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Frequently Asked Questions
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When does the Nestlé share split come into operation?

On June 30, 2008, the Nestlé share split 1:10 (i.e. one old share is worth ten new shares), and the goal was to increase the liquidity of the shares and to make it easier to buy them.

The nominal value of the shares is now CHF 0.10 each. In addition, the ratio between ordinary shares and American Depositary Receipts (ADRs) changed to 1:1 compared to 1:4 before the split.

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When did the new CEO take over?

Paul Bulcke took over as Chief Executive Officer at the Annual General Meeting on April 10 2008. He was named a director of Nestlé S.A.. Nestlé had announced on September 20 that Mr Bulcke, head of Zone Americas, would succeed Peter Brabeck-Letmathe as CEO. See Mr Bulcke's CV here.
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How do you pronounce 'Bulcke'?

Pronounce the 'u' as in 'full'. The final 'e' is voiced. An alternative spelling might be 'boolk-eh'.
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Is Nestlé a Swiss company?

Yes, the Company is chartered in Switzerland and therefore subject to Swiss company law. Our headquarters are in Switzerland (in Vevey, on Lake Geneva), we do report our consolidated accounts in Swiss francs (CHF) and about one third of our shareholders are Swiss. However, only about 2% of the Company's sales are recorded in Switzerland and a vast majority of Nestlé staff and assets are located outside the country.
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What is the Nestlé S.A. address?

Corporate headquarters are:

Nestlé S.A.
avenue Nestlé 55
1800 Vevey
Switzerland

You can send us an email here.

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How can I get current financial information about Nestlé?

Please visit the Investor Relations section of our site.

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Management Report

How can I get Management Report for Nestlé?

Click here to go to the Management Report for Nestlé S.A. (S.A. = Societe Anonyme). If you require a hard copy you can click on the tab order.

Nestlé USA is owned by Nestlé S.A. of Vevey, Switzerland. There is no annual report for Nestlé in the US.

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How does Nestlé demonstrate concern for the environment?

Nestlé's aim is to become a world eader in environmental performance. Please see our environmental section for detailed information on how we are achieving this aim.

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How can I contact Nestlé Consumer Services?

Please send us an email - selecting your country of residence will forward your mail to your local Consumer Services operation. We receive millions of contacts from consumers all around the world each year, and we try to answer everyone within 48 hours or two working days (holiday periods excepted). We hope to be able to serve you with a satisfactory answer.

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How much does Nestlé spend on Research and Development?

Nestlé spent CHF 1.98 bn on research and development in 2008. Our R&D operations are spread worldwide to combine global sacale with local relevance. Our network begins with the Nestlé Research Center near Lausanne, Switzerland; we have 18 product technology and R&D centers worldwide, with more than 280 Application Groups in our individual operating companies. In addition, we have more than 300 contracts with universities and other partners in basic research.

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What are Nestlé's main areas of activity?

Nestlé, throughout its history, has been very focused on food and beverages. The only real diversification came during the 1977, with the acquisition of Alcon Laboratories Inc. in Fort Worth, Texas, a pharmaceutical company specializing in eye care. A few years earlier, Nestlé had taken a minority interest in L'Oréal, the world's leading cosmetics producer. Nestlé considers this a strategic participation.

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What is the Nestlé Model?

The Nestlé Model seeks to achieve three measurable objectives over a long peroid of time:

  • Annual organic growth between 5% and 6%
  • Year-on-year improvement of EBIT (Earnings Before Interest and Tax) margin
  • Improved Return on Invested Capital
More information can be found in our Investor Relations section.

 

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What is the role of the Group General Counsel at Nestlé S.A?

The Group General Counsel is the senior legal advisor of the Group, responsible for the management of the overall legal exposure of the Company.  The Group General Counsel has a direct relationship with the Chairman, the Board of Directors, the CEO and the Executive Management Board and provides functional legal services via the Group Legal Department based at our head office in Vevey, Switzerland. The General Counsel also has a consulting role throughout our global businesses and markets. Mr Hans Peter Frick currently holds this position at Nestlé S.A.
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