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Who Really Owns Oerlikon?
Understanding the Oerlikon SWOT Analysis is crucial, but have you ever wondered about the forces shaping this global technology leader? Unraveling the Oerlikon owner and Oerlikon ownership structure offers a fascinating glimpse into its strategic trajectory. From its humble beginnings to its current status, the story of Who owns Oerlikon is a tale of shifting alliances and strategic maneuvers.
The Oerlikon company, formerly known as OC Oerlikon, has a rich Oerlikon history marked by significant ownership changes, including the influence of Victory Industriebeteiligung AG and Viktor Vekselberg. This article will explore the evolution of Oerlikon AG's ownership, examining the key shareholders, the composition of its Board of Directors, and the impact of these factors on its financial performance and strategic direction. Learn about Who are the shareholders of Oerlikon and how it impacts the company.
Who Founded Oerlikon?
The story of the Oerlikon company begins with its founder, Peter Emil Huber-Werdmüller, who established Werkzeug- und Maschinen-Fabrik Oerlikon in 1876. While the exact initial ownership details of Huber-Werdmüller are not readily available, his role as the founder highlights his foundational influence and control over the company's early direction. Understanding the Oerlikon owner and the evolution of its ownership structure provides valuable insights into its strategic shifts and growth.
The armaments business, which later evolved into OC Oerlikon, was spun off in 1906, marking an early division of ownership and strategic focus. This early separation set the stage for the development of the modern Oerlikon AG, which would later become a significant player in various industrial sectors. Tracing the Oerlikon history reveals how these initial decisions shaped its path.
The establishment of Oerlikon-Bührle Holding AG in 1973 laid the groundwork for the modern Oerlikon company. During its peak in 1980, the holding company employed approximately 37,000 people, reflecting its significant size and influence. Early support from figures like Swiss industrialist Emil Georg Bührle, who backed Oerlikon Balzers (founded in 1946), underscores the involvement of key individuals and families in shaping the company's early development and Oerlikon ownership.
Founding
Peter Emil Huber-Werdmüller founded Werkzeug- und Maschinen-Fabrik Oerlikon in 1876.
Early Focus
The armaments business was demerged in 1906, indicating a strategic shift.
Holding Company
Oerlikon-Bührle Holding AG was established in 1973, setting the stage for the modern company.
Peak Employment
In 1980, Oerlikon-Bührle Holding AG employed approximately 37,000 people.
Early Support
Emil Georg Bührle supported the establishment of Oerlikon Balzers.
Strategic Development
Early decisions and key figures influenced the company's trajectory.
Key Takeaways
The early ownership of the Oerlikon company was shaped by its founder and key industrial figures. The demerger of the armaments business and the establishment of a holding company were pivotal moments in the company's history. Understanding the Oerlikon ownership structure helps in analyzing its strategic direction and growth. For further insights into the competitive landscape, explore the Competitors Landscape of Oerlikon.
- Peter Emil Huber-Werdmüller founded the company in 1876.
- The armaments business was demerged in 1906.
- Oerlikon-Bührle Holding AG was established in 1973.
- Emil Georg Bührle supported Oerlikon Balzers.
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How Has Oerlikon’s Ownership Changed Over Time?
The ownership structure of the Oerlikon company has seen significant shifts throughout its history. Originally known as Oerlikon-Bührle, the company underwent a major restructuring in 1999, selling off non-core businesses. This strategic pivot led to a renaming as Unaxis in January 2000. Later, in 2005, Austrian Victory Industriebeteiligung AG acquired a majority stake, followed by Viktor Vekselberg's acquisition of a substantial share in 2006, which resulted in the company being renamed OC Oerlikon Corporation AG in September 2006.
These changes reflect the company's evolving strategic focus and the influence of different investors. As of May 2018, Renova, Vekselberg's investment group, reduced its shareholdings, though Liwet Holding AG, where Vekselberg is a beneficial owner, still holds a significant portion. Understanding these ownership changes is crucial for anyone interested in the Oerlikon owner and its strategic direction.
| Year | Event | Impact on Ownership |
|---|---|---|
| 1999 | Restructuring and Sale of Non-Core Businesses | Shift in strategic focus; preparation for name change. |
| 2000 | Renamed to Unaxis | Reflected the new strategic direction. |
| 2005 | Victory Industriebeteiligung AG acquired majority share | Significant change in ownership control. |
| 2006 | Viktor Vekselberg acquired substantial share; renamed to OC Oerlikon Corporation AG | Further ownership shift and branding update. |
| 2018 | Renova divested majority of its shareholdings in Liwet | Reduced Renova's effective shareholding, but Liwet's overall stake remained unchanged. |
As a publicly held company, Oerlikon AG has a diverse shareholder base. As of May 30, 2025, there are 57 institutional owners holding a total of 16,469,796 shares. Private companies collectively hold the maximum shares, with a 45% stake as of May 15, 2025. The largest shareholder is Liwet Holding AG, with 45% of shares outstanding. The general public owns 38% of the company. This distribution highlights the influence of both institutional and private investors in the Oerlikon ownership structure.
