Quarterlytics / Manufacturing - Metal Fabrication / RHI Magnesita N.V.

RHI Magnesita N.V.

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FY2017 Annual Report · RHI Magnesita N.V.
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The
global leader

in refractories

Annual Report 2017

 
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CONTENTS

Strategic Report
We are RHI Magnesita 
Key Operating and  
  Financial Highlights  
RHI Magnesita at a Glance  
Chairman and CEO’s Letter  
Business Model  
Our Value Chain Explained  
Our Strategic Priorities  
Divisional Performance  
Financial Review  
Risk Management and Internal  
  Control System  
Corporate Social Responsibility  
Business Ethics, Values and  
  Human Rights 
People, Culture and Communities  
Environment and Energy  
Innovation, Research  
  and Development  

01

02
04
06
08
10
12
14 
16

22
26

30
32
40

46 

Governance
Board of Directors 
Executive Management Team 
Corporate Governance 
Audit Committee Report 
Remuneration Committee Report 
Directors’ Remuneration Policy 
Annual Report on Remuneration 

Financial Statements
Independent Auditors’ Report 
Consolidated Statement  
  of Financial Position 
Consolidated Statement  
  of Profit and Loss 
Consolidated Statement  
  of Comprehensive Income 
Consolidated Statement 
  of Cash Flows 
Consolidated Statement 
  of Changes in Equity 
Notes to the Consolidated 
  Financial Statements 2017 

52
56
58
68
70
73
82

94

102

103

104

105

106

108

Other information
Global Reporting Initiative G4 Index  196
IBC
Shareholder Information 

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R H I   M A G N E S I TA

A N N U A L   R E P O R T   2 0 1 7

1

We are

RHI Magnesita

The driving force  
RHI Magnesita is the global leader in 
refractories. We have the largest number 
of locations around the world and the most 
innovative, reliable products and solutions. 

Our mission 
At RHI Magnesita, innovation takes place 
in extreme conditions. It is the materials, 
robotics, sensors, Big Data and machine 
learning that is transforming industry 
across the world. It is also the everyday 
problem-solving of all of our people, 
making processes quicker, products more 
cost-effective, and solutions and services 
more beneficial for our customers.

 
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S T R AT E G I C   R E P O R T

R H I   M A G N E S I TA

Key Operating and
  Financial Highlights

COMPELLING INVESTMENT CASE

 Solid strategy and 
competitive advantages

  Best market position with 15% market 
share, clear leadership in Americas, 
Europe and Middle East with broadest 
value-added solution offering

  Opportunity to develop and  
leverage technology across  
regions and portfolio

  Highest level of vertical integration 
in the industry with unique mineral 
sources and 50%+ self-sufficiency  
in all raw materials

Rapid deleveraging and 
strong cash conversion

  Strong cash flows from operating 
business supported by synergies  
and organic growth opportunities

   Cash usage priority on deleveraging 
within two years to reach investment 
grade rating

 Significant  
synergy potential

   At least €70 million EBITA synergies  
in SG&A, procurement and  
production network

   Additional “below the line”  
opportunities in working capital,  
capex, financing and tax under  
intensive evolution

ADJUSTED PRO-FORMA RESULTS

€2,677m

Revenue

€304m

Adjusted pro-forma EBITA

1.9x

Net Debt/Adjusted pro-forma 
EBITDA 

11.4%

Adjusted pro-forma EBITA 
margin

R H I   M A G N E S I TA

A N N U A L   R E P O R T   2 0 1 7

3

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S T R AT E G I C   R E P O R T

R H I   M A G N E S I TA

RHI Magnesita 
  at a Glance

Refractory products are 
used in all the world’s 
high-temperature 
industrial processes. 

Without them, the steel, cement, lime, 
non-ferrous metals, glass, energy, 
environment and chemical industries 
couldn’t exist. As the most highly vertically 
integrated business in our sector, our talented 
team of more than 14,000 employees 
across 40 countries control the shipment of 
refractory products more than 180 countries 
worldwide. Our annual investment of 
€37 million in research makes us the 
industry’s largest dedicated research team, 
pushing the boundaries of what is possible.

2 4 . 0 % revenue

North  
America

Adjusted pro-forma Revenue1 
by industry (%)

45.8

25.6

28.4

25.9

74.4

Steel

Industrial

Cement/Lime

Other Process Industries

Non-ferrous Metals

1  Revenue split considers only refractory 

segments and does not take into account the 
effect of any divestitures.

INDUSTRIAL 
Our Industrial Division provides 
refractory solutions for the 
cement, lime, non-ferrous metals 
and glass industries as well as 
the environment, energy and 
chemicals sectors, providing a 
wide range of services required 
by the complex demands of 
its customers. 

STEEL 
Our Steel Division provides its 
customers with a broad range 
of customised solutions and 
comprehensive packages for 
steel production consisting of 
refractories (basic and non-basic 
mixes and bricks), machinery, 
flow control systems, and 
Full Line Service solutions.

South  
America

17.9% reve n u e

R H I   M A G N E S I TA

A N N U A L   R E P O R T   2 0 1 7

5

2 3 . 2 % revenue

Europe

Middle East/ 
Africa

15.1% rev e n u

e

1 9 . 9 %  revenue

Asia- 
Pacific

17.9% reve n u e

Providing everything, for everyone, everywhere

€2.7bn

2017 adjusted  
pro-forma revenue

180

Countries shipped 
worldwide

€37m 13

Annual investment  
in research

Raw material sites 
in four continents

>14,000

Employees spread more 
than 40 countries

35

Main production sites 
across 16 countries

10,000

Customers served 
globally

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S T R AT E G I C   R E P O R T

R H I   M A G N E S I TA

Chairman and  
  CEO’s Letter

HERBERT CORDT 
CHAIRMAN

STEFAN BORGAS 
CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER

Without any doubt 2017 is what one would call 
a truly extraordinary business year that will go 
down in the Company history as the year when 
we successfully implemented and completed 
the merger of RHI and Magnesita.

In many ways, this was a transformative 
effort. The market opening at the London 
Stock Exchange at the end of October 
2017 was an extraordinary milestone and 
served as a symbolic act to mark the 
success of our listing in the Premium 
Segment on the London Stock Exchange 
as well as the rise of RHI Magnesita to the 
top of the refractory industry. The merger 
reshaped the sector’s framework as 
RHI Magnesita is by far the global market 
leader and thus the new driving force of 
the industry. 

Despite the extensive efforts to make this 
cross-border merger transaction possible, 
RHI Magnesita recorded a solid operating 
performance in 2017 which is attributable 
to the Company’s efficient operations and 
the macroeconomic tailwind. Customer 
industries grew and global steel 
production outside China increased by 
4%; the combined revenue is up by 11%1. 
This positive development resulted in 
some plants running at high capacity. 
Though, the continued shortage of raw 
materials from China caused higher 
material procurement prices and had a 
significant impact on our cost structure, 
as price increases could not be fully 
passed on to customers yet. Supplying 
our customers continuously throughout 
this period continues to be our number 
one focus.

1 

Adjusted pro-forma revenue

RHI Magnesita was confronted with a 
series of one-off effects, which reduced 
EBITA: the expenses related to the 
merger, currency effects, as well as 
the EU-induced regulatory remedies. 
The operating EBITA excluding one-offs 
was 39% higher compared to 2016.

Our strategy
RHI Magnesita’s strategy is based on 
the combination of both companies’ 
strengths to capture synergies. There 
are many complementary aspects: 
RHI Magnesita’s strategic competitive 
advantages are built on an enlarged 
portfolio of products and services, higher 
customer proximity due to a broader 
geographical footprint, technology 
leadership as well as a higher raw 
material integration that grants supply 
certainty, consistent high quality and cost 
competitiveness. The combination will 
capture synergies and drive efficiencies; 
the synergy effects of roughly €70 million 
per year will be fully implemented in 
2019 but will lead to immediate EBITDA 
improvements. The synergies are also 
essential to deleverage our balance 
sheet and allow for future investments. 

The combination is associated with a 
series of challenges and opportunities 
– not only at the strategic and economic 
levels, but also for our employees. 
The merger now offers the unique 
opportunity to create a new, common 
corporate culture and creates many 
career opportunities. 

R H I   M A G N E S I TA

A N N U A L   R E P O R T   2 0 1 7

7

It is not just about being 
the biggest and strongest. 
To us, it is about using our 
competitive advantages to 
set the pace of innovation 
and progress in our 
industry and deliver the 
best for our customers.

Our culture
Immediately after the completion of the 
transaction, management presented the 
new brand, which aims to have an effect 
both internally and externally: global 
leadership and innovation are the 
messages directed at all external and 
internal stakeholders. Together with 
customer focus and performance 
accountability these values build the 
foundation for our four cultural themes 
and help us navigate and achieve our 
ambitions as one global Company.

Our structure
In the course of the merger, the corporate 
structure was changed. As a result, the 
Company’s shares have been listed in 
the Premium Segment of the London 
Stock Exchange since 27 October 2017. 
As of 18 December 2017, the share were 
admitted to the FTSE 250 stock index. 
This major step was taken because the 
share’s visibility is significantly better 
in the London marketplace and the 
financial community has an in-depth 
understanding of the refractory industry. 
Austrian retail investors can continue to 
trade RHI Magnesita’s shares on the 
global market segment of the Vienna 
Stock Exchange.

RHI Magnesita’s Place of Effective 
Management (PoEM) and its 
headquarters are in Vienna. The 
Company follows the UK and Dutch 
Corporate Governance Code. 

The Annual General Meeting will be held 
on 7 June 2018. 

In summary
On behalf of the Board of Directors 
and the Executive Management Team, 
we would like to take the opportunity 
of expressing our gratitude to our 
shareholders, suppliers and customers for 
the confidence and trust they continued 
to show in our Company, our products 
and services and our staff throughout 
this exciting year. We thank all employees 
for their contribution and efforts in 2017, 
making this extraordinarily challenging 
year a success by managing both the 
merger and the operating business well.

2018 will be an important year for RHI 
Magnesita. The Board is looking forward 
to the coming year with confidence and 
are working on meeting future challenges 
together with the management team. 

The claim “The driving force of 
the refractory industry” reflects 
RHI Magnesita’s leadership in every 
aspect of the refractory business. It is 
not just about being the biggest and 
strongest. To us, it’s about using our 
competitive advantages to set the pace 
of innovation and progress in our industry 
and deliver the best for our customers. 

Together we are convinced that we can 
do more than meet the future – we can 
shape it! 

HERBERT CORDT 
CHAIRMAN 

STEFAN BORGAS
CEO

  
 
8

S T R AT E G I C   R E P O R T

R H I   M A G N E S I TA

Business  
  Model

As the leading company in the refractory 
industry, RHI Magnesita has developed  
a resilient business model to create value 
sustainably for all of our stakeholders.

We have the resources

...and the strategy

1

2

3
4

5

Financial strength
Our focus on working capital management 
and cash generation remains strong, we 
continue to be well financed with high 
liquidity and a robust balance sheet.

Production facilities and raw material sites
With a vertically integrated value chain,  
RHI Magnesita serves more than 10,000 
customers in a majority of countries around  
the world.

Know-how and expertise
Our technical engineers across 90 
countries, working on-site with clients  
to provide custom-made solutions.

Skilled and motivated people
The employees’ comprehensive  
knowledge, their competence, ideas  
and their high commitment and motivation 
continue to drive our success.

Strong relationships with 
all our stakeholders
We operate daily with integrity, honesty, 
reliability as well as a respectful contact 
with employees and business partners.

Markets
Worldwide presence with strong 
local organisations and solid market 
positions in most major markets.

Portfolio
Comprehensive refractory product 
portfolio including basic, non-basic, 
functional products and services in 
high-performance segments.

Technology
Top solution provider in the refractory 
industry with an extensive portfolio 
based on innovative technologies 
and digitalisation.

Competitiveness
Cost competitive and safe production 
network supported by lowest cost  
G&A services.

People
Hire, retain and motivate talent and 
nurture a meritocratic, performance-
driven, client-focused friendly culture.

Read more on page 13 

Our cultural 
themes

Act customer-focused  
and innovatively
We put the customer at the  
centre of everything we are doing.  
We are innovating in every aspect  
of our business.

Have open decision-making  
in a respectful environment 
Allowing us to make fast decisions  
at all business levels by being 
transparent in our dissemination 
against the reasons why.

Operate cross-functionally, 
collaboratively and pragmatically
We base our decisions on one 
company, one P&L level. We strive  
to keep it simple and fast paced.

Are performance-driven  
and accountable
Our every action has a result-driven 
methodology, striving to be ambitious 
and entrepreneurial; with a risk to 
reward mindset.

R H I   M A G N E S I TA

A N N U A L   R E P O R T   2 0 1 7

9

...to add value through a full 
suite of products and services

...to create benefits for all  
our stakeholders

o u s  

u

n ti n

o

C

r e s e arch and develop

m

e

nt

Recycling  
and disposal

Raw materials 
mining and 
management

Our  
customers

Customer 
application 
and services

Production 
(shaping  
and firing)

Packaging 
and logistics

throughout the   c y c l e

What differentiates us...

We drive innovation in every 
aspect of our business, from 
materials, robotics and Big Data,  
to bespoke new business models 
and efficient new processes, under 
extreme conditions. With our own 
on-site technical experts able  
to consult, develop and deliver 
innovative solutions directly to 
clients. Our unique ability to cover 
every step of the way along the 

value chain, allows RHI Magnesita 
a significant competitive 
advantage – enabling us to build 
a global refractory leader with a 
distinctive customer proposition 
based on technology and cost 
competitiveness to ensure 
manufacturing of essential 
materials for the world.

More of our value chain  
on pages 10 and 11

Our investors
Our clear objective is to create the maximum 
shareholder value. This is supported by a solid 
strategy based on our competitive advantage 
around a strong global market share, opportunities 
to develop and leveraging of technologies. 
Furthermore, we are well on track with integration 
and deleveraging.

Our customers
Our products account for only around 1% to 5% of 
our customers’ production costs. But their reliability 
– from supply to the product performance – is 
absolutely crucial. As we are the most vertically 
integrated company in the industry, we are able  
to support the success of our customers.

Our people
Our people are the most important resource we 
have. We are creating numerous opportunities for 
our employees to develop including educational 
tracks, international development paths and 
special initiatives for the future management of 
our Company. 100% safety of our employees is 
one of the most important operative targets for 
RHI Magnesita. 

Our environment
We have taken the lead in applying technology  
to make refractory products efficiently without 
harming people or the environment. Through 
digitisation, robotisation, automation and new 
materials we continue to make our factories cleaner 
and greener. To ensure this, we have established  
an integrated management system to ensure we  
are consistently meeting those high standards.

Our communities
We are committed to responsible management 
through compliance of pertaining laws, striving 
for ethically sound practice. We are able to look 
back on centuries-old history in some of our local 
operations and are fully aware of the responsibility 
we therefore have for the local communities. 

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S T R AT E G I C   R E P O R T

R H I   M A G N E S I TA

Our Value  
  Chain Explained

Mining

Crushing

Firing in the rotary kiln 1,800°C

Mixing

Packaging

Press max. 3,200t

Heat treatment max 350°C

Quality assurance

Packaging

CONTINUOUS RESEARCH & DEVELOPMENT THROUGHOUT THE CYCLE

UNSHAPED REFRACTORY

PRODUCTS

CUSTOMERS: STEEL

INDUSTRY EXAMPLE

UNFIRED REFRACTORY

PRODUCTS

Installation in 

a LD converter

Use: pig iron is

turned into steel

LOGISTICS

FIRED REFRACTORY

PRODUCTS

Removal

Press max. 3,200t

Firing in the tunnel kiln max 1,800°C for three days

Quality assurance

Packaging

Recycling

Disposal

As the leading company in the refractory 
industry, RHI Magnesita has developed  
a resilient business model to create value 
sustainably for all of our stakeholders.

RHI Magnesita covers all steps along 
the entire value chain. This enables 
RHI Magnesita to offer its customers 
high-quality refractory products based 
on research and development, its own raw 
materials and technological product and 
process know-how. The core processes 
along the value chain include mining, 
crushing, mixing, firing, packaging, 
transportation, customer application, 
recycling and disposal according to legal 

R H I   M A G N E S I TA

A N N U A L   R E P O R T   2 0 1 7

1 1

CONTINUOUS RESEARCH & DEVELOPMENT THROUGHOUT THE CYCLE

UNSHAPED REFRACTORY
PRODUCTS

CUSTOMERS: STEEL
INDUSTRY EXAMPLE

Mining

Crushing

Firing in the rotary kiln 1,800°C

Mixing

Packaging

Press max. 3,200t

Heat treatment max 350°C

Quality assurance

Packaging

UNFIRED REFRACTORY
PRODUCTS

Installation in 
a LD converter

Use: pig iron is
turned into steel

LOGISTICS

FIRED REFRACTORY
PRODUCTS

Removal

Press max. 3,200t

Firing in the tunnel kiln max 1,800°C for three days

Quality assurance

Packaging

Recycling

Disposal

requirements. One of the basic materials 
for refractory products is magnesite, a 
mineral that RHI Magnesita mines in both 
underground and surface mines. The 
magnesite ore is crushed and fired at 
1,800°C in special kilns. In the burning 
process, the CO2 contained in the 
magnesite is released; moreover, the 
material’s density is increased. Then the 
bricks and mixes are either mixed with 
binding agents, packaged and shipped 

as repair materials, or pressed in different 
sizes and shapes with a pressure of up 
to 3,200 tonnes. Depending on the 
application, the refractory bricks are then 
either subjected to heat treatment at up 
to 350°C or fired at up to 1,800°C in 
tunnel kilns for three days. While so-
called unfired products are primarily used 
in the steel industry, the main applications 
of fired products are in the cement, 
non-ferrous metals, process and mineral 

industries. If a service contract has been 
concluded, the refractory products are 
also installed by experienced employees 
of the RHI Magnesita Group. After their 
use in the customer’s production process, 
worn refractory linings are broken out 
and, if possible, reused as secondary raw 
materials. RHI Magnesita thus stands for the 
entire cycle from raw material production 
to recycling of finished products.

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S T R AT E G I C   R E P O R T

R H I   M A G N E S I TA

Our Strategic
  Priorities

Enabling enhanced strategic growth by joining forces 
in the course of 2017, we started the creation of the 
globally leading refractory producer RHI Magnesita. 

Strategic rationale of the merger
The merger of RHI and Magnesita 
can clearly be seen as a strategic 
combination that captures synergies, 
drives efficiencies by establishing a 
leading market position, strengthening 
our global geographic cluster, leveraging 
technology capabilities and retaining 
raw material integration.

The strategic rationale for the 
combination was to complement one 
another’s footprints and become a more 
competitive, vertically integrated global 
provider of products, systems and 
services in the refractory industry. As 
a result of our extended geographical 
reach and product and services portfolio, 
RHI Magnesita has enhanced access to 
the core markets, customer base and 
geographical regions. Upon completion 
of the combination, RHI Magnesita has 
become the leading player in the global 
refractory market. A market that is 
otherwise characterised by high 
fragmentation and intense competition, 
with more than 2,000 competitors 
worldwide; though we see clear 
indications that the market will 
consolidate strongly, especially driven 
by efforts of the Chinese authorities 
in the mid to long term.

Due to the greater scale, enhanced 
market position and cost synergies of the 
merger, RHI Magnesita is well positioned 
to compete and grow further in this 
consolidating industry. RHI Magnesita’s 
defined strategy is to be seen in this light 
and focuses on capturing growth options 
while delivering identified synergies and 
pivots around our vision to become the 
driving force of the refractory industry. 
This has been comprehensively 
developed around five main topics, 
which we are tackling in the years to 
come: markets, portfolio, technology, 
competitiveness and people. These pillars 
give us the framework to structurally 
pursue growth ambitions while ensuring 
success in the integration and not losing 
sight of our technological long-term goals.

Link to remuneration
To ensure the full focus of our top 
management, strategic priorities for 
2018 and beyond have been allocated 
to respective managers and will be a core 
base for the long-term remuneration 
system of RHI Magnesita.

