Shareholders of Forbo Holding Ltd approved all proposals presented by the Board of Directors during the company's 98th Ordinary General Meeting held in Zug. The meeting saw participation from 158 shareholders representing 71.73% of the issued share capital, indicating strong engagement from the investor community. This comprehensive approval underscores confidence in the company's strategic direction and governance practices.
The shareholders ratified the Annual Report, annual statements, consolidated financial statements, and the Sustainability Report for the 2025 business year. They also granted discharge to the responsible governing bodies, reflecting satisfaction with their performance. A key financial decision was the approval of a dividend distribution of CHF 25 per share, scheduled for payment from April 13, 2026. This dividend reinforces Forbo's commitment to returning value to shareholders while maintaining financial health.
In governance matters, the 2025 Remuneration Report received approval through a consultative vote. Shareholders also approved the maximum total remuneration for the Board of Directors for 2027, the maximum fixed remuneration for the Executive Board for 2027, the short-term variable remuneration for the Executive Board for 2025, and the maximum long-term equity participation for the Executive Board for 2026. These approvals ensure alignment of executive compensation with company performance and shareholder interests.
All current members of the Board of Directors were re-elected for another one-year term, including Chairman Bernhard Merki, Michael Pieper, Claudia Coninx-Kaczynski, Jorg Kampmeyer, Dr. Eveline Saupper, and Vincent Studer. Notably, Dr. Ilias Laber was elected as a new independent member of the Board of Directors by an overwhelming majority, bringing fresh perspective to the board. The current members of the remuneration committee were also re-elected for a further year.
The shareholders extended the mandate of KPMG Ltd as auditors for another year and re-elected Rene Peyer as the independent proxy. These decisions ensure continuity in audit and proxy services, which are critical for maintaining transparency and trust. Forbo, a leading producer of floor coverings, building adhesives, and industrial belts, employs about 5,050 people globally and generated net sales of CHF 1,085.4 million in 2025. More information about the company is available at forbo.com/en/investors.
The implications of these approvals are significant for investors and the industry. The clear majority support for all proposals signals strong shareholder confidence in Forbo's management and strategic direction. The election of Dr. Ilias Laber adds independent oversight, potentially enhancing board diversity and decision-making. The confirmed dividend of CHF 25 per share provides immediate value to shareholders, reflecting the company's robust financial performance in 2025, as detailed in its reports. This stability is crucial in a competitive market where Forbo operates across 39 countries with a focus on sustainability and quality solutions.
For the broader business community, Forbo's adherence to governance standards, including approval of remuneration reports and audit mandates, sets a benchmark for corporate transparency. The re-election of board members and committee roles ensures leadership continuity, which can drive consistent execution of long-term strategies. As a company listed on SIX Swiss Exchange, these developments may influence investor perceptions of Swiss-listed firms, emphasizing the importance of shareholder engagement and sound governance practices in sustaining growth and innovation in sectors like construction and industrial manufacturing.
