Change regarding important participation of Bell Ltd: Hilcona AG takes over Gastro Star AG

09.05.2012, Ad hoc announcement pursuant to Art. 53 LR

Hilcona is acquiring Gastro Star AG, thereby strengthening its market position as a provider of a complete range of products in the fresh convenience food market segment.

All jobs at Gastro Star will be retained, and the established production and distribution facilities in Dällikon/ZH and Villigen/AG will also be maintained. The parties have agreed to maintain silence about the conditions of the transaction. The merger, which is subject to the approval of the Swiss Competition Commission (COMCO), will take place retroactively to 1 January 2012.

As part of a cooperation project, Bell Ltd has owned 49 % of Hilcona since 1 January 2011 and will acquire a further 2 % of the capital of Hilcona in 2015.

More information: www.hilcona.com