The owners of Pret a Manger are donating millions to a fund for Holocaust survivors after uncovering their family’s shameful past as Nazi supporters.
The international sandwich shop chain is owned by JAB Investors, which is controlled by Germany’s richest family, the Reimanns. JAB, which also owns Krispy Kreme Doughnuts and Panera Bread, is thought to be worth around £33bn.
After the family launched an investigation into their business background this year, they discovered that the founders had “supported Adolf Hitler and used forced labour during the Second World War”, The Times reports.
The Week
Escape your echo chamber. Get the facts behind the news, plus analysis from multiple perspectives.
Sign up for The Week's Free Newsletters
From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.
From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.
Albert Reimann Sr and Albert Reimann Jr were found to have used Russian civilians and French POWs as forced labourers, and were early supporters of the Nazi party, including donating to the paramilitary SS before Hitler came to power.
In 1937, Albert Reimann Jr wrote to Heinrich Himmler, the SS leader, declaring “we are a purely Aryan family business”. Immediately after the war, both Reimann Sr and Jr were investigated by the Allies.
–––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––For a round-up of the most important stories from around the world - and a concise, refreshing and balanced take on the week’s news agenda - try The Week magazine. Start your trial subscription today –––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––
The Reimann family now plans to give €5m (£4.2m) to the Conference on Jewish Material Claims Against Germany “to help the 400,000 Holocaust survivors still living”, says the Times.
JAB also plans to provide another €5m to find and support forced labourers used by the Reimann family under the Nazis.
The Daily Mail says that an additional €25m (£21m) will be donated annually to “Holocaust education and promoting democratic values to fight the rise of populist nationalism”.
“Elderly, poor Holocaust survivors need food, medicine and heat in the winter,” Julius Berman, president of the conference, said. “These funds will enable thousands of survivors to live in dignity,” The Independent reports.
-
Sarkozy behind bars: the conviction dividing FranceIn the Spotlight Sarkozy speaks to the press with wife Carla Bruni at his side outside a Paris courtroom after the guilty verdict
-
Crossword: October 4, 2025The Week's daily crossword puzzle
-
Codeword: October 4, 2025The Week's daily codeword puzzle
-
Russia is ‘helping China’ prepare for an invasion of TaiwanIn the Spotlight Russia is reportedly allowing China access to military training
-
Interpol arrests hundreds in Africa-wide sextortion crackdownIN THE SPOTLIGHT A series of stings disrupts major cybercrime operations as law enforcement estimates millions in losses from schemes designed to prey on lonely users
-
China is silently expanding its influence in American citiesUnder the Radar New York City and San Francisco, among others, have reportedly been targeted
-
How China uses 'dark fleets' to circumvent trade sanctionsThe Explainer The fleets are used to smuggle goods like oil and fish
-
One year after mass protests, why are Kenyans taking to the streets again?today's big question More than 60 protesters died during demonstrations in 2024
-
On VE Day, is Europe alone once again?Today's Big Question Donald Trump's rebranding of commemoration as 'Victory Day for World War Two' underlines breakdown of post-war transatlantic alliance
-
What happens if tensions between India and Pakistan boil over?TODAY'S BIG QUESTION As the two nuclear-armed neighbors rattle their sabers in the wake of a terrorist attack on the contested Kashmir region, experts worry that the worst might be yet to come
-
Why Russia removed the Taliban's terrorist designationThe Explainer Russia had designated the Taliban as a terrorist group over 20 years ago
