The latest analysis shows that our regional shareholder structure has shifted. The number of shareholders and their level of shares rose in Europe and Canada. In contrast, the number of US-held shares continued to drop, with American investors accounting for just under 30% of WACKER shares. The number of shares owned by European investors (excluding Germany, Switzerland and the UK) increased. They now account for 14% of shares held (2008: 9%). Share ownership also rose in the UK year over year – from 15% to 20%. In Germany, the percentage climbed from 12% to 19%. As a result of investor marketing and discussions, share ownership in Canada grew to 6% (2008: > 1%).
Wacker Chemie AG’s largest shareholder is still Dr. Alexander Wacker Familiengesellschaft mbH, Munich. It holds over 50% of the voting shares in Wacker Chemie AG (2008: over 50%).
In 2009, Blue Elephant Holding GmbH (Pöcking, Germany) once again did not have any voting-share changes to report, which means it still holds over 10% (2008: over 10%) of Wacker Chemie AG.
Following a voting-rights announcement in July 2009, Artisan Partners Limited Partnership, Milwaukee (Wisconsin, USA) now owns just under 3% of the voting shares in Wacker Chemie AG (2008: over 5%).