Softening global trade calls for counteractive measures
“Our strategy to focus on regions and industries offering promising market potential, was decisive for the business success in 2011,“ said Karl Gernandt in his Chairman’s address. “We managed to further increase the value of our company in a very challenging macroeconomic environment.” In addition, the Chairman emphasised that investments in the expansion of the network and the product portfolio in 2011 have sustainably strengthened the Group’s global market position. Also in the current business year, Kuehne + Nagel continues to pursue ambitious goals. To counteract economic uncertainties, the Group has intensified its cost- and margin management.
All proposals approved
The shareholders approved the annual report, the financial statements and the consolidated financial statements for 2011 and followed the Board of Directors’ recommendation to increase the dividend to CHF 3.85 per share (previous year: CHF 2.75 plus CHF 1.50 from capital contribution reserves). Payout is scheduled for May 15, 2012.
The Annual General Meeting granted discharge to the Board of Directors and the Management Board for the 2011 business year.
Re-elections to the Board of Directors
Dr. Renato Fassbind, Juergen Fitschen, Karl Gernandt, Hans-Joerg Hager, Klaus-Michael Kuehne, Hans Lerch, Dr. Thomas Staehelin, Dr. Joerg Wolle and Bernd Wrede were re-elected to the Board of Directors for one-year terms.
Statutory Auditor
KPMG AG, Zurich, was confirmed as the statutory and Group auditor for the business year 2012.
Changes to the Articles of Associations
The General Assembly followed the proposal of the Board of Directors to maintain the authorised share capital, to create conditional share capital for employee shares and to make minor technical changes to certain articles.
The next Annual General Meeting will be held on May 7, 2013.