BERLIN (AP) — Formula One chief Bernie Ecclestone’s departure from a Munich court with a fleeting “bye-bye” after having bribery charges dropped in exchange for an enormous $100 million payment left a sour taste for many in Germany.

However, while the size of the super-wealthy 83-year-old’s payment appears to be unprecedented, the legal device that made it possible is commonly used and the motor-racing boss isn’t the first prominent beneficiary. Here’s a look at how the deal was possible.