If anyone thought we had problems in Europe – particularly some financial issues – you’re most probably wrong.

The European Central Bank (ECB) builds a new headquarters in Frankfurt. 41 floors, two towers. Two or three weeks ago the Topping Out Ceremony was celebrated. The building will cost the little something of about 1,200 million (1.2 billion) Euros (add around 30 percent to get the sum in US-$). 1,500 people will work there. If I’m not mistaken, this means that the building costs are $1m per person. A bargain. I have 7 employees, so I apparently need to plan a building for $7m.

Oh, did I mention that the towers will cost around 325m€ (add 30 percent …) more than initially planned? Peanuts. It’s just the money of those of us who still pay taxes, so feel free spend it. It’s good for the economy, I’m sure.

Other than that I really don’t feel strongly about it. And, of course, I’m not upset at all.

Yours,
Guido Quelle

(c) 2012, Prof. Dr. Guido Quelle, Mandat Consulting Group