Fine crystal glasses, high-quality furniture and home decor, wineries, upscale restaurants, perfumes, and sun protection: this is the world of Lalique.

The company, founded by Silvio Denz and recently operationally led by former Jelmoli CEO Nina Müller, is currently listed on the SIX Swiss Exchange.

Public Tender Offer

But this may soon change if majority shareholder Denz, who owns 50.46 percent of the shares, gets his way. As Lalique Group has just announced, Denz is making a public tender offer to minority shareholders.

«In connection with his voluntary public tender offer, Silvio Denz is offering public shareholders CHF 40 in cash per Lalique Group share,» the company states. This corresponds to a premium of 27.96 percent compared to the average price of Lalique Group shares on the SIX Swiss Exchange over the last 60 trading days.

At this price, the tender offer is valued at around 18 million Swiss francs.

Anchor Shareholders Stay Onbord

«The anchor shareholders Müller Handels AG Schweiz, Dharampal Satyapal Limited, Hansjörg Wyss, and Claudio Denz have each concluded separate non-tender agreements with Silvio Denz and will remain involved in Lalique Group even after the intended delisting.»

The reasoning for the «going private» move is partly practical, as the free float is very low at six percent. On the other hand, Denz also cites strategic reasons: «As a private company with a shareholder base of entrepreneurs, we can implement future development steps more sustainably.»

Florhof Acquired

In Zurich, the luxury tycoon, whom finews.ch recently met at his distillery in Scotland, is currently making waves because. Alongside railway baron Peter Spuhler, he has acquired the historic Hotel Florhof. The hotel is set to reopen next year after extensive restoration.

In 2023, the Lalique Group reported revenues of 179 million Swiss francs and an operating profit after taxes and depreciation of 2.4 million Swiss francs.