Due 2nd quarter 1995 The 21 authors of this book, well-known scholars in their various sciences, deal with the foundation of the Treuhandanstalt (THA), its internal and external guidelines, its main tasks (privatization, restructuring, liquidation etc.), and the implication of the institute's work - for the labour market and for the economic structure in the new federal states. Other questions treated are the consequences of the transformatiom process to the trade relations with Eastern Europe and press opinions about the Treuhand and its work. This English translation of the book will enlarge the knowledge throughout the world about a dramatic piece of history of our time and an economic and social transformation process of unprecedented scale.