Competition authority approves the acquisition of Hügli Holding Aktiengesellschaft by Bell Food Group Ltd

08.02.2018, Ad hoc announcement pursuant to Art. 53 LR

Basel, 8 February 2018 - Yesterday, the competent competition authority (European Commission) approved the acquisition of Hügli Holding Aktiengesellschaft (Hügli) by Bell Food Group without attaching any conditions.

On 13 January 2018 Bell Food Group had entered into a purchase agreement regarding Dr. A. Stoffel Holding AG, the majority shareholder of Hügli. Dr. A. Stoffel Holding AG holds 50.2% of the capital and 65.0% of the voting rights of Hügli. With the approval of the European Commission the condition for the completion of such purchase agreement has been fulfilled. The completion is expected to occur on 21 February 2018.

On 15 January 2018 Bell Food Group preannounced a public tender offer for the still publicly held bearer shares in Hügli. The corresponding offer prospectus shall - as planned - be published on 26 February 2018.