Form 6-K
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549
Report of Foreign Issuer
Pursuant to Rule 13a-16 or 15d-16 of
the Securities Exchange Act of 1934
For the months of: January, February and March 2008
SGL CARBON Aktiengesellschaft
(Name of registrant)
Rheingaustrasse 182
65203 Wiesbaden
Germany
(Address of Principal Executive Offices)
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant files or will file annual reports
under cover of Form 20-F or Form 40-F:
Form 20-F X Form 40-F
-------
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant by furnishing the information
contained in this Form is also thereby furnishing the information to the SEC
pursuant to Rule 12g3-2(b) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934:
Yes No X
----- -----
If "Yes" is marked, indicate the file number assigned to the registrant in
connection with Rule 12g3-2(b): N/A
Exhibit Index
-------------
1. January 11, 2008 German Press Release - SGL Group will expand the Malaysian
hub with a fully integrated graphitized electrode and cathode plant
2. February 20, 2008 German Press Release - Joint Venture established between
SGL Group and Beneteler
3. March 12, 2008 German Press Release - Record Year for SGL Group in 2007
4. March 12, 2008 German Press Release - SGL Carbon AG Plans Conversion into a
European Company (SE)
Exhibit 1
SGL Group will expand the Malaysian hub with a fully integrated graphitized
electrode and cathode plant
o Cost and production synergies with graphite electrode facility
o Start-up scheduled for 2011
Wiesbaden / Kuala Lumpur (Malaysia), January 11, 2008. SGL Group - The Carbon
Company - is building a grassroot graphitized cathode plant. The selected site
is Banting/Malaysia. This will not only complement the 30,000 metric ton
graphite electrode plant already under construction (as published on March 29,
2007) but also transform the site into a fully integrated carbon and graphite
hub. Groundbreaking has started and commissioning is scheduled for 2011. Overall
capacity for graphite electrodes and cathodes is 60,000 metric ton. The cathode
production is predominantly committed under long-term supply contracts.
As Robert Koehler, SGL Group's CEO, stated: "With the new Malaysian cathode
plant, SGL Group is accelerating the already announced capacity expansion for
this high performance material in aluminum smelters. This investment, designed
to meet the rapidly growing demand of our partners, will make Banting our core
site within our global production network and become the benchmark in our
industry as the world's most cost efficient plant".
The 30,000 metric ton graphite electrode plant will begin production in the
second half 2008. The further capital investment will fully integrate all
production stages from extrusion of green electrodes/cathodes to graphitization
and machining. The total integration of graphitized electrodes and cathode
production will be completed early 2011 at a cost of around (euro)200 million.
This includes the initial (euro)50 million investment already communicated on
March 29, 2007.
The choice of Banting as a site for the new cathode plant is based on two key
factors. First, combining both fully integrated manufacturing operations will
provide significant synergies and flexibility of production - "swing capability"
- to satisfy both the steel and aluminum market. This will allow us to leverage
our position in both markets. Second, Malaysia provides an attractive investment
environment with low energy/labor costs, state of the art infrastructures, tax
advantages and a central geographical position to supply the rapidly growing
electric steel market in Southeast Asia and for the global aluminum market.
SGL Group - The Carbon Company
Corporate Communications, Media Relations
Rheingaustrasse 182, D-65203 Wiesbaden
Tel.: +49 (6 11) 60 29-100, Fax: +49 (6 11) 60 29-101
E-Mail: cpc@sglcarbon.de, Internet: www.sglcarbon.de
An unprecedented number of aluminum producers have announced investments in new
smelters and/or the conversion of existing ones to support a medium term annual
growth rate of 5 to 6 percent. The demand for aluminum is benefiting from the
economic upsurge in the newly industrialized countries of Asia (especially
China), South America and Eastern Europe with the associated change in
lifestyles (aluminum material as packaging for consumer goods). Furthermore, the
rising costs for raw material and energy has catalyzed the requirement for
lightweight, high strength materials. This is the basis for the growing aluminum
demand as key material for lightweight energy saving structures.
SGL Group is one of two independent producers of graphitized cathodes and the
only independent manufacturer with additional impregnation technology.
Graphitized cathodes is a high tech investment product to convert alumina to
aluminum in a very high amperage electric current/temperature smelter. Whereas
graphite electrodes are consumed in the electric arc furnace process, cathodes
are investment goods with long customer approval times that can last as long as
seven years in an aluminum cell.
