Changes of control and takeover defenses

Requirement to make a public tender offer

Under section 32 para. 1 of the Stock Exchange Act (BEHG), any party whose shareholding reaches 33 1⁄3 % or more of all voting rights must make a public tender offer. The Bylaws of Comet Holding AG contain neither an opting-up clause nor an opting-out clause; this means that they neither raise this percentage threshold, nor waive the requirement of a tender offer.

Provisions on changes of control

With respect to members of the Board of Directors and the Executive Committee, there are no contractual obligations of unusually long duration, nor provisions for termination benefits, that would result from a change of control. Under the stock ownership plan, the Board of Directors may in its discretion decide to early-terminate the holding period for the stock awarded as performance-based compensation. In all cases, the holding period automatically ends at the time of termination of employment if the termination is the result of a change of control.