Antwerp’s Eurostar Enters Bankruptcy

RAPAPORT… Eurostar Diamond Traders, one of the biggest names in the
Antwerp industry, has entered bankruptcy following a legal battle with its
banks.



The Antwerp Corporate Court ruled Thursday in favor of that
outcome. Eurostar plans to appeal the decision, according to the company’s
chairman and founder, Kaushik Mehta.


“For Kaushik Mehta and Eurostar, this is a very
disappointing day, which he still is appealing and fighting,” the
diamond-manufacturing firm said in a statement to Rapaport News.
Eurostar blamed its main lenders, ABN Amro and Standard Chartered, for being
too aggressive in demanding repayment of debts. Both banks declined to comment.



The company owes an estimated $500 million, according to
court-appointed administrator Alain Van den Cloot.

Image: A diamond ring under inspection. (Shutterstock)