The cathode business is going to be the major growth driver for the
Performance Products Business Unit. In 2007 SGL Group diversified its production
base beyond its traditional site at Griesheim, Frankfurt am Main, Germany, by
investing in a graphitized cathode plant in Nowy Sacz, Poland. This facility
will be commissioned in the second quarter of 2008 to transition the rapid rise
in cathode demand.
For 2008 SGL Group is expecting to run at capacity for both graphitized
electrodes and cathodes.
About SGL Group - The Carbon Company
------------------------------------
The SGL Group is one of the world's leading manufacturers of carbon-based
products. It has a comprehensive portfolio ranging from carbon and graphite
products to carbon fibers and composites. SGL Group's core competencies are its
expertise in high-temperature technology as well as its applications and
engineering know-how gained over many years. These competencies enable the
Company to make full use of its broad material base. SGL Group's carbon-based
materials combine several unique properties such as electrical and thermal
conductivity, heat and corrosion resistance as well as high mechanical strength
combined with low weight. Due to the paradigm shift in the use of materials as a
result of the worldwide shortage of energy and raw materials, there is a growing
demand for SGL Group's high-performance materials and products from an
increasing number of industries. Carbon and graphite products are used whenever
other materials such as steel, aluminum, copper, plastics, wood etc. fail due to
their limited properties. Products from the SGL Group are used predominantly in
the steel, aluminum, automotive, chemical and glass/ceramics industries.
However, manufacturers in the semiconductor, battery, solar/wind energy,
environmental protection, aerospace and defense industries as well as in the
nuclear energy industry also figure among the Company's customers.
With around 30 production sites in Europe, North America and Asia as well as a
service network covering more than 100 countries, the SGL Group is a company
with a global presence. In 2006, the Company's workforce of 5,250 generated
sales of (euro) 1.2 billion. The Company's head office is located in
Wiesbaden/Germany.
2
Important note:
This press release contains statements on future developments that are based on
currently available information and that involve risks and uncertainties that
could lead to actual results deviating from these forward-looking statements.
The statements on future developments are not to be understood as guarantees.
The future developments and events are dependent on a number of factors, they
include various risks and unanticipated circumstances and are based on
assumptions that may not be correct. These risks and uncertainties include, for
example, unforeseeable changes in political, economic and business conditions,
particularly in the area of electrosteel production, the competitive situation,
interest rate and currency developments, technological developments and other
risks and unanticipated circumstances. We see other risks in price developments,
unexpected developments relating to acquired and consolidated companies and in
the ongoing cost optimization programs. SGL Group does not intend to update
these forward-looking statements.
Your contact person:
Corporate Communications / Press office / Tino Fritsch
Tel.: +49 611 60 29 105 / Fax: +49 6 11 60 29 101 / Cellphone: +49 170 540 2667
E-mail: tino.fritsch@sglcarbon.de / Internet: www.sglcarbon.de
3
Exhibit 2
Joint Venture established between SGL Group and Benteler
o Major market potential expected for light-weight carbon fiber composite
components for the automotive industry
o Focus on cost reduction by automation leads to series production
Wiesbaden/Paderborn, February 20, 2008. SGL Group - The Carbon Company -,
Wiesbaden, and the Paderborn-based Benteler Automotive are launching their joint
venture to develop, produce and market components based on carbon fiber
reinforced composites (CFRP) for the automotive industry with approval from
relevant antitrust authorities. Each company has a 50 percent stake in the joint
venture Benteler SGL GmbH & Co. KG, based in Paderborn.
The objective for the first collaborative phase is to develop structural and
other components using CFRPs - such as B-columns, crash boxes, bumpers, and
axles. The second, medium-term objective is to start up serial production of
these products for the automotive industry. Significant growth in the market
segment for CFRP components is forecast by industry experts.
Considerable weight reductions by CFRPs
Light-weight vehicle design was one of the major discussion topics at the
Frankfurt International Motor Show (IAA) in September 2007. The main focus was
on reducing fuel consumption and CO2 emissions. All vehicle manufacturers are
increasingly associating light-weight design with the use of CFRPs. Significant
vehicle weight reductions can be achieved with these materials. The weight of
carbon fiber reinforced composites is only around 50 percent of aluminum and 20
percent of steel. The material also possesses unique advantages such as
excellent crash characteristics, low fatigue behavior and high corrosion
resistance. It is also a factor in dampening vibration and benefits from very
low thermal expansion.
