Heidelberg Achieves Full Acquisition of Gallus Holding

Published: June 11, 2014

HEIDELBERG, GERMANY | The management board (Vorstand) of Heidelberger Druckmaschinen has resolved with the approval of the supervisory board to carry out a capital increase against contribution in kind from authorized capital with the exclusion of the subscription rights. For such purpose, Ferd. Rüesch AG, Switzerland, a company controlled by Ferdinand Rüesch, will contribute its 70% stake in Gallus Holding, St. Gallen, Switzerland, as contribution in kind into Heidelberger Druckmaschinen against the issue of new shares. After the completion of the transaction, Heidelberg will directly and indirectly hold 100% of the shares in Gallus Holding.

Heidelberg says the planned complete takeover of Gallus Holding accelerates the development and use of Heidelberg's digital products in the growing labels sector. In fall this year, Heidelberg and Gallus will be unveiling a new digital printing system for the label market that incorporates Fujifilm technology. By acquiring approximately 9% of Heidelberg shares in consideration for the Gallus stake, Ferdinand Rüesch will also become a new strategic anchor investor of the company. At the same time, Heidelberg is strengthening its capital structure, which will support the company's strategic reorientation.

"We are very proud to have won Ferdinand Rüesch as anchor investor with long-standing sector knowledge," says Heidelberg CEO Gerold Linzbach. "The full acquisition of Gallus will further enhance the cooperation of the two companies. Together, we will continue to foster the development in the growing market for digital label production."

Gallus reports it will continue to operate under its brand name and under its current management and will continue to focus on development, production and sales/service of narrow roll-fed printing presses targeted for the label printer as well as on wide roll-fed printing presses and die-cutting equipment for folding carton converters.

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