Every once in a while, the financial markets come face to face with a company or an executive that has more than meets the eye. Whether it is a flamboyant business entrepreneur such as Philip Green or Richard Branson – or a hard-bargaining banking client such as France Télécom or Deutsche Telekom – their presence in a deal adds fizz to proceedings.

In the case of Tchibo, this presence is likely to be announced by the aroma of freshly ground coffee.