2Compensation system for the Board of Directors

2.1Chairman of the Board of Directors

The compensation of the Chairman consists of the following three components:

  1. fixed remuneration in cash;
  2. long-term oriented compensation in the form of a fixed number of shares;
  3. pension and other social security benefits

a)Remuneration

The Chairman receives a fixed fee of CHF 240 000 per annum.

b)Long-term oriented compensation in the form of shares

In addition, the Chairman annually receives a long-term oriented compensation in the form of a fixed number of company shares (2000), with a blocking period of at least three years. The share blocking periods are not rescinded on his retirement from the Board.

c)Pension and other social security benefits

The employer’s obligatory contributions to social security and accident insurance schemes and regulatory contributions to pensions from the compensations paid to the Chairman are borne by the company. The Swiss system defines a portion of the pension and social security contribution to be paid by the employee. Accordingly these contributions are deducted from the fixed fee.

Remuneration payments and share allocations to the Chairman require the approval of the Annual General Meeting, as does all compensation for Board members. The basic remuneration is paid out on a monthly basis, but the shares are allocated only at the end of the Chairman’s year in office. The total market value of the shares is accrued in accordance with the accrual principle in the financial statements of the given financial year.

2.2All other Board Members

Compensation for the other members of the Board of Directors consists of the following three components:

  1. fixed remuneration in cash;
  2. long-term oriented compensation in the form of a fixed number of shares;
  3. social security benefits

a)Remuneration

Each member of the Board receives an equal fixed basic fee of CHF 70 000 per annum. Additionally, members receive an extra allowance for taking on a post as Deputy Chairman (CHF 20 000) or for serving on the Nomination and Compensation Committee or Audit Committee (CHF 10 000). The responsibility and the increased workload of the various functions are therefore accounted for individually. 

b)Long-term oriented compensation in the form of shares

In addition, each Board member receives annually a long-term oriented compensation in the form of a fixed number of company shares (Deputy Chairman: 1200 shares; other members: 800 shares) with a blocking period of at least three years. The share blocking periods are not rescinded on retirement from the Board.

c)Social security benefits

The obligatory contributions towards social security out of the remuneration paid to Board members are also covered by the company. However, no pension fund contributions are made.

Remuneration payments and share allocations require the approval of the Annual General Meeting, as does all compensation for Board members. The basic remuneration including a post-related allowance and the shares are paid out or allocated accordingly at the end of the year in office. In the event of early termination of office, the Board member concerned will receive pro rata compensation. The amount of the remuneration and market value of the shares are accrued in accordance with the accrual principle in the financial statements of the given financial year.

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