2023
About
Arxada is a global specialty chemicals business with a world-class offering in Consumer Microbial Control (CMC), Industrial Microbial Control (IMC) and Nutrition, Care and Environmental (NCE). Arxada provides a broad portfolio of differentiated products targeted at a range of end markets, supported by its leading regulatory capabilities, IP expertise and established track record in R&D.
Arxada has a global footprint spanning 25 production sites, with a world-leading team of 3,800 employees serving customers across a wide range of industries.
Arxada, formerly part of Lonza Group, is owned by Bain Capital Private Equity and Cinven.
Arxada’s approach to tax risk management and governance
Arxada is committed to high standards of corporate governance, transparency and responsibility. 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 and sales and use taxes), taxes on ownership and use of property, customs and excise duties and environmental taxes. Responsibility and accountability for the Arxada Tax Strategy rests with the Chief Financial Officer and Head of Tax. The Board of Directors of Herens HoldCo AG has ultimate responsibility 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 affairs. 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 the company seeks advice from external tax advisors.
Arxada’s attitude to tax planning
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 seeks advice from external tax advisors in areas of significant uncertainty or risk.
Level of risk Arxada is prepared to accept
We seek to continuously review and improve the effectiveness of our tax control framework in order 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.
Relationship with tax authorities
Arxada proactively looks to develop and maintain positive and transparent working relationships with all tax authorities, seeking to resolve issues in a constructive and timely manner. Where appropriate, we will seek to obtain pre-transaction clearances to reduce uncertainty. Arxada believes on the horizontal tax monitoring concept based on trust, mutual understanding and transparency.
Application of this Strategy
This Strategy applies to all directors, employees and third parties whose actions impact the management of Arxada’s tax affairs. In particular this includes, but is not limited to:
This strategy was approved by the board of Herens Holdco AG on January 25th, 2023
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 2023 to 31 December 2023.