VAT Vacuumvalves AG Bundle

Who Owns VAT Vacuumvalves AG?
Understanding a company's ownership is key to its strategy and control. VAT Group AG's IPO in April 2016 on the SIX Swiss Exchange marked a major shift, moving from private equity to public ownership and broadening its shareholder base.

Founded in 1965, VAT Group AG is a global leader in vacuum technology, supplying essential components for industries like semiconductor manufacturing. The company's journey reflects a significant evolution in its ownership structure.
Who owns VAT Vacuumvalves AG?
As of 2024, VAT Group AG, which reported net sales of CHF 942 million, has a broad public ownership following its 2016 IPO. Institutional investors hold significant stakes, contributing to its substantial free float on the SIX Swiss Exchange. This public listing has shaped its corporate governance and strategic direction, building on its legacy of providing critical vacuum solutions, including its well-known VAT Vacuumvalves AG Porter's Five Forces Analysis.
Who Founded VAT Vacuumvalves AG?
VAT Vacuumvalves AG was established in 1965 by Siegfried Schertler, an Austrian entrepreneur and mechanical engineer. Initially, the company focused on providing vacuum valves for scientific research. The company's operational base was later moved to Haag, located in the St. Gallen Rhine Valley in Switzerland.
Founding Year | Founder | Initial Focus | Headquarters Location |
---|---|---|---|
1965 | Siegfried Schertler | Vacuum valves for scientific research | Haag, St. Gallen Rhine Valley, Switzerland |
Siegfried Schertler's entrepreneurial drive was central to the company's inception. He assembled a team of skilled machining experts and design engineers.
The early team emphasized a strong customer focus, a commitment to purity in their products, and a deep understanding of raw materials.
The founding team's vision was instrumental in establishing the company's core capabilities in engineering and product design.
Specifics regarding the initial equity split or shareholding percentages among Siegfried Schertler and any early investors are not publicly detailed.
There is no available information concerning initial ownership disputes, buyouts, vesting schedules, or buy-sell clauses from this foundational period.
The company's early success was built on the combined expertise of its founding members in machining and engineering design.
The early days of VAT Vacuumvalves AG were characterized by the singular vision of its founder, Siegfried Schertler, and the dedication of his initial team. This period laid the essential groundwork for the company's future achievements, as detailed in the Brief History of VAT Vacuumvalves AG.
The company's initial operational philosophy was deeply rooted in customer satisfaction and a meticulous approach to material science.
- Customer focus was paramount.
- Emphasis on product purity.
- Thorough understanding of raw materials.
- Commitment to engineering excellence.
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How Has VAT Vacuumvalves AG’s Ownership Changed Over Time?
The ownership of VAT Vacuumvalves AG underwent a significant transformation in early 2014 with a joint acquisition by Partners Group Holding AG and Capvis AG. This period of private equity ownership marked a strategic phase for the company, driving product expansion and market penetration.
Event | Date | Key Details |
Joint Acquisition by Private Equity | Early 2014 | Partners Group Holding AG and Capvis AG acquired VAT, leading to product expansion and market entry into adjacent sectors. |
Initial Public Offering (IPO) | April 14, 2016 | VAT Group AG listed on the SIX Swiss Exchange with an offer price of CHF 45 per share, raising CHF 540 million (CHF 621 million with over-allotment). |
Private Equity Exit | January 2018 | Partners Group and Capvis completely divested their stakes in VAT. |
The transition to a publicly traded entity on the SIX Swiss Exchange in April 2016 was a pivotal moment for VAT Vacuumvalves AG, significantly broadening its shareholder base and increasing transparency. This move followed a period of strategic development under private equity ownership.
Following its 2016 IPO, VAT Vacuumvalves AG saw its ownership structure evolve. The initial public offering aimed to diversify its investor base, moving away from concentrated private equity control.
- As of January 2018, the private equity owners, Partners Group and Capvis, had fully exited their holdings.
- By the end of 2024, the free float of VAT shares was approximately 90%, indicating a widely distributed ownership.
- The number of registered shareholders grew to 24,192 in 2024, up from 20,160 in 2023.
- Currently, three major institutional investors each hold over 3% of the company's shares, collectively representing about 22% of the outstanding stock.
