The Board of Georg Fischer Ltd, Schaffhausen, will propose to the next Annual General Meeting the appointment of Mr Flavio Cotti, former Swiss Minister of Foreign Affairs, as Member of the Board of Directors. Georg Fischer will be proud to enjoy his support and expertise during a phase of strategic expansion worldwide. Georg Fischer has an important production plant (Agie Ltd, Losone) in the Canton of Tessin. With Flavio Cotti, this area is newly represented on the Georg Fischer Board.

Flavio Cotti was born on October 18, 1939, in Muralto TI and is a citizen of Prato Sornico. In 1964, he graduated in jurisprudence from the University of Freiburg i.U. (CH) and then practized law as an attorney/notary in Locarno. In 1975, Flavio Cotti was elected Member of the State Government of the Canton of Tessin, and in 1983 Member of the Federal Parliament (National Council). In 1986, Flavio Cotti was elected Member of the Swiss Federal Council (National Government). He was head of the Federal Department of Home Affairs from 1987 to 1993, and head of the Federal Department of Foreign Affairs from 1993 until his resignation at the end of April 1999. Flavio Cotti held the position of Federal President twice in 1991 and 1998.

Schaffhausen, June 24, 1999