Focus on collaboration between SGL Group and Benteler: Cost reduction
Carbon fiber reinforced composites are manufactured by impregnating carbon
fibers with liquid resin, after which they are subjected to heat and pressure to
convert them into solid components. The SGL Group holds the full range of carbon
fiber semi-finished products required for manufacturing CFRP components within
its Business Line Composite Materials. These include carbon fiber fabrics, non
crimped fabrics, braidings (from SGL Kumpers GmbH, established in January 2007)
and prepregs, i.e. textiles pre-impregnated with resin. However, the high
manufacturing costs of CFRP components have so far only permitted
high-performance applications in motor racing and exclusive vehicle
construction. Because of the high cost of components, CFRPs are today rarely
used for vehicles manufactured serial production. Large-scale automated
production of these components would reduce manufacturing costs to a level which
would make serial production possible.
This is how the collaboration with Benteler Automotive, one of the largest
independent suppliers to the automotive industry worldwide, comes in. The
know-how and experience of high-volume manufacturing and related automation
options open up new perspectives for manufacturing CFRP components. By working
together with Benteler, the SGL Group also has the opportunity of combining CFRP
components with steel to produce so-called hybrid parts. Initial development
projects are already underway.
About the SGL Group - The Carbon Company
----------------------------------------
The SGL Group is one of the world's leading manufacturers of carbon-based
products. It has a comprehensive portfolio ranging from carbon and graphite
products to carbon fibers and composites. SGL Group's core competencies are its
expertise in high-temperature technology as well as its applications and
engineering know-how gained over many years. These competencies enable the
Company to make full use of its broad material base. SGL Group's carbon-based
materials combine several unique properties such as electrical and thermal
conductivity, heat and corrosion resistance as well as high mechanical strength
combined with low weight. Due to the paradigm shift in the use of materials as a
result of the worldwide shortage of energy and raw materials, there is a growing
demand for SGL Group's high-performance materials and products from an
increasing number of industries. Carbon and graphite products are used whenever
other materials such as steel, aluminum, copper, plastics, wood etc. fail due to
their limited properties. Products from the SGL Group are used predominantly in
the steel, aluminum, automotive, chemical and glass/ceramics industries.
However, manufacturers in the semiconductor, battery, solar/wind energy,
environmental protection, aerospace and defense industries as well as in the
nuclear energy industry also figure among the Company's customers.
With around 30 production sites in Europe, North America and Asia as well as a
service network covering more than 100 countries, the SGL Group is a company
with a global presence. In 2006, the Company's workforce of 5,250 generated
sales of 1.2 billion euros. The Company's head office is located in
Wiesbaden/Germany.
Benteler Automotive - Products and solutions for the automotive world
---------------------------------------------------------------------
Benteler Automotive, a business division of the Benteler Group, is one of the
largest independent suppliers to the automotive industry worldwide with 59
locations in 22 countries. The big advantage for the customer is, that the
company offers the optimal technology for every product. Benteler develops and
produces innovative components, modules and complete systems to improve ride,
handling, safety and emissions.
New ideas concerning the central themes of the automotive industry - lightweight
design, safety comfort and reduces emissions - are the focus of research and
development at Benteler Automotive. Key areas of development are improved
materials, optimized production processes and costs, and the transfer of
innovative technologies to new and related product fields.
Important note:
This press release contains statements on future developments that are based on
currently available information and that involve risks and uncertainties that
could lead to actual results deviating from these forecasts. The statements on
future developments should not be regarded as guarantees. Future developments
and events are dependent on a number of factors; they include various risks and
unanticipated circumstances and are based on assumptions that may not be
correct. These risks and uncertainties include, for example, unforeseeable
2
changes in political, economic and business conditions, particularly in the area
of electrosteel production, the competitive situation, interest rate and
currency developments, technological developments and other risks and
unanticipated circumstances. We see other risks in price developments,
unexpected developments relating to acquired and Group companies and in the
ongoing cost optimization programs. SGL Group does not intend to update these
forecasts.
