DGAP-Adhoc: Heidelberger Druckmaschinen AG: Heidelberg

Heidelberger Druckmaschinen AG / Key word(s): Agreement/Forecast 27.02.2015 13:19 Dissemination of an Ad hoc announcement according to § 15 WpHG, transmitted by DGAP - a service of EQS Group AG. The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement. --------------------------------------------------------------------------- * Low-interest environment inflating balance-sheet Pension obligations * New pension model provides balance-sheet relief * Non-recurring increase in operating result (EBITDA) of around EUR50 million for current financial year The management and employee representatives of Heidelberger Druckmaschinen AG (Heidelberg) today reached agreement on reorganizing the company pension scheme. In the future, the final salary pension will be replaced by a contribution-based capital commitment. The associated effect allows a balance-sheet relief of some EUR100 million. This step is also a response to steadily falling interest rates due to the continuing low-interest policy in the eurozone, which could lead to further increases in provisions for pension obligations in the future. It has already been necessary to significantly increase the reserves for guaranteed pension payments in recent years and no reversal of this trend is expected in the near future. The basic principle behind the newly agreed contribution-based scheme has applied to the company's management staff and new employees since 2006 and will now be extended to all Heidelberg pension beneficiaries. In addition to relieving the balance sheet, reorganizing the company pension scheme will have a non-recurring positive effect on the operating result for the current financial year 2014/2015. Also because of this, EBITDA will be around EUR50 million higher than previously expected. The pension scheme figures calculated at the end of the financial year on March 31, 2015 when preparing the annual accounts will clarify the precise impact of the reorganization. For additional details about the company and image material, please visit the Press Lounge of Heidelberger Druckmaschinen AG at www.heidelberg.com. Contact: Heidelberger Druckmaschinen AG Corporate Public Relations Thomas Fichtl Phone: +49 (0)6222 82-67123 Fax: +49 (0)6222 82-67129 E-mail: thomas.fichtl@heidelberg.com Investor Relations Robin Karpp Phone: +49 (0)6222 82-67120 Fax: +49 (0)6222 82-99 67120 E-Mail: robin.karpp@heidelberg.com --------------------------------------------------------------------------- Information and Explaination of the Issuer to this News: Heidelberg strengthens balance sheet by reorganizing company pension scheme * Low-interest environment inflating balance-sheet pension obligations * New pension model provides balance-sheet relief * Non-recurring increase in operating result (EBITDA) of around EUR50 million for current financial year The management and employee representatives of Heidelberger Druckmaschinen AG (Heidelberg) today reached agreement on reorganizing the company pension scheme. In the future, the final salary pension will be replaced by a contribution-based capital commitment. The associated effect allows a balance-sheet relief of some EUR100 million. This step is also a response to steadily falling interest rates due to the continuing low-interest policy in the eurozone, which could lead to further increases in provisions for pension obligations in the future. It has already been necessary to significantly increase the reserves for guaranteed pension payments in recent years and no reversal of this trend is expected in the near future. The basic principle behind the newly agreed contribution-based scheme has applied to the company's management staff and new employees since 2006 and will now be extended to all Heidelberg pension beneficiaries. 'It was vital to adapt pension provision at Heidelberg to demographic developments and low interest rates in order to make it sustainable. This is an important step in strengthening the company's balance sheet and continuing to provide the workforce with a company pension based on a new model,' said CFO Dirk Kaliebe. In addition to relieving the balance sheet, reorganizing the company pension scheme will have a non-recurring positive effect on the operating result for the current financial year 2014/2015. Also because of this, EBITDA will be around EUR50 million higher than previously expected. The pension scheme figures calculated at the end of the financial year on March 31, 2015 when preparing the annual accounts will clarify the precise impact of the reorganization. 'Our efficiency program Focus, the realignment of our portfolio, and the reorganization of our pension scheme provide three key building blocks for the future of the company,' said CEO Gerold Linzbach. For additional details about the company and image material, please visit the Press Lounge of Heidelberger Druckmaschinen AG at www.heidelberg.com. Contact: Heidelberger Druckmaschinen AG Corporate Public Relations Thomas Fichtl Phone: +49 (0)6222 82-67123 Fax: +49 (0)6222 82-67129 E-mail: thomas.fichtl@heidelberg.com Investor Relations Robin Karpp Phone: +49 (0)6222 82-67120 Fax: +49 (0)6222 82-99 67120 E-Mail: robin.karpp@heidelberg.com   27.02.2015 The DGAP Distribution Services include Regulatory Announcements, Financial/Corporate News and Press Releases. Media archive at www.dgap-medientreff.de and www.dgap.de --------------------------------------------------------------------------- Language: English Company: Heidelberger Druckmaschinen AG Kurfürsten-Anlage 52-60 69115 Heidelberg Germany Phone: +49 (0)6222 82-67121 Fax: +49 (0)6222 82-67129 E-mail: investorrelations@heidelberg.com Internet: www.heidelberg.com ISIN: DE0007314007 WKN: 731400 Indices: SDAX Listed: Regulated Market in Frankfurt (Prime Standard); Regulated Unofficial Market in Berlin, Dusseldorf, Hamburg, Hanover, Munich, Stuttgart End of Announcement DGAP News-Service ---------------------------------------------------------------------------