Bühler repays first bond tranche of CHF 180 million

The Swiss technology group Bühler announces the repayment of the first tranche of a dual-tranche bond for CHF 180 million. In 2017, the company raised CHF 420 million through the issue of a dual-tranche Swiss franc-denominated senior bond (CHF 180 million Tranche A, CHF 240 million Tranche B) to accelerate its growth plans and expand its investment and acquisition capabilities. It was the first time in its 160-year history that Bühler raised capital on the financial markets.

The repayment of the bond is an important milestone and was achieved while the company continued to fully execute its investment strategy, focusing on innovations, research and training centers, and new partnerships. Despite the uncertain and volatile environment faced in prior years, including the challenges posed by the coronavirus pandemic, Bühler was able to further strengthen its financial position and liquidity.

Bühler decided in 2017 to raise capital on the financial markets in the form of a CHF 420 million dual-tranche bond to benefit from unique market opportunities. This enabled the company to finance its growth by investing in its global production and innovation network, as well as acquire the Austrian Haas Group, a world market leader in wafer-, biscuit-, and confectionery-production systems. The combined solution and product portfolio of Bühler and Haas has since proven to be a competitive advantage.

“The proceeds from the bond allowed us to accomplish the Haas acquisition, to continue the modernization of our production sites, to build the CUBIC innovation campus in Uzwil, and to expand our global sales and services network,” says Stefan Scheiber, chief executive officer, Bühler Group.

“Thanks to our diligent liquidity management, we were able to repay the first tranche of the bond and at the same time retain our full strategic flexibility for growth and innovation,” says Mark Macus, chief financial officer, Bühler Group.

Bühler’s continued strong financial position enables the company to remain independent in the long term and to invest in new solutions and services for the benefit of its customers. The second tranche of the bond of CHF 240 million is due in December 2026. The bond is listed on the SIX Swiss Exchange.