Contact:
--------
SGL Group / Corporate Communications / Press office / Tino Fritsch
Tel.: +49 (0)611 6029 105/ Fax: +49 (0)611 6029 101 /
Cellphone: +49 (0)170 540 2667
Email: tino.fritsch@sglcarbon.de / Internet: www.sglcarbon.de
Benteler AG / Corporate Communications / Press office / Gudrun Girnus
Tel.: +49 52 54.81-10 40; E-Mail: publicrelations@benteler.de
Internet: www.benteler.com
3
Exhibit 3
Record Year for SGL Group in 2007
o Sales growth of 15 percent to (euro)1,373 million
o EBIT growth of 50 percent to (euro)254.5 million
o Earnings per share more than tripled to (euro)2.06
o Excellent order backlog level ensures full utilization of capacity
o Outlook 2008: 10-15 percent sales increase and a more than proportionate
EBIT growth of 15-20 percent
Wiesbaden, March 12, 2008. The SGL Group - The Carbon Company - significantly
exceeded its targets for 2007 and reached new records for both sales revenue and
earnings. The 15 percent sales increase to (euro) 1,373.0 million (2006:
(euro)1,191.8 million) was considerably in excess of the 7 to 10 percent growth
target that had been set at the beginning of 2007. Operating profit (EBIT)
increased more than proportionately with a 50 percent plus to (euro)254.5
million, also comfortably exceeding its growth target of 40 percent (2006:
(euro)170.0 million on a like-for-like basis). Return on sales rose from 14.3
percent to 18.5 percent. The successful new positioning of the SGL Group on
specific growth areas, further cost savings and efficiency gains of around
(euro)27 million from the groupwide SGL Excellence Initiative, as well as the
strong demand in the core steel and aluminum markets significantly contributed
to this success. All three Business Units contributed to the high earnings
growth, in particular the new Business Unit Carbon Fibers & Composites (CFC).
Robert J. Koehler, CEO of the SGL Group: "2007 has been the most successful year
in the company's history so far. After the Group's repositioning and refinancing
in the last year, we now have entered a growth phase in which we will further
strengthen our business by increasing capacity as well as targeting strategic
acquisitions and establishing joint ventures. We are benefiting from the global
trend towards alternative materials and renewable energy sources, and are
supported by our strong innovation capability. With an excellent order backlog
level and an enhanced market position, we remain confident that we will reach
new records for sales and earnings in 2008."
As part of the new financing, the SGL Group issued convertible bonds and a
corporate bond of (euro)200 million each in 2007 with significantly better
conditions than the syndicated loan and 8.5 percent high-yield bond they
replaced. With undrawn credit facilities of over (euro)200 million and cash and
cash equivalents of (euro)130 million, the financial flexibility of the Group is
therefore secured over the medium term.
Net profit and earnings per share more than tripled
Net financing costs increased by just (euro)3.9 million to (euro)65.4 million
(2006: (euro)61.5 million including an interest expense of (euro)12.8 million
relating to antitrust proceedings), despite the one-time charge of (euro)30.8
million in connection with the refinancing of the Group carried out in 2007.
Profit before tax rose by 148 percent to (euro)189.1 million (2006: (euro)76.4
SGL Group - The Carbon Company
Corporate Communications, Media Relations
Rheingaustrasse 182, D-65203 Wiesbaden, Germany
Tel.: +49 (0)611 6029-100, Fax: +49 (0)611 6029-101
Email: presse@sglcarbon.de, Website: www.sglcarbon.de
million). The tax rate was significantly reduced from 46 to less than 31
percent. Net profit was more than tripled from (euro)40.7 million in 2006 to
(euro)130.9 million accordingly. Earnings per share rose from (euro)0.66 in 2006
to (euro)2.06 in 2007.
Further balance sheet strengthening - gearing at 0.45
The strong net profit for the year and the new financing package contributed to
further improvement of the balance sheet structure in 2007. The equity ratio
rose to 42.1 percent (2006: 35.3 percent) and gearing was reduced to 0.45 (2006:
0.51). Given the cash outflows in connection with our acquisition activities,
the one time refinancing costs and capital expenditure on property, plant and
equipment, net debt had risen to (euro)285.2 million as at December 31, 2007
(December 31, 2006: (euro)229.1 million). The strong business performance was
reflected in a higher operating cash flow of (euro)171.9 million (2006:
(euro)111.7 million). Free cash flow was minus (euro)0.9 million (2006:
(euro)47.9 million) due to the one-time refinancing cost and the doubling of
capital expenditure on property, plant and equipment from (euro)65.2 million in
2006 to (euro)130.5 million.
