Download FAQ for individual shareholders

FAQ for individual shareholders
New GALENICA share ticker symbol: From GALN to VIFN
1. Why has Galenica Group decided to split into two companies?
Galenica Group decided in 2014 to split into two stand-alone, independent companies, Vifor Pharma
and Galenica Santé. The reason for this decision was that Vifor Pharma and Galenica Santé are
very different from one another in their strategic focus, risk return/investment profile, and their
product portfolio. Vifor Pharma focuses on specialty pharmaceuticals; Galenica Santé’s focus is on
health and retail. The Galenica Board of Directors therefore believes that separating them will enable
the two future companies to develop in an even more focused way and to fully leverage on their
different growth dynamics.
2. How will Galenica Group separate into two companies?
The Galenica Group announced the launch of the initial public offering (IPO) of Galenica Santé and
its listing on SIX Swiss Exchange. The first trading day is expected to be on or around 7 April 2017,
please see for more information the Galenica press release, issued on 24 March 2017.
On the same day, Galenica’s current share ticker symbol, GALN, will change to VIFN. However, the
formal name change of the company from Galenica Group to Vifor Pharma Group will be effective
upon shareholder approval at the Annual General Meeting on the 11 May 2017.
Vifor Pharma Group will include Vifor Pharma, Vifor Fresenius Medical Care Renal Pharma
(VFMCRP), Relypsa and OM Pharma.
3. What is the effect on my shares?
The only change is to the name of the stock ticker symbol for your shares: Galenica’s current share
ticker symbol, GALN, will change to VIFN. Nothing else has changed: You have the same number of
shares.
4. Why are my GALN shares now called VIFN shares?
Now that Galenica Santé has become a standalone company in its own right, Galenica Group has
proposed to shareholders that its name be changed to Vifor Pharma Group to reflect its transition
into a pure pharmaceuticals company. The stock ticker symbol under which the company’s shares
are trading should reflect that new name. That is why your shares, which to date were trading as
GALN shares, will now be trading as VIFN shares.
5. How do I as a shareholder benefit from the separation of the two companies?
As a pure specialty pharmaceutical company, Vifor Pharma Group will be able to prioritise and invest
in those aspects of the business that offer the best returns for its shareholders.
Thanks to the Galenica Santé IPO, we were able to fully refinance our 2016 acquisition of US
biopharmaceutical company, Relypsa. Shareholders benefit from the addition of another company –
Relypsa – that in particular has given Galenica’s pharmaceuticals business a foothold in the crucial
US market and increased the potential of our already strong product portfolio.
As a shareholder, you now have the opportunity to invest in a company positioned to make the most
of its growth trajectory and broad and diversified portfolio.
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6. Why will Galenica Group change its name to Vifor Pharma Group?
Galenica Group has proposed to shareholders that its name be changed to Vifor Pharma Group, to
reflect its transition into a pure pharmaceuticals company focused primarily on international markets.
Another major reason for the proposed name change was to keep the name “Galenica”, which is a
household name for health and retail in Switzerland, strongly associated with the health and retail
business, Galenica Santé, whose major market will remain Switzerland.
7. Will there ever be a period during which it will not be possible to trade my shares?
There will be no such period. It will always possible to trade shares. The only change is to the name
of the stock ticker symbol for your shares: Galenica’s current share ticker symbol, GALN, will change
automatically to VIFN.
8. I already have GALN shares. Do I have to do anything to change them into VIFN shares?
In this case, no action is required. Your shares will take on the new ticker name (VIFN) on the day of
the separation but remain Galenica Group shares until the Galenica Group Annual General Meeting
(AGM) on 11 May 2017. On that date, your shares will then automatically become Vifor Pharma
Group shares (with the ticker name VIFN) once shareholders approve the share name being
changed to Vifor Pharma Group shares.
9. What will be Vifor Pharma Group’s dividend policy?
From 2017 to 2019, the dividend is expected to be at the same level as for 2016. From 2020
onwards, the payout ratio is targeted at 35% of net income.
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