R H I   M A G N E S I TA

A N N U A L   R E P O R T   2 0 1 7

1 3

Markets 
Worldwide lead with strong 
local organisations and 
significant market positions 
including China

Our focus for the year ahead
We want to achieve a clear market leader 
position in all major basic markets. Taking 
into account the differing market trends 
and our position in the respective regions, 
a selective market approach needs to be 
derived. In developed markets in North 
America, Europe and South America, 

we will focus on ensuring full integration 
of the companies and capitalizing 
all synergy potentials. In developing 
countries like China and India, our 
strategic approach is more focused 
on enhancing our local market positions 
by strengthening the local teams and 
our footprint.

Portfolio 
Comprehensive refractory 
product portfolio including 
basic, non-basic, functional 
products and services in 
high-performance segments

Our focus for the year ahead
RHI Magnesita has already developed a 
leading market position in basic products 
especially in the lining for the steel 
industry. It is our clear goal, to further 
extend our current market position in 
high end/quality application through 
product portfolio extensions especially 
in the non-basic and functional 
product segments. 

RHI Magnesita, with its high vertical 
integration, was able to rely more on 
stable supply of raw materials in the 
past year. Though we have understood 
the importance of recycling refractory 
material, not only for economic but more 
importantly for environmental reasons. 
Therefore, we will put an enhanced 
focus on this topic in the coming years.

Technology 
Top solution provider in the 
refractory industry with an 
extensive portfolio based 
on innovative technologies 
and digitalisation

Our focus for the year ahead
RHI Magnesita has always attached great 
importance to research and development. 
The innovative power is based on 
decades of hard work and driving edge 
technological research. RHI Magnesita’s 
global research team consists of 251 
employees, of which one third have 
Master’s and PHDs in refractories or similar 
topics, working out of two research hubs 
and two centres globally. Additionally, 

RHI Magnesita’s technical marketing 
staff of around 400 employees services 
our customers worldwide.

We will continue investing in R&D to 
create products that have a distinct 
competitive advantage by cost or by 
product performance. Furthermore, 
we will deepen our knowledge about 
our customers’ processes in order to 
stay ahead in the marketplace.

Competitiveness 
Cost competitive and safe 
production and sales network 
supported by lowest cost 
G&A services

Our focus for the year ahead
The market environment of the last years 
was characterised by structural excess 
capacities in many customer industries 
and the aggressive export strategy of 
some Chinese producers. We expect this 
to continue but on a lower level. Though 
we believe that the high pressure on the 
market prices and on the profitability of 
manufacturers, and subsequently also 
on suppliers, is about to stay.

Therefore, competitiveness is the backbone 
of RHI Magnesita’s future success. This does 
not only take into account achieving the 
derived synergies but also to set up and 
ensure cost-efficiency along the whole 
value chain. This remains a must in the 
prevailing market environment. Therefore, 
we have started various projects on the top 
management level to ensure the optimal set 
up of our plants and our global supply chain.

People 
Hire, retain and motivate 
talent and nurture a 
meritocratic, performance-
driven, client-focused and 
friendly culture

Our focus for the year ahead
Our employees are the single most 
important success factor and the reason 
for the long and proud history of our 
Company. The merger of RHI and 
Magnesita has created a truly global 
player and this we need to ensure at 
all levels of our Company. Therefore, 

we are developing ways to encourage 
international careers, enhancing 
geographical, gender and functional 
diversity and are generally establishing 
a culture of trust and openness. We 
believe in our young talent and have 
built a meritocratic environment in 
which they can nurture. 

1 4
1 4

S T R AT E G I C   R E P O R T
S T R AT E G I C   R E P O R T

R H I   M A G N E S I TA
R H I   M A G N E S I TA

Divisional
  Performance

R H I   M A G N E S I TA

A N N U A L   R E P O R T   2 0 1 7

1 5

Steel 
Division

With its Steel Division, RHI Magnesita provides 
its customers with a broad range of customised 
solutions and comprehensive packages for steel 
production consisting of refractories (basic and 
non-basic mixes and bricks), machinery, flow 
control systems, and Full Line Service solutions.

Sales to the Steel Division accounted for 
67.3% of the Company’s total revenue 
in 2017, compared to 64.9% in 2016. 
Revenue amounted to €1,308.8 million 
in 2017, up by 22.2% when compared to 
2016. This improvement was largely due 
to the strong pick-up in steel production 
in 2017, in addition to the two months 
of Magnesita’s sales that started to 
be consolidated in November 2017. 
As a result, gross profit in 2017 stood 
at €302.7 million, representing 23.1% 
of the Steel Division’s sales 290 bps 
higher than 2016.

According to the World Steel Association, 
steel output in 2017 reached 1.69 billion 
tonnes, up 5.3% from 2016. In Europe, 
the improvement of the underlying 
market was the main driver for RHI 
Magnesita’s sales performance  
in the region during the year. 

A combination of antidumping measures, 
economic growth and robust exports 
boosted the performance of sectors using 
steel. Steel output in EU increased by 
4.1 % compared with 2016, with the 
strongest growth recorded in Austria, 
France, Germany, Italy, Poland and Spain. 

In North America (excl. Mexico), steel 
output increased by 4.6% year-on-year. 
After a few years of decline, the US steel 
industry recovered on the back of higher 
internal demand, stronger economic 
activity and supported by the trade cases 
enacted in 2016. Steel output in the 
US posted a 4% increase year-on-year, 

despite higher imports, which continue 
to impact the local industry. Capacity 
utilisation improved to 75% in 2017 
from 70% in 2016. Sales in the region 
outperformed the market, as key growth 
initiatives came into fruition, with two 
new EAF plants starting production 
during the year.

Higher deliveries in Latin America 
were driven by the 7.7% surge in steel 
production year-on-year, with Brazil 
(+9.9%), Mexico (+6.3%) and Argentina 
(+12.1%) posting strong performance. 
Production in Brazil was driven by the 
positive momentum for flats – led by the 
auto sector demand – and exports, led 
mainly by the ramp-up of CSP. Likewise, 
the expansion in Mexico was boosted 
by the combination of higher internal 
demand, which grew by 4.4% year-on-
year, and exports, which jumped 15.4%. 
In Argentina, the positive performance 
was driven by higher demand and 
supported by the renaissance of public 
works and infrastructure projects.

Steel production in the CIS remained 
virtually flat year-on-year. Lower 
production in Ukraine was offset by 
higher output in Russia and Moldova. 
Business in Russia, the most important 
market in the region, recorded mid 
single-digit growth, with higher deliveries 
to EAF, ladle and tundish applications. 
Moreover, market share gains in flow 
control contributed to sales growth 
in the region.

Performance in Africa was slightly 
positive. The Egyptian market reacted 
positively to the implementation of import 
duties on billets from several countries, 
in addition to the stronger local demand. 
In South Africa, steel production was 
adversely affected by higher imports from 
China, but rebounded in the second half 
as antidumping and import duties led 
refractory consumption to return to 
normal levels.

The market environment in Asia-Pacific 
was dominated by China and its effect 
on all steel-producing countries, as it 
remains a major exporter to the region. 
In 2017, several countries implemented 
antidumping measures on steel products 
from China. Initiatives by the Chinese 
government to cut capacity, improve 
product quality, rationalise and 
modernise the local industry led to lower 
Chinese exports and higher steel prices. 
Countries like Thailand, the Philippines 
and Malaysia were among the biggest 
beneficiaries of such developments, with 
steel output increasing significantly over 
2016. Concurrently, Vietnam has become 
one of the largest steel producers in the 
region after the ramp-up of Formosa 
Ha Tinh Steel Corporation during 2017. 
Finally, steel output in India recorded 
a 6.2% increase over 2016. Sales in 
Asia-Pacific recorded double-digit 
growth in 2017, with positive performance 
across the product spectrum.

1 6
1 6

S T R AT E G I C   R E P O R T
S T R AT E G I C   R E P O R T

R H I   M A G N E S I TA
R H I   M A G N E S I TA

Divisional
  Performance

Industrial 
Division

The Industrial Division provides refractory 
solutions for the cement, lime, non-ferrous 
metals and glass industries as well as the 
environment, energy and chemicals sectors.

RHI Magnesita supplies its Industrial 
Division customers with high-grade 
refractory systems. Through the 
continuous expansion of its technological 
capabilities and problem-solving 
expertise, RHI Magnesita can provide a 
wide range of services required by the 
complex demands of its customers.

Demand for Cement/Lime is closely 
linked to the construction industry. 
Production of, and demand for, non-
ferrous metals are closely associated 
with the market price of such non-ferrous 
metals, including nickel, zinc, copper, 
aluminium, tin and lead. Demand for 

glass is also linked to the construction 
industry as well as automobile industry. In 
the environmental, energy and chemicals 
business, demand is closely linked to 
the development of the oil price, which 
is the main driver for new projects.

Sales to this Division accounted for 
29.7% of the Company’s total revenue, 
compared to 32.6% in 2016. Revenue 
from sales to the Industrial Division 
amounted to €577.6 million in 2017, 
up 7.2% compared to 2016. This 
improvement was largely explained 
by the positive performance of sales 
to the cement segment, in addition 

R H I   M A G N E S I TA

A N N U A L   R E P O R T   2 0 1 7

1 7

to the two months of Magnesita’s sales that 
started to be consolidated in November 
2017. Gross profit for 2017 amounted 
to €130.2 million, representing 22.5% 
of the Industrial Division sales. 
In comparison to 2016, gross 
margin was 70 bps lower in 2017. 

Cement/Lime
Revenue contribution of the cement 
business increased from 35.2% of the 
Industrial Division sales in 2016 to 38.8% 
in 2017, and as a percentage of the 
Company’s total revenue, represented 
11.7% in 2017 (2016: 11.5% in 2016). 
Sales to cement customers amounted 
to €226.8 million in 2017, up 19.8% 
from the €189.3 million obtained in 
2016. Such improvement was driven by 
a significantly better market environment 
in 2017, especially in the second half 
of the year. The raw material crisis in 
China also influenced the demand for 
refractories as customers anticipated 
orders to secure supply. 

Regarding the market environment 
in 2017, demand for cement in China 
continued to rise in 2017 with the 
development of construction projects. 
China is by far the largest cement 
producer in the world and the largest 
RHI Magnesita market for cement 
products. Nevertheless, the Chinese 
government has recently prohibited 
capacity expansion in 2018 with the 
objective to eliminate inefficient capacity 
and replace it with more modern and 
environmentally friendly facilities. 

In India, the second largest cement 
producer worldwide, demand declined 
year-on-year, influenced by lower 
investments in infrastructure and housing 
projects. Sales in the region remained 
nearly stable over 2016, with new 
contracts offsetting the weaker 
underlying demand.

In Europe, cement production performed 
positively after several years of constant 
decline. In North America, the year was 
also very positive for the cement industry, 
with higher demand and consequently 
higher capacity utilization. RHI Magnesita 
sales exceeded market growth, buoyed 
by a greenfield project in the region.

Lower activity in Latin America drove 
weaker performance of the repair 
business in the region. Demand in Brazil, 
which suffered massive declines in the 
previous years, has apparently stabilised, 
despite still being at low levels.

customers in China was slightly weaker 
in 2017. On the other hand, higher sales 
were recorded to the Chinese copper 
and nickel industries. A positive trend 
continued in Africa with capacity 
expansion planned or already in 
development. The highlight in the region 
was the supply for a new plant in Algeria, 
in addition to several repair orders in 
Algeria, Libya, Nigeria and South Africa, 
which also contributed to the positive 
performance in the region. RHI Magnesita 
also supplied to large relining projects 
in ferronickel in New Caledonia and for 
a ferrochrome Kazakh smelter.

Non-ferrous metals
Revenue contribution of the non-ferrous 
business was slightly lower in 2017, from 
27.2% of the Industrial Division sales in 
2016 to 25.3% in 2017. As a percentage 
of the Company’s total revenue, this 
segment represented 7.6% in 2017 
(2016: 8.9% in 2016). Sales to non-
ferrous customers remained stable 
in 2017, at €147.7 million, compared 
to €146.5 million in 2016. 

Other process industries
Other process industries are comprised 
mostly of glass, EEC (environment, 
energy and chemicals) and mineral 
industries. In 2017, this segment 
accounted for 35.9% of the Industrial 
Division sales (2016: 37.6%) and 
10.8% of the Company’s total revenue 
(2016: 12.3%). Revenue in 2017 amounted 
to €209.8 million, up by 3.5% over the 
€202.7 million recorded in 2016. 

Despite recovering metal prices in 2017, 
there were virtually no greenfield projects 
in most of the non-ferrous segments in 
the year, consequently, reducing most of 
the business to standard repairs with very 
few major new relining activities. Nickel, 
which had recovered since the mid-2016, 
lost ground in the first half of 2017. Zinc 
continued the strong upwards rally to 
close the year at the highest level in 
five years, while copper only picked 
up significantly after the summer. Lead 
and aluminium also ended the year at 
significantly higher levels compared 
to 2016. 

The strategic decision to carve out 
the fused cast businesses led to higher 
profitability in the glass business. This 
decision was based on the increasing 
price pressure driven by the oversupply 
from India and China. Demand of 
refractories for the glass industry 
improved during the year, especially from 
flat glass, as greenfield projects globally 
came into operation throughout the year. 
For the container glass segment, demand 
remained nearly flat year-on-year. Repair 
activities started to recover, however, from 
more efficient plants in which refractory 
life is usually longer. 

In 2017, sales to the lead sector were 
weaker, especially because of two 
important relining projects in Mexico and 
the US delivered in 2016. Furthermore, 
demand from copper and aluminium 

Sales to the EEC segment were flat 
compared to 2016, as oil and gas prices 
had recovered to a level that could trigger 
new investments. 

1 8

S T R AT E G I C   R E P O R T

R H I   M A G N E S I TA

Financial
  Review

OCTAVIO LOPES, 
CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER

Adjusted pro-forma revenue for 2017 was 
€2.677 million, an increase of 11% over 
the adjusted pro-forma revenue of 
€2.409 million achieved in 2016. The 
increase reflected sales growth in both 
Steel and Industrial Divisions, supported by 
a more favourable market environment 
compared with 2016. 

Adjusted pro-forma results (unaudited)
The reported statutory results consolidate 
ten months of results for RHI and two 
months of results for RHI Magnesita, 
which means that the consolidated 
financial statements only include two 
months of results of Magnesita Refratários. 
As such, in an effort to provide comparable 
information for the two-year time period, 
the Directors have carefully considered 
it appropriate to provide and analyse 
adjusted pro-forma results for the 
combined Group as if it had always existed.

Given the changes in capital 
structure arising from the acquisition of 
Magnesita, the historical interest, tax and 
dividend charges are not deemed to be 
meaningful. As a result, adjusted 
pro-forma results have only been 
provided down to EBIT.

Adjusted pro-forma results are stated 
before the impact of items such as: 
divestments, restructuring expenses, 
merger-related adjustments and other 
non-merger related other income 
and expenses, which are generally 
non-recurring.

Adjusted pro-forma revenue for 2017 
was €2,677.2 million, a 11.1% increase 
over the adjusted pro-forma revenue of 
€2,409.1 million achieved in 2016. The 
increase reflects sales growth in both the 
Steel and Industrial Divisions, supported 
by strong industrial production globally. 

Adjusted pro-forma sales to steel totalled 
€1,913.1 million, up by 14.2% over 2016 
adjusted pro-forma sales. The robust 
performance was largely driven by the 
5.3% increase in world steel production 
in 2017. According to the World Steel 
Association, global steel production 
totalled 1.69 billion tonnes, compared 
with 1.61 billion tonnes in 2016, with 
output expanding in almost all regions, 
with steel production increasing 
simultaneously in Europe, North America 
and South America, after a few years of 
production declines. In addition, RHI 
Magnesita’s growth initiatives evolved 
constructively, especially in the US, 
Brazil and India, where deliveries 
growth surpassed underlying steel 
market growth. 

Adjusted pro-forma revenue of the 
Industrial Division grew by 2.6% in 2017, 
to €658 million, compared to 

Adjusted pro-forma Revenue1 
by industry (%)

45.8

25.6

28.4

25.9

74.4

Steel

Industrial

Cement/Lime

Other Process Industries

Non-ferrous Metals

1  Revenue split considers only refractory 

segments and does not take into account 
the effect of any divestitures.

R H I   M A G N E S I TA

A N N U A L   R E P O R T   2 0 1 7

1 9

Adjusted pro-forma results

a

b

c

d

e

f

g

a + b + c + d  
+ e + f + g

Revenue
COGS

Gross Profit

SG&A

Other Operating Income and 
Expenses

EBIT

Amortisation

EBITA

EBITA margin

Depreciation

EBITDA

EBITDA margin

Reported 
2017 
Results

 1,946.1 
 (1,485.6)

 460.5 

 (292.6)

 (124.8)

 43.1 

 (13.6)

 56.7 

2.9%

 (59.9)

 116.6 

6.0%

Magnesita 
Jan-Oct 
2017

Prelim. 
PPA1 effect 

Merger-
related 
adjustments 

Foreign 
exchange 
variations2

Disposed 
business3

Non-merger 
related other
 income/
expenses

Adjusted 
pro-forma 
2017

Adjusted 
pro-forma 
2016

 846.1 
 (614.0)

 232.1 

 (130.8)

 (96.1)

 5.2 

 (4.4)

 9.6 

1.1%

 (29.9)

 39.5 

4.7%

 – 
 2.2 

 2.2 

 (8.2)

 – 

 (6.0)

 (8.2)

 2.2 

 – 

 2.2 

 – 
 – 

 – 

 (24.4)

 (162.3)

 (186.7)

 – 

 – 
 – 

 – 

 – 

 (48.2)

 (48.2)

 – 

 (186.7)

 (48.2)

 – 

 – 

 (186.7)

 (48.2)

 115.1 
 (98.1)

 17.0 

 (7.3)

 – 

 9.6 

 (0.1)

 9.7 

8.5%

 (2.0)

 11.8 

10.2%

 – 
 – 

 – 

 – 

 2,677.2 
 (1,999.3)

 677.9 

 (399.8)

 (10.4)

 (10.4)

 – 

 (10.4)

 (3.1)

 (7.3)

–

 278.1 

 (26.0)

 304.1 

11.4%

 (84.7)

 388.8 

14.5%

 2,409.1 
 (1,822.1)

 587.0 

 (382.1)

 – 

 204.9 

 (14.4)

 219.3 

9.1%

 (90.2)

 309.5 

12.8%

1  Purchase price allocation
2  Foreign exchange variations booked within Other Operating Income/Expenses
3  (i) Divestments related to the merger-control remedies imposed by European Commission of the production sites in Marone, Italy (RHI), Lugones, Spain (RHI) and 
Oberhausen, Germany (Magnesita) and fused cast business in San Vito, Italy, and Sherbinska, Russia; and (ii) the suspension of production in Aken, Germany.

€642.1 million in 2016. Growth was led by 
the cement segment, especially in the 
second half of the year. The raw material 
crisis in China also influenced the 
demand for refractories, as some 
customers anticipated orders to secure 
supply. Despite recovering metal prices in 
2017, there were virtually no greenfield 
projects in the non-ferrous segment in 
the year, thus reducing most of the 
business to standard repairs with very few 
major new relining activities. Demand for 
refractories from the glass industry 
improved during the year, especially from 
flat glass, as some projects came online 
during the year. For the container glass 
segment, demand remained nearly flat 
year-on-year. Finally, sales to the EEC 
segment were flat compared to 2016, as 
oil and gas prices have not recovered yet 
to a level that would trigger substantial 
new investments.

Reported Group revenue amounted to 
€1,946.1 million, up by 17.9% over 2016 as a 
result of growth in both steel and industrial 
sales, as explained above, and the 
consolidation of Magnesita revenues from 
1 November 2017. Reported revenue from 
the Steel Division totalled €1,308.8 million 
in 2017, whereas the Industrial Division 
amounted to €577.6 million.