Significant increase in sales and earnings in all Business Units
Performance Products (PP): Strong, profitable growth
In 2007, sales in the Business Unit PP jumped by 17 percent to (euro)836.2
million (2006: (euro)713.4 million) due to persistently strong demand for steel
and aluminum as well as the economic upturn in the emerging markets of Asia,
South America and Eastern Europe. Despite higher material prices and energy
costs, EBIT grew more than proportionately by 42 percent year-on-year to
(euro)244.5 million (2006: (euro)172.4 million). This rise in EBIT is
attributable to increased sales prices and sales volumes as well as cost savings
of (euro)10 million. Return on sales increased from 24 percent in 2006 to 29
percent. The new, fully-integrated carbon and graphite plant for the production
of graphite electrodes and cathodes, currently under construction in Banting
(Malaysia), will have a total annual capacity of approximately 60,000 tonnes,
and will further enhance PP's international competitiveness.
Graphite Materials & Systems (GMS): Enhanced profitability
Sales of the Business Unit GMS increased by 7 percent to (euro)364.3 million in
2007 (2006: (euro)340.3 million) due to a strong demand for customized,
graphite-based products in the semiconductor, solar and chemical industries and
for lithium-ion batteries, and despite portfolio adjustments of the less
profitable, traditional products. EBIT rose by 30 percent to (euro)47.9 million
(2006: (euro)36.8 million) including cost savings of (euro)8 million. Return on
sales grew accordingly from 11 to 13 percent. With the production capacity
expansion for isostatic graphite, the integration of the joint ventures in Asia,
the addition of the Dr. Schnabel activities, as well as the increase in research
and development expenditure, foundation for further growth in GMS has been laid.
Carbon Fibers & Composites (CFC): Turns into profit
The Business Unit CFC's sales increased significantly by 25 percent to
(euro)163.4 million (2006: (euro)130.5 million) mainly due to high sales volumes
for composite materials and brake disks. This growth was also supported by the
joint venture with F.A. Kumpers GmbH & Co. KG concluded in 2007 as well as the
acquisition of epo GmbH and the acquisition of Aldila Inc.'s 50 percent stake in
Carbon Fiber Technology LLC, which had previously been run in a joint venture.
The full extent of the business growth benefiting from these new acquisition
activities will materialize in 2008. EBIT improved from minus (euro)4.4 million
in 2006 to plus (euro)3.1 million in 2007, representing a return on sales of 2
percent.
2
The Business Unit CFC covers the entire value chain from carbon fibers to
composite materials through to finished components and is benefiting, above all,
from strong growth in demand from the aerospace and automotive industries and
the rise in alternative energy sources such as wind energy. With the global
trend towards substitution for basic materials, the SGL Group announced in 2007
plans to triple carbon fiber production capacity up to 12,000 tonnes by the year
2012 to ensure participation in the growing future demand. By the beginning of
2009, operative production capacity of carbon fiber is scheduled to 6,000 tonnes
per year.
Outlook for 2008: Records highs again for sales revenue and earnings
Given the excellent level of orders on hand and the positive signals that
continue to come from customer industries, the SGL Group expects to increase
sales revenue by between 10 - 15 percent compared with 2007, in spite of the
generally gloomy economic outlook as a result of the global subprime crisis.
EBIT is expected to grow more than proportionately by between 15 and 20 percent.
As a result of the new financing package, net financing costs will be improved
to around minus (euro)40 million - assuming the same level of debt and excluding
valuation effects of interest and currency hedging instruments. Consequently,
profit before tax, net profit and earnings per share are expected to grow more
than proportionately to EBIT.
To finance the growth projects in 2008, capital expenditure of around (euro)200
million on property, plant and equipment is planned (2007: approx. (euro)130
million). Necessary funds for this organic growth will be generated from
operating cash flow.
3
Medium-term targets: strong, profitable growth
The SGL Group has clearly defined its strategic priorities: Focus will be on
profitable growth and implementation of the new strategic positioning as "The
leading Carbon Company". Therefore, the SGL Group will focus its technology and
product portfolio on specific growth markets resulting from the accelerated
substitution of traditional materials with carbon and graphite. This applies
both to the ongoing industrialization of the emerging economies of eastern
Europe, Asia and South America as well as to the increasing demand for
alternative materials and renewable energy sources. In the medium term (four to
five years), the SGL Group expects organic revenue growth of between 5 and 10
percent p.a., even under consideration of possible economic cycle effects.
