Barclays Won’t Dare Use ‘Nazi’ Eagle If It Upsets ABN Amro
AHEAD of their predicted takeover of Dutch bank ABN Amro, Barclays are pondering whether or not to remove their famous eagle logo. The reason? Apparently it could offend Dutch people as it somewhat resembles an eagle emblem used by the Nazis.
The Barclays’ bird dates back to 1728 when two of its founders moved to new premises in London, above which was the sign of the Black Spread Eagle. The German bird, on the other hand, is an old national symbol which was used by kings and emperors of the region before being adopted by the Nazis.
The Nazis went on to occupy the Netherlands during the Second World War and with a £45billion deal in the balance, Barclays don’t want to irk any customers of ABN Amro.
A source close to the bank says: “It is rather a Teutonic-looking eagle and has unfortunate connotations.”
Surely the magpie, a bird that is prone to dealing in other people’s treasures, would be a better representation of Barclays? Or some other bird of prey…
Posted: 19th, June 2007 | In: Money Comments (6) | TrackBack | Permalink