Adjusted pro-forma EBITA
Adjusted pro-forma EBITA was 
€304.1 million, 38.7% above the adjusted 
pro-forma obtained in 2016. Adjusted 
pro-forma EBITA margin reached 11.4%, 
up 230 bps compared to the adjusted 
pro-forma margin in 2016. The 
improvement was mostly driven by 
higher sales with resulting better 
fixed cost dilution, in addition to the 
Company’s initiatives to improve 
efficiency in its operations. 

The refractory raw material markets 
suffered a dramatic change after the 
Chinese government enforced stricter 
environmental controls that caused 
temporary and permanent closures of 
raw material facilities during the year. 
This measure caused a significant 
imbalance between supply and demand 
and, consequently, Chinese-sourced raw 
material prices skyrocketed. Prices for the 
two main magnesite-based raw materials, 
dead-burned magnesite and electro-
fused magnesia, from China have more 
than doubled during the year and 
remain well above historical levels. 
This environment created significant 
challenges for all refractory producers 
and forced price adjustments across the 
supply chain. Moreover, the environment 

Adjusted pro-forma revenue 
by geography

North America

Europe

Asia-Pacific

South America

MEA-CIS

24.0%

23.2%

19.9%

17.9%

15.1%

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
2 0

S T R AT E G I C   R E P O R T

R H I   M A G N E S I TA

Financial Review
continued

created scarcity of important raw material 
for the refractory industry across the 
globe. RHI Magnesita’s partially vertically 
integrated business model, with high-
quality raw material sources, allowed 
the Company to ensure supply to its 
customers while managing to maintain 
competitive costs.

Reported EBITA, which does not 
exclude transaction costs, merger related 
adjustments, foreign exchange variations, 
disposed businesses and non-merger 
related expenses, which are generally 
non-recurring, amounted to €56.7 million 
in 2017, with a 2.9% margin. 

Dividends
For the financial year 2017, the Board will 
propose a dividend of €0.75 per share, 
which corresponds to a dividend payment 
of €33.6 million for the shareholders 
of RHI Magnesita N.V. The proposed 
dividend is subject to the approval by the 
Annual General Meeting of Shareholders 
on 7 June 2018 and was not recognised 
as a liability in the consolidated financial 
statements 2017.

Working capital
Working capital performance is 
measured in both absolute values and 
as a percentage of total sales by the 
Group. Cash flow generation from 
trading working capital amounted to 
€10.8 million, with a higher consumption 
of inventories being offset by an 
improvement on the trade payables 
terms. Absolute values for working capital 
at year-end amounted to €610.2 million. 
Working capital intensity, measured as 
a percentage of adjusted pro-forma 
second half annualized revenue, stood at 
22.2% at the end of 2017. At the end of 
2016, RHI and Magnesita, had combined 
working capital equal to €667.8 million, 
equivalent to 27.8% of adjusted pro-
forma 2016 revenue.

Net debt
Net debt amounted to €750.8 million 
at year-end, compared to €298.8 million 
in 2016. The net debt number already 
includes the acquisition of the control 
of Magnesita in October 2017 and the 
proceeds of the merger-related 
divestments received in November 
2017. Leverage, measured by net debt/ 
adjusted pro-forma EBITDA, stood at 
1.9x at year-end. 

Synergies 
We continue to successfully implement 
our planned integration actions and 
remain very confident in achieving 
significant synergies. We expect 
synergies of at least €40 million to 
flow into the profit and loss in 2018 
and €70 million are now expected to 
be fully captured by 2019. Total cash 
restructuring costs to achieve these 
synergies are projected to amount 
to €70 million, of which €53 million 
have already been expensed in 2017. 
Most cash outflows related to these 
restructuring costs will be incurred 
over 2018.

90% of the initial synergies are a result 
of expected (i) SG&A reductions, (ii) 
lower procurement costs with external 
suppliers due to the consolidation of the 
procurement efforts of the two companies 
after the merger and (iii) optimization of 
the enlarged production network, with 
reductions in production and supply chain 
costs. At this point, these initiatives are 
either already implemented or backed 
by a comprehensive execution plan. 
A dedicated integration team is working 
on several additional fronts which may 
lead to incremental savings that will be 
communicated when they reach an 
adequate maturity level. 

Due to the very high volatility in the 
global raw material markets the planning 
uncertainty has increased and could 
provide additional risks but also upsides. 

RHI Magnesita expects to complete a 
very significant refinancing of its capital 
structure over the course of 2018, taking 
advantage of its strong financial standing 
and significantly lower leverage ratios 
than anticipated when these facilities 
were originally structured. With that, 
the Group is confident that net interest 
expenses will be reduced by at least 
€10 milion in 2018 and €20 million in 
2019, in comparison with the adjusted 
pro-forma net interest expenses of 
approximately €50 million expected for 
RHI Magnesita in 2018, in light of the 
facilities outstanding as of 31 December 
2017, notwithstanding the increase of 
treasury rates in the G10.

Integrated Tender Offer
The Group is required – in accordance 
with Brazilian laws and regulations – to 
make a mandatory public offer in Brazil 
that must be addressed to all remaining 
Magnesita shareholders and must be 
made on the same terms and conditions 
as those made available to the Sellers 
under the SPA, including as to purchase 
price and form of consideration.

The Group has decided to combine 
the mandatory offer with a so-called 
“Delisting Tender Offer” in an Integrated 
Tender Offer and filed the respective 
request with the Brazilian Securities 
Commission in November 2017.

According to the original and subsequent 
filings, shareholders of Magnesita will 
have the option of selling each Magnesita 
share in exchange for (i) R$17.81, adjusted 
by SELIC (the Brazilian benchmark 

R H I   M A G N E S I TA

A N N U A L   R E P O R T   2 0 1 7

2 1

Taxation
The Group taxation charge, excluding 
specific adjusting items (i.e. non-
capitalized tax losses and temporary 
differences of the financial year, deferred 
tax expense due to tax rate changes 
and one off non-deductible expenses), 
was €6.3 million (2016: €25.8 million). 
The effective tax rate, excluding 
specific adjusting items, was 26.6% 
(2016: 24.4%). Note 44 of the financial 
statements provides additional information 
on the Group’s taxation charge.

Net result
RHI Magnesita reported a loss of 
€12.9 million in 2017, compared to a 
€75.9 million profit in 2016. The loss 
was driven by transaction costs, merger 
related adjustments, foreign exchange 
variations, disposed businesses and 
non-merger related expenses, which 
are generally non-recurring.

Pension
The Group sponsors multiple pensions 
plans whose liability are subject to 
future asset performance, interest rate 
fluctuations, actuarial assumptions, 
benefit plan changes and government 
regulations. The majority of the Group’s 
obligations fall under defined benefit 
pension plans in its subsidiaries in Austria, 
Germany, United States and Brazil. 
The total net liability amounted to 
€308.7 million at the end of 2017. 
Note 28 of the consolidated financial 
statements provides additional information 
on the Group’s pension plans. 

Cash flow
Cash flow generation in 2017 was mainly 
driven by the increase in free cash flow 
from operations of €221.6 million, an 
increase of 36.2% over the €162.7 million 
generated in 2016. The net cash flow 
from investing activities totalled a positive 
income of €33.3 million, driven by the 
net cash inflow of €45.1 million from 
acquired subsidiaries (cash disbursement 
less the cash and cash equivalent 
received from the acquired company). 
Additionally, the proceeds from the 
divestment businesses in the amount of 
€30.6 million also led to a positive cash 
flow from investing activities. Net cash 
flow from financing activities added up 
€16.4 million, which resulted from the 
funding raised relating to the acquisition 
of Magnesita, as described in Note 26. 
The Group had an overall cash 
generation of €271.3 million in 2017.

Capital expenditure
We continue to invest in our strategic 
priorities with investments of 
€72.0 million in 2017, in line with 
the €70.8 million invested in the 
previous year. 

OCTAVIO LOPES
CFO

interest rate) from 26 October 2017 until 
the date of the settlement of the auction 
of the Integrated Tender Offer, plus 
0.1998 RHI Magnesita share or (ii) for 
a cash-only alternative consideration.

The consideration of the cash-only 
alternative offer will be the higher of 
(i) R$31.09, adjusted by SELIC from 
26 October 2017 until the date of 
the settlement of the auction of the 
Integrated Tender Offer, and (ii) 
R$35.56, not adjusted by SELIC.

Since the cash plus shares option was 
equivalent to R$57.73 on 28 February 
2018, based on RHI Magnesita’s share 
price and the exchange rate prevailing 
on that date, the Group expects that 
substantially all of Magnesita’s minority 
shareholders will tender their shares 
and opt for the cash plus shares 
consideration. If 100% of Magnesita 
minority shareholders tender their 
shares and opt for the cash plus shares 
consideration, the Group will disburse 
R$445.7 million, adjusted by SELIC 
from 26 October 2017 until the date 
of the settlement of the auction of the 
Integrated Tender Offer, and issue 
an additional 5,000,000 shares.

The Integrated Tender Offer is expected 
to be completed during 2018.

Other reported financial KPIs
Finance costs
Net financial result amounted to 
€30.6 million in 2017, compared to 
€21.2 million in 2016. The increase was 
essentially driven by the consolidation of 
two months of Magnesita’s P&L in 2017 
and, to a lower extent, the increase of 
the net debt due to the acquisition of 
Magnesita at the end of October 2017. 

2 2

S T R AT E G I C   R E P O R T

R H I   M A G N E S I TA

Risk Management and

Internal Control System

The Group has established a formal risk management framework with the 
objective of systematically identifying, assessing and controlling uncertainties 
and risks related to existing operations and future development areas.

Risk framework
A bottom-up identification and assessment 
process was conducted for the first time in 
the combined Company after the closing 
of the merger transaction. This process is 
based on the direct and full integration of 
all functional and operational managers, 
uniform structures and methods as well as 
the use of professional software, and makes 
sure that material risks can be discussed 
and monitored adequately by the senior 
executives and the Board.

The Board is aware of the central 
importance of a formally approved risk 
policy and risk appetite specifying the 
nature and extent of the risks acceptable 
to the Group. The future design of such a 
risk policy for the combined Company and 
its alignment with the corporate strategy 
are currently work-in-progress and in 
preparation for discussion with the Board.

Risks considered to be non-acceptable 
because of their nature or their potential 
financial or qualitative impact are being 
mitigated by appropriate strategies. The 
implementation and effectiveness of the 
defined mitigation measures are being 
reviewed continuously. For that purpose, 
the impact of risks are considered before 
and after the implementation of those 
mitigation measures.

The risks identified in the following 
are those the Board considers to be 
the principal ones and which may have 
a significant impact on the results of 
the Group and on its ability to achieve 
its strategic objectives. They may occur 
independently from each other or in 
combination. In case they occur in 
combination their impact may be 
reinforced. Also, the Group is facing 

other risks than the one mentioned here, 
some of them being currently unknown 
or not considered to be material.

Risk appetite
The definition of a risk policy and risk 
appetite is essential to the implementation 
of an appropriate risk framework and 
culture. RHI Magnesita has started 
a discussion with the Board and 
Management team to elaborate the 
new risk policy of the company and is 
in the process of defining the following 
cornerstones. RHI Magnesita has a 
selective approach to risk and enters only 
desired risks. Different level of risks can be 
accepted depending on which company 
goals are considered: 

The Company has a minimalist approach 
to risks in the health and safety, legal and 
compliance areas especially as far as 
the compliance of financial reporting 
is concerned. Risks in those areas have 
to be consequently minimized.

The production of refractory materials 
makes its necessary to use potentially 
hazardous materials and emissions linked to 
the production processes cannot be totally 
avoided. Also the company is aware that 
taking limited financial risks is necessary to 
implement its strategies. In those areas, the 
company has a cautious approach to risk, 
which has to be avoided or reduced by 
appropriate mitigation measures.

By striving for worldwide presence, a 
competitive production network and 
technology leadership, the Group has 
a flexible understanding of risk and is 
prepared to take some under the right 
conditions. Nevertheless those risks have 
to be managed and closely monitored.

Management “In-Control” statement
The Directors have to make sure that 
the Company has adequate internal risk 
management and control systems in place.

During 2017, a Financial Prospects and 
Procedures report was produced by 
PwC on RHI, and a Financial Prospects 
and Procedures report was produced by 
EY on Magnesita. These reports, issued 
in October 2017, indicated no material 
deficiencies and were reviewed by and 
extensively discussed with the Directors. 
Following the completion of the merger, 
these procedures were reviewed again 
internally and additional procedures have 
been duly implemented to guarantee 
proper consolidation of the financials of the 
enlarged Group, as part of the integration 
plan reviewed by the Directors.

Additionally, a bottom-up risk identification 
and assessment process was conducted 
for the first time in the combined Company 
after closing of the acquisition of Magnesita 
and combination of the two companies. 
This process is based on the direct and full 
integration of all functional and operational 
managers, uniform structures and methods 
as well as the use of specialized software 
and makes sure that material risks can be 
discussed and monitored adequately 
by the Directors.

In light of the above, the Directors believe 
that the Company’s financial control and 
risk management systems assure that the 
Annual Report does not include any 
material errors or omissions. Furthermore, 
the Directors believe that while further 
improvements can be made as the Group 
becomes fully integrated, the operational 
and compliance controls are appropriate 
to adequately mitigate the risks associated 
with the Company’s strategy and activities. 
Further, the Executive Management Team 

 
R H I   M A G N E S I TA

A N N U A L   R E P O R T   2 0 1 7

2 3

actively monitors the operation of the 
internal risk management and control 
systems and carries a systematic assessment 
of their design and effectiveness at least 
once a year. During 2018, special attention 
will be taken to the risks associated with the 
implementation of the integration plan 
between RHI and Magnesita.

Financial risks
Financial risks are presented in the Note 57, 
page 178 of this Annual Report.

Viability statement
The Directors have assessed the viability 
of the Group over a three-year period to 
December 2020, the period covered by 
the latest business plan, taking account 
of the Group’s current position, individual 
asset performance forecasts, current net 
gearing ratio as disclosed in note 58 of 
the consolidated financial statements 
and the potential impact of the principal 
risks disclosed on pages 24 and 25

The business plan considers the Group’s 
cash flow, capital commitments, financial 
resources, debt covenants and other key 
financial risks. Part of the process for the 
listing at the London Stock Exchange, was 
a detailed stress test based on this business 
plan. This test reviewed the viability 
considering major risk (including changing 
market conditions, access to financial 
instruments, ability to capture the planned 
synergies, exchange rate scenarios, 
production interruption) and focused in 
detail on the period from 2018 till June 
2019. Because the business plan covers 
a longer period and the impact of the 
considered risks was modelled for the full 
span, the Directors could assess the viability 
for the Group over a three-year period.

The Directors believe that the Group is 
well-placed to manage its principal risks 
successfully. In making this statement the 
Directors have considered the resilience 
of the Group, taking account of its current 
position, the risk appetite, the principal 
risks facing the business in severe 
but reasonable scenarios, and the 
effectiveness of any mitigating actions.

Based on this assessment, the Directors 
have a reasonable expectation that 
the Group and Company will be able 
to continue in operation and meet its 
liabilities as they fall due over the period 
to December 2020. The Directors have 
determined that the three-year period to 
December 2020 is an appropriate period 
having regard to the Group’s business 
model, strategy principal risks and 
uncertainties, and viability.

Internal control system
The Board is ultimately responsible for 
maintaining effective risk management, 
which includes the Group’s risk 
governance structure, the Group’s 
system of internal controls and the 
Group’s internal audit approach.

The Group has implemented an internal 
audit function, with a dual reporting line 
to the CFO and the Audit Committee. The 
internal audit function is an integral part of 
the Group’s risk management framework, 
providing assurance to the Audit 
Committee and the Board on the 
effectiveness of mitigation actions and 
internal controls.

The internal audit function conducts 
its activities in a risk based manner, 
developing an audit plan, based on the 
results of the risk assessment of various 
business units and strategic priorities that 
are approved by the Audit Committee.

The internal audit function conducts 
systematic and ad hoc operational audits 
and special investigations, reporting 
the most relevant observations and 
recommendations regarding the 
effectiveness of the risk management 
and internal control procedures to the 
Audit Committee.

The group has in place a risk management 
and an internal control system in relation 
to its financial reporting process and 
the process of preparing the financial 
statements. These systems include policies 
and procedures to ensure that adequate 

accounting records are maintained and 
transactions are recorded accurately and 
fairly to permit the preparation of financial 
statements in accordance with the 
applicable accounting standards.

The Board reviews the effectiveness 
of the system of internal financial, 
operational and compliance controls 
and the risk management. The Board 
examines whether the system of internal 
controls operated effectively throughout 
the year and will make recommendations 
when appropriate.

These systems are based on the three 
lines of defence model that the Company 
has implemented, supported by an 
internal control guideline reflecting the 
responsibility for risk management and 
internal controls at all management levels.

The internal audit function supports these 
systems by activities based on risk oriented 
audits and the Company’s internal control 
guideline and standards.

For the accounting process, an accounting 
handbook is available that addresses 
all the internal control issues into the 
accounting process.

No matter how comprehensive a risk 
management and control system may be, 
it cannot be assumed to be exhaustive, nor 
can it provide certainty that it will prevent 
negative developments from occurring 
in the Group’s business and business 
environment or that response to risk 
will be fully effective. The Group’s risk 
management framework is designed 
to avoid or mitigate rather than to 
eliminate the risks associated with the 
accomplishment of the Group’s strategic 
objectives. It provides reasonable 
assurance but not absolute assurance 
against material misstatement or loss.

In 2016, the Group had not identified 
any major failings in its internal risk 
management and control system.

2 4

S T R AT E G I C   R E P O R T

R H I   M A G N E S I TA

Risk Management and 
Internal Control System
continued

Macroeconomic 
environment and 
condition of customer 
industries

Fluctuations in 
exchange rates 
and energy prices, 
increasing volatility 
of raw material prices

Business interruption 
and supply chain

PRINCIPAL RISKS

MITIGATION

 ¥ Diversified customer base in  

term of industries and geographies

 ¥ Diversified product portfolio  

in terms of technology and prices

 ¥ Technological leadership 
 ¥ Optimisation of the production  

network to increase cost flexibility
 ¥ Continuous monitoring of revenue  

and profitability performance

 ¥ Active balance sheet and exposure 

management

 ¥ Improvement of energy efficiency
 ¥ Vertical integration and usage  

of own raw material

 ¥ Supply chain optimisation

 ¥ Diversified production network  

in terms of geographies 

 ¥ Centralised supply chain management 

allowing production transfers and 
substitutions in case of disruption 
 ¥ Operational risk management and 

maintenance policies

 ¥ Risk based investment policy
 ¥ Global insurance coverage

Changes in global economic and adverse 
political developments used to and are 
expected to have a noticeable impact on 
the Group’s revenue and profitability.

The demand for refractory products is 
directly influenced by steel production, 
the investment climate, metal and energy 
prices and the production methods used 
by customers.

Due to the Group’s cost structure, 
fluctuations in sales volume have an 
impact on the utilization of the production 
capacities, and consequently on the 
Group’s profitability.

Due to the Group’s global sales and 
production activities, revenue and 
profitability may be impacted by  
currency fluctuations.

The Group relies on the external supply  
of energy and raw material for its 
production activities. Fluctuations in 
demand and/or supply on the global 
markets have a significant impact on 
the prices and hence on the production 
costs for refractory products.

As a producing company, the Group is 
exposed to business interruption risk 
resulting either from natural catastrophes, 
fire, machinery breakdown or supply  
chain disruption.

The Group partly relies on a small 
number of production sites or a small 
number of external suppliers for 
certain materials.

The inability to produce or supply those 
materials may have a significant impact 
on the Group’s ability to produce and 
deliver its products. 

R H I   M A G N E S I TA

A N N U A L   R E P O R T   2 0 1 7

2 5

Regulatory and 
compliance risks

PRINCIPAL RISKS

MITIGATION

Full compliance with laws and 
regulations is a matter of course for the 
Group. Nevertheless, like many other 
internationally operating corporations, it 
is confronted with increasing regulatory 
complexity and is exposed to regulatory 
and compliance risks that may result in 
financial losses or operational restrictions. 

