Kardex AG / Key word(s): Interim Report 18.12.2012 06:00 Release of an ad hoc announcement pursuant to Art. 53 KR --------------------------------------------------------------------------- Media information Zurich, 18 December 2012 Kardex Group Interim report on the future of Kardex Stow Kardex Stow continues to perform well and is further expanding its presence in selected markets. In doing so, the company benefits from its products' strong market position, the ongoing expansion of its product range and the continuing extension of cooperation with strong OEM and key account partners such as Jungheinrich and Ikea. Moreover, the operational measures initiated 18 months ago have brought about a lasting improvement in the Division's key financial figures. With an EBIT margin of around 5% and ROCE significantly in excess of 15%, Kardex Stow is well placed for the future and a potential remain in the Kardex Group. Despite this pleasing performance - and parallel to it - the Board of Directors of Kardex AG and management of Kardex Stow have, in the last 12 months, been reviewing all the strategic options that would give Kardex Stow an even better opportunity for development. Over recent months, therefore, a merger with an industrial partner that possesses a geographical network which is complementary to Kardex Stow's has been analyzed and worked out. The associated due diligence procedures and valuations are to a large extent completed. Still open is the financing of the transaction which has to be secured by the industrial partner and some contractual issues. In view of this, contract closure is unlikely by the end of 2012. Should the industrial partner fail to secure the financing until April 2013, the Board of Directors of Kardex AG will opt to retain the Division within the Group. Contact for media and investors: Edwin van der Geest Investor Relations investor- relations@kardex.com Tel. +41 79 330 55 22 www.kardex.com Calendar of events 14 March 2013 Annual Report 2012, Analysts' and Media Conference 25 April 2013 Annual General Meeting 2013 Kardex Group - Corporate Profile The Kardex Group is a leading supplier of static and automated storage solutions and materials handling systems. It consists of the three corporate divisions Kardex Remstar, Kardex Stow and Kardex Mlog. Kardex Remstar develops, produces and maintains dynamic storage and retrieval systems, Kardex Stow static storage systems, shuttles and automated mobile shelving systems and Kardex Mlog integrated materials handling systems and automated high-bay warehouses. All divisions are partners for their customers over the entire lifecycle of a product or solution. This starts with an assessment of customer requirements and continues via the planning, realization and implementation of customer-specific systems through to ensuring a high level of availability and low lifecycle costs by means of customer-oriented lifecycle management. More than 2 000 employees in over 30 countries worldwide work for the companies of the Kardex Group. Disclaimer This communication contains statements that constitute 'forward-looking statements'. In this communication, such forward-looking statements include, without limitation, statements relating to our financial condition, results of operations and business and certain of our strategic plans and objectives. Because these forward-looking statements are subject to risks and uncertainties, actual future results may differ materially from those expressed in or implied by the statements. Many of these risks and uncertainties relate to factors which are beyond Kardex's ability to control or estimate precisely, such as future market conditions, currency fluctuations, the behavior of other market participants, the actions of governmental regulators and other risk factors detailed in Kardex's past and future filings and reports and in past and future filings, press releases, reports and other information posted on Kardex Group companies' websites. Readers are cautioned not to put undue reliance on forward-looking statements, which speak only of the date of this communication. Kardex disclaims any intention or obligation to update and revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise. 18.12.2012 News transmitted by EquityStory AG. The issuer is responsible for the contents of the release. EquityStory publishes regulatory releases, media releases on the capital market and press releases. The EquityStory Group distributes authentic and real-time financial news for over 1'300 listed companies. The Swiss news archive can be found at www.equitystory.ch/news --------------------------------------------------------------------------- Language: English Company: Kardex AG Thurgauerstrasse 40 8050 Zürich Switzerland Phone: +41 (0)44 419 44 44 Fax: +41 (0)44 419 44 17 E-mail: info@kardex.com Internet: www.kardex.com ISIN: CH0100837282 Swiss Security Number: A0RMWK Listed: Freiverkehr in Berlin, München, Stuttgart; Open Market in Frankfurt; SIX End of Announcement EquityStory News-Service ---------------------------------------------------------------------------