SFS Group AG operates in the three segments Engineered Components, Fastening Systems and Distribution & Logistics, and eight divisions.
In the Engineered Components (EC) segment, SFS partners with customers to develop and manufacture customer-specific precision components, assemblies, and fastening solutions in four divisions. The Fastening Systems (FS) segment consists of two divisions which develop, manufacture and market application-specific mechanical fastening systems. In the Distribution & Logistics (D&L) segment, SFS is a leading distribution partner in Europe for direct and indirect materials in the areas of quality tools, fasteners, and other C-parts as well as procurement solutions for customers in industrial and construction sectors. The D&L segment is made up of two divisions. As of January 1, 2024, the Industrial and Medical divisions (EC segment) are being merged within the Medical & Industrial Specials division. The Riveting division (FS segment) is also being integrated into the Automotive and Medical & Industrial Specials divisions (EC segment) from the start of 2024. As a result, the SFS Group AG operates in six divisions and the FS segment’s reporting will relate solely to the Construction division from the Half-Year Report 2024 onward.
The Board of Directors (BoD) and Group Executive Board are supported in their management and supervisory functions by the corporate cross-functions Corporate Finance & IT & Finance (information technology, finance, controlling, tax, legal & compliance), Corporate Services (human resources, communication, marketing and corporate development) and Technology (technology and knowledge transfer, operations and business development). As of 2024 the cross-function Corporate Services will be merged partly into Corporate HR & Communications (HR, communication, marketing) and partly into Corporate IT & Finance & IT (investor relations and corporate development).
The parent company of SFS Group is SFS Group AG, domiciled in Heerbrugg, municipality of Widnau/SG, Switzerland. It is incorporated under Swiss law and listed on the SIX Swiss Exchange AG under the Swiss Reporting Standard (security number 23.922.930, ISIN CH 023 922 930 2). Its share capital amounts to CHF 3,890,000 (PY 3,890,000) and its market capitalization was CHF 4,053.4 million (PY CHF 3,403.8 million) as of December 31, 2023.
An overview of all affiliated companies in the scope of consolidation can be found in section 5.2 of the appendix of the Financial Report. The scope of consolidation does not contain any other listed companies besides SFS Group AG.
The founding families of SFS Group AG, Huber and Stadler/Tschan, form an organized group according to Art. 12 of the Ordinance of the Swiss Financial Market Supervisory Authority on Financial Market Infrastructures and Market Conduct in Securities and Derivatives Trading (FINMA Financial Market Infrastructure Ordinance, FinMIO-FINMA). This shareholder group holds 53.0% of the shares (20,619,177 shares) in SFS Group AG as per December 31, 2023 (PY 53.0%, 20,619,177 shares).
Detailed information about group composition can be found here: Significant shareholders | Founding families
Both families have defined their principles of cooperation and partnership in a pool agreement. It is their intention to retain a majority of more than 50% of the capital and the voting rights in the long run. They agree with each other on important decisions and always put the successful development of the SFS Group before the particular interests of the families.
In the context of the acquisition of Hoffmann SE, a group in the sense of Art. 12 of the FinMIO-FINMA was established in 2021. The purpose of this group, consisting of companies controlled by the previous shareholders of Hoffmann SE, was the future acquisition of 4.09% of the shares in SFS Group AG in the light of the acquisition and the respective lock-up obligation. Since the lock-up obligation is still valid at the end of the reporting year, this organized group still exists. This shareholder group under the name “First SALT Stiftung/First ELF Stiftung” holds 4.11% of the shares (1,600,000 shares) in SFS Group AG as per December 31, 2023 (PY 4.11%, 1,600,000 shares).
Detailed information about group composition can be found here: Significant shareholders | First SALT Stiftung/First ELF Stiftung
The Board of Directors is not aware of any shareholders listed in the share register or shareholder groups holding more than 3% of the share capital or voting rights other than UBS Fund Management (Switzerland) AG. UBS held 3.01% of the shares (1,171,591 shares) in SFS Group AG as per December 31, 2023 (PY below 3%).
Detailed information about group composition can be found here: Significant shareholders | UBS Fund Management (Switzerland) AG
SFS Group AG holds treasury shares to the extent of 0.03% (PY 0.03%). Disclosure notifications pertaining to changes in shareholdings during the business year under review are published on the electronic publication platform of SIX Swiss Exchange AG. The notifications can be accessed via the following web link to the database search page of the disclosure office: Significant shareholders.
No cross-shareholdings of capital or voting rights exist with any other company.