 ¥ Development and implementation 
of best practices through a code of 
conduct and further compliance 
policies and procedures

 ¥ Implementation of an effective 

internal control system, in particular 
in exposed processed

 ¥ Global communication and training 

Environment, health 
and safety risks

of compliance programmes

 ¥ Whistle-blowing system 
(Compliance Helpline)

 ¥ Ethical values supported by 

corporate culture

 ¥ Usage of recycling material wherever 

possible

 ¥ Selection of raw materials and additives 

according to ecological criteria

 ¥ Regular environmental audits and risk 

monitoring at all sites

 ¥ Regular legal compliance checks
 ¥ Worldwide health and safety policies
 ¥ Health and safety objectives defined  

as goals for top executives

 ¥ Quality management

Controlled emissions and usage of 
potentially hazardous materials are 
inherent to the production of refractory 
products. Regulatory changes in this area 
may result in higher production costs 
and additional investment needs. Also 
the risk of uncontrolled emissions at our 
production sites exists and may result 
in high financial losses and liabilities.

Especially at our production sites, 
employees and contractors may be 
exposed to health and safety hazards 
which cannot be completely eliminated. 
Also, our products may potentially cause 
accidents at the customers’ sites.

Risks related  
to the merger

Considerable integration efforts are 
necessary to deliver the planned 
synergies and the expected benefits 
of the merger. The risks associated with 
the merger include, for example, the 
diversion of management attention, 
operational disruptions and increased 
employee and/or customer churn.

 ¥ Preparation of integration  

at an early stage

 ¥ Dedicated project team
 ¥ Continuous monitoring of  

risk and performance

 ¥ Establishment of a strong, common 

corporate culture

2 6

S T R AT E G I C   R E P O R T

R H I   M A G N E S I TA

Corporate Social
  Responsibility

RHI Magnesita is committed to a high level of corporate social 
responsibility (CSR) and stands for the responsible use of resources, 
respect for human rights, employee development, health and safety 
as well as social engagement in the communities.

As a globally operating, resource- and 
energy-intensive industrial company, it 
is also confronted with a great number 
of challenges that it strives to tackle with 
appropriate measures. Through various 
initiatives and measures the Group 
also contributes to and supports the 
Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) 
of the United Nations. The supported 
SDGs are highlighted in the respective 
sections. G4-15

Non-financial performance indicators 
are important value drivers in a company 
that are not directly reflected in the 
statement of profit or loss, the statement 
of financial position or the statement of 
cash flows, but account for a substantial 
part of the Company’s success. 

An outstanding market position as well 
as a competitive advantage and a leading 
edge in innovation are generated by 
the interaction of a variety of intangible 
factors and are reflected in the 
financial indicators.

This combined report meets the 
requirements of the G4 Guidelines of 
the Global Reporting Initiative (GRI) in 
the core option and covers all CSR 
activities of the RHI Magnesita Group 
in the financial year 2017. Therefore, 
it is to be regarded as a consolidated 
non-financial statement for the whole 
Group. Taking into account the fact that 
the merger between RHI and Magnesita 
was completed at the end of October 
2017, non-financial performance 
indicators of the last financial year 
include 12-month figures for former 
RHI companies and two-month figures 

for former Magnesita companies and are 
based on definitions developed by RHI 
for previous reporting periods. For the 
previous year's legacy RHI performance 
data are reported. In cases where certain 
data and key figures cannot be assessed 
throughout the Group, it is accordingly 
noted in the report or only country-
specific information is provided. 
An overview of the information to be 
published in accordance with GRI G4 
including the respective page number 
can be found at the end of this annual 
report. The report also complies with 
the legislation in the United Kingdom and 
the Netherlands regarding the reporting 
of non-financial information by which 
Directive 2014/95/EU of the European 
Union has been implemented. 
A reference table on the topics to be 
reported is available on the corporate 
website. G4-15, G4-28, G4-32

SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT GOALS 

R H I   M A G N E S I TA

A N N U A L   R E P O R T   2 0 1 7

2 7

Key CSR topics G4-18, G4-19, G4-24 to G4-27
Based on the GRI principle of materiality, 
the focus of this report is placed on the key 
CSR topics of the RHI Magnesita Group. 
In the year 2015, the materiality of the 
CSR topics was reviewed and reprioritised. 
An online survey was conducted to 
integrate stakeholders worldwide. 
Internal stakeholders were chosen by their 
function in the Group and their relation 
to CSR topics. The selection of external 
stakeholders such as customers, suppliers, 
authorities, associations as well as 
education and research institutions was 
based on their contact points with the 
Company. The questions were related 
to topics that should be at the centre 
of CSR management and of reporting, 
and to the evaluation of the Group’s CSR 
performance. The results showed that the 
topics identified in 2013 have maintained 
their relevance for the Group and 
its stakeholders. 

Until a new materiality analysis is carried 
out, the following 12 topics defined by 
RHI are also considered to be material for 
the RHI Magnesita Group, and within the 
organisation are relevant to all companies 
included in the consolidated financial 
statements 2017: G4-20

 ¥ Sustainable profitable growth
 ¥ Innovation
 ¥ Governance, business ethics and values
 ¥ Communication
 ¥ Product responsibility and 

quality management
 ¥ Raw materials and mining
 ¥ Environmental protection and emissions
 ¥ Recycling and waste management
 ¥ Energy efficiency
 ¥ Responsible employer
 ¥ Human rights
 ¥ Good corporate citizenship 

All of these topics are of “high” or 
“very high” importance, with “profitable 
growth” and “innovation” clearly rated 
as most important both from an internal 
and external perspective. 

External assessment of the Group’s 
CSR performance
More and more customers of RHI 
Magnesita focus on corporate social 
responsibility in their supply chain and 
therefore require an assessment of their 
suppliers. As a result of such an evaluation, 
the Group received a golden award from 
the international assessment platform 
EcoVadis for the extensive measures in 
the areas of environment, labour practices 
and human rights, fair business practices 
and sustainable procurement. 

Engagement in associations 
and organisations G4-16
RHI Magnesita and its subsidiaries are 
members in various associations and 
organisations, among others: 

 ¥ in special interest groups  

(e.g. Federation of Austrian Industries, 
the Brazilian National Confederation 
of Industry, Confederation of 
Indian Industry) 

 ¥ in chambers of commerce  

(e.g. Austrian Federal Economic 
Chamber, ICC Austria) 

MATERIALITY MATRIX

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A
T
R
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M

I

12

11

4

5

2 3

6

10

9

7

8

1

high

IMPORTANCE FOR RHI MAGNESITA

 very high

1.  Good corporate citizenship
2.  Raw materials and mining
3.  Human rights
4.  Governance, business ethics 

and values

5.  Environmental protection 

and emissions

6.  Responsible employer
7.  Recycling and waste 

management

8.  Communication
9.  Energy efficiency
10.  Product responsibility and 
quality management
Innovation

11. 
12.  Sustainable profitable growth

 
 
 
 
 
2 8

S T R AT E G I C   R E P O R T

R H I   M A G N E S I TA

Corporate Social Responsibility 
continued

Table 1: Economic value 
generated according to GRI

in € million

2015

2016

2017

Revenue and 
other operating 
income

Interest income 
and dividends

Economic value 
generated

1,758.5 1,655.8 1,949.7

14.0

12.5

15.9

1,772.5 1,668.3 1,965.6 

Distribution of economic value generated

Operating costs1

(1,152.0) (1,063.0) (1,269.4)

Personnel costs2

(408.1)

(398.7)

(431.8)

(30.5)

(30.5)

(31.0)

Payments to 
shareholders

Payments to 
outside creditors

Payments to 
public sector 
entities

Residual 
economic value

(35.7)

(44.9)

(52.0)

125.9

114.2

156.5

(20.3)

(17.0)

(24.9)

Materials & Mining (ABM)

 ¥ in trade associations such as:

 – World Refractories Association 

(WRA)

 – European Refractories Producers 

Federation (PRE), via the Association 
of the Austrian Mining and Steel 
Producing Industry of the Austrian 
Federal Economic Chamber

 – Association of the Austrian Mining 
and Steel Producing Industry of 
the Austrian Federal Economic 
Chamber

 – Austrian Society for Metallurgy 
Association of the German 
Refractory Industry

 – Steel Institute VDEh, formerly 
Association of German Steel 
Manufacturers (VDEh),

 – Brazilian Association of Metallurgy, 

 – Brazilian Association of Refractories 

Producers (ABRAFAR)

 – Latin-American Association of 

Refractories Producers (ALAFAR)

 ¥ in respACT – Austrian Business 

Council for Sustainable Development

Financial indicators according to GRI G4-EC1
In 2016, the RHI Magnesita Group 
generated an economic value of 
€1,965.6 million. After costs incurred 
and payments to shareholders, outside 
creditors and public sector entities 
totalling €1,809.1 million, the 
residual economic value amounts to 
€156.5 million. Figures for the years 
2015 and 2016 are legacy RHI data.

The presentation corresponds to the 
definition of GRI. These are financial 
flows derived from the statement of 
profit or loss.

1  Cost of sale + selling and marketing expenses 
+ general and administrative expenses + other 
operating expenses + restructuring costs 
(excluding personnel costs, depreciation 
and amortisation and other taxes)

2  Personnel costs adjusted for non-cash 
personnel costs related to restructuring 

The Code of Conduct 

comprises binding 

requirements and 

fundamental rules of good 

corporate conduct with 

respect to all relevant 

compliance issues.

R H I   M A G N E S I TA

A N N U A L   R E P O R T   2 0 1 7

2 9

3 0

S T R AT E G I C   R E P O R T

R H I   M A G N E S I TA

Business Ethics, 
  Values and Human Rights

RHI Magnesita is committed to responsible management.  
The Group’s intention is to go beyond risk mitigation through 
compliance with pertaining laws and to strive for ethically sound 
practice for the sake of the Company and all stakeholders. Integrity, 
honesty, reliability as well as a respectful contact with employees 
and business partners form the basis of the Company’s daily activities. 

Not only the achievements made but 
also the corporate values are essential for 
the trust and confidence the customers, 
partners, investors and the public place 
in RHI Magnesita. To enable this, a 
comprehensive compliance programme, 
which provides both the guidelines 
and the tools, is implemented and 
continuously improved throughout 
the Group.

The RHI Magnesita compliance 
programme
The compliance programme centres 
on the RHI Magnesita Code of Conduct, 
which was developed under the 
leadership of the Executive Management 
Team and coordinated with the Board. 
Based on the corporate values, it 
comprises binding requirements and 
fundamental rules of good corporate 
conduct with respect to all relevant 
compliance issues such as ensuring 
fair and corruption-free competition, 
avoiding conflicts of interest and 
compliance with the relevant 
environmental regulations, labour 
and social laws. G4-42

The Code of Conduct was updated in 
the course of the merger to reflect the 
new corporate identity of the combined 
Group but also to integrate the highest 
compliance standards from both 
companies. Additional policies and 
procedures provide for detailed guidance 
where necessary. The Code of Conduct 
is valid worldwide throughout the entire 

RHI Magnesita Group and binding for all 
employees regardless of their position or 
type of employment. Third parties acting 
on behalf of the Company are required 
to adhere to the same standards and to 
advocate fair and sustainable business 
activities together with RHI Magnesita. 
All contracts with sales consultants 
and agents contain comprehensive 
compliance provisions, adherence to 
which is subject to a monitoring and 
appraisal process. On the other hand, 
suppliers and service providers have 
been obliged to comply with the 
principles required by RHI Magnesita 
via the Supplier Code of Conduct. 
Since 2016, the commitment to comply 
with the Supplier Code of Conduct 
has also been an integral part of the 
general purchasing conditions.  
G4-56, G4-HR4, G4-HR5, G4-HR6

In order to mitigate new risks resulting 
from changes in the internal and external 
environment, RHI Magnesita conducts 
periodic risk assessments. Whenever 
significant increases in compliance risks 
are identified, corresponding controls 
are evaluated. Based on the resulting 
findings, adequate prevention measures 
– from internal regulations through 
appropriate processes and controls to 
supporting IT systems – are developed 
and implemented. The adequacy and 
effectiveness of the measures are 
reviewed on a regular basis and 
improved continuously. G4-SO3

A prominent component of the 
compliance programme is ongoing 
communication and education. 
The Compliance Office delivers regular 
trainings on various compliance topics 
and conducts workshops with managers 
and key personnel on current questions 
and challenges. In 2016, the main focus 
was on anti-trust and competition law. 
Training measures covered the whole 
team responsible for the completion of 
the merger and for the integration of RHI 
and Magnesita, in total more than 200 
people from all functions and regions. 
In addition, a new e-learning program 
has been developed covering all aspects 
of the Code of Conduct. It will be 
rolled-out in the second quarter of 2018 
and shall be made available not only to 
employees but also to business partners. 
Moreover, comprehensive information 
on various risk-relevant topics is offered 
on the intranet and per email, and the 
Compliance Office supports operational 
units on an ongoing basis with practical 
advice in daily business.

Another central element of the RHI 
Magnesita compliance programme is the 
Compliance Helpline. This system offers 
different communication channels – 
a web portal, a telephone hotline and 
email – and is available in ten different 
languages. Both employees and external 
parties have the opportunity to report 
compliance violations or suspicious facts 
to an independent channel. The system 
is operated by an external service 

R H I   M A G N E S I TA

A N N U A L   R E P O R T   2 0 1 7

3 1

provider assuring full protection of the 
reporting person’s identity. All indications 
of serious misconduct will be investigated 
by the Compliance Office, which also 
makes recommendations regarding 
the appropriate corrective actions and 
disciplinary or legal steps, if applicable. 
In 2017, a total of 16 reports were received. 
In 13 cases an internal investigation was 
conducted, while three reports were not 
related to compliance issues. G4-58

Finally, institutionalised reporting by 
the Compliance Office to the Executive 
Management Team and the Audit 
Committee provides for a continuous 
adaptation and further development of 
the compliance programme as well as 
its alignment to the Group’s strategic 
requirements. G4-43

Fighting corruption
Fighting corruption is one of the top 
priorities of the RHI Magnesita 
compliance programme. The Group 
is convinced that competition can be 
decided based on the commitment 
of its employees and the quality of its 
products and services, without any 
undue influence. Accordingly, strict 
anti-corruption rules, including rules 
governing invitations, gifts, donations, 
sponsoring and similar benefits, have 
been adopted. As a principle decision, 
RHI Magnesita refrains from any 
contribution related to political parties, 
authorities and officials. Compliance with 
these rules is achieved through internal 
guidelines, defined processes, regular 
trainings and audits. G4-SO6

Based on the results of the compliance 
risk assessment and past experience in 
the various markets, the effectiveness 
of the internal control system is regularly 
evaluated and adapted to fit with the 
Company’s processes and the actual risks 
it faces in different countries and industries.

Prevention of corruption has been an 
important part of RHI Magnesita’s training 

SUPPORTED SDGs

programme for several years, also 
because in some fast-growing markets 
that the Group is engaged in, it is exposed 
to higher corruption risks. In addition to 
specifying clear guidelines, practical 
examples and case studies are used to 
teach the borderline between acceptable 
hospitality and undue influence. If there 
are nevertheless any doubts regarding 
correct behaviour, the Compliance Office 
provides advice to exposed employees. 
G4-SO4

Moreover, employees as well as business 
partners are called upon to report 
suspicious facts to the Compliance 
Helpline. In the reporting year, five 
cases of suspicions related to corrupt 
practices were reported and thereupon 
investigated by the Compliance Office. 
Two of them were closed due to lack of 
evidence, three cases are still under 
investigation. G4-SO5

Human rights
As a globally operating company with 
production sites in Europe, North America, 
South America and Asia, RHI Magnesita 
encounters a wide variety of cultural 
conditions and standards, both internally 
and externally. As stated in the Code of 
Conduct, the Company makes a clear 
commitment to compliance with human 
and civil rights as well as the applicable 
labour and social laws and has established 
this matter as part of the compliance 
programme throughout the Group.

RHI Magnesita attaches top priority to 
dealing with each other appreciatively 
and respectfully, as well as to providing 
equal opportunities for all people. 

The Company strictly rejects any form of 
discrimination based on race, skin colour, 
religion, gender, age, origin, nationality, 
disability, sexual orientation as well as 
(sexual) harassment, offensive behaviour, 
aggression, hurtful behaviour, improper 
behaviour or any other violation of 
human rights.

Embedded in the larger scope of 
the compliance programme, not only 
all employees but also suppliers and 
external service providers are required 
to comply with these principles, which 
is explicitly stated as part of contractual 
agreements. Compliance with those 
provisions can be checked by RHI 
Magnesita at any time. G4-HR4, G4-HR5, G4-HR6

Human rights aspects are also explained 
in the course of compliance training 
and understanding is enhanced with 
the participants using practical examples. 
Should there be any suspicion that human 
rights have been violated, the Compliance 
Helpline provides an appropriate reporting 
system. In the event of reasonable 
suspicion of human rights violation, 
the Compliance Office will initiate a 
comprehensive investigation. In the year 
2017, two cases regarding workplace 
practices were reported via the 
Compliance Helpline and investigated. 
G4-HR2, G4-HR3, G4-HR12

RHI Magnesita reports on the measures 
it has taken to prevent modern slavery 
and human trafficking in its business 
and supply chain. The statements in 
accordance with the UK Modern Slavery 
Act 2015 and the California Transparency 
in Supply Chains Act are available on the 
corporate website.

3 2

S T R AT E G I C   R E P O R T

R H I   M A G N E S I TA

People and 
  Communities

The employees’ comprehensive knowledge, their competence, 
ideas and their high commitment and motivation are indispensable 
to the success of RHI Magnesita. Only as an attractive employer 
for existing employees and for potential job applicants will RHI 
Magnesita be able to win the best qualified people, develop them, 
use their potential in the long term and consequently also stay 
competitive as a Company. 

With more than 14,000 highly 
skilled employees from 40 countries, 
RHI Magnesita is faced with a variety of 
challenges including filling key positions 
with the right people, reacting to a 
threatening shortage of skilled labour, 
ongoing digitisation, the ageing of 
personnel due to demographic changes, 
succession management and transfer of 
knowledge between generations, creating 
equal opportunities and development 
opportunities as well as responding to 
individual needs regarding work-life 
balance. The Group strives to overcome 
these challenges with measures such as 
training, apprenticeship programmes or 
targeted employer branding measures, 
also because the failure to attract, 
develop or retain skilled or qualified 
employees could negatively impact 
the Company’s business.

The year 2017 was characterised by 
the preparation for the merger between 
RHI and Magnesita. As a result of the 
combination of the two companies, 
the entire organisational structure, 
including personnel management was 
restructured. The new structure of 
the human resources (HR) organisation 
is based on the following areas: Centres 
of Expertise, Global HR Business Partners 
and Regional and Local HR Business 
Partners. The Centres of Expertise are 
small departments working on global 
frameworks to design HR tools, processes 
and policies. The Global HR Business 

Partners are responsible for translating 
these frameworks for their respective 
client group. The Regional and Local HR 
Business Partners, the biggest group of 
HR employees, help on the spot where 
the business takes place with a daily 
connection to the business needs. 
The human resources organisation 
understands itself as a strategic partner 
or managers rather than an administrative 
control function. As part of the 
transformation of the Group, the human 
resources policies and processes of the 
two former companies are gradually 
being aligned and simplified in line 
with the new corporate culture based 
on accountability. 

In the reporting year, a joint Global 
Management Assessment project was 
carried out in partnership with an external 
consultant to ensure neutrality in the 
process. The objective of the project was 
to identify the available strengths and 
development areas in the combined 
management team with focus on building 
a strong leadership to execute the new 
strategy. Staffing decisions for the 
combined Company were taken in a 
transparent and fair nomination and 
selection process steered by the human 
resources organisation and management. 
To give employees the opportunity 
to proactively apply for positions in 
departments of their interest, RHI 
Magnesita provided various channels for 
the submission of generic applications. 

