75 years of Egokiefer: Tradition and Innovation

AFG Arbonia-Forster-Holding AG 11
Own capital
+54.7% A
Holding AG, on the pleasing half-yearly results. This was
made possible despite the significantly increased cost of materials,
in particular steel, energy and wage costs, which was
noticeable for the first time in several years again in all markets
and areas. In turn this is largely down to the weakness
of the Swiss Franc and the record strength of the Euro. Material
costs increased as a result by a two-digit figure in some
cases, and as a rule these surcharges could not be passed on
in full into the end prices.
A confident outlook
Thanks to the expectation of continued good market conditions,
AFG expects to deliver the forecast consolidated
overall turnover of CHF 1.4 billion and an operating profit
of more than CHF 100 million in the current year – despite
increasing pressure from competitors. By the end of 2007,
the equity-to-assets ratio should be above 40%, which will
mean that it has achieved a previously defined benchmark
of the balance sheet. According to Dr. Edgar Oehler, no acquisitions
are planned in the short term: «However, in the
future we will continue to make the most of any opportunities
to round off our existing services portfolio. In addition,
we are working intensively on intensifying activities outside
our two domestic markets of Switzerland and Germany, in
order to achieve a ratio of 50:50 between the two domestic
markets and all other markets in the medium term.» In
order to secure the financial flexibility required for further
acquisition-based and organic growth, AFG is also intending
to take on a syndicated credit in the second semester. «
New topics
The following AFG subject areas have been incorporated in the 4 th edition:
Topic 1: The value creation chain. The concept of value creation is demonstrated
on the basis of a selected AFG business sector: research and development, purchasing,
production, sales, customer service. Topic 2: International expansion.
Here, the expansion of AFG is illustrated in terms of markets and production sites.
Topic 3: AFG as a «corporate citizen» (Corporate Citizenship). AFG has always
emphasised its social responsibility and observes this responsibility on a daily basis,
through the provision of jobs and training positions, through environmentally
friendly production processes, sustained products, sponsoring, active information
policy and cooperation with authorities through to assistance with the securing
and/or renovation of institutions or companies which are of public interest. The
textbook is available to order free of charge from AFG via afgworld@afg.ch. «
visionary:
Dr. Edgar Oehler.
More liquidity,
more continuity
AFG Arbonia-Forster-Holding AG has secured
CHF 108 million for further growth and further innovation.
Thanks to a capital increase of CHF 108 million
with preferential subscription rights, further expansion of
AFG is assured. The decision was ratified at the AGM on
April 20, 2007 – a memorable occasion given that the
AGM was held under the banner of our 20 th anniversary
celebrations. At the time, around 1,000 shareholders –
a record in terms of participation – set the course for the
future. 156,716 new transferable shares with a nominal
value of CHF 4.20 and 337,500 registered shares (nominal
value CHF 0.84) were tendered by exercising the corresponding
subscription rights. This corresponds to 99.84%
of all newly issued transferable shares and registered
shares. The 791 registered shares which were not tendered
were sold at market rate. The capital increase has
not only been a success, but it is also an important prerequisite
for continued successful implementation of our
growth strategy, as it provides the financial flexibility
which is necessary for future investments. AFG Arbonia-
Forster-Holding AG will continue to rigorously follow its
course of growth: increased international engagement,
even more investment in research and development and
further acquisitions. In addition, the capital increase also
helps to be able to release the funds borrowed in the
short term for acquisitions. «
Even more thorough: the 4 th edition
of the textbook «Recht Staat Wirtschaft»
(Law – The State – The Economy).