Ad-hoc | 21 February 2011 06:30
NEW VALUE AG / Key word(s): Miscellaneous
21.02.2011 06:30
Release of an ad hoc announcement pursuant to Art. 72 KR
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Information on New Value's portfolio company Solar Industries AG
Solar Industries acquires strategic partner
Solar Industries AG (SIAG), a New Value AG (SIX: NEWN) portfolio company,
successfully concluded another capital increase. Energie Wasser Bern (ewb)
acquires a 15.3%-stake of Solar Industries and becomes, along with New
Value and EGS-Beteiligungen an important shareholder. After this capital
increase, New Value holds 32.8% of the share capital. Solar Industries
plans to build an advanced production plant for solar modules in the Swiss
Midland. Production of high-quality modules with the 'Made in Switzerland'
tag is primarily targeted for the Swiss solar market. Energie Wasser Bern
(ewb) has made a strategic investment in Solar Industries AG (SIAG) in
order to strengthen its position in the solar power sector.
Solar Industries plans to build an advanced production plant for solar
modules in Mittelland (Switzerland), which will produce solar modules
primarily for the Swiss solar market. 'This will enable us to offer our
home market a local, competitive product with an excellent environmental
balance', said Thomas Cadonau, CFO and Head of Business Development at
Solar Industries. Energie Wasser Bern acquired a 15.3% interest in the
Swiss solar company Solar Industries AG, which makes it a major shareholder
along with New Value AG and EGS-Beteiligungen AG. Rolf Wägli, Chairman of
the Board of Solar Industries AG and New Value, is pleased to have the new
strategic partner in the team: 'This is a win-win situation. The expertise
for successful expansion in Switzerland that EWB brings to the table is
very valuable, and the investment underscores the significance of Energie
Wasser Bern for the promising photovoltaic market. Both parties ensure
themselves a major role in the proliferation of this renewable and clean
source of energy in Switzerland.'
With this investment, Solar Industries has completed the second tranche of
its current capital increase round. In total, the company increased its
capital by CHF 8.6 million in 2011, from a nominal value of CHF 21,572,068
to CHF 28,439,913. In January 2011, New Value invested CHF 2 Mio. in the
first financing round and now holds a stake of 32.8%.
Information about Solar Industries AG
Solar Industries AG is pursuing a growth and 'buy & build' strategy along
the value chain for solar module manufacturing and marketing. SIAG invests
in start-up and early-stage companies active in photovoltaics with the
eventual goal of successful integration in a competitive market
environment.
SIAG has already invested in three module-manufacturing sites in Germany
and Italy via Solar Industries Module GmbH and MX Group. Currently these
plants have a production capacity of 200 MWp per year. SIAG has also
established a presence in the PV systems and PV engineering businesses
through its majority interest in SI Solutions GmbH, a subsidiary
headquartered in Puchheim, Germany (near Munich).
Information about New Value AG
New Value, listed at SIX Swiss Exchange, invests directly in promising
private companies in Switzerland and neighbouring countries with
above-average market and growth potential. As an investment company, New
Value promotes innovative business models with venture capital and
accompanies those to market success. The portfolio covers companies of
different stages of development, starting with the market introduction
phase up to medium-sized enterprises with stable profits. The portfolio
contains companies active in cleantech and healthcare. New Value assigns
great value to ethical business concepts and good corporate governance
while selecting their portfolio companies. Criteria such as meaningfulness,
social responsibility and ecological sustainability are considered by New
Value as decisive competitive advantages, which affect and enhance the
quality of products and services offered and thus, facilitate an above
average increase of value potential. With impact investing New Value
creates ethical added value - an entrepreneurial approach based on a unique
combination of economical and ethical performance. Since the formation of
New Value, EPS Value Plus AG, Zurich, has served as investment manager.
21.02.2011 News transmitted by EquityStory AG.
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Language: English
Company: NEW VALUE AG
Bodmerstrasse 9
8027 Zürich
Schweiz
Phone: +41-43-344 38 38
Fax: +41-43-344 38 39
E-mail: info@newvalue.ch
Internet: www.newvalue.ch
ISIN: CH0010819867
Swiss Security Number: 552932
Listed: Freiverkehr in Berlin, Düsseldorf, München,
Stuttgart; Open Market in Frankfurt; SIX
End of Announcement EquityStory News-Service
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