Clear communication and continuous 
information were crucial to ensure 
retention and reduce uncertainty 
among employees.

By the end of the financial year 2017, 
the number of employees increased 
by 95% from 7,385 to 14,389 as a result 
of the combination. 42.9% of the 
employees in fully consolidated 
companies of the RHI Magnesita Group 
worked in South America, 28.6% in 
Western Europe, 17.4% in Asia-Pacific, 
8.2% in North America, 1.6% in the Near 
and Middle East, 0.8% in Africa and 
0.5% in Eastern Europe. G4-9, G4-10

Key personnel figures in the RHI 
Magnesita Group are shown in table 2.

RHI Magnesita generally concludes 
permanent contracts with employees. 
At the end of the year 2017, 93% of 
the employees had a permanent 
employment contract with the Company. 
Seasonal workers are only employed at 
the Turkish raw material and production 
site in Eskisehir for climate reasons. 
Temporary workers are mainly hired to 
cover order peaks in production. G4-10

Due to the combination of RHI and 
Magnesita as well as resulting overlaps 
and synergy targets, a workforce 
reduction had to be started in the previous 
financial year. Social compensation plans 
and severance packages were agreed 

R H I   M A G N E S I TA

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3 3

upon between representatives of 
employers and employees to mitigate 
the impacts of the separation from the 
Company. The turnover rate, defined as 
all exits (including retirements, excluding 
seasonal workers, temporary workers 
as well as exits due to the sale of certain 
legal entities in connection with the 
merger) divided by the average number 
of employees for the year, amounted 
to 9.8% in 2016. From a regional 
perspective, the rate was highest in 
North America, at 18%, followed by 
Africa at 13%, Eastern Europe at 12%, 
South America at 11%, Near and Middle 
East at 9%, Western Europe at 8%. The 
Asia-Pacific region recorded the lowest 
turnover rate, at 7%. The turnover rate is 
a consolidated figure for former RHI and 
former Magnesita employees and covers 
the business year 2017 in case of both 
companies, since other calculation 
methods would not provide meaningful 
data. The average affiliation with the 
Group was 9.24 years. G4-LA1

Diversity 
Staff diversity contributes to an innovative 
climate in the Company, so it is important 
to use diversity to maintain the Group’s 
competitiveness and economic success. 
RHI Magnesita’s staff consists of people 
from a total of 76 nationalities. Employees 
with 17 different nationalities work at 
the Company’s administrative seat in 
Vienna, Austria. The average age of 
RHI Magnesita employees amounts to 
39 years, with 59.9% of the employees 
falling into the age group of 30 to 50 
years. The under-30 age group includes 
21.2% of the employees and 18.9% are 
more than 50 years old. The worldwide 
share of women was approximately 
10.2%. Please refer to table 3. The share 
of women in the Executive Management 
Team was 12.5%, while the share of 
women in the first three reporting levels 
amounted to 7.6%, 8.4% and 17.1% at the 
end of the financial year 2017. G4-10, G4-LA12

SUPPORTED SDGs

Table 2: Key personnel indicators

Annual average number of employees1

Number of employees at 12/31

Revenue in € million

Revenue per employee in €1,000

EBIT in € million

EBIT per employee in €1,000

Value added in € million2

Value added per employee in €1,000

Personnel expenses in € million

Personnel expenses per employee in €1,000

Personnel expenses in % of revenue

2017

8,569

14,389

1,946.1

227.1

43.1

5.0

497.7

58.1

454.6

53.1

23.4%

2016

% Change

7,678

7,385

1,651.2

215.1

116.1

15.1

514.8

67.0

398.7

51.9

24.1%

11.6%

94.8%

17.9%

5.6%

-62.9%

-66.9%

-3.3%

-13.3%

14.0%

2.3%

-0.7pp

1  Weighted by level of employment 
2  Value added: EBIT + personnel expenses (excl. interest expenses for personnel provisions)

Table 3: Gender diversity

At 12/31/2017
Employee Group

Salaried employees

Waged workers

Commercial apprentices

Technical apprentices

Total

Number
 women

1,268

166

11

18

1,463

% by
 gender

21.9

2.0

38.0

9.3

10.17

Number
men

4,528

8,205

18

175

% by
 gender

78.1

98.0

62.0

90.7

Total

5,796

8,371

29

193

12,926

89.83

14,389

 
3 4

S T R AT E G I C   R E P O R T

R H I   M A G N E S I TA

People and Communities 
continued

>14,000

employees worldwide

76

different nationalities

The topics of diversity and equal 
opportunities are continuously promoted 
through different initiatives. The focus 
is placed on making the most out of the 
potential of both genders, all age groups 
and people with disabilities. RHI Magnesita 
attaches great importance to getting girls 
and women interested in a technical 
career in the industry. Making female 
role models in technical professions 
visible has become an integral part of the 
Company’s profile at career events. As 
a partner of the initiative of the Austrian 
company OMV AG “Austria is looking 
for the Technikqueens”, RHI Magnesita 
strived to inspire girls at an early stage 
to pursue a technical profession. In 2017, 
the initiative was completed with a 
closing workshop in which all 25 girls 
and their female mentors participated. 
Furthermore, the four mentees of RHI 
Magnesita had the opportunity to gain 
insight into a typical working day of the 
female engineers of the Company during 
a shadowing day. Three participants of 
the “Technikqueens” initiative were also 
offered a summer internship in Vienna, 
during which they gained valuable 
working experience in an international 
and innovative working environment. 
To make staff diversity more visible, the 
Group promotes videos with employees 
of different nationalities and gender. The 
purpose of the videos is to provide insight 
into the success stories and the everyday 
work life of the employees. Moreover, 
the network for the promotion of an 
interdepartmental exchange of female 
engineers at the location in Vienna was 
further boosted. As part of a demography 
project launched in Germany and 
Austria, a workshop was organised to 
evaluate possibilities for age-appropriate 
work in order to sustainably secure 
employees’ ability to work at an older 
age. Further workshops are planned at 
different locations to share best practices 
in 2018. Employees at an older age 
also have the opportunity to join health 
management initiatives of the Company 
and make use of flexible working hour 

models. Internationalisation is 
promoted through international career 
opportunities and training courses on 
intercultural competence. 

The PRISMA programme aims to 
promote social inclusion and offers the 
opportunity to hire and train people with 
disabilities in Brazil. It recognizes their 
potential and proves that people with 
disabilities can achieve professional 
and financial autonomy when given the 
chance. RHI Magnesita encourages 
diversity and always treats its employees 
with respect, fairness and dignity without 
tolerating discrimination of any kind.

The salary of new employees in the 
Group is based on training, professional 
experience and the management level 
of the respective position. No difference 
is made between men and women. 81% 
of the management functions at RHI 
Magnesita’s production sites worldwide 
were held by local employees at the end 
of the 2017 financial year. G4-LA13, G4-EC6

Training, advanced education and 
personnel development G4-LA10
RHI Magnesita takes account of 
demographic changes in society and 
the related shortage of skilled labour by 
offering apprentice training. At the end of 
the 2017 financial year, 222 apprentices 
were employed in Austria, Colombia, 
Germany, Ireland and Switzerland, with 
87% of them working in technical 
apprenticeships. The share of female 
apprentices was 13% after 12% in the year 
2016. About 62% of them worked in a 
technical apprenticeship. Additional 
offers such as language courses or stays 
at locations abroad as part of apprentice 
exchange programmes promote the 
mobility of young people and 
consequently enhance their job 
opportunities. Other training measures 
include social and digital competence, 
energy efficiency, methods of modern 
production technology, occupational 
safety and general business 

R H I   M A G N E S I TA

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3 5

administration. The target is to cover the 
demand for skilled professionals with 
apprentices who have been trained to 
meet these specific requirements.

In addition, to that, a programme 
preparing school students for the world 
of work was conducted in Brazil, part 
of which the students worked mainly 
in administrative areas at the sites in 
Contagem, Brumado and Matozinhos. 
The internship programme represented 
another important initiative in Brazil. In 
the framework of this programme 
university and technical students with 
potential were recruited to gain practical 
knowledge and skills in the Company. To 
support their development, the students 
received on the job training from 
managers, technical and social skills 
training as well as regular feedback on 
their work. The programme helps fill 
open positions within the Company with 
young talent and offered a great chance 
for the students to start their careers. 

RHI Magnesita offers its employees a wide 
range of development opportunities, 

which are aligned to the abilities, 
knowledge and needs of the respective 
person. In advanced training, RHI 
Magnesita distinguishes between open 
training, development programmes and 
talent management initiatives. In open 
training, there is a strong focus on 
conveying knowledge internally, i.e. 
training courses for employees held 
by employees. In the reporting year, 
emphasis was put on measures preparing 
for the combination of RHI and Magnesita. 
Therefore, the offer of e-learning content 
as complement to conventional seminars 
was only selectively extended. In addition 
to the existing training offer, a so-called 
Sales Academy was established that 
focuses on the training of technical skills 
as well as offering e-learning training 
units for sales employees.

Knowledge building and personal 
development for defined functions are 
promoted in customised development 
programmes, which extend over a longer 
period of time and several modules. 
In 2017, the “Customer Performance 

Management (CPM) Negotiation 
Excellence Program”, tailored to support 
RHI Magnesita’s sales processes by 
training negotiation skills as well as 
CPM tools, was set-up and launched 
with two pilot groups, namely with one 
international group on management level 
and with one for German-speaking sales 
managers. Besides the existing training 
programmes, which prepare managers 
and experts (e.g. project managers) for 
their tasks in a structured manner, the 
previous year’s focus was on adapting 
training contents to meet the combined 
Company’s demands. In 2016, 94 
employees from former RHI plants from 
the countries Austria, Belgium, Canada, 
Germany, Italy, Mexico, Spain, Sweden, 
Switzerland, the United Kingdom and 
the USA participated in development 
programmes. Former Magnesita’s Global 
Leadership Development Program 
focused on developing employees from 
the higher levels of the organisation such 
as vice presidents, Directors, managers 
and senior specialists. Internal and 
external multipliers and different 

3 6

S T R AT E G I C   R E P O R T

R H I   M A G N E S I TA

People and Communities 
continued

methods were used in the programme 
such as workshops, forums or e-learning. 
The participants’ satisfaction with the 
initiatives of the programme were 
measured through surveys; the results 
showed a satisfaction rate of 
82% regarding all initiatives.

New talent management cycles were 
put on hold due to the merger. Instead, 
there was a strong focus on the retention 
of existing talent: employees with 
especially high potential were offered 
new job opportunities within the new 
organisational structure and were given 
the chance to develop new skills and 
work on projects related to the merger.

In former RHI plants the annual appraisal 
interview represented a central starting 
point for the definition of further 
development opportunities within the 
Group. In Austria, the rate of interviews 
conducted amounted to 89%, in 
Germany to 69%, and worldwide to 64%. 
In former Magnesita plants a process 
called “People Cycle” was used to follow 
up performance and career development 
of employees from professional level to 
managers and Directors. It included for 
instance the assessment of competencies 
as well as the creation of individual 
development plans and goals. In the 
current financial year the practices will 
be aligned with each other so that a 
newly designed process for performance 
and career development reviews can be 
implemented as of 2019. G4-LA11

Health and safety at work
Health and safety at work is a high-
priority topic at RHI Magnesita. It goes 
beyond written policies and procedures 
and constitutes an integral part of the 
corporate culture. Every employee is 
expected to take responsibility for their 
own and their colleagues’ safety; 
executives play a special role in this 
regard. At the production sites, 
employees are required to work with 
different machines and chemicals which 
may involve various health and safety 
risks. In order to minimise work related 
risks, the Group has introduced a number 
of measures such as uniform minimum 
standards for wearing personal protective 
equipment, clear instructions on working 
in specific working environments (e.g. 
confined spaces) or with hazardous 
materials as well as measures to improve 
personal conduct of employees. 
Occupational health and safety is part 
of the integrated management system. 
At the end of the year 2017, 20 sites of 
the Group were certified according to 
the Occupational Health and Safety 
Assessment Series (OHSAS) 18001:2007.

Based on uniform definitions throughout 
the Group, RHI Magnesita collects 
parametres on accident development 
as well as reported near accidents for 
the purpose of accident prevention. As 
at the end of 2017, unsafe situations are 
also reported in order to further minimise 
the likelihood of accidents. RHI Magnesita 
also collects and analyses accident 
related figures of subcontractors and 
external service providers to further 
reduce occupational health and safety 
risks. The accident rate, defined as the 
number of accidents resulting in lost time 
of more than eight hours per 200,000 
working hours, is determined on a 
monthly basis. In addition, this figure 
is a bonus-relevant indicator for the 
Executive Management Team and 
managers in the operations area. 

The accident rate was reduced 
significantly in every region and was 
lowered from 1.74 in 2016 to 1.06 in 2017. 
The number of days lost based on an 
eight-hour working day per 200,000 
working hours amounted to 28.25 
compared with 33.5 in 2016. The 
calculations take into account employees 
of the RHI Magnesita Group and leased 
personnel. The figures include former 
RHI sites and since November 2017 also 
former Magnesita sites that form part 
of the Group since the merger. However, 
data does not cover the Indian subsidiary 
Orient Refractories Ltd., the Belgian joint 
venture Sinterco S.A. as well as some 
small sales offices. G4-LA6 Please refer to 
Table 4.

Besides Group-wide campaigns and 
taking into account the fact that not 
every production site faces the same 
challenges, RHI Magnesita conducts 
campaigns tailored to regional or local 
needs. In 2016 for example, a winter 
campaign was implemented at selected 
sites to avoid harm resulting from special 
risks during the cold season.

The involvement of employees is a 
key factor in preventing accidents and 
occupational illnesses. 80% of lost 
hours due to work related accidents 
at the plants are the result of personal 
misbehaviour which means that a great 
number of these accidents could be 
avoided. This is why RHI Magnesita 
regards the improvement of behavioural 
based safety of employees as one of the 
most significant issues. At regularly held 
Safety Minutes at the OHSAS-certified 
locations, safety-relevant topics are 
discussed with a focus on employees’ 
own behaviour. At several production 
sites special observation audits have 
been introduced to strengthen the safe 
behaviour of employees. Additionally, 
formal employer-employee committees 
for occupational health and safety were 
set up to work together on health and 
safety topics. G4-LA5

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3 7

Table 4: Accident rate, lost 
days, fatal accidents G4-LA6

Category

Year Europe America

Asia

Total

Accidents 2017

1.87

0.21 0.47

1.06

Accidents 2016 2.58 0.56 0.69

1.74

2.75

Accidents 2015
1.85
Lost days* 2017 42.00 16.50 14.75 28.25
Lost days 2016 43.50 14.75 23.25 33.50

1.01 0.66

Lost days 2015 47.25 62.25 38.25 46.00

Fatal 
accidents 2017

Fatal 
accidents 2016

Fatal 
accidents 2015

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

*  Lost days mean scheduled work days. Data 
only include lost days due to work-related 
accidents. 

  Data for the years 2015 and 2016 are legacy 

RHI data.

The Safety Leadership Program of 
RHI Magnesita was extended to include 
the training of communication skills 
on health and safety related topics 
in order to shape the safety culture 
further. The programme also covers 
legal requirements and corporate rules. 
In addition, special workshops were 
organised in 2017 for the plant managers 
of selected plants to further improve 
their safety performance. Moreover, 
RHI Magnesita introduced so-called 
Quick Check Booklets for employees 
to do a last minute risk assessment. 
A higher awareness of residual hazards 
is to be reached in this way before 
starting a new task.

Numerous local company agreements 
regarding health and safety are in place 
at the Group, for example regarding 
non-smoker protection, alcohol at the 
workplace or data protection relating 
to accident reports and their processing. 
In Austria, impulse tests have been used 
since 2006 to assess psychological 
stresses, which are then discussed at 
workshops in order to minimise them. G4-LA8

In the financial year 2017, no work related 
diseases were reported. Workers with 
a high incidence or risk of disease 
associated with their job are not 
specifically reported. This aspect is 
covered by local reporting requirements, 
if legally necessary. G4-LA6, G4-LA7

Corporate benefits G4-LA2
In general, all employees are entitled to 
corporate benefits. The individual benefits 
exceed the legally required level and 
vary according to region. All employees 
without a separate bonus agreement 
participate in the economic success of 
RHI Magnesita and receive a bonus linked 
to the Company’s economic results and, 
in some cases, to the achievement of 
defined goals in the team. 

Where it is legally possible, the Company 
supports pension plans with deferred 
compensation models. In such models, 
employees use part of their monthly 
remuneration for pension provisions. 
Moreover, RHI Magnesita provides 
accident insurance and health insurance 
for business travel abroad for employees 
worldwide. Medical or safety-related 
emergencies are especially challenging 
when they occur during a business trip. 
Therefore, a 24/7 emergency hotline for 
medical and safety-relevant questions is 
available to employees. The assistance 
provided ranges from preventive advice 
to concrete support on site. A country 
information portal offering up-to-date 
information about the destination 
country, potential health and safety 
risks, natural hazards and political 
events supports employees in 
optimally planning business trips. 

Furthermore, RHI Magnesita provides 
local benefits such as meal allowances, 
transportation allowances, special 
shopping conditions, private health 
insurance as well as cultural and 
sports offers. 

Work-life balance 
RHI Magnesita is convinced that the 
best performance is achieved when it 
is easy for employees to combine their 
professional and private life. Flexible 
working hours, home office solutions, 
part-time models, advanced education 
and models for returning to work after 
parental leave facilitate a reconciliation 
of professional and private life. At the 
end of the reporting period, 10.8% of our 
female employees worldwide and 0.5% 
of our male employees worked part time. 
In the course of the year 2017, 48 people 
were on parental leave in Austria, of 
whom 17 women and seven men started 
their parental leave in the reporting year. 
The childcare options provided by 
RHI Magnesita range from kindergarten 
places to childcare vouchers and 
daycare. G4-10, G4-LA3

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R H I   M A G N E S I TA

People and Communities 
continued

Table 5: Collective bargaining 
agreements G4-11

At 31/12/2017

Employees
covered

Employees
 not covered

Region 

% Share

% Share

Western Europe

Eastern Europe

Near Middle East

Africa

North America

South America

Asia-Pacific

Total

94.2

68.3

0.0

92.6

81.25

72.4

0.0

71.85

5.8

31.7

100.0

7.4

18.75

27.6

100.0

28.15

In Brazil, employees and their families 
are offered specialised support and 
guidance in personal as well as financial 
and legal matters such as divorce or 
debt management. Moreover, an event 
called “Portas Abertas” (Open Doors) is 
organised every year for family members 
to visit the plants and thus strengthen 
the relationship between families and 
the Company. In 2017, such an event took 
place in Contagem, Brumado, Santa Luz, 
Uberaba and Ponte Alta. 

Employee representation
RHI Magnesita considers its employee 
representatives worldwide business 
partners. Active exchange between 
management and employee 
representatives was sought, for example 
through participation in works council 
conferences. Dealing with each other 
is characterised by mutual respect 
and openness, which allows solving 
difficult problems together and to the 
best possible satisfaction of all parties 
involved. Worldwide, 71.85% of our 
employees are covered by collective 
bargaining agreements. G4-11Please refer 
to table 5.

Internal communication
The employees of RHI Magnesita 
work at more than 100 locations on all 
continents. This results in a need for 
reliable and prompt information within 
the Group, while different languages, 
time zones and cultures impose great 
challenges. The combination of RHI and 
Magnesita with the purpose of joining 
forces and building the global leader 
in refractories was also a combination of 
two companies with different corporate 
cultures. Thus, the topic of corporate 
culture was a priority area of integration 
planning. An extensive cultural survey 
was conducted in both companies at 
the beginning of the year 2017 with more 
than 4,000 employees participating. 
Based on the findings of the survey, 

a team of executives defined four cultural 
themes that emphasize a collaborative 
and cross-functional way of working for 
the benefit of customers and value fresh 
thinking and new ideas. The new brand 
and logo “RHI Magnesita” was also 
intended to mark the starting point of 
cultural transformation and were created 
as a basis for a common corporate 
culture. The RHI Magnesita brand helps 
connect the employees of the combined 
Company and demonstrates the onset 
of change and transformation both 
internally and externally. The rebranding 
was rolled out to all locations around 
the world until the completion of the 
combination and thus served as an 
unmistakable signal for integration.

