Annual General Meeting 2005 of Barry Callebaut AG
The ordinary Annual General Meeting of Barry Callebaut AG, the world’s leading manufacturer of cocoa and chocolate products, was held on Thursday, December 8, 2005, in Zurich under the chairmanship of Andreas Schmid, Chairman of the Board. All motions proposed by the Board were adopted. 316 shareholders attended the meeting, representing 4,014,129 shares or 77.64 % of the share capital.
The shareholders confirmed the re-election of Rolando Benedick, Markus Fiechter, Andreas Jacobs, Andreas W. Keller, Andreas Schmid and Urs Widmer for another term of office of one year. Stefan Pfander, Chairman Europe of Wm. Wrigley Jr. Company, Chicago, was elected as a new Board member. Andreas Jacobs took over the function of Chairman from Andreas Schmid, who now serves as Vice Chairman of the Board. The Board of Directors wishes to thank Andreas Schmid for his outstanding commitment and the strategic direction he has given Barry Callebaut during his seven years as Chairman, four of which as Chairman and CEO, and is looking forward to continuing the cooperation with him.
Furthermore, t he shareholders approved the proposed par value reduction and repayment of CHF 8.00 per registered share, instead of a dividend payment, and the amendment of the respective provision of the articles of association. The payment of the par value reduction is expected to take place on March 1, 2006, free of charges and net of income and withholding tax for shareholders with tax domicile in Switzerland.
KPMG Fides Peat, Zurich, were elected as new auditors and Group auditors of the company for fiscal year 2005/06.
Barry Callebaut:
With annual sales of more than CHF 4 billion for fiscal year 2004/05, Zurich-based Barry Callebaut is the world's leading manufacturer of high-quality cocoa, chocolate and confectionery products - from the cocoa bean to the finished product on the store shelf. Barry Callebaut operates more than 30 production facilities in 23 countries and employs more than 8,000 people. The company serves the entire food industry, from food manufacturers to professional users of chocolate (such as chocolatiers, pastry chefs or bakers), to global retailers. It also provides a comprehensive range of services in the fields of product development, processing, training and marketing.
Fiscal year 2004/05 closed on August 31, 2005. 3-month results for fiscal 2005/06 will be communicated on January 11, 2006 (news release, Investors' Letter, telephone conference for media and analysts).