The Danish government wanted to build a bridge from Denmark to Sweden so they issued a competitive bidding process and invited the bidders for a meeting to explain their bids. Three contractors had put bids, a French, a German, and a Maltese.
The first meeting was with the French company that was bidding for €50 million.
“Very cheap” said the procurement officer to the French contractor.
Then a meeting was held with the German contractor who was bidding for €100 million.
“Why is it more expensive than the French bid?” asked the procurement officer.
“It’s made with excellent German engineering and it’s super-durable.” explained the German.
“Very well” retorted the procurement officer.
Then it was the Maltese contractor’s turn to explain who was bidding for €250 million.
“Why is it so expensive?” asked the procurement officer to the Maltese contractor, still in awe at the huge premium compared to the German bid.
“Very simple, my friend. €100 million for you, €100 million for me, and we sub-contract the French.”
Leave a Reply