DGAP-Media / 10.06.2016 / 12:00 GEA steps up its approach to innovation as a founding partner of MassChallenge Switzerland Düsseldorf (Germany), June 10, 2016 - Today, GEA joined as a founding partner of MassChallenge Switzerland. MassChallenge is a non-governmental organization (NGO) enabling startups to gain access to a global network of mentors and venture capital investors without actually acquiring stakes in these startup companies. By offering mentoring schemes and access to other resources, the organization supports select young entrepreneurs that harbor a potential for the future. "The MassChallenge initiative is fully in line with GEA's approach aimed at providing innovative solutions for the food processing industry", said Jürg Oleas, GEA's CEO. "Within the framework of our strategic realignment, we commenced by restructuring and further strengthening our internal innovation management. Our partnership with MassChallenge and the exchange with other companies will allow us to benefit from further ideas we can harness for the benefit of our customers in Switzerland and all around the globe." Along with GEA, the MassChallenge Switzerland founding partners include Bühler Group, Givaudan, Nestlé, Inartis Foundation as well as the Swiss Economic Forum. Corporate Media and Press: Marc Pönitz Peter-Müller-Str. 12, 40468 Düsseldorf, Germany Tel. +49 (0)211 9136-1500 [email protected] About GEA GEA is one of the largest suppliers for the food processing industry and a wide range of process industries that generated consolidated revenues of approximately EUR 4.6 billion in 2015. As an international technology group, the Company focuses on process technology and components for sophisticated production processes in various end-user markets. The Group generates more than 70 percent of its revenue in the food sector that enjoys long-term sustainable growth. As of March 31, 2016, the Company employed over 17,000 people worldwide. GEA is a market and technology leader in its business areas. The Company is listed in Germany's MDAX (G1A, WKN 660 200). In addition, GEA's share is a constituent of the MSCI Global Sustainability Indexes. Further information is available on the Internet at gea.com. If you do not want to receive any further information from GEA, please send an email to [email protected]. Contact: GEA Group Aktiengesellschaft Phone +49 (0)211 9136 1492 Fax +49 (0)211 9136 31087 www.gea.com End of Media Release --------------------------------------------------------------------------- Issuer: GEA Group Aktiengesellschaft Key word(s): Enterprise 10.06.2016 Dissemination of a Press Release, transmitted by DGAP - a service of EQS Group AG. The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement. The DGAP Distribution Services include Regulatory Announcements, Financial/Corporate News and Press Releases. Archive at www.dgap.de --------------------------------------------------------------------------- Language: English Company: GEA Group Aktiengesellschaft Peter-Müller-Straße 12 40468 Düsseldorf Germany Phone: +49 (0)211 9136-0 Fax: +49 (0)211 9136-31087 E-mail: [email protected] Internet: www.gea.com ISIN: DE0006602006 WKN: 660200 Indices: MDAX Listed: Regulated Market in Berlin, Dusseldorf, Frankfurt (Prime Standard), Hamburg, Munich; Regulated Unofficial Market in Hanover, Stuttgart; Terminbörse EUREX End of News DGAP Media --------------------------------------------------------------------------- 470749 10.06.2016