Cultural integration and transformation 
calls for completely new strategies and 
tools, especially in the area of internal 
communication. In November 2017, 
an employee application, the 
“myRHIMagnesita-App” was made 
available worldwide to all employees of 
the combined Company. This application 
goes far beyond the classic one-way 
communication channels and enables 
cross-functional and cross-hierarchical 
interaction; employees can comment, 
discuss, exchange ideas on different 
topics and build networks in a simple 
way. Moreover, with the application the 
Company is able to reach employees 
working in production who previously had 
no access to the intranet. Modern means 
of online communication such as VoIP 
telephony (Voice over Internet Protocol), 
chat functions and online conferences 
based on “Skype for Business” further 
facilitate a fast and inexpensive exchange 
of information. At the end of the year 
2017, 50% of our employees could be 
reached via the internal digital channels. 
The objective is to further increase the 
ratio mainly by promoting the application 
among employees without a Company 
email account.

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3 9

RHI Magnesita assumes 
social responsibility in 
the regions where its 
sites are located and 
supports projects that 
address local demands.

Development Cooperation and was 
awarded the Trigos Austria 2017 
sustainability award in the category 
of “Best partnership – international 
engagement”. The local stakeholders 
carried on the activities after the project 
ended which illustrates the sustainability 
of the measures. Building on the success 
of the project, in the past financial 
year opportunities were explored in the 
framework of a feasibility study to set up 
a similar project at other production sites.

In Brazil a community relations officer is 
working closely together with the local 
communities at the raw material sites 
to plan and implement projects that 
address the demands of the communities 
and help improve local conditions. 
Exemplary initiatives include a project 
focusing on digital inclusion by improving 
the digital skills of local people and a 
project helping employees and people 
of the communities complete their 
primary and secondary school studies. 
Furthermore, the Volunteer Program with 
more than 100 registered volunteers, 
encourages the employees to express 
their social engagement by participating 
in various projects supported by the 
Company. 

For 2018, three topics were defined as 
priority areas of social responsibility: 
education and social inclusion, social 
cohesion – support of various local 
initiatives as good corporate citizen such 
as sports, cultural and other initiatives – 
as well as environment.

In addition to the digital activities, 
which also included the implementation 
of a new intranet and a new Company 
website, an important starting point 
for the cultural transformation at 
RHI Magnesita was set through “town hall 
meetings” and global leadership calls. 
At more than 30 locations worldwide, 
the Executive Management Team of RHI 
Magnesita presented the key messages 
on the new strategy, brand and corporate 
culture, reaching more than 10,000 
employees in person.

Social responsibility G4-SO1
RHI Magnesita assumes social 
responsibility in the regions where its 
sites are located and supports initiatives 
and projects that address local demands. 
In the year 2016, a guideline was 
introduced in order to define clear rules 
and a unified process for providing 
contributions as well as to ensure 
targeted donations and support 
payments. Thematic priorities and the 
maximum volume of contributions are 
determined for the Group as a whole. 
In 2016, education and social cohesion 
were identified as the focal points for 
donations and sponsoring activities 
and approximately €0.9 million was 
provided for various projects. €0.25 
million was accounted for in India in 
accordance with the local legal 
requirements that regulate the spending 
of companies in the area of social 
responsibility. RHI Magnesita in Brazil 
donated €0.35 million for social, health 
and cultural projects in accordance with 
the Brazilian tax incentive laws. G4-EC1

The demand of companies for skilled 
workers is growing, this is why RHI 
Magnesita started a global programme 
in the year 2013, focusing on an 
improvement in the technical vocational 
training of young people in Mexico and 
Turkey. The three-year project was 50% 
co-financed by the Austrian 

4 0

S T R AT E G I C   R E P O R T

R H I   M A G N E S I TA

Environment 

and Energy

RHI Magnesita strives 
to make production as 
resource-friendly and 
energy-efficient as 
possible, especially in 
terms of raw material 
and energy 
consumption. 

At the same time, administrative 
obligations by local authorities have been 
permanently increasing in the previous 
years. The corporate environmental policy 
also reflects the Group’s commitment 
to environmental protection, 
nevertheless it has to be borne in mind 
that the refractory industry is resource 
and energy intense by its nature. 

Specialists from research, development 
and production work in a global network 
to reduce the impact on the environment 
to the greatest possible extent. A central 
competence centre for environmental 
protection, energy, health and 
occupational safety coordinates 
RHI Magnesita’s activities and defines 
corporate environmental guidelines, 
for example, with respect to uniform 
measuring methods, in order to 
ensure comparable data. The global 
environmental management system of 
the Group was recertified at 17 production 

sites at the end of the year 2017 
according to the international standard 
ISO 14001:2015. The multi-site certificate 
and further site certificates are published 
on the corporate website. In addition, 
the production sites without an external 
certification also use the key elements of 
the environmental management system. 
Regular internal due diligences of 
the plants ensure compliance with the 
relevant legal requirements. Moreover, 
RHI Magnesita’s products and services 
also contribute to more energy-efficient 
production and reduced emissions at 
customers’ sites. 

In 2017, the RHI Magnesita Group invested 
€15.5 million in environmental measures, 
which comprise environmental 
investments, waste disposal costs and 
services such as certifications and 
consulting. For example, the second 
stage of the modification of the smelter 
at the Radenthein plant, Austria, was 

 
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4 1

completed. The focus of this second 
phase was on redesigning the mixing 
processes whereby diffuse dust emissions 
are also reduced at the site. The entire 
project is scheduled to be finished in the 
current financial year. Further important 
environmental projects were the 
installation of a waste gas cleaning system 
in Veitsch, Austria, at the hot mixers in the 
tempering line as well as the installation 
of a denitrification unit at the raw material 
plant in Dashiqiao, China. G4-EN31

Integrated management system
The integrated management system 
(IMS) of RHI Magnesita in the areas of 
quality (ISO 9001), environment (ISO 
14001) and occupational health and 
safety (OHSAS 18001) serves as an 
instrument to ensure the continuous 
improvement of performance and 
processes throughout the Group. 
Operational and administrative processes 
are audited internally and externally at 
regular intervals; identified improvement 
measures are subsequently implemented 
and monitored as part of the continuous 
improvement process (CIP). A Group-
wide CIP tool to process and track 
process improvements and improvement 
measures is planned to be introduced 
in 2018-2019. This is another step to 
network the knowledge gained through 
group wide improvement initiatives.

In 2016, the quality and environmental 
management systems were thoroughly 
revised and adapted to meet the 
requirements of the revisions of the 
international standards ISO 9001 and 
ISO 14001. Already existing corporate 
activities such as risk management 
and stakeholder management were 
considered accordingly in the framework 
of IMS to be in line with the new 
requirements. The quality management 
system of the Group is externally certified 
according to ISO 9001:2015 by a 
multi-site certificate at 27 sites. 

SUPPORTED SDGs

Additional site certificates as well as the 
full list of certificates can be found on the 
corporate website.

Complaint management constitutes 
a significant aspect of the quality 
management at RHI Magnesita. 
Customer complaint management 
aims at closely monitoring customer 
satisfaction and covers all relevant 
aspects of a customer order. Its goal 
is to identify measures to sustainably 
improve the product or the service to 
meet customer requirements and thus 
increase customer satisfaction.

As a post-merger activity, corporate 
IMS will integrate all existing systems 
throughout the Group until the year 
2020. This also includes a consolidated 
reporting, audit and certification process.

Raw material mining G4-EN1
RHI Magnesita attaches major 
importance to backward integration, that 
is our own production of raw materials. 
The most important raw materials are 
sintered magnesia, fused magnesia 
and sintered doloma. Access to and 
availability of high-quality raw materials 
are decisive for refractory products 
because they have a significant influence 
on their performance characteristics. 
Deposits of the naturally occurring 
minerals magnesite and dolomite can 
be found all over the world. 70% of the 
global magnesite deposits are located 
in China, North Korea and Russia. Raw 
dolomite can often be found in the earth’s 
crust, however, it must have special 

characteristics to be used for refractory 
purposes. As access to own raw materials 
provides a strategic advantage, RHI 
Magnesita employs geologists and 
mining engineers to further prospect 
and evaluate deposits suitable for the 
refractory industry.

The Group operates raw material sites on 
three continents. Brumado, Brazil has the 
biggest deposits; magnesite is mined in 
the open-pit system at this site. Other 
surface mines are situated in Turkey, 
Eskisehir and Hochfilzen, Austria, while 
underground mining of raw magnesite is 
used at the Austrian sites Breitenau and 
Radenthein. In addition, part of the raw 
material supply of the site in Hochfilzen, 
Austria, is secured by the recovery of 
production waste, called fine tailings. 
44,000 tonnes of raw materials were 
returned in this way to the production 
process in 2017. Dolomite is extracted 
in the surface mining operation in York, 
USA. Long-term mining licences secure 
the access to the deposits. Moreover, 
joint ventures were established to further 
ensure the supply of the raw material 
plants of the Company.

RHI Magnesita also pursues an alternative 
method of extracting raw materials 
from seawater in Europe. The seawater 
process plants are located in Porsgrunn, 
Norway and Drogheda, Ireland. In this 
production method, the magnesium 
chloride contained in seawater is 
converted into magnesium hydroxide 
and calcium chloride in a reactor using 
hydrated lime or dolime. The magnesium 

4 2

S T R AT E G I C   R E P O R T

R H I   M A G N E S I TA

Environment and Energy
continued

hydroxide settles in a sedimentation basin 
and is then dehydrated in filter systems. 
It is heat-treated to turn it into caustic 
magnesia, which is then fired to become 
sintered magnesia or charged to the 
fusion process. This process requires 
more energy than the treatment of 
magnesite ore due to the two-stage 
procedure, but enables higher raw 
material qualities.

inevitable as carbon dioxide is already 
contained in the raw material. RHI 
Magnesita uses two processes for the 
production of raw materials. Magnesia is 
produced by firing magnesite from mines 
(“dry route”), or extracted from seawater 
(“wet route”). In both processes the CO2 
emissions are largely raw material related; 
therefore, the options to lower emissions 
are limited. 

Reforestation and recultivation G4-EN13
The mining of raw materials involves 
interference with nature. RHI Magnesita 
takes comprehensive measures to restore 
natural habitats, especially in the surface 
mines, but also in the surroundings of 
production sites. In many cases, the 
activities go beyond national regulations 
and nature conservation requirements; 
they are considered to be a process 
that takes several years and requires 
sustainable commitment. In Eskisehir, 
Turkey, for example, 2,500 trees were 
planted in cooperation with the 
Osmangazi University and the local 
forestry office in 2017. With this 
campaign, the area planted with trees 
has grown to 174 hectares. In Brazil an 
area of 13 hectares was reforested in the 
reporting period at the site in Uberaba 
and an area of 7.3 hectares at the site 
in Brumado. At the site in Hochfilzen, 
Austria, the Schmerlhalde West mine 
dump, which is located at a sea level 
of 1,820 metres in the Weißenstein 
magnesite mine, was also recultivated. 
As is appropriate for the high Alpine 
environment, plants and trees such 
as mountain pines, larches and willow 
cuttings were planted.

CO2 emissions G4-EN15, G4-EN16, G4-EN19
The production of raw materials for 
refractories is energy-intensive and 
associated with emissions. On the one 
hand, the materials only obtain the 
necessary refractory properties at 
temperatures of 1,800°C and above; on 
the other hand, carbon dioxide is released 
in the treatment of raw materials. This is 

For example, in the production of one 
tonne of magnesia using the dry route, 
1.4 tonnes of carbon dioxide are created, 
which consists of 1.0 tonnes of CO2 
contained in the raw material and 0.4 
tonnes from the use of the fuel. 
Consequently, carbon dioxide bound in 
the raw material accounts for more than 
70% of the emissions and cannot be 
avoided in the production process. Less 
than 20% of the emissions come from 
the thermal energy required to separate 
the magnesium oxide from carbon 
dioxide and the fusion energy for crystal 
formation. 10% is related to energy losses 
of the plant such as heat losses and waste 
gas temperature. Theoretically, a third of 
this could be reduced, which 
corresponds to about 0.05 tonnes of 
carbon dioxide. As RHI Magnesita 
continuously takes measures to enhance 
energy efficiency, the physical and 
thermal possibilities have been nearly 
exhausted. 

In 2017, the Group’s total CO2 emissions 
added up to 1.95 million tonnes compared 
to 1.65 million tonnes in 2016. The CO2 
emissions of the former Magnesita plants 
have been taken into account only for the 
period after the merger and account for 
around 0.3 million tonnes. The CO2 
emissions of the former RHI plants were 
comparable to the previous year. The 
main part of CO2 emissions, 90%, was 
accounted for by direct carbon dioxide 
emissions, i.e. emissions related to the 
Company’s own production processes. 
Around 60% of the direct CO2 emissions 
come from the European sites that are 

subject to the emissions trading system 
of the European Union and are externally 
audited. The emissions of the site 
Eskisehir, Turkey are shown under the 
region Asia since they are not subject to 
the EU emissions trading system. Indirect 
CO2 emissions, which are derived from 
power consumption, accounted for 
10% of the total CO2 emissions. Shown 
in a simplified manner, the carbon 
dioxide emissions created in electricity 
production are integrated based on 
a European primary energy mix. Raw 
material production accounted for 89% 
of the direct CO2 emissions, and the 
production of finished products for 11%. 
The production option “dry route” was 
responsible for 85% of raw material 
production related carbon dioxide 
emissions, while the “wet route” option 
accounted for approximately 15% of the 
emissions. Please refer to table 6.

Use of secondary raw materials G4-EN27
RHI Magnesita attaches great importance 
on the sustainable and intelligent use of 
resources. The recycling of used 
refractory products constitutes one of the 
major strategic initiatives of the Company 
going forward. The objective is to reuse a 
large part of the refractory products used 
by customers as high-grade recycling 
materials. Due to chemical changes of 
the refractory materials during use in 
customer aggregates, only a certain 
portion of the scrap material has been 
recovered directly to produce refractory 
materials so far. RHI Magnesita intends 
to tap this unused potential to a much 
greater extent by applying alternative 
treatment methods. The recovery of 
refractory materials has several 
advantages. On the one hand, it serves 
to secure the supply with raw materials 
in the long term and to reduce cost-
intensive raw material procurement; 
on the other hand, it also enables a 
significant reduction of CO2 emissions 
and energy consumption. Moreover, the 
recycling of scrap materials reduces the 
volume of waste and cuts disposal costs. 

R H I   M A G N E S I TA

A N N U A L   R E P O R T   2 0 1 7

4 3

Table 6: CO2 emissions in 1,000 tonnes G4-EN15, G4-EN16

Direct CO2 emissions (Scope 1)

Europe

America

Asia

Total direct CO2 emissions

Indirect CO2 emissions (Scope 2)

Total

Data of the years 2015 and 2016 are legacy RHI data.

2015

1,265

22

112

1,399

246

1,645

2016

958

14

475

1,447

200

1,647

2017

1,000

258

490

1,748

202

1,950

Table 7: Development of energy consumption G4-EN3

Energy 
consumption

Natural gas

Electricity

Coal/coke

Diesel/petrol/oil

LPG/propane

2015

2,067

529

476

267

134

2016

2,264

452

520

170

10

 in GWh

2017

2,530

435

647

253

12

 in 1,000 GJ

2017

9,106

1,564

2,330

912

45

2016

8,151

1,626

1,873

613

36

2015

7,440

1,905

1,713

961

483

Total

3,473

3,416

3,877

12,502

12,299

13,957

Data of the years 2015 and 2016 are legacy RHI data.

Energy efficiency G4-EN3, G4-EN6
As a Company operating in an energy-
intensive industry, RHI Magnesita 
attaches great importance to the concept 
of “energy efficiency” for economic and 
ecological reasons. To ensure competitive 
production of refractory materials, a 
highly energy-efficient process along the 
entire value chain is necessary due to the 
energy intensity, in particular in the area 
of raw material production. Moreover, the 
efficient use of energy contributes to the 
reduction of CO2 emissions. In 2016, the 
Group’s absolute energy consumption 
totalled 3,880 gigawatt hours compared 
with 3,420 gigawatt hours in 2016. 
The increase in energy consumption 
compared with 2016 is mainly attributable 
to the combination of RHI and Magnesita. 
The energy consumption of the former 
RHI plants was comparable to 2016. 
Please refer to table 7.

The energy mix in the RHI Magnesita 
Group consists of natural gas, electricity, 
diesel, petrol, oil, liquefied petroleum 
gas (LPG), propane, coal and coke. 
Renewable energies cannot be used for 
reasons related to production technology, 
as the required firing temperatures 
cannot be achieved with these fuels. 
The improvement of the specific energy 
consumption, which is on the one hand 
achieved through the continuous 
development of processes and on the 
other hand through investments, is 
supported at certain European production 
sites by the energy management system 
according to ISO 50001. The Group has 
set the target to reduce specific energy 
consumption, i.e. energy consumption in 
relation to production volume, by 0.5% 
per year. In 2016, this target was achieved 
again and savings of 1,930 megawatt 
hours were realised. The target set is 
highly ambitious, as the specific energy 
requirements of the Group heavily depend 
on the product mix and the capacity 
utilisation of the plants. If a larger volume 
of products of an energy-intensive 
product group is produced, specific 

4 4

S T R AT E G I C   R E P O R T

R H I   M A G N E S I TA

Environment and Energy
continued

energy consumption will increase. 
In addition, customers’ growing quality 
demands often lead to higher firing 
temperatures, longer firing times or more 
demanding after-treatment, which causes 
higher energy consumption in the 
manufacturing process. At the same time, 
these refractory solutions help support the 
customers’ energy efficiency efforts. Fired 
refractories are predominantly produced 
in tunnel kilns, which are among the most 
energy-efficient firing aggregates if 
utilisation is consistent and high and firing 
temperatures are stable. If utilisation 
fluctuates and batch sizes decrease, these 
advantages cannot be used. Moreover, the 
demands placed on flue gas purification 
are increasing. However, additional energy 
is required to ensure a clean thermal 
afterburning process at a minimum 
temperature of 750°C. Due to the process 
improvements successfully implemented 
in the past, the possibilities for further 
improvements in rotary kilns are only 
marginal. On the one hand, a minimum 
amount of dissociation energy is required 
to produce sinter; on the other hand, there 
are also mechanical limits to further 
insulation.

Waste management G4-EN23, G4-EN27
RHI Magnesita continuously reduces 
ceramic scrap and returns it to the 
production process in order to minimise 
the quantity of waste. Residual materials 
that cannot be avoided are handled by 
licensed waste companies. In 2016, the 
Group reported 52,000 tonnes of 
non-hazardous waste and 3,750 tonnes 
of hazardous waste. Distinction between 
non-hazardous and hazardous waste 
is regulated in the respective national 
legislations. The increase in the total 
amount of waste compared with 2016 
is mostly attributable to the merger. 
The quantities of hazardous and non-
hazardous waste of the former RHI sites 
were comparable to 2016. Please refer 
to table 8.

 75% of the waste consisted of ceramic 
scrap and mineral waste, which could not 
be returned to production so far due to 
mixing with other materials or because 
of insufficient grain size. Internal residues 
can only be reused to a limited extent. 
This primarily depends on the product 
mix as only defined residues can be used 
for high-grade products. In the reporting 
year, the Group placed a strong focus in 
its environmental programme on the 
efforts to avoid creating ceramic waste 
through the help of technical and 
organisational measures. Positive results 
were seen in the reporting period, for 
instance, in China where an increasing 
share of mineral residues such as filter 
dusts could be separated and sorted out 
at a very early stage and when meeting 
quality requirements be returned to the 
production process.

