Moral high ground lost in Malta

Times are hard for many European firms, particularly German giants such as BMW, Puma, Lufthansa and Bosch. It appears these firms can't even afford an office of their own where they could advance their interests with the requisite comfort and equipment. For that reason, they end up crammed together under the same roof. It is often a humble, almost empty room. They also share the same bell at the entrance. They are reminiscent of economic immigrants driven by necessity, or poor students sharing an apartment to cut down on the rent and electricity bills.

According to a report in Germany's Der Spiegel, an investigation into leaked documents labeled "Malta Files" has revealed that three businesses which are believed to be prosperous, namely Erich Wesjohann Group, the leader in the poultry egg science industry, the world's largest chemicals maker BASF, and car rental firm Sixt all...