A family feud has led to the resignation of Tchibo chief executive Gunter Herz.
The German family company owns the country's largest chain of coffee outlets as well as cigarette and cosmetic interests.
Herz, who has led the company for 35 years, blamed an "irreparable breakdown in trust" between him and his family-controlled supervisory board.
The resignation leaves the company apparently rudderless at a time when newcomers like Starbucks could threaten its coffee business which is strong only in Germany and Austria.
The family row could threaten future expansion the coffee arm where margins have been declining.
The German family company owns the country's largest chain of coffee outlets as well as cigarette and cosmetic interests.
Herz, who has led the company for 35 years, blamed an "irreparable breakdown in trust" between him and his family-controlled supervisory board.
The resignation leaves the company apparently rudderless at a time when newcomers like Starbucks could threaten its coffee business which is strong only in Germany and Austria.
The family row could threaten future expansion the coffee arm where margins have been declining.