Since 2009, the Group has been working 
with an innovative packaging solution 
for refractories that was in use at 13 
production sites in 2016. The intelligent 
stretch foil offers a high transport 
protection and also reduces the amount 
of packaging waste at the customer site, 
as it does not require cardboard 
packaging and tyre bands made of steel 
or plastic. In addition, the replacement 
of conventional shrink packaging with 
stretchhood packaging leads to savings 
of around 280,000 cubic metres of gas 
per year according to calculations at pilot 
plants. Of a total of 1,300,000 packaging 
units shipped in 2017, 75% were 
packaged using this method compared 
to 84% in the year 2016. The decrease 
in the share of stretchhood packaging 
is due to the merger between RHI and 
Magnesita, as the method is still to be 
extended to former Magnesita plants.

Reduction of dust emissions G4-EN21
Dust is primarily generated in firing and 
treatment processes. RHI Magnesita 
continuously works on maintaining both 
collected and diffuse dust emissions at a 
low level. This is achieved among other 
things through preventive and systematic 
maintenance and service. In the reporting 
year, the programme focusing on a 
reduction of diffuse dust was continued 
as an essential part of the environmental 
programme. Major projects at the 
Austrian sites in Radenthein and Veitsch 
as well as structural adaptations of 
material conveyor belts at handover 
points produced remarkable successes. 
In addition to positive effects on the 
environment, there is also an economic 
benefit as the material is maintained in 
the production cycle.

Water consumption G4-EN8
Water is primarily used for cooling 
purposes in the Group, but also to wash 
raw materials. A very low percentage 
of the water is used for briquetting and 
in production as part of the recipe. In 
the financial year 2017, RHI Magnesita 
used 5.5 million cubic metres of water, 
compared with 5.2 million cubic 
metres in 2016. The increase in water 
consumption compared with the previous 
year is mostly attributable to the 
combination of RHI and Magnesita. 
The Austrian sites accounted for 75% 
and primarily utilised ground water. 
At these sites, the use of water is the most 
environmentally friendly type of cooling 
since no cooling circuits or energy have 
to be employed for alternative air cooling. 
At locations where water is scarcer, for 
example in Mexico and India, air cooling 
systems, among other things, and 
process water for irrigation are used. 

R H I   M A G N E S I TA

A N N U A L   R E P O R T   2 0 1 7

4 5

Sustainable transport concepts G4-EN30
RHI Magnesita strives to optimize its 
transport routes and transport costs 
through efficient logistics concepts and 
to minimise negative impacts on the 
environment. Measures including the 
reduction of empty trips, optimal 
utilisation of the means of transport, an 
increase in the share of purely rail-based 
transport or a reduction of traffic on roads 
through combined transport contribute 
to realizing these requirements. The 
accomplishment of the targets linked 
with these measures is regularly reviewed 
internally and externally as part of the 
integrated management system. In 2016, 
the Group successfully increased the 
share of rail transports from the Austrian 
plants as a follow-up measure to the 
“Distribution Network Study” project that 
was completed in 2016. Moreover, the 
number of supra-regional round trips for 
raw material and finished good flows 
within the Group was increased. By 
means of round trips, empty trips can be 
avoided and thus negative environmental 
effects can be reduced by cutting back 
on kilometres driven.

As a post-merger activity RHI Magnesita 
launched the “Transport Logistics 
Network Study” project, a comprehensive 
analysis of the combined logistics 
network of RHI and Magnesita using 
state-of-the-art optimisation tools. 
Based on this analysis as well as on the 
results of workshops with strategic 
logistics partners, both economic and 
ecological benefits are planned to be 
generated through optimised utilisation 
of all means of transport, reduced ton 
kilometres, a streamlined warehousing 
network, optimised selection of transport 
modes and an extended implementation 
of round trips. The improvement 
measures will start to be implemented 
in the first quarter of 2018.

Table 8: Development of waste volume G4-EN23

Hazardous waste

Non-hazardous waste

Waste in tonnes

Europe

America

Asia

Total 

2015

2,160

60

100

2,320

2016

2,450

40

30

2017

3,620

90

40

2015

2016

2017

38,000

30,000

32,000

11,000

9,000

3,000

11,000

10,000

10,000

2,520

3,750

58,000

44,000

52,000

Data of the years 2015 and 2016 are legacy RHI data.

As a result of the combined efforts of 
R&D and the Austrian production plant 
Radenthein, RHI Magnesita developed 
an alternative and coal tar pitch could be 
substituted by non-hazardous petroleum 
based materials. The existing production 
process was adapted to the new 
substance and no negative impact on 
product performance was identified.

By using non-hazardous raw materials, 
the amount of hazardous waste is 
reduced when refractory products 
are disposed of. Another advantage 
is the fact that products not containing 
hazardous substances can be reused 
more easily as no test of substitute 
substances is required.

Use of substitute materials to protect 
health and the environment G4-PR1, G4-EN27
In order to reduce the effects of hazardous 
substances on the health of employees of 
RHI Magnesita and those of the customers 
as well as on the environment, research 
and development strongly focuses 
on the search for substitute materials. 
New substances are tested for potential 
dangers before they are used, and 
provided that appropriate alternatives 
are available, hazardous materials are 
replaced by less hazardous or non-
hazardous substances. The classification 
in accordance with chemical legislation 
and an evaluation of the impact of the 
substances on health and the environment 
guarantee a safe production process and 
the safe use of the products at the 
customer’s site. 

RHI Magnesita complies with the relevant 
legal requirements concerning chemicals. 
The authorisation process of the REACH 
Regulation (EC No 1907/2006, 
“Registration, Evaluation, Authorisation 
and Restriction of Chemicals”) provides 
for strict requirements for instance 
regarding the use of the substance 
coal tar pitch. For more than 30 years, 
coal tar pitch was the only material used 
for vacuum-pressure impregnation of 
refractory bricks and functional products. 

4 6

S T R AT E G I C   R E P O R T

R H I   M A G N E S I TA

  Innovation, 
    Research and
Development

Innovative power is one of the key 
prerequisites for RHI Magnesita to 
remain competitive in the contested 
global refractories market and to 
secure sustainable profitable growth. 
Addressing ideas systematically 
and turning them into marketable 
products, processes and services 
is a decisive lever for RHI Magnesita 
to generate growth. 

R H I   M A G N E S I TA

A N N U A L   R E P O R T   2 0 1 7

4 7

The Company builds on the innovative 
power of its employees to live up to its 
claim of technology leadership. 
Innovation management gives creativity 
a structure and ensures that ideas are 
converted to marketable products, 
services and new business models. 

Innovation management 
The “Innovation Management” 
department, which was established 
in the year 2013, was integrated into the 
“Corporate Development” department 
in 2016. This represents an important 
step in the harmonisation of the key 
topics strategy, innovation and mergers 
and acquisitions (M&A). Bundling these 
individual, yet interlinked disciplines 
allows RHI Magnesita to systematically 
analyse, develop and leverage potentials 
in targeted markets and technologies. 
Innovation management translates 
identified strategic areas into the context 
of the Company, aligns them with the 
Company’s overall strategy and ensures 
their implementation. The close 
connection with the M&A team supports 
the decision-making as to whether the 
development of certain technologies 
should be pursued by the Company itself 
or through external M&A projects. The 
acquisition of the Swedish Agellis Group 
in 2016 demonstrates how the integration 
of technology leaders from different 
industries can support the overall 
innovation strategy of RHI Magnesita. 
Not only does the advanced 
measurement technology for both steel 
and non-ferrous plants broaden RHI 
Magnesita’s overall portfolio, but it also 
offers opportunities for future innovative 
products and services in order to serve 
customers with the best possible 
production assistance. The department 
“Corporate Development” therefore 
assumes a trans-disciplinary as well as 
cross-divisional function, which ensures 
the strict coherence of all strategic 
activities within the Company, while a 
systematic process supports efficient and 
effective procedures within the Group. 

SUPPORTED SDGs

In workshops and as part of the 
continuous improvement process, ideas 
are generated and processed in a 
structured manner based on a defined 
innovation process.

The improvement and further development 
of manufacturing processes is one of the 
main topics of innovation management 
at RHI Magnesita. The Company’s clear 
objective is the identification, development 
and utilisation of new, high-performance 
production technologies and services 
that lead to a significant boost in 
efficiency and enable the manufacturing 
of products with superior material 
properties and/or functionalities. 
Through this approach RHI Magnesita 
not only creates the basis for patentable, 
innovative processes, but also sets new 
standards in the field of refractories.

The ongoing advancements due to 
digitisation and the increasing degree 
of automation have a significant 
contribution to the development of 
existing production processes and 
services. Through analysis, evaluation 
and prioritisation of existing technologies, 
innovation management ensures their 
quick and seamless integration. Trends 
such as Big Data, connectivity, artificial 
intelligence and predictive maintenance 
are only a few aspects which open up 
new opportunities for the Company. The 
clear objective is to align RHI Magnesita’s 
activities to new trends and to implement 
new business and service models that 
fulfil the demands of the Company’s 
stakeholders.

Intellectual property: patents and 
trademarks
Based on patents and trademarks, the 
new products, systems and technologies 
of RHI Magnesita are internationally 
protected in the market and their abuse 
is prevented. 

RHI Magnesita continuously examines 
the patentability of newly developed 
products, systems and technologies in 
order to provide targeted intellectual 
property protection for the Group’s new 
refractory solutions, thus strategically 
securing the Company’s market position 
as a global leader in the refractory 
industry. In 2016, 15 priority patent 
applications were filed to provide a 
competitive advantage for the Company. 
They included patent applications 
regarding the geometries of refractory 
components, improved technologies 
for customer furnaces and advanced 
compositions of refractory raw materials. 
After the merger of RHI and Magnesita 
the patent portfolio comprised 170 patent 
families at the end of the year 2017. 
A well-established monitoring process 
is used to analyse competitors’ patent 
activities in the market and to further 
secure legal compliance. 

4 8

S T R AT E G I C   R E P O R T

R H I   M A G N E S I TA

Innovation, Research and Development
continued

RHI Magnesita: new trademark

The trademark portfolio of the Group 
consists of trademarks such as Radex, 
Deltek, Compac, Ankerharth, Dola, 
Stampmag, Sindoform or Gnox; this 
portfolio is currently optimised to the 
market needs. G4-4

The new trademark “RHI Magnesita” and 
the logo have been internationally 
registered. The logo, formed from the 
symbol of infinity and the shapes of the 
core products of the Company, represents 
the continuity of our commitment and 
service, the interconnection of our people 
and customers worldwide and the 
underlying solidity of our products.

Organisation and strategic approaches 
of research and development 
The research and development division 
consists of four R&D centres which are 
located in Leoben (Austria), Contagem 
(Brasil), York (USA) and Dalian (China). 
At the end of the year 2017, more than 
240 people with 17 different nationalities 
worked in research and development; 
the share of women was 25%. G4-LA12

In line with the corporate strategy, 
targeted research and development 
activities were continued in the reporting 
period. The most important R&D focal 
points included: 

 ¥ the further development of special 

ceramics such as isostatically pressed 
components, complex cast products 
and slide gate plates, among others in 
view of the optimisation of clean steel 
applications

 ¥ the development of methods for 

non-destructive material testing in line 
with quality assurance and the 
optimisation of production processes 
through Big Data analyses of the 
production parametres

 ¥ the use of recycled raw materials and 
research of new methods for the 
treatment and reuse of refractory 
materials changed during operation 

 ¥ the use of new raw materials and 

combination of materials

 ¥ the development of environmentally 

friendly binder systems

The most important scientific cooperation 
partners in 2016 included Austrian higher 
education institutions such as the 
University of Leoben, Johannes Kepler 
University, Joanneum Research, the 
University of Graz and the Graz University 
of Technology, the Vienna University 
of Technology, as well as the Federal 
University of São Carlos in Brazil, the 
Slovak Academy of Sciences, McGill 
University in Canada and Fraunhofer-
Gesellschaft in Germany. RHI Magnesita 
also worked closely with technology 
leaders in the steel industry such as 
voestalpine Stahl Donawitz, voestalpine 
Stahl Linz, Böhler Edelstahl and Primetals 
Technologies at competence centres 
promoted by the Austrian Research 
Promotion Agency. 

Research costs before subsidies and 
capitalisation amounted to €24 million 
in 2017.

Basic research
In basic research, which is often 
conducted in collaboration with scientific 
cooperation partners and within the 
framework of subsidised competence 
centres, an important focus lies on 
gaining an understanding of corrosion 
and erosion mechanisms of RHI 
Magnesita products in different customer 
processes. The further development of 
the models for the simulation systems 
used at RHI Magnesita also takes place 
as part of scientific collaborations.

The simulation and modelling methods 
used include the finite element method 
(FEM), computational fluid dynamics 
(CFD), the discrete element method 
(DEM), thermochemical simulations and 
water modelling. These methods enable 
the analysis of the flow conditions of 
liquid steel from the steel ladle through 
the tundish to solidification in the mould. 
Based on the models, customer-specific 

R H I   M A G N E S I TA

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4 9

The processes are also examined using 
modelling and simulation. The objective 
is to further develop the environmental 
standards and to lower the energy 
consumption of RHI Magnesita.

The area of material development looks 
for alternatives for substances, which may 
no longer be used within the EU after the 
implementation of the REACH Regulation 
(EC No 1907/2006, “Registration, 
Evaluation, Authorisation and Restriction 
of Chemicals”) or are considered to cause 
concern. New developments with 
reduced emissions have already been 
successfully placed in the market. 

design and refractory solutions are 
offered. In the reporting year, the 
understanding of flow-relevant 
parametres in the casting channel of 
the slide gate system was improved using 
the new water model for the simulation 
of slide gate valves.

Development of new products and 
production methods
Innovative raw materials and production 
processes provide the basis for new 
products. New fused raw materials are 
developed based on phase-theory 
considerations and thermochemical 
calculations at the test plants in Leoben 
and Contagem and developed further 
until ready for series production at the 
production facilities. In addition to classic 
oxidic raw materials, research also deals 
with non-oxidic raw materials, which 
have turned out to be promising.

A new technology for the application 
of a thin material layer in the bore of 
isostatically pressed refractories has been 
developed. This R&D advance enables 
that a thin insulating and/or anti-clogging 
layer can be introduced into a range of 
continuous casting products.

Optimisation of existing products and 
production methods as well as process 
improvements
To enhance existing production 
processes, the process data and data 
from the automatic product test facilities 
are interlinked and analysed on the basis 
of Big Data approaches. In the framework 
of a project launched in the year 2016 
in cooperation with VRVis, a leading 
Austrian research institution in visual 
computing, a customised software tool 
has been developed and is being 
permanently updated for the rapid 
processing of complex mass data in 
order to be able to derive proposals 
for optimisation. 

In order to optimize products and adapt 
them to customer requirements, used 
refractory materials taken from a variety 
of customer aggregates are thoroughly 
studied. The proposals for optimisation 
derived from the analyses lead to a longer 
service life of refractory linings and to 
improvements of the customer’s specific 
process costs. The results of these 
analyses often serve as a basis for 
product innovations. 

The close interdisciplinary cooperation 
between material development, design 
development in the simulation 
department and production process 
development enables further 
improvements of the properties of 
existing products and optimal adaptation 
to customer needs. Examining raw 
material alternatives to existing products 
in order to secure raw material availability 
and to optimize the customer’s total 
cost of ownership is also one of the 
fundamental activities of research 
and development.

Knowledge transfer to customers is an 
important cornerstone in R&D. At the 
Training Center Cement in Leoben, 
Austria, customers are familiarised with 
RHI Magnesita’s refractory products and 
lining techniques in seminars lasting 
several days. The participants can learn 
and practice handling refractory products 
on a full-scale model of a cement rotary 
kiln using modern lining machinery.

Environmental protection and energy 
efficiency G4-EN6, G4-EN27
Together with specialists at the 
production sites, processes and process 
data are documented, analysed and 
measures are derived to stabilise 
processes and save resources. The main 
focus is on energy-intensive processes 
such as drying, curing and sintering. 

5 0

G O V E R N A N C E

R H I   M A G N E S I TA

Governance

Board of Directors 
Executive Management Team 
Corporate Governance 
Audit Committee Report 
Remuneration Committee Report 
Directors’ Remuneration Policy 
Annual Report on Remuneration 

52
56
58
68
70
73
82

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5 1

5 2

G O V E R N A N C E

R H I   M A G N E S I TA

Board  
  of Directors

Executive 
Directors

STEFAN BORGAS 
A German national, Chief Executive 
Officer of the Company with effect from 
October 2017.

OCTAVIO LOPES 
A Brazilian national, Chief Financial 
Officer of the Company with effect from 
October 2017.

Stefan was Chief Executive Officer at RHI 
from December 2016 until October 2017. 
From 2012 to 2016, he was president 
and Chief Executive Officer at Israel 
Chemicals Ltd. Between 2004 and 
2012, he was Chief Executive Officer 
at Lonza Group. Before this, he worked 
at BASF Group, where he held various 
management positions from 1998 to 
2004. Stefan was elected new President 
of the World Refractories Association 
in January 2018. Stefan has a business 
administration degree from the University 
Saarbrücken and an MBA from the 
University of St. Gallen-HSG.

Octavio was Chairman of Magnesita from 
July 2016. He was Chief Executive Officer 
of Magnesita from June 2012 until June 
2016 and Chief Executive Officer of 
Magnesita International from June 2016 
until October 2017. He held several 
positions, including Managing Director 
and Partner, at GP Investments, between 
1997 and 2016. From 2004 until 2007, 
he was the Chief Executive Officer of 
Equatorial Energia. Octavio has 
previously served as a member of the 
Board of several companies including 
Magnesita, BHG, San Antonio, Tempo, 
Equatorial, CEMAR, Allis, Gafisa, and 
Submarino. He holds a Bachelor's degree 
in economics from the University of São 
Paulo and an MBA from the Wharton 
School at the University of Pennsylvania, 
of which he is a member of the Latin 
American Executive Board.

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5 3

Non-Independent  
Non-Executive 
Directors

HERBERT CORDT 
An Austrian national, Chairman of the 
Company with effect from October 2017.

Herbert was Chairman of the Supervisory 
Board of RHI from 2010 until 2017 as well 
as Vice-Chairman from 2007 to 2010. 
He was a member of the Advisory Board at 
Delta Partners, Dubai from 2013 to 2015 
as well as Watermill Group Boston, where 
he is serving since 2013. Herbert was a 
senior advisor at Citigroup in London from 
1999 to 2014. From 1992, he has been 
Managing Partner at CORDT & PARTNER 
Management- und Finanzierungsconsulting 
GesmbH. He was Managing Director at 
GASKOKS – Österreichische 
Warenhandelsgesellschaft mbH from 
1991. In this capacity he served on several 
Supervisory Boards of leading Austrian 
Industrial companies. From 1979 to 1984, 
he was Vice Governor at Österreichische 
Postsparkasse. He also worked as adviser 
for the Federal Finance Minister of Austria 
from 1975 to 1979. Additionally, he is a 
member of the Board of Advisors for the 
MSFS Program, School of Foreign Service 
at Georgetown University, Washington, 
DC since 2015. Herbert graduated from 
the Diplomatic Academy of Vienna 
(Diplomatische Akademie Wien) and 
obtained a Doctorate in Law from the 
University of Vienna as well as a Master of 
Science Degree in Foreign Service from 
Georgetown University Washington D.C.

DAVID A. SCHLAFF
An Austrian national, Non-Executive 
Director of the Company with effect from 
October 2017.

David is Chief Investment Officer at M-Tel 
Holding GmbH since 2008, where he is 
responsible for due diligence and 
acquisitions as well as the management 
of investments. From 2004 to 2007, he 
was a member of the management team 
at LH Financial Services Corporation, 
where he developed and implemented 
a new corporate strategy. Previously he 
worked for Forstmann-Leff Associates 
Inc. David was a member of the 
Supervisory Board at RHI from 2010 until 
2017. Between 2007 and 2011, he was 
also a member of the Board of Advisors at 
Latrobe Specialty Steel Company. From 
2010 to 2011, he was a member of the 
Supervisory Council at A/S Ventspils 
Nafta. He holds a Bachelor’s Degree 
in Business Administration from the 
Interdisciplinary Center Herzliya in Israel.

