Back in January it seemed like Goldman Sachs was the last top-line investment bank not assuming a clear, politically correct policy against attending adult strip clubs, by allowing executives to use discretion when taking clients to an "adult entertainment establishment." Perhaps a new guard means a change of heart?
In the wake of the insider trading scandal that included accusations that traders used strippers to coax stock tips from investment bankers, the bank looks to be drawing a clear line between Goldman Sachs and sex, specifically goldmansex.com. Goldman recently filed a complaint with the National Arbitration Forum against a man in The Netherlands who runs a Web site with links to strip clubs and escort services. The bank maintains the site could cause confusion. But how could anyone trying to type up goldmansachs.com mistakenly type "sex" instead of "Sachs?" A quick glance by CFW staffers (after seeking permission from our bosses) revealed the site (its home page, at least) to be tame, though it offered insight into how Goldman may have caught wind of the site: the sub-heading under the Web site name is "leisure after business," and the site touts itself as "An adult entertainment guide for business travelers."
"You're in town for business," another flashing headline says above a silhouette of a woman. "But what are you doing tonight?"