In a recent decision in the matter of Schindler Holding Ltd (published on 18 October 2013), the Swiss Takeover Board approved the repurchase by Schindler of a significant block of own shares from a single shareholder during its ongoing buyback program requiring Schindler to change its buyback program at market price into a ten-day buyback offer at fixed price addressed to all the holders of shares and participation certificates. The ongoing buyback program at market price had to be suspended for the duration of the fixed-price offer and was resumed thereafter.

By Lorenzo Olgiati/Pascal Hubli (Reference: CapLaw-2014-7)