OC Oerlikon Corporation AG reported earnings results for the first quarter of 2013. For the first quarter, the company reported EBIT of CHF 85 million, reflecting a margin of about 11.8% compared to a restated margin of 13.1% on a like-for-like basis for the first quarter of 2012. The strongest contribution in the first quarter 2013 came from Textile and Coating, and sequentially improved Vacuum segment's performance. ROCE of 17% compared to a level of about 17.6% a year ago and compared to a full year 2012 ROCE of about 19.7%. The slight decline was predominantly attributable to the one-offs the one-off effect in EBIT, which were significant from the divestment of the Arbon property in the first quarter of 2012. For 2013, the company forecasts underlying operational profitability to be around previous year's levels, which may be temporarily impacted by the divestment of the Textile segment.

OC Oerlikon Corporation AG is looking for acquisition opportunities with a war-chest of CHF 1.2 billion. Oerlikon’s Chief Finance Officer, Juerg Fedier said, “Our strong financial position would allow us to spend about CHF 1.2 billion ($1.28 billion) on potential acquisitions while keeping our debt at an acceptable level. Due to the structure of our portfolio, the vacuum and coating segments would be in focus, but investment in other businesses cannot be ruled out either.” Fedier added that there is no change to its policy on acquisitions following the surprise departure of its Chief Executive Officer, Michael Buscher.

The board of directors of the OC Oerlikon Corporation AG announced that CEO Dr. Michael Buscher will leave the company. The Board has appointed CFO Jurg Fedier interim CEO with immediate effect. Jürg Fedier, who was instrumental in the Group's restructuring and 2012 refinancing, has been an Executive Committee member and Oerlikon CFO since 2009.