Return on sales revenue is expected to remain above 12 percent over the coming
years and return on capital employed (ROCE) above 17 percent.
Summary of medium-term objectives by Business Unit
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Business Unit Growth Return on sales
(p.a.) revenue (ROS)
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Performance Products 2-3% volume growth >20%
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Graphite Materials & Systems 6-8% sales revenue growth 10-15%
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Carbon Fibers & Composites 15% sales revenue growth >10% (from 2009)
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The complete 2007 Annual Report and the up-to-date company presentations (from
10:00 am onwards) are available on the SGL Group website (www.sglcarbon.com).
4
Financial Highlights of SGL Group
((euro) million)
Full Year
2007 2006 Change
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Sales revenue 1,373.0 1,190.8 +15.3 %
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Gross profit 477.0 384.0 +24.2 %
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
EBITDA 303.8 223.4 1) +36.0 %
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Operating profit (EBIT) 254.5 170.0 1) +49.7 %
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Return on sales (ROS) 2) 18.5 % 14.3 % +420 BP 3)
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Net profit attributable to equity holders 130.9 40.7 >>100 %
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Earnings per share, basic (in (euro)) 2.06 0.66 >>100 %
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Cash flows from operating activities 3) 171.9 111.7 +53.94 %
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Dec. 31, Dec. 31,
2007 2006 Change
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total assets 1,505.5 1,260.8 +19.4 %
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Shareholders' equity 633.4 445.0 +42.3 %
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Net debt 285.2 229.1 +24.5 %
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Gearing 4) 0.45 0.51
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Equity ratio 5) 42.1 % 35.3 %
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
1) Before EU antitrust expenses of (euro)32.1 million in 2006
2) Ratio of operating profit to sales revenue
3) Before antitrust payments of (euro)99.7 million in 2006 and (euro)22.5
million in 2007
4) Net debt divided by shareholders' equity
5) Shareholders' equity divided by total assets
5
About SGL Group - The Carbon Company
------------------------------------
The SGL Group is one of the world's leading manufacturers of carbon-based
products. It has a comprehensive portfolio ranging from carbon and graphite
products to carbon fibers and composites. SGL Group's core competencies are its
expertise in high-temperature technology as well as its applications and
engineering know-how gained over many years. These competencies enable the
Company to make full use of its broad material base. SGL Group's carbon-based
materials combine several unique properties such as electrical and thermal
conductivity, heat and corrosion resistance as well as high mechanical strength
combined with low weight. Due to the paradigm shift in the use of materials as a
result of the worldwide shortage of energy and raw materials, there is a growing
demand for SGL Group's high-performance materials and products from an
increasing number of industries. Carbon and graphite products are used whenever
other materials such as steel, aluminum, copper, plastics, wood etc. fail due to
their limited properties. Products from the SGL Group are used predominantly in
the steel, aluminum, automotive, chemical and glass/ceramics industries.
However, manufacturers in the semiconductor, battery, solar/wind energy,
environmental protection, aerospace and defense industries as well as in the
nuclear energy industry also figure among the Company's customers.
With 38 production sites in Europe, North America and Asia as well as a service
network covering more than 100 countries, the SGL Group is a company with a
global presence. In 2007, the Company's workforce of around 5,900 generated
sales of (euro) 1.4 billion. The Company's head office is located in
Wiesbaden/Germany.
Important note:
This press release contains statements on future developments that are based on
currently available information and that involve risks and uncertainties that
could lead to actual results deviating from these forward-looking statements.
The statements on future developments are not to be understood as guarantees.
The future developments and events are dependent on a number of factors, they
include various risks and unanticipated circumstances and are based on
assumptions that may not be correct. These risks and uncertainties include, for
example, unforeseeable changes in political, economic and business conditions,
particularly in the area of electrosteel production, the competitive situation,
interest rate and currency developments, technological developments and other
risks and unanticipated circumstances. We see other risks in price developments,
unexpected developments relating to acquired and consolidated companies and in
the ongoing cost optimization programs. SGL Group does not intend to update
these forward-looking statements.
