Privatization in Eastern Germany A Neo-institutional Analysis

“Privatization in Eastern Germany: A Neo-institutional Analysis” by Herbert Brücker, published by Frank Cass in 1997, offers a detailed examination of the privatization and restructuring efforts undertaken by the Treuhandanstalt in East Germany. This edition spans 283 pages and is presented in English. The book explores the theoretical and conceptual challenges associated with large-scale privatization during the transformation process, highlighting the unique approach taken in East Germany compared to other transition economies.

Readers will find an in-depth analysis of how the Treuhandanstalt’s strategy involved selling state-owned companies to strategic investors while balancing various allocative criteria, such as employment and investment goals. The book discusses the significant subsidies granted to private investors and the complexities involved in negotiating and enforcing contracts. Additionally, it addresses the public and academic criticism surrounding these privatization efforts, making it a valuable resource for those interested in economic policy, political science, and labor relations.