Close Brothers acted as Debt Adviser for Bucher Industries

Zurich, 12 May 2009

In a difficult market environment the Swiss Debt Advisory team of Close Brothers has been successful in creating a tailor-made financing structure for Bucher Industries AG and, together with the Management, in fulfilling the requirements of the board of directors.

Close Brothers acted as exclusive adviser to Bucher Industries in the arrangement of more than CHF 600 Million in committed credit facilities with the aim to secure mid- to long term financial flexibility. For this purpose, bilateral credit facilities were negotiated and signed with new banks, together with a Club Deal with existing banks. With loan terms of between three and seven years, a balanced distribution of repayment dates could be achieved.

Background information on Bucher Industries AG

In 2007, Bucher Industries celebrated its 200th anniversary commemorating its successful evolution from a blacksmith’s shop to a global technology group with leading market positions in specialty areas of mechanical and vehicle engineering. The company’s operations currently include specialised agricultural machinery, municipal vehicles, wine and fruit juice production equipment, hydraulic components, and manufacturing equipment for the glass container industry. Bucher Industries’ shares are traded on the SIX Swiss Exchange.
www.bucherind.com

Background information on Close Brothers

Close Brothers is Europe’s largest, independent investment bank focused exclusively on mid-market transactions. Close Brothers GmbH, Germany, and Close Brothers AG, Switzerland, are part of Close Brothers Group plc., the LSE listed UK investment bank. Close Brothers has 2,500 employees worldwide of which more than 150 are based in Germany and Switzerland. Close Brothers International has a global presence with offices in all important financial centres in Europe, Asia and the USA. Close Brothers offers independent corporate finance advice in four areas: Mergers and Acquisitions, Corporate Restructuring, Debt Advisory and dedicated advice to the Private Equity industry. Furthermore, Close Brothers, along with Close Brothers Seydler Bank AG, Frankfurt, is one of the leading Designated Sponsors at the German stock exchange.
www.closebrothers.de and www.closebrothers.ch