It is late November 2017 and Steinhoff, already Europe’s second-largest furniture retailer after Ikea, is scrambling to convince its auditor Deloitte to sign off its accounts for the year to September, due to be published a week later on December 6.

Deloitte has been warned. A few months earlier, its Dutch office was handed documents that spelt out an epic swindle in Steinhoff’s accounts — euphemistically described as “potential noncompliance with laws” — masterminded by its bombastic CEO, Markus Jooste...

Subscribe now to unlock this article.

Support BusinessLIVE’s award-winning journalism for R129 per month (digital access only).

There’s never been a more important time to support independent journalism in SA. Our subscription packages now offer an ad-free experience for readers.

Cancel anytime.

Would you like to comment on this article?
Sign up (it's quick and free) or sign in now.

Speech Bubbles

Please read our Comment Policy before commenting.