Sustainability rating: INDUS again awarded 'Prime' status in ISS ESG sustainability rating

• Top position in ISS ESG rating for the fifth time
• Sustainability strategy is working

Bergisch Gladbach, 06 May 2020 - INDUS Holding AG has been awarded the 'Prime' status in the sustainability rating of Institutional Shareholder Services Inc. for the fifth consecutive time. INDUS received a "C⁺" rating in the "Corporate ESG Performance" category, thus defending its top position in the international peer group of "Financials/Multi-Sector Holdings". INDUS is among the top 10 percent in this peer group.

Sustainability ratings are playing an increasingly important role for investors and financial managers. This is due not only to growing regulatory pressure, but also to the fact that interest in green finance is growing worldwide. This suggests that sustainability ratings should be used actively. ISS applies the strictest standards to issue companies with the ESG rating in twelve levels from A⁺ to D^- after having examined their performance in the fields of "Environment" (E), "Social" (S) and "Governance" (G). 'Prime' status is awarded for ratings of "C" and better in the international peer group of "Financials/Multi-Sector Holdings". INDUS has regularly been awarded 'Prime' status since its inclusion in the rankings in 2015.

"The fact that we have once again been awarded 'Prime' status confirms the success of our sustainability strategy," said Dr. Johannes Schmidt, Chairman of the Board of Management of INDUS. "We are actively working, for instance, to reduce the greenhouse gas emissions of our Group by more than 35 percent by 2030 compared to the base year 2018. This is our contribution to achieving the sectoral targets for German industry laid down in the 2030 Climate Protection Plan."

In its capacity as parent company, INDUS supports its portfolio companies in implementing the declared objectives at every level. This is done not only by providing technical advice but also by granting adequate financial support. In the context of the current PARKOUR strategy program, this year will see INDUS begin to set up an internal "sustainability development bank" to finance environmental efficiency measures.

"INDUS' 'Prime' rating shows that the company meets the highest standards of sustainable, responsible and forward-looking action and consistently implements the defined objectives by taking economically sensible measures," said Dr. Johannes Schmidt.

Contact:
Jana Külschbach & Dafne Sanac
Public Relations & Investor Relations
INDUS Holding AG
Kölner Straße 32
51429 Bergisch Gladbach
Germany

Tel +49 (0) 022 04 / 40 00-35
Tel +49 (0) 022 04 / 40 00-32
E-mail [email protected]
E-mail [email protected]
www.indus.de