METRO AG / Key word(s): Miscellaneous 05.09.2016 14:29 Disclosure of an inside information according to Article 17 MAR, transmitted by DGAP - a service of EQS Group AG. The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement. --------------------------------------------------------------------------- After completion of its reviews into the matter, the Management Board of METRO AG has decided, with the consent of the Supervisory Board, to implement the measures necessary for preparing a demerger of the METRO GROUP. It is planned to transfer the wholesale and food specialist businesses and further related activities to an independent stock-listed company, whereas the consumer electronics business will basically remain part of today's METRO AG. It is intended to create new growth perspectives by putting the strategic and organisational focus of the two independent trading companies on their respective business activities. The demerger is to take place by way of a spin-off in accordance with the German Transformation Act (Umwandlungsgesetz). It is planned to submit the demerger proposal for resolution to the next annual general meeting of METRO AG. Each of the three major shareholders indicated to METRO AG that each one of them wants to support the demerger process. The concept for implementing the demerger has been agreed with the tax authorities. The Management Board has further determined the assets to be separated from METRO AG and has thus taken a decision on the capital structures of the two future companies. It is intended to continue to achieve an "investment grade" rating for both companies. It is not planned to increase the share capital of METRO AG. The current shareholders of METRO AG will presumably hold a share of about 90% in the new wholesale and food specialist business in proportion to their current shareholdings. The remaining 10% share will be held by METRO AG. It is planned to complete the demerger by mid-2017. All the shares of the new wholesale company will be admitted to stock exchange trading upon completion of the demerger. METRO AG Metro-Straße 1 40235 Düsseldorf Germany +49 (0)211 6886-1936 Fax: +49 (0)211 6886-3759 E-mail: [email protected] 05.09.2016 The DGAP Distribution Services include Regulatory Announcements, Financial/Corporate News and Press Releases. Archive at www.dgap.de --------------------------------------------------------------------------- Language: English Company: METRO AG Metro-Straße 1 40235 Düsseldorf Germany Phone: +49 (0)211 6886-1936 Fax: +49 (0)211 6886-3759 E-mail: [email protected] Internet: www.metrogroup.de ISIN: DE0007257503, DE0007257537, Weitere: www.metro.de/investor relations WKN: 725750, 725753, Weitere: www.metro.de/investor relations Indices: MDAX Listed: Regulated Market in Dusseldorf, Frankfurt (Prime Standard); Regulated Unofficial Market in Berlin, Hamburg, Hanover, Munich, Stuttgart, Tradegate Exchange End of Announcement DGAP News-Service ---------------------------------------------------------------------------