Duisburg/Dreieich, 19. Oktober 2022 – CWS-boco Suisse SA, a CWS Group company, today announced the acquisition of BERNET Holding AG.

This acquisition is part of CWS' sustainable growth strategy and will lead to a significant increase in market share in Switzerland. CWS is thus further expanding its international portfolio in order to be able to offer customers excellent services throughout the country.

BERNET is firmly established in the Swiss market as a reliable and proven provider of workwear, healthcare and hygiene services. The acquisition will enable CWS to further expand its range of sustainable service solutions in these areas.

BERNET has production and warehouse facilities in St. Gallen, Bronschhofen and Lyssach. Bronschhofen in particular, with its modern, state-of-the-art laundry, offers CWS high potential for further growth in eastern Switzerland and ensures nationwide service throughout Switzerland.

Commenting on the acquisition, Michael Barbian, Managing Director CWS Workwear Switzerland & Austria, says: "We are looking forward to joining forces and exploiting synergies in order to further expand our services together with our usual high level of commitment in Switzerland. Both companies share the same values, stand for quality and customer-oriented action, and focus on providing reusable and sustainable products. Together, we will become the largest service provider for workwear, healthcare and hygiene in Switzerland."

Beginning January 1, 2023, CWS will integrate BERNET over a 12-month period. The current owner of BERNET, Alexander Wild, will accompany the integration process.

About CWS

_{With innovative, sustainable and digital rental solutions, CWS contributes to a healthier and safer future. The range is divided into products and services from the areas of hygiene, mats, workwear, fire protection, cleanroom and health and care. With its service model, the company pursues the basic idea of a circular economy in all areas: Materials are reduced, reused several times and reprocessed in a resource-saving manner. CWS summarizes this understanding of sustainability and related activities as the principle of all its actions under the following motto: Think Circular!}

_{This means that CWS is part of its parent company Haniel's grandchildren's initiative and creates value for generations by linking economic success to value-oriented action. For CWS, sustainability and profitability are closely linked. CWS does business in a way that is generation-friendly and thus capable of being enkelfähig.}

_{CWS is a brand of CWS International GmbH and its subsidiaries. The group currently employs around 11,000 people in 15 countries. In 2021, the company generated sales of 1.249 billion euros. CWS International GmbH and its subsidiaries are a 100 percent holding of Franz Haniel & Cie. GmbH.}