- For detailed corporate ownership details and a complete list of disclosures, the SIX Swiss Exchange website is the primary resource. Understanding these shifts is crucial for comprehending the Mission, Vision & Core Values of VAT Vacuumvalves AG.
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Who Sits on VAT Vacuumvalves AG’s Board?
As of the Annual General Meeting on April 29, 2025, the Board of Directors for VAT Group AG has seen some changes, with new members joining and others stepping down. Dr. Martin Komischke continues to lead as Chairman of the Board.
Board Member | Role |
Dr. Martin Komischke | Chairman of the Board |
Urs Leinhäuser | Member |
Hermann Gerlinger | Member |
Libo Zhang | Member |
Daniel Lippuner | Member |
Petra Denk | Member |
Clara-Ann Gordon | New Member |
Mike Allison | New Member |
Thomas Piliszczuk | New Member (elected May 2024) |
The voting power within VAT Group AG is structured around a one-share-one-vote principle, meaning shareholders exercise their voting rights based on the number of registered shares they hold. At the 2025 AGM, a significant portion of the company's share capital was represented, with 59.1% of the share capital present and approving all Board proposals. The Board of Directors holds the ultimate responsibility for the overall management and supervision of the Group Executive Committee. There is no indication of any special voting rights or structures that would grant disproportionate control to any single entity or individual, suggesting a straightforward ownership and control mechanism for VAT Vacuumvalves AG shareholders.
The voting structure at VAT Group AG is designed to reflect share ownership. Understanding this is key to grasping VAT Vacuumvalves AG company structure.
- One-share-one-vote principle governs shareholder rights.
- Shareholders vote based on their registered shares.
- No evidence of dual-class shares or special voting rights.
- Board of Directors oversees the company's management.
- Recent AGMs have focused on routine approvals.
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What Recent Changes Have Shaped VAT Vacuumvalves AG’s Ownership Landscape?
Over the last few years, the ownership of VAT Group AG has seen shifts, particularly with institutional investors. As of late 2024, the company maintained a substantial free float of around 90% on the SIX Swiss Exchange, with a growing shareholder base of 24,192 registered owners. This period also marked changes in major holdings, with three institutions now holding over 3% each, collectively representing approximately 22% of outstanding shares.
Shareholder Type | Ownership Percentage (Approx.) | Trend |
Institutional Investors | ~22% (3 major holders) | Increasing |
Free Float | ~90% | High |
Registered Shareholders | 24,192 | Growing |
Leadership at VAT Group AG saw a notable transition at the start of 2024. Urs Gantner assumed the role of Chief Executive Officer on January 1, 2024, taking over from Mike Allison, who concluded his tenure at the end of 2023. Mike Allison later joined the Board of Directors in April 2025, indicating continued involvement.
Urs Gantner became CEO on January 1, 2024. Mike Allison, the former CEO, joined the Board of Directors in April 2025.
The company features a high free float of approximately 90%. Three institutions now hold over 3% of shares each.
Net sales grew by 24% to CHF 558 million. EBITDA increased by 22% to CHF 165 million, with free cash flow up 93% to CHF 51 million.
The company anticipates growth in orders, sales, and EBITDA for the full year 2025. Capital expenditures are projected between CHF 90 to 100 million for 2025.
The company's financial results for the first half of 2025 demonstrated robust growth, with net sales reaching CHF 558 million, a 24% increase year-over-year. Despite a slight 3% dip in order intake, EBITDA saw a 22% rise to CHF 165 million. Free cash flow experienced a significant surge of 93%, totaling CHF 51 million. For the entirety of 2025, VAT projects improvements across orders, sales, EBITDA, EBITDA margin, net income, and free cash flow compared to 2024. This positive outlook is fueled by technological advancements and escalating demand within the semiconductor industry. Continued investment in innovation and capacity expansion is a key strategy, with capital expenditures estimated between CHF 90 million and CHF 100 million for 2025. Understanding these trends is crucial when analyzing the Competitors Landscape of VAT Vacuumvalves AG.
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- What is Brief History of VAT Vacuumvalves AG Company?
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- What are Mission Vision & Core Values of VAT Vacuumvalves AG Company?
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