In November last year, HKScan Corporation announced plans to initiate an internal inquiry investigating the practices of its Baltic business. The purpose of the inquiry was to ensure that HKScan’s Baltic management is complying with the principles of good governance and the company’s Code of Conduct.
In December 2016 HKScan shared the results of the inquiry, affirming that certain members of the Baltic management had indeed violated HKScan’s Code of Conduct and the principles of good governance. Four members of management were relieved of their duties and warnings for breaches such as misuse of corporate funds were given.
HKScan has requested the Estonian authorities to investigate whether any violation of the law has taken place. The Estonian Public Prosecutor has today published a press release (in Estonian) related to the criminal allegations.
“It is important that these violations were brought to light and action were taken to ensure that they will not continue. HKScan is committed to a thorough investigation, and so we have turned to the Estonian authorities. We will not be giving any further comments at this time in order to let them proceed with their inquiry in peace,” says Anne Mere, Executive Vice President of Market Area Baltics at HKScan.
After the violations of HKScan’s operating guidelines were identified, the Group has taken several measures to develop collaboration and leadership related practices in Estonia. As an example, co-operation practices between employer and employees are being developed further.
HKScan Corporation
Further information:
In Estonia: Anne Mere, EVP, Market Baltics
In Finland: Mikko Saariaho, EVP, Communications
For call requests in relation to the matter, please call the HKScan media service number: +358 (0)10 570 5700 or email communications@hkscan.com.
HKScan is the leading Nordic food company. We sell, market and produce high-quality, responsibly-produced pork, beef, poultry and lamb products, processed meats and convenience foods under strong brand names. Our customers are the retail, food service, industrial and export sectors, and our home markets comprise Finland, Sweden, Denmark and the Baltics. We export to close to 50 countries. In 2016, HKScan had net sales of nearly EUR 1.9 billion and some 7 300 employees.