BDS Beteiligungsgesellschaft reports 6.36% share of voting rights

In compliance with statutory requirements, Georg Fischer AG has notified SIX Swiss Exchange that BDS Beteiligungsgesellschaft AG, solely owned by Prof. Giorgio Behr, holds 6.36% of voting rights as of 27 November 2008 in Georg Fischer AG. The package consists of 211’000 shares, equivalent to 5.15% of share capital, and 50’000 options, equivalent to 1.22% of share capital. Details can be found at
http://www.six-swiss-exchange.com/marketpulse/news/major_shareholders_en.html.
BDS first gave notification that it held 4.64% of voting rights on 25 November 2008. Georg Fischer duly reported the fact to SIX Swiss Exchange within the prescribed time limit. 

The Board of Directors of Georg Fischer AG has taken note of this shareholding. At the shareholders’ behest, Georg Fischer AG’s Articles of Association set a general limit on shareholdings with voting rights, which may not exceed 5% of the company’s share capital. The Articles of Association also stipulate that requests for registration that exceed this limit will be rejected. The Board of Directors intends to pursue the shareholders' mandate to secure the long-term future of the company. This means that no shareholder or group of shareholders will be permitted to exercise a controlling influence over the company or to pursue its own interests to the detriment of the other shareholders and the company. The Board of Directors of Georg Fischer AG will therefore oppose any attempt by individual investors to gain control over GF.