Swiss technology group Bühler has announced the repayment of the first tranche of a dual-tranche bond amounting to CHF 180 million (Rs1,600 crore approx).
In 2017, the company raised CHF 420 million (Rs 3,734 crore approx) through a dual-tranche Swiss franc-denominated senior bond – CHF 180 million Tranche A and CHF 240 million (Rs 2134 crore approx) Tranche B – to accelerate its growth plans and expand its investment and acquisition capabilities. It was the first time in its 160-year history that Bühler had raised capital on the financial markets.
The repayment of the bond is an important milestone and was achieved while the company continued to fully execute its investment strategy, focusing on innovations, research and training centers, and new partnerships.
Despite the uncertain and volatile environment faced in prior years, including the challenges posed by the coronavirus pandemic, Bühler was able to further strengthen its financial position and liquidity.
Bühler had in 2017 decided to raise capital on the financial markets in the form of a CHF 420 million dual-tranche bond in order to benefit from unique market opportunities. This enabled the company to finance its growth by investing into its global production and innovation network, as well as acquire the Austrian Haas Group, a world market leader in wafer-, biscuit-, and confectionery-production systems. The combined solution and product portfolio of Bühler and Haas has since proven to be a major competitive advantage.
“The proceeds from the bond allowed us to successfully accomplish the Haas acquisition, to continue the modernization of our production sites, to build the CUBIC innovation campus in Uzwil, and to expand our global sales and services network,” says Stefan Scheiber, CEO of Bühler Group.
“Thanks to our diligent liquidity management we were able to repay the first tranche of the bond and at the same time retain our full strategic flexibility for growth and innovation,” says Mark Macus, CFO of Bühler Group.
Bühler’s continued strong financial position enables the company to remain independent in the long term and to invest in new solutions and services for the benefit of its customers. The second tranche of the bond of CHF 240 million is due in December 2026. The bond is listed on the SIX Swiss Exchange.
Bühler Holding AG is a Swiss multinational plant equipment manufacturer based in Uzwil, Switzerland. It is known for plant and equipment and related services for processing foods and manufacturing advanced materials.
