Ad-hoc | 21 December 2012 07:29
Leclanché SA / Key word(s): Miscellaneous
21.12.2012 07:29
Release of an ad hoc announcement pursuant to Art. 53 KR
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Press Release
Leclanché provides business update
- Appointment of new CFO on an interim basis
- Speed issue in one of the production steps being actively addressed but
is not expected to be solved before year end
- Lithium Ion cells from the new production line in certification phase
- Energy storage modules in pre-test validation phase
Yverdon-les-Bains, Switzerland, 21th December 2012 - Leclanché S.A. (SIX
Swiss Exchange: LECN), specialized in the production of large-format
lithium-ion cells and energy storage solutions, today announced the
appointment of Klaus Toennesmann (43) as Chief Financial Officer on an
interim basis effective immediately. With a solid financial experience, a
broad investor network and a thorough understanding of the cleantech
industry, Klaus Toennesmann is well qualified to support the company in its
evaluation of financial and strategic alternatives to cover its funding
following March 2013.
Leclanché also informed that progress has been made towards solving the
speed issue in one of the production steps of Leclanché's new production
line. However the issue is not expected to be solved before the end of the
year. In the meantime, cells produced from the new production unit are
currently in the UN38 certification phase. This test is an international
norm for the transportation of Lithium Ion batteries. Finally Leclanché
also announced that its energy storage modules HS3000 and HS3200 are in
validation phase at well-recognized certification bodies.
An additional business update will be provided in due course.
Klaus Toennesmann gained a deep knowledge of the cleantech industry as
senior investment executive at leading Cleantech investment funds in
Germany and Switzerland, notably Good Energies Inc in Zug and eCapital AG
in Germany. During his career he managed a large number of transactions and
supported the growth of several cleantech companies. Following the
completion of an MSc in economics and an MBA at the University of
Edinburgh, UK, he joined Deutsche Bank in 1999.
About Leclanché
Leclanché's strategy is to expand its position as one of the leading
lithium-ion cell producers and solution providers for renewable energy
storage systems in Europe. Its strategic priorities are stationary home
electrical energy storage applications and expansion into the stationary
industrial and grid electricity storage markets. Through participation in
research consortia focusing on hybrid and E-mobility applications,
Leclanché is positioned to take advantage of new market opportunities.
Through a unique, patented ceramic separator technology and focus on
lithium-titanate technology, Leclanché manufactures large-format
lithium-ion cells, optimized for safety and cycle-life, in a fully
automated production process. The newly installed production line will have
an annual capacity of 1 million cells or 76 MWh.
Leclanché was founded in 1909 in Yverdon-les-Bains. Through the integration
of a spin-off from the Fraunhofer-Gesellschaft in 2006, the company evolved
from a traditional battery manufacturer to become a leading developer and
manufacturer of lithium-ion cells in Europe. Leclanché currently employs
120 staff and is listed on the SIX Swiss Exchange (LECN). The company has
its headquarters in Yverdon-les-Bains (Switzerland) and production
facilities in Willstätt (Germany).
www.leclanche.eu
Media contact:
Christophe Lamps, Dynamics Group S.A.: Telephone: +41 79 476 26 87,
cla@dynamicsgroup.chcla@dynamicsgroup.ch
Contact for German media:
Markus Wieser, CNC AG: Telephone: +49 89 599 458 114,
markus.wieser@cnc-communications.com
Disclaimer
This press release contains certain forward-looking statements relating to
Leclanché's business, which can be identified by terminology such as
'strategic', 'proposes', 'to introduce', 'will', 'planned', 'expected',
'commitment', 'expects', 'set', 'preparing', 'plans', 'estimates', 'aims',
'would', 'potential', 'awaiting', 'estimated', 'proposal', or similar
expressions, or by expressed or implied discussions regarding the ramp up
of Leclanché's production capacity, potential applications for existing
products, or regarding potential future revenues from any such products, or
potential future sales or earnings of Leclanché or any of its business
units. You should not place undue reliance on these statements. Such
forward-looking statements reflect the current views of Leclanché regarding
future events, and involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other
factors that may cause actual results to be materially different from any
future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by such
statements. There can be no guarantee that Leclanché's products will
achieve any particular revenue levels. Nor can there be any guarantee that
Leclanché, or any of the business units, will achieve any particular
financial results.
21.12.2012 News transmitted by EquityStory AG.
The issuer is responsible for the contents of the release.
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Language: English
Company: Leclanché SA
Av. des Sports 42
1400 Yverdon-les-Bains
Switzerland
Phone: +41 (24) 424 65-00
Fax: +41 (24) 424 65-20
E-mail: investors@leclanche.com
Internet: www.leclanche.com
ISIN: CH0110303119, CH0016271550
Swiss Security Number: A1CUUB, 812950
Listed: SIX
End of Announcement EquityStory News-Service
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