Ownership Insights
The Oerlikon company has a complex ownership structure, with significant stakes held by private companies and institutional investors.
- Liwet Holding AG is the largest shareholder, holding 45% of shares.
- Institutional investors hold a significant portion of the shares.
- The general public holds a substantial portion of the company's shares.
- Understanding the ownership structure is key to understanding the company's strategic direction.
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Who Sits on Oerlikon’s Board?
The current Board of Directors of OC Oerlikon Corporation AG, responsible for overseeing the company's strategic management, was updated at the Annual General Meeting on April 1, 2025. The board includes Prof. Dr. Michael Süss as Executive Chairman, Inka Koljonen as Vice-Chairman, and Stefan Brupbacher as Lead Independent Director. Other members include Paul Adams, Jürg Fedier, Alexey V. Moskov, Marco Musetti, and Eveline Steinberger.
New members elected at the April 1, 2025, Annual General Meeting were Stefan Brupbacher, Marco Musetti, and Dr. Eveline Steinberger. These members replaced Irina Matveeva, Gerhard Pegam, and Zhenguo Yao. Following these elections, the majority of the Board of Directors is considered independent. All board members serve a one-year term.
| Board Member | Position | Date of Appointment (2025) |
|---|---|---|
| Prof. Dr. Michael Süss | Executive Chairman | April 1 |
| Inka Koljonen | Vice-Chairman | April 1 |
| Stefan Brupbacher | Lead Independent Director | April 1 |
| Paul Adams | Member | April 1 |
| Jürg Fedier | Member | April 1 |
| Alexey V. Moskov | Member | April 1 |
| Marco Musetti | Member | April 1 |
| Eveline Steinberger | Member | April 1 |
Regarding the voting structure, each share with a nominal value of CHF 1 carries one vote. Shareholders registered in the share register as voting shareholders by a cut-off date determined by the Board of Directors are eligible to vote. There are no shares with preferential voting rights. The company generally does not impose voting-right restrictions, except for nominees. For more insights into how the company is growing, you can read about the Growth Strategy of Oerlikon.
Understanding Oerlikon's Ownership
The ownership of the Oerlikon company is influenced by both private companies and institutional investors.
- The Board of Directors is responsible for the strategic management of the company.
- Each share with a nominal value of CHF 1 carries one vote.
- The Annual General Meeting took place on April 1, 2025.
- The majority of the Board of Directors is considered independent.
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What Recent Changes Have Shaped Oerlikon’s Ownership Landscape?
Over the past few years, significant shifts have occurred in the Oerlikon company's strategic direction and ownership. The company has been moving towards a 'pure-play' strategy, concentrating on advanced materials and high-tech surface solutions. This strategic pivot involves separating its Manmade Fibers business, which began operating independently under the traditional Barmag name as of January 1, 2025. This restructuring is a key element in understanding the current Oerlikon ownership landscape.
In May 2025, Rieter announced the acquisition of Barmag from OC Oerlikon for an upfront equity purchase price of CHF 713 million. This move aims to bolster Rieter's position in the natural and manmade fibers sector. These developments highlight the evolving Oerlikon owner structure and the company's efforts to refine its business focus. The strategic realignment underscores a trend towards specialized business models, which often appeal to investors looking for focused investment opportunities.
| Key Development | Date | Details |
|---|---|---|
| Share Buyback Program Completion | November 4, 2022 | Repurchased 19,672,989 shares (5.8% of share capital). |
| Barmag Acquisition by Rieter | May 2025 | Rieter acquired Barmag from OC Oerlikon for CHF 713 million. |
| Share Trading Authorization Renewal | April 25, 2024 | Authorization for the Board to trade in company shares renewed until October 25, 2025, with a maximum allocation of €8,639,453,900. |
The company's financial outlook for 2025 anticipates a stable or low single-digit organic sales increase at constant foreign exchange rates. The operational EBITDA margin for the Group is projected to be approximately 15.5%. For more insights into the company's background, you can delve into the Oerlikon history by reading this article.
Share Buyback Program
Oerlikon completed a share buyback program on November 4, 2022, repurchasing 19,672,989 shares, which represented 5.8% of the share capital.
Strategic Focus
Oerlikon is currently focused on a 'pure-play' strategy, specializing in high-tech surface solutions and advanced materials.
Barmag Acquisition
Rieter acquired Barmag from OC Oerlikon in May 2025 for an upfront equity purchase price of CHF 713 million.
Future Outlook
The 2025 outlook anticipates stable or low single-digit organic sales growth, with an operational EBITDA margin of approximately 15.5%.
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