VARTA AG in talks with Porsche about investment in V4Drive business

VARTA AG is currently in negotiations with Dr. Ing. h.c. F. Porsche AG ("Porsche") regarding a possible investment by Porsche in the business unit for large-format lithium-ion round cells (V4Drive) by means of a majority shareholding in V4Drive Battery GmbH, a wholly-owned subsidiary of VARTA AG. VARTA AG and Porsche have already entered into a non-binding term sheet and the parties are in the first phase of agreeing on the documentation for such a transaction. In the run-up to the implementation of Porsche's investment, it is planned in a first step to transfer VARTA's V4Drive business to V4Drive Battery GmbH and then to have Porsche participate via a capital increase. Whether Porsche will actually make a corresponding investment depends on various factors, including the successful completion of a due diligence review currently being carried out by Porsche and the approval of certain stakeholders of the VARTA Group. Whether Porsche will carry out an investment is currently still open.

The ongoing process of updating the existing IDW-S6 expert opinion and possible adjustments or further restructuring and subsequent financing measures communicated on April 11, 2024 has not yet been completed. The company is still in the process of developing options with regard to potential recapitalization and financing measures.

About VARTA AG

VARTA AG produces and markets a comprehensive battery portfolio ranging from micro batteries, household batteries, energy storage systems to customised battery solutions for a variety of applications and sets the industry standards as a technology leader in key areas. As the parent company of the Group, it is divided into the segments "Micro Batteries", "Lithium-Ion CoinPower", "Consumer Batteries", "Energy Storage Systems" and "Other".
The "Micro Batteries" segment includes micro and hearing aid batteries, "Lithium-Ion CoinPower" small-format lithium-ion round cells for OEM applications. "Consumer Batteries" represents the business with household batteries, rechargeable batteries, chargers, portable power (power banks) and lights. “Energy Storage Systems" includes energy storage solutions for primarily private, but also for commercial applications. The "Other" segment includes the "Lithium-Ion Battery Packs" and "Lithium-Ion Large Cells" business units (high-performance lithium-ion round cells for industrial applications in the automotive and non-automotive sectors).
Through intensive research and development, VARTA sets global standards in many areas of lithium-ion technology and in micro batteries, making it a recognised innovation leader in the important growth markets of lithium-ion technology and in primary hearing aid batteries. The VARTA AG Group currently employs around 4,200 people. With five production and manufacturing facilities in Europe and Asia as well as distribution centres in Asia, Europe and the USA, VARTA AG's operating subsidiaries are currently active in over 100 countries worldwide.