Aryzta: ISS, Glass Lewis and Ethos support plans

Zurich / CH. (aag) Swiss-Irish Aryzta AG is pleased to announce that the three leading corporate governance advisory groups, ISS, Glass Lewis and Ethos, have all recommended shareholders support the EUR 800 million capital increase to be put to shareholders at the AGM to be held on 01 November, 2018. Each of the three proxy advisors has recommended that their subscribers vote FOR the EUR 800 million capital increase in line with the Board’s recommendation. As previously announced, the Aryzta Board of Directors and the Executive Committee unanimously believe that a capital raise in an amount of EUR 800 million is the financing option and transaction which has the highest probability of success for Aryzta and all stakeholders, including shareholders; and is the only proposal that addresses the critical issue of commercial confidence in the Group. The Board of Directors and the Executive Committee unanimously believe that a capital raise of EUR 800 million is required in order to strengthen Aryzta’s balance sheet, provide necessary liquidity and working capital funding, provide the Group with the time and financial flexibility to deliver on its multiyear turnaround plan and enable Aryzta to maximise the value of its non-core asset disposals for further net leverage reduction. The Board of Directors recommends that all shareholders vote in favour of the capital raise proposal at the AGM on 01 November 2018.