Lonza Group AG Board of Directors is proposing a cash dividend of CHF 2.15 per share for 2012. Subject to approval by the Annual General Meeting, this dividend will be paid out of the reserves from capital contribution and free of Swiss withholding tax.

Lonza Group AG reported audited consolidated earnings results for the year ended December 31, 2012. For the year, the company reported sales of CHF 3,925 million compared to CHF 2,692 million for the same period in the previous year. EBIT was CHF 335 million compared to CHF 261 million for the same period in the previous year. Profit before income tax was CHF 221 million against CHF 175 million a year ago. Net income was CHF 182 million compared to CHF 154 million for the same period in the previous year. Profit attributable to owners of the parent was CHF 182 million or CHF 3.50 diluted per share against CHF 154 million or CHF 2.97 diluted per share a year ago. Net cash provided by operating activities was CHF 710 million against CHF 221 million a year ago. Purchase of fixed assets was CHF 310 million against CHF 267 million a year ago. EBITDA was CHF 640 million against CHF 537 million a year ago. Net debt was CHF 2,301 million against CHF 2,647 million a year ago.

The company provided capital expenditure guidance for the year 2013. Capital expenditure is forecasted to be approximately CHF 300 million in 2013, including maintenance capital expenditure. For the year 2013, the company expects further sales and EBIT growth.

Board of Directors Sir Richard Sykes and Gerhard Mayr, Board members in office for many years, have decided not to stand for re-election at the next Annual General Meeting on 9 April 2013. The Board of Directors is proposing to elect Dr. Antonio Trius and Prof. Dr. Ing. Werner J. Bauer as new members. Dr. Antonio Trius brings long experience to the Board of Lonza in areas such as market positioning, portfolio management and the personal care industry. He was CEO of Cognis from 2001 to 2010. Prof. Dr. Ing. Werner J. Bauer brings broad knowledge in areas such as innovation, technology and production management. Since 2007 he has been Head of Innovation, Technology, Re-search and Development at Nestlé S.A.