Clariant AG

Clariant specifies innovation- and sustainability-driven growth strategy

Clariant AG / Clariant AG : Clariant specifies innovation- and sustainability-driven growth strategy . Processed and transmitted by NASDAQ OMX Corporate Solutions. The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.

• Discover Innovation at the Capital Markets & Media Day 2014
• Commitment to sustainable long-term value creation and building a best-in-class R&D organization
• Centrally-steered R&D intensifying presence in emerging markets and delivering sustainable innovations for multi-market applications

Muttenz, June 25, 2014 - Clariant, a world leader in specialty chemicals, turned the spotlight on fostering innovation and sustainability at its 2014 Capital Markets & Media Day, held June 25/26 at the new Clariant Innovation Center (CIC) in Frankfurt, Germany. Opened in 2013, the CIC is an important part of Clariant's global R&D network, providing the optimal host location for this year's event themed "Discover Innovation".

CEO Hariolf Kottmann and senior management emphasized innovation focused on market and customer needs and attractive growth markets as a key element in Clariant's growth strategy for 2014 onwards. Innovation is expected to contribute 1-2 percentage points annually to sales growth, thus helping Clariant to achieve its 16-19% EBITDA margin target in 2015 and beyond. For 2014, Clariant targets an EBITDA margin before exceptionals above last year's 14.1% by focusing on cost efficiency and profitable growth.

Commenting on this year's event, CEO Kottmann said: "While our focus on profitable growth has clearly started to deliver, Clariant's journey to reach its targets is not over. Innovation driven by global trends and challenges is vital in pushing Clariant to the next level. Customers working with Clariant access the benefits of a company with broad expertise, committed to building a best-in-class R&D organization focused on incorporating sustainability into the design of new products."

The CEO was joined by CFO Patrick Jany for an outline of the financing strategy going forward, as well as key decision criteria for innovation and investment. Jany reinforced Kottmann's position that sustainable long-term value creation is based on innovation and growth. He cited that significant investments into these areas will be maintained at current levels in the coming years. Clariant reported R&D expenses of CHF 199 million in its 2013 P&L statement.