Agfa-Gevaert announced that its Board of Directors has completed the strategic review of the company and decided that it is in the best interest of the Group, the customers, the shareholders and the employees to split into three independent, listed companies - representing the activities of Agfa Graphics, Agfa HealthCare and Agfa Materials - by the end of 2007.
The Board has concluded that the businesses have the size, fundamental strength, industry leadership, and organisational talent to succeed independently in their respective markets. The separate companies will be better positioned to pursue their own distinct strategic objectives and will have direct access to the capital markets. Upon completion of the demerger, shareholders of Agfa-Gevaert will, instead of holding one Agfa-Gevaert share, hold shares in three separately listed companies.
"The creation of three independent, listed companies will give each business the right focus and access to the necessary resources to strengthen their leading positions in their respective markets. This plan is of major importance to the customers, employees and shareholders of Agfa-Gevaert," stated Marc Olivié, President and CEO of Agfa-Gevaert.
Over the last years, Agfa-Gevaert has evolved from an efficient, high quality analog imaging company to an innovative provider of digital imaging and IT solutions and services. This successful transformation has resulted in divergent technologies and growth strategies for the different business groups. The split into separately listed companies will allow each business to focus on its core activities and to successfully implement its strategy. Enhanced strategic focus, increased market recognition and improved capital flexibility will result in better customer service, additional opportunities for the employees and will create more value for the shareholders. This demerger process is expected to be completed by the end of 2007.
Upon completion of the demerger, the Agfa-Gevaert shares will be split and the existing shareholders will own all the shares of the three companies. The shares of the three companies are expected to be traded on Euronext Brussels.
Agfa Graphics, Agfa HealthCare and Agfa Materials will be headquartered in Mortsel, Belgium and all will retain the right to use the Agfa brand name for their respective activities and products. The company has engaged KBC Securities as its financial advisor and Linklaters De Bandt as its legal counsel.
Agfa Oceania
http://www.agfa.com.au/
