About Arxada
Arxada is a global leader in innovative solutions that protect our world. Our groundbreaking technologies, in-depth regulatory know-how, manufacturing and process development help our customers to safeguard nutrition, health and infrastructure efficiently through chemistry and biotechnology that enhance sustainability. We offer a broad portfolio of ingredients and services for multiple end-markets that include Human Health & Nutrition, Home & Personal Care, Professional Hygiene, Paints & Coatings and Wood Protection.
With customers in more than 100 countries, the company achieved sales of CHF 2 billion in 2024. Headquartered in Basel (Switzerland), Arxada employs 3,200 associates across 24 production sites and 14 R&D centers, all committed to our customers’ success.
Arxada is committed to high standards of corporate governance, transparency and responsibility, which it has manifested in its Tax Strategy. We pay tax in the countries in which we operate in accordance with local laws and international guidelines. These taxes include, corporate income taxes, employment taxes, social security, indirect taxes (such as VAT, sales and use taxes), taxes on ownership and use of real estate, customs and excise duties as well as environmental taxes. Responsibility and accountability for the Arxada Tax Strategy rests with the Chief Financial Officer and the Head of Tax. The Board of Directors of Herens HoldCo AG reviews and approves this Strategy. Local finance teams and the Global Tax Team are responsible for the day-to-day operation of the Group’s Tax Strategy. These teams, comprising suitably qualified finance and tax professionals, identify, evaluate and monitor tax risks in line with our commitment to comply with all relevant tax laws. Where there is significant uncertainty or complexity Arxada seeks advice from external tax advisors.
In structuring and managing our commercial operations, we consider all appropriate tax laws, with a view to ensuring compliance and maximising value for our shareholders. All business transactions have commercial and economic substance. Where alternative structures achieve the desired commercial outcome with increased tax efficiency, these may be selected. Any tax planning needs to generate value for our shareholders whilst considering the impact on Arxada’s reputation, relationships with tax authorities and other stakeholders. Arxada generally seeks advice from external tax advisors in areas of significant uncertainty or risk.
We seek to continuously review and improve the effectiveness of our tax control framework to identify and manage tax risks. When taking positions on tax returns, we follow a “more likely than not”
approach and expect such positions to stand up under audit. Arxada does not engage in or condone tax evasion or the facilitation of tax evasion.
Arxada proactively looks to develop and maintain positive and transparent working relationships with all tax authorities, seeking to resolve any issues that come up in a constructive and timely manner. Where possible and appropriate, Arxada will seek to obtain pre-transaction clearances to reduce uncertainty. Arxada believes in a horizontal tax monitoring concept based on trust, mutual understanding and transparency.
This Tax Strategy applies to all directors, employees and third parties whose actions impact the
management of Arxada’s tax affairs. This includes, but is not limited to:
· Arxada Directors and the Executive Leadership Team of the Arxada Group.
· All members of the Global Tax Team.
· All regional and local Finance Directors as well as HR Directors and their reports that have responsibility for managing and/or supporting tax matters.
· Any other employee that has responsibility for managing and/or supporting tax matters.
· External advisors who support the Global Tax Team on tax matters.
This UK Tax Strategy complies with paragraph 16(2), Schedule 19 of the UK Finance Act 2016 and applies to the Arxada group companies in the UK for the period from 1 January 2026 to 31 December 2026.