This makes the 25th and 26th company to be part of the "Coalition Against Corruption." Dr. Niclas Müller, Chief Executive Officer of VDM Metals, declares: "At VDM Metals, we are committed to acting with integrity and fairness in our daily business activities. We pay attention to the legal requirements to ensure free competition. VDM Metals does not participate in price fixing or prohibited coordination. Corruption and cartel violations are also not tolerated; we claim zero tolerance. Bribes or cartel agreements are not a means for us to win a contract. To put it clearly: We would rather forego a deal than violate applicable laws and our values and risk damaging the assets and reputation of VDM Metals. At the same time, we expect our partners to behave in the same way."

This corporate culture is put into practice by, among other things, regularly offering training courses, providing an anonymous reporting platform and strictly sanctioning violations. Detailed requirements are described, among other things, in codes of conduct for employees and suppliers as well as various internal guidelines. VDM Metals stands for sustainable business relationships.

Prof. Dr. Julius Reiter, as Transparency Germany’s board member responsible for the organization's corporate members, says: "We have been advocating for a consistent approach in the fight against corruption in Germany for 30 years. Crucial to our success is close cooperation with like-minded actors in politics, business and civil society. We are very pleased that VDM Metals and ComSec have joined our coalition against corruption and is thus sending a clear signal. As part of the membership, we will intensify the trustful exchange on meaningful measures for transparency and for corruption prevention."

Transparency Germany offers companies that want to make a special commitment to fighting corruption the option of corporate membership. Membership is conditional on a clear commitment by the company to fight against corruption and to meet certain minimum standards on corruption prevention.

In the course of regular confidential meetings with members, practical experience and "best practices" in the application of instruments for corruption prevention and the implementation of legal requirements are shared. In addition, ongoing legislative processes relevant to the fight against corruption are discussed at these meetings. This is in the interest of both the companies and Transparency Germany.