OREANDA-NEWS. The Swatch Group intends to repurchase own shares up to a maximum value of CHF 1 billion for a later reduction of capital or for other purposes.

Swatch Group repurchases the shares for a reduction of capital or to hold them as treasury shares for at least six years starting from the repurchase date. At the end of a period of six years, Swatch Group has the option, apart from a reduction of capital, to use the shares for acquisitions, equity-linked transactions, for other purposes or to resell the shares. The repurchase of shares will start on 5 February 2016 and will last until 4 February 2019 at the latest.

The volume of repurchased shares of a maximum of CHF 1 billion will be half on bearer and half on registered shares. The repurchase of bearer respectively registered shares will take place on SIX Swiss Exchange Ltd on a second trading line each, established solely for this purpose.

The Swiss federal withholding tax will be applied to shares repurchased via second trading line at a rate of 35% computed on the difference between the repurchase price and its nominal value.