Media center

On October 1, 2008 Nihon SiberHegner K.K. (Japan headquarter: Minato-ku, Tokyo; President, Wolfgang Schanzenbach) will merge with Desco Luxury (Japan) Ltd. Through this merger, Nihon SiberHegner K.K.'s accumulated experience from over 140 years of doing business in Japan will be augmented by Desco Luxury (Japan) Ltd.'s luxury business. We are convinced that this merger will serve to strengthen Nihon SiberHegner's base of Market Expansion Services in our Consumer Goods business.

We are confident that this is an opportunity for all our employees to refresh their sense of unity and mission, and we are grateful for your continued support and encouragement.

As one of the first foreign trading companies in Japan, Nihon SiberHegner K.K. was established as Siber & Brennwald in Yokohama in 1865. In the following more than 140 years, the company has overcome many difficulties and challenges and contributed to both business and culture in Japan. For many years, the company was the largest exporter of raw silk and played a key role in making Japan into a raw silk kingdom. It also contributed to establishing a gas plant for Japan's first gaslights, began importing watches and machinery, and later also chemical and pharmaceutical raw materials.

Today, Nihon SiberHegner has developed its business in Japan in three key areas, Consumer Goods, Performance Materials and Technology. Its sales in fiscal 2007 amounted to JPY 36 billion. Nihon SiberHegner is a member of DKSH Group.

DKSH is the leading Market Expansion Services Group with focus on Asia. As the term "Market Expansion Services" already suggests, DKSH helps other companies and brands to grow their business in new or existing markets.

With 455 business locations in 35 countries - 15 of them in Europe and the Americas - and more than 22,000 specialized staff it is one of the top 20 Swiss companies ranked by sales and employees. In 2007, DKSH generated annual gross revenues of CHF 8,800 million.

The company offers any combination of sourcing, marketing, sales, distribution and after-sales services. It provides business partners with expertise as well as on-the-ground logistics based on a comprehensive network of unique size and depth. Business activities are organized into four specialized Business Units that mirror DKSH fields of expertise: Consumer Goods, Healthcare, Performance Materials and Technology.

Although DKSH is a Swiss company with headquarters in Zurich, it is deeply rooted in communities all across Asia Pacific. This is because the company looks back on a more than 140 year long tradition of doing business in and with the region.