Press Contact:
--------------
Corporate Communications / Press Office / Tino Fritsch
Tel.: +49 (0)611 60 29-105 / Fax: +49 (0)611 60 29-101 /
Mobile: +49 (0)170 540 2667
E-mail: tino.fritsch@sglcarbon.de / Website: www.sglcarbon.de
6
Exhibit 4
SGL Carbon AG Plans Conversion into a European Company (SE)
Wiesbaden, March 12, 2008. The Board of Management and the Supervisory Board of
SGL Carbon AG will submit a proposal to its shareholders at the upcoming Annual
General Meeting on April 25, 2008 on converting the SGL Carbon
Aktiengesellschaft into a European Company (Societas Europaea, SE) named SGL
CARBON SE. The intended conversion into a European Company follows SGL Group's
international orientation, and acknowledges the importance of the domestic
European market.
Currently, only approximately 15% of SGL Group's sales are generated in Germany
and around 35% of its production. Over 70 % of SGL Group's workforce is employed
in the European Union, of which nearly one half in Germany and the remainder in
other EU countries. The conversion of the holding company into an SE allows the
representation and involvement of the SGL employees from all sites in EU member
states.
Robert J. Koehler, CEO of the SGL Group, states: "The legal form of a European
Company is in accordance with our international corporate culture and can be
regarded as a sign of commitment to our European home market. The conversion of
the German Stock Corporation (Aktiengesellschaft) into the modern legal
structure of an SE is a logical step in our company development, supporting the
growth path on which we have embarked. We are now planning to bring the legal
structure of our Group into a form, which matches the reality of our internal
structures and daily business."
About SGL Group - The Carbon Company
------------------------------------
The SGL Group is one of the world's leading manufacturers of carbon-based
products. It has a comprehensive portfolio ranging from carbon and graphite
products to carbon fibers and composites. SGL Group's core competencies are its
expertise in high-temperature technology as well as its applications and
engineering know-how gained over many years. These competencies enable the
Company to make full use of its broad material base. SGL Group's carbon-based
materials combine several unique properties such as electrical and thermal
conductivity, heat and corrosion resistance as well as high mechanical strength
combined with low weight. Due to the paradigm shift in the use of materials as a
result of the worldwide shortage of energy and raw materials, there is a growing
demand for SGL Group's high-performance materials and products from an
increasing number of industries. Carbon and graphite products are used whenever
other materials such as steel, aluminum, copper, plastics, wood etc. fail due to
their limited properties. Products from the SGL Group are used predominantly in
the steel, aluminum, automotive, chemical and glass/ceramics industries.
However, manufacturers in the semiconductor, battery, solar/wind energy,
environmental protection, aerospace and defense industries as well as in the
nuclear energy industry also figure among the Company's customers.
With 38 production sites in Europe, North America and Asia as well as a service
network covering more than 100 countries, the SGL Group is a company with a
global presence. In 2007, the Company's workforce of around 5,900 generated
sales of (euro) 1.4 billion. The Company's head office is located in
Wiesbaden/Germany.
SGL Group - The Carbon Company
Corporate Communications, Media Relations
Rheingaustrasse 182, D-65203 Wiesbaden, Germany
Tel.: +49 (0)611 6029-100, Fax: +49 (0)611 6029 -101
Email: presse@sglcarbon.de, Website: www.sglcarbon.de
Important note:
This press release contains statements on future developments that are based on
currently available information and that involve risks and uncertainties that
could lead to actual results deviating from these forward-looking statements.
The statements on future developments are not to be understood as guarantees.
The future developments and events are dependent on a number of factors, they
include various risks and unanticipated circumstances and are based on
assumptions that may not be correct. These risks and uncertainties include, for
example, unforeseeable changes in political, economic and business conditions,
particularly in the area of electrosteel production, the competitive situation,
interest rate and currency developments, technological developments and other
risks and unanticipated circumstances. We see other risks in price developments,
unexpected developments relating to acquired and consolidated companies and in
the ongoing cost optimization programs. SGL Group does not intend to update
these forward-looking statements.
Press Contact:
--------------
Corporate Communications / Press office / Tino Fritsch
Tel.: +49 (0)611 60 29-105 / Fax: +49 (0)611 60 29-101 /
Mobile: +49 (0)170 540 2667
E-mail: tino.fritsch@sglcarbon.de / Internet: www.sglcarbon.de
2
SIGNATURES
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the
registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the
undersigned, thereunto duly authorized.
SGL CARBON Aktiengesellschaft
Date: March 12, 2008 By: /s/ Robert J. Kohler
------------------------------
Name: Robert J. Koehler
Title: Chairman of the Board of
Management
By: /s/ Sten Daugaard
------------------------------
Name: Mr. Sten Daugaard
Title: Member of the Board of
Management