Centrotherm international : strengthens its core business by selling its subsidi-ary FHR Anlagenbau GmbH to Vital

centrotherm international AG, Blaubeuren, (ISIN: DE000A1TNMM9 and DE000A1TNMN7) today signed a contract to sell 100% of the shares of its subsidiary FHR Anlagenbau GmbH to the Vital group headquartered in Guangzhou. The closing of the contract is expected until end of February 2020.

With the sale of the company, the technology and system provider centrotherm strategically focuses on its core competencies in thermal processes. At the same time, the transaction proceeds strengthen the equity of the technology and system supplier and create the basis for future investments in new innovative production solutions.

The Vital group is focused on rare-metals-based advanced materials and resource recycling. Vital is the world's leading manufacturer of selenium and tellurium products as well as a key producer of gallium, indium, germanium and other products. Vital's products are used by diverse end markets and high-tech applications such as semiconductors, displays, electronics, photovoltaics and LED. With the acquisition of FHR Vital pursues its vertical integrated business model in the area of thin film materials and sputtering targets.

Gunter Fauth, COO of centrotherm international summarizes: 'The sale of our subsidiary FHR is an important milestone for the future development of centrotherm. The proceeds of the transaction will also be invested in the development of new production solutions for the photovoltaics, semiconductor as well as other industries.' and went on to add: 'We see a lot of synergies between FHR and Vital.'

George Zhu, Chief Executive Officer and founder of Vital summarizes the transaction's benefits as follows: 'FHR perfectly suits in our business model. Their profound expertise in thin film and their vacuum coating equipment will contribute to a further expansion of Vital's product and service portfolio. At the same time, we expand our international presence to twelve countries.'

About centrotherm international AG

centrotherm has been developing and realizing innovative thermal solutions for more than 70 years. As a leading, globally active technology group, we offer production solutions for the photovoltaic, semiconductor and microelectronics industries.

The continuous further development of our successful solutions in thermal processing and coating, such as for crystalline solar cell and semiconductor manufacturing, forms the basis for successful partnerships with industry, research and development.

Our customers worldwide appreciate the process stability, scalability and availability of our production systems in mass production. Our work is also distinguished by the fact that we create specific, high-end process technology solutions tailored to our customers' requirements, and that we are outstanding in system construction.

Together, we face the daily challenges of setting new trends, maximizing production efficiency (such as for solar cells and semiconductors), and - paired with our systems' durability - securing investments.

We thereby generate sustainable competitive advantages for our customers through targeted innovations in processes and production solutions.

We engage around 650 employees worldwide to further develop high-tech solutions for key markets.

centrotherm international AG
Württemberger Str. 31
89143 Blaubeuren
Internet: www.centrotherm.de
German Securities Identification Number (WKN): A1TNMM (bearer shares); A1TNMN (unlisted shares from the non-cash capital increase)
ISIN: DE000A1TNMM9 (bearer shares); DE000A1TNMN7 (unlisted shares from the non-cash capital increase)
Inclusion: Basic Board, Frankfurt Stock Exchange
Corporate domicile: Germany

Contact:

Nathalie Albrecht
Manager Public & Investor Relations
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