these 8 million euros went,” Klein said from Dresden. “I don’t want to use the word bribes to say what they were used for, but we’re looking into that.”

Resonating here at Home -

"Even if senior management doesn't know about it, that doesn't give the company a pass," said John Davis, an FCPA expert at the Miller Chevalier law firm in Washington, D.C.

In the current political climate, a linkage between these possible bribes and former CEO Carly Fiorina’s run for the GOP nomination for the U.S. Senate seat now held by Democrat Barbara Boxer, is being bantered about.

From Rich Smith, at the Motley Fool,

"...Tempest in a Russian tea glass

Here's a quick rundown of the allegations against HP. Back in 2003, Russia's Prosecutor General's office put up for bid a contract for sophisticated computer equipment. HP won the $48 million deal, but in order to do so, it allegedly had to pay out $11 million in bribes, parceled out through bills for nonexistent services, and paid to middlemen through an extended series of shell companies ranging from Belize to Latvia to Switzerland..."

Go over to his article here, he does a pretty good job summarizing and explaining.

More here.

Here.


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Education, Managed Print Services and Reducing Costs? It Will Never Work.

Managed Print Services Market Shows Strong Commitment to North American MPS Conference

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE – April 15, 2010

Sold-out exhibits, expanded sessions signal enthusiastic interest from MPS end users and providers

LEXINGTON, KY -- The managed print services market continues to command attention from channel pros and end users alike, and the North American market has long been one of the most active arenas, with a history of over ten years of MPS engagements. North America accounted for 50 percent of the total global MPS market in 2008, and it continues to grow at a healthy 27 percent compounded annual growth rate.

To keep the momentum, MPS end users and providers have sought and found information and contacts at forums like the annual MPS Conferences. The market has responded enthusiastically to the upcoming 2010 North American MPS Conference May 3-5 in San Antonio, TX. Exhibit space is sold out, and the agenda has been expanded to three speaking tracks to accommodate increased attendance and interest.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE – April 15, 2010

Sold-out exhibits, expanded sessions signal enthusiastic interest from MPS end users and providers

LEXINGTON, KY -- The managed print services market continues to command attention from channel pros and end users alike, and the North American market has long been one of the most active arenas, with a history of over ten years of MPS engagements. North America accounted for 50 percent of the total global MPS market in 2008, and it continues to grow at a healthy 27 percent compounded annual growth rate.

To keep the momentum, MPS end users and providers have sought and found information and contacts at forums like the annual MPS Conferences. The market has responded enthusiastically to the upcoming 2010 North American MPS Conference May 3-5 in San Antonio, TX. Exhibit space is sold out, and the agenda has been expanded to three speaking tracks to accommodate increased attendance and interest.

The second annual North American MPS Conference focuses on the theme: “MPS: The Next Stage” and offers case studies, techniques, and ideas for moving to the next stage of MPS engagements. MPS decision makers, vendors and channel partners have signed up in record numbers to benefit from a rich agenda of relevant topics. Photizo Group, the leading research firm specializing in the printing and imaging industry, hosts the popular MPS Conference series, which have brought educational programs to MPS markets around the world.
Stellar Line Up of Industry Professionals

The North American MPS Conference promises a stellar line up of speakers, with multiple keynote presentations, as well as the definitive “State of the Industry” session delivered by Ed Crowley of Photizo Group. The keynote presenters are:

· Mark Boelhouwer, Vice President of Strategic Marketing, Ricoh Americas Corporation

· Dena Bernard, Director, Customer Satisfaction and Services, Oki Data Americas, Inc.

· Jason Evans, founding partner and CEO of PEQ Service + Solutions (which was acquired by Buchanan Technologies last year) and recently featured in MPSmentor

Chasing Customers, Outrunning Competitors

According to the Photizo Group, the most significant growth factors during the next two years will be evolution of distribution channels, continued focus on cost savings and aggressive vendor programs. The MPS Conference agenda provides a number of sessions geared to these information needs. The expanded three-track format offers targeted education covering a number of MPS areas. A diverse range of managed print services topics such as best practices in implementing managed print services, sales and marketing best practices, change management, transforming the dealership, and selling into the SMB market are all part of the industry’s only dedicated MPS conference.

“Expanding the agenda gives attendees ample opportunities to attend all the sessions they want. With much at stake for participants in this multi-billion dollar industry, it’s important to adjust and accommodate their educational needs and interests,” said Photizo Group CEO Ed Crowley. Photizo Group estimates that the MPS market is currently worth over $25 billion globally and projects it will be a $60 billion market by 2013. “Channel professionals and vendors are also coming on board in record numbers. With the nearly sold out exhibit area, attendees are sure to find solutions and advice to support their MPS goals. The across-the-board enthusiasm and support signal strong interest in the red-hot managed print services market, and the conference is designed to provide the information necessary for success.”

Best Practices, Best Networking

The conference features case studies, panels, exhibitions and interactive sessions that highlight successful approaches and valuable takeaways from actual MPS engagements. Some of the practical topics covered at the San Antonio Conference are managing RFPs and contracts, financial models for MPS providers, and sales and marketing best practices. Decision makers, vendors and channel partners can also network and share their insights and experiences with MPS engagements.

Registration details and other conference information are available at http://www.mpsconference.com.

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