STANISLAUS PRINZ ZU  
SAYN-WITTGENSTEIN
A German national, Non-Executive 
Director of the Company with effect from 
October 2017.

Stanislaus was Chief Executive Officer 
and Chief Restructuring Officer at 
Energieservice Westfalen Weser 
GmbH in 2015. From 2013 to 2015, he 
was Chief Financial Officer and Deputy 
Chief Executive Officer at Westfalen 
Weser Energie GmbH & Co KG and 
member of the Supervisory Boards of 
Stadtwerke Lage GmbH and Stadtwerke 
Hessisch-Oldendorf GmbH. Between 
2004 and 2012 Stanislaus held 
numerous management positions 
within the E.ON group. Previously, he was 
Managing Director at GMD Gesellschaft 
für medizinische Datenverarbeitung mbH 
and Director at the Deutsche Bank AG, 
Investment Banking Division. He was a 
member of the Supervisory Board of RHI 
since 2001 until 2017. Between 2000 

and 2002, he was a member of the 
supervisory board of Didier Werke AG. 
Since 2016, he is a member of the 
Supervisory Board of Endurance Capital 
AG, a German industrial holding 
company that invests in mid cap special 
situations. Stanislaus holds a Master’s 
Degree in Business Administration from 
MIT Sloan School of Management and 
studied Business Administration and 
Economics at Université de Fribourg 
and is a Chartered Financial Analyst.

FERSEN LAMBRANHO
A Brazilian national, Non-Executive 
Director of the Company with effect from 
October 2017. 

Fersen is a member of the board and 
Chairman of GP Investments. He joined 
the firm in 1998 and became a managing 
director in 1999. Prior to joining GP, 
Fersen was CEO of Lojas Americanas, 
where he worked for 12 years and was 
a board member from 1998 to 2003. 
Fersen currently serves on the boards 
of Centauro, GP Advisors, Spice Private 
Equity, LEON Restaurants and RHI 
Magnesita. He has previously served 
as chairman of the boards of Oi, Contax, 
Gafisa, ABC Supermercados and 
Magnesita. In addition, he previously 
served on the board of BRMalls, 
San Antonio, Allis, BHG, Estácio, 
BRZ Investimentos, Tele Norte 
Leste Participações, São Carlos 
Empreendimentos e Participações, 
Playcenter, Shoptime, Farmasa, BR 
Properties, GP Investments Acquisition 
Corp and Americanas.com. He is also 
a board member of several non-profit 
entities, such as Fundação Bienal de 
São Paulo, the São Paulo Museum of Art 
and COPPEAD-UFRJ. Fersen holds a 
Bachelor's degree in civil engineering 
from the Universidade Federal do Rio de 
Janeiro and a Msc degree in business 
administration from COPPEAD-UFRJ. 
He also completed the Owner President 
Management Program at the Harvard 
Business School.

5 4

G O V E R N A N C E

R H I   M A G N E S I TA

Board of Directors
continued

Independent  
Non-Executive 
Directors

JAMES LENG
A British national, Deputy Chairman 
and Senior Independent Director of the 
Company with effect from October 2017. 

James has had an extensive non-
executive career with a number of 
international publicly listed companies 
which include Chairman of Corus Group 
plc (2001 to 2008), the global steel 
company sold to Tata Steel of India, 
Chairman of HSBC Bank plc (2010 to 
2013) and Chairman of Nomura European 
Holdings plc (2015 to 2017). Directorships 
include AON plc (risk management 
services), Alstom SA (engineering), 
Pilkington plc (glass), Hanson plc 
(aggregates and building products) and 
IMI plc (engineering). Other notable 
positions include drectorships of TNK-BP 
(Russian oil and gas) and lead Non-
Executive Director at the UK’s Ministry of 
Justice. In the early part of 2009, he was 
a Director and Chairman designate of Rio 
Tinto. In an executive capacity James was 
Chief Executive Officer of two publicly 
listed companies: from 1995 to 2001 at 
Laporte PLC, an international specialty 
chemical company, and before that at 
Low & Bonar PLC, a diverse materials and 
packaging company. His early business 
years were spent at John Waddington 
plc, where he was Managing Director of 
a number of their subsidiaries including 
consumer goods and packaging 
companies.

CELIA BAXTER
A British national, Non-Executive 
Director of the Company with effect 
from October 2017.

JOHN RAMSAY 
A British national, Non-Executive 
Director of the Company with effect 
from October 2017.

Celia is currently a Non-Executive 
Director at Bekaert SA and a Non-
Executive Director and Remuneration 
Chair of Senior PLC. Celia was Director 
of Group Human Resources for Bunzl plc 
from 2003 to 2016. Previously she served 
as Head of Human Resources of 
Enterprise Oil plc, having been Director of 
Group Human Resources at Tate & Lyle 
plc. She started her professional career in 
1982 at the Ford Motor Company where 
she held several management positions. 
In 1988 she joined KPMG Peat Marwick 
as a Human Resources consultant. She 
holds a PhD and BSc in botany from the 
University of Reading.

ANDREW HOSTY 
A British national, Non-Executive 
Director of the Company with effect 
from October 2017.

Andrew is Chief Executive of the Sir 
Henry Royce Institute for Advanced 
Materials. Previously, he was Chief 
Operating Officer at Morgan Advanced 
Materials plc, an appointment he held 
from February 2013 until January 2016. 
Before this, he held a number of senior 
positions within Morgan Advanced 
Materials plc, including as Chief 
Executive Officer of Morgan Ceramics. 
He joined the Morgan Advanced 
Materials plc board in July 2010. Andrew 
is currently also a Non-Executive Director 
of Consort Medical PLC and of the Rights 
and Issues Investment Trust PLC, and 
was previously a Non-Executive Director 
of Fiberweb plc from 2012 to 2013 and 
President of the British Ceramics 
Confederation from 2003 to 2005. 
He is a fellow of the Royal Academy of 
Engineering, and holds a PhD from the 
Faculty of Engineering at the University of 
Sheffield and a BSc in materials science.

John served as Chief Financial Officer of 
Syngenta AG from 2007 to 2016 and was 
also Interim Chief Executive Officer from 
October 2015 to June 2016. Prior to this, 
John served as Group Financial 
Controller of Syngenta from 2000 to 
2007 and as the Finance Head of Asia 
Pacific for Zeneca Agrochemicals from 
1993 to 1999. Earlier in his career he was 
a Financial Controller of ICI Malaysia and 
regional controller for Latin America. 
Before joining ICI in 1984, he worked in 
audit and tax at KPMG. John has been 
a member of the Supervisory Board at 
Koninklijke DSM N.V. since May 2017. 
John was appointed a Non-Executive 
Director of G4S plc with effect from 
January 2018. He is a Chartered 
Accountant and also holds an Honours 
Degree in accounting. 

WOLFGANG RUTTENSTORFER 
An Austrian national, Non-Executive 
Director of the Company with effect from 
October 2017.

Wolfgang served as a member of the 
Supervisory Board of RHI AG from 2012 to 
2017 and, following the sickness related 
absence of the CEO, as the Interim Chief 
Executive Officer as a Member of the 
Management Board of RHI AG from 
26 June 2016 until 30 November 2016. 
He started his professional career in 1976 
at OMV, where he was a member of the 
Management Board from 1992 to 1996, 
Vice-Chairman of the Management 
Board from 2000 to 2001 and Chief 
Executive Officer and Chairman of the 
Management Board from 2002 to 2011. 
Between 1997 and 1999, he served as 
Secretary in the Austrian Federal Ministry 
of Finance. He was a member of the 
Administrative Board of Roche Holding 
from 2007 to 2011. From 2010 to 2014, 

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5 5

Employee 
Representative 
Directors

FRANZ REITER
An Austrian national.  Director/Employee 
representative from October 2017.

Franz has been with the Group since 
1977 and is an Administrator at  
Veitsch-Radex GmbH.

MICHAEL SCHWARZ
A German national.  Director/Employee 
representative from October 2017.

Michael has been with the Group since 
1983 and is a member of the workers 
council at Didier Werke A.G.

he was Chairman of the Supervisory 
Board at Vienna Insurance Group as well 
as a member of the Supervisory Board 
at Telekom Austria. He was Chairman of 
the Supervisory Board at CA Immobilien 
Anlagen AG from 2009 to 2016. 
Currently, Wolfgang is a member of the 
Supervisory Board at Flughafen Wien AG 
(since 2011), as well as a member of the 
Administrative Board at NIS a.d. Naftna 
industrija Srbije, Novi Sad, (since 2012) 
and Chairman of the Supervisory Board 
at Telekom Austria AG (since 2015) and a 
member of the Supervisory Board of Erne 
Fittings GmbH (since 2017). He graduated 
from the Vienna University of Economics.

KARL SEVELDA 
An Austrian national, Non-Executive 
Director of the Company with effect from 
October 2017.

Karl was Chief Executive Officer from 
June 2013 to March 2017 and Deputy 
Chief Executive Officer from 2010 to 
2013 at Raiffeisen Bank International 
AG. Previously, he joined Raiffeisen 
Zentralbank Österreich AG in 1998, 
where he was a member of the Board, 
and responsible for corporate customers 
and corporate, trade and export finance 
worldwide until 2010. From 1986 to 1997, 
he held several senior management 
positions at Creditanstalt-Bankverein. 
In 1985 he worked at Creditanstalt-
Bankverein in London and New York. 
Between 1983 and 1985, he held the 
position of Secretary to the Federal 
Minister for Trade and Industry of 
Austria. From 1977 to 1983, he was 
responsible for corporate finance 
and export finance at Creditanstalt-
Bankverein. Karl holds a Master and 
Doctorate Degree from the Vienna 
University of Economics and Business.

5 6

G O V E R N A N C E

R H I   M A G N E S I TA

Executive 
  Management Team

3

6

1

4

7

2

5

8

R H I   M A G N E S I TA

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5 7

1. STEFAN BORGAS – 
CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER
See biography on page 52

2. OCTAVIO LOPES –  
CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER
See biography on page 52

3. GERD SCHUBERT –  
CHIEF OPERATIONS OFFICER
After completing his doctorate in mineral 
engineering at RWTH Aachen, Gerd 
started his career at Degussa AG, where 
he held several positions including 
manager of a Brazilian plant, technical 
director and plant group manager. 
Following the acquisition by Ferro 
Corporation, he managed the production 
and technology divisions as Global 
Operations and Restructuring Director. 
In early 2014, he took over the function 
of COO at the Pfleiderer Group and was 
appointed to the Management Board of 
RHI AG as COO/CTO in January 2017.

4. REINHOLD STEINER –  
CHIEF SALES OFFICER 
After completing his studies in petroleum 
science at the University of Leoben, 
Reinhold Steiner began his professional 
career as Assistant to the Board of 
voestalpine Schienen GmbH and held 
several management positions in the 
voestalpine Group. After working as a 
managing director at the Russian CHTPZ 
Group, he was a managing director in 
the management consulting field before 
joining RHI in 2012 as Head of Sales CIS 
region. In 2013, he was appointed to the 
Management Board of the RHI Group as 
CSO Steel Division.

5. LUIS RODOLFO BITTENCOURT –  
CHIEF TECHNOLOGY OFFICER
Luis has been working for Magnesita 
for 31 years. He held several positions 
in his career on the refractory and 
mining activities starting as Raw Material 
Research Engineer and becoming Raw 
Material Research Manager, Mining/
Geology Manager, Technical Purchasing 
Manager, Plant Manager, Quality Control 
Manager, R&D Director, Minerals VP, 
and R&D VP. He is currently President 
of Magnesita Refratários in Brazil and 
the Brazilian Refractory Producers 
Association. He holds a Bachelor's 
degree in mining engineering from 
the Federal University of Minas Gerais-
Brazil, a Master’s degree in Metallurgical 
Engineering from the University of Utah 
(USA), and a PhD degree on Ceramic 
Engineering from the University of 
Missouri (USA).

6. THOMAS JAKOWIAK – EXECUTIVE VICE 
PRESIDENT INTEGRATION MANAGEMENT
After studying applied geosciences at the 
University of Leoben, Thomas started his 
professional career as a sales engineer 
with R&A Rost GmbH in Vienna. In the 
year 2000, he joined the RHI Group 
and was soon put in charge of the sales 
management for the business unit in 
the Asia-Pacific region. Since 2005, he 
has been the Head of the Cement/Lime 
business unit and was appointed to the 
Management Board of RHI AG as CSO of 
the Industrial Division at the beginning of 
the year 2016.

7. LUIZ ROSSATO – EXECUTIVE VICE 
PRESIDENT CORPORATE DEVELOPMENT
Luiz Rossato is Vice President and Head of 
Corporate Development (Strategy, M&A, 
Innovation and PMO) of the Company 
since October 2017. Mr. Rossato joined 
Magnesita Refratarios in 2008 and 
was the Vice President of Legal, M&A 
and Institutional Relations, as well as 
responsible for Corporate Communication, 
being a member of the Executive 

Committee of Magnesita Refratários from 
2012 until 2017. He graduated in law at 
Mackenzie Presbyterian University, in 
Brazil, and has more than 20 years of 
work experience. He worked in renowned 
law firms in Brazil, including Mattos Filho, 
Veiga Filho, Marrey Jr. and Quiroga 
Advogados, where he has participated 
in important M&A, Capital Market and 
Corporate Law transactions in general, as 
well as experience in international offices 
(New York and Milan). He was also a 
corporate lawyer and company secretary 
at Abyara Real Estate Planning until the 
beginning of 2008. In 2012, he received 
the “General Counsel of the Year – Latin 
America” award by the International Law 
Office and the Association of Corporate 
Counsel, and in 2013 he attended the 
Advanced Management Program at 
Wharton University in the United States. 

8. SIMONE OREMOVIC – EXECUTIVE 
VICE PRESIDENT PEOPLE AND 
CULTURE MANAGEMENT
Simone is Executive Vice President 
People and Culture Management at RHI 
Magnesita since November 2017. She is 
in charge of all people topics across the 
globe and is located in our Headquarters 
in Vienna. Simone has 20 years of 
experience in Human Resources. Before 
joining RHI Magnesita, she started her 
career in HR at General Electric and 
worked in different operational and 
corporate roles. Her main focus was 
on leadership and talent management 
as well as HR process. She is a certified 
Six Sigma Master Black belt. After GE she 
changed to Telekom Austria Group as HR 
Director and then to IBM Austria, also in 
a leading HR role. From 2013 to 2017 she 
was a member of the Management Board 
of Baxter AG and in charge of global HR 
of the plasma production sites. Simone 
has a degree from the European Business 
School (Paris) and of the Economic 
University of Vienna.

5 8

G O V E R N A N C E

R H I   M A G N E S I TA

Corporate 
  Governance

RHI Magnesita N.V. (the “Company”) was incorporated as a public 
company (naamloze vennootschap) under the laws of the Netherlands, 
under the name RHI-MAG N.V., on 20 June 2017. The articles of 
association of the Company (the “Articles of Association”) were most 
recently amended with effect as of 26 October 2017, amending, among 
other amendments, the name of the Company into RHI Magnesita N.V. 

The Strategic Report, together with the Governance Report, 
constitutes the report of the Directors within the meaning of 
Section 2:391 of the Dutch Civil Code and has been approved 
and signed by RHI Magnesita’s Board.

re-election, with an expectation that the Board will then 
consider extending tenure for a further three-year period. 
All Directors (other than Employee Nominated Directors) will 
seek re-election on an annual basis. 

Compliance with the Dutch Corporate Governance Code 
and the UK Corporate Governance Code
The Company is committed to the highest standards of 
corporate governance. The board of the Company (the “Board”) 
has applied the principles of, complies and intends to continue 
to comply with the requirements of, both the Dutch corporate 
governance code (the “Dutch Corporate Governance Code” or 
“DCGC”) and the United Kingdom corporate governance code 
(the “UK Corporate Governance Code” or “UKCGC”) in full to 
the fullest extent possible, except for a limited number of 
deviations set out below.

Deviations from the Dutch Corporate Governance Code in 2017
The Company did not comply with the following provisions of 
the Dutch Corporate Governance Code in 2017:

Best practice provision 2.2.2 of the Dutch Corporate 
Governance Code
The Board is non-compliant with best practice provision 
2.2.2 of the Dutch Corporate Governance Code. This provision 
recommends that in case of a one-tier board a non-executive 
director should be appointed for a period of four years. 
Code provision B.2.3 of the UK Corporate Governance Code 
recommends that non-executive Directors should be appointed 
for specified terms, with the offer of any term beyond six years 
subject to particularly rigorous review and take into account 
the need for progressive refreshing of the Board, while provision 
B.7.1 of the UK Corporate Governance Code recommends 
that Directors should seek re-election on an annual basis. 
The Company appoints the non-executive Directors of 
the Company (the “Non-Executive Directors”) (other than 
Employee Nominated Directors (as defined below)) for a term of 
approximately three years, subject to performance and annual 

Deviations from the UK Corporate Governance Code in 2017
The Company did not comply with the following provisions of 
the UK Corporate Governance Code in 2017:

Code Provision A.3.1
The chairman of the Board (the “Chairman”) is not considered 
to be independent for the purposes of the UK Corporate 
Governance Code because he has served on the Board of 
RHI AG (“RHI”) for more than nine years, which constitutes 
non-compliance with Code provision A.3.1 of the UK Corporate 
Governance Code that recommends that the Chairman should 
on appointment meet the independence criteria of the UK 
Corporate Governance Code. The Board believes that Mr. Cordt 
demonstrates integrity and independence of character and 
judgement, despite his non-independence under the UK 
Corporate Governance Code, and that his experience as 
Chairman of RHI AG’s supervisory board is valuable to the 
Company, particularly in view of the acquisition by the 
Company of shares in the capital of Magnesita Refratários S.A. 
(“Magnesita”) and the further development of the group of 
which the Company forms part (the “Group”), and therefore 
warrants his appointment as Chairman.

Board and management structure G4-34
The Company has a one-tier board structure with a Board 
consisting of both executive Directors (the “Executive 
Directors”, and collectively with the Non-Executive Directors, 
the “Directors”). As at the date of this annual report (the 
“Annual Report”), the provisions of Dutch law that are 
commonly referred to as the “large company regime” 
(structuurregime) do not apply to the Company.

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5 9

The Board has established three committees: an audit and 
compliance committee (the “Audit and Compliance 
Committee” or “Audit Committee”), a remuneration committee 
(the “Remuneration Committee”) and a nomination committee 
(the “Nomination Committee”, and together with the Audit and 
Compliance Committee and the Remuneration Committee, the 
“Committees”) to ensure a strong governance framework for 
decision-making. While safety, health, environmental, 
community and other corporate responsibility matters are regularly 
reviewed, the Directors believe that these matters should be the 
focus of a Board Committee and this will be established in 2018. 

The Committees consist of Non-Executive Directors only. 
Should the need arise the Board will establish additional 
committees as appropriate. A summary of the role and 
responsibilities of each Committee is shown on pages 62 to 64.

The Board
Powers, responsibilities and functioning
The Board is collectively responsible for and has the power to 
conduct the general affairs of the Company. This role includes 
being collectively responsible for the long-term success of the 
Company, and for its leadership, strategy, values, standards, 
control and management. G4-42

Pursuant to the Articles of Association, the Board may, if it elects 
to do so, assign duties and powers to individual Directors and/or 
committees that are composed of two or more Directors, with 
the day-to-day management of the Company entrusted to 
the Executive Directors. The Non-Executive Directors have the 
task of supervising the performance of duties by the Executive 
Directors as well as the general course of affairs of the Company 
and the business connected with it. In addition, both Executive 
Directors and Non-Executive Directors must perform such 
duties as are assigned to them pursuant to the Articles of 
Association and the Board rules adopted by the Board (the 
“Board Rules”) or a resolution of the Board. Each Director has 
a duty towards the Company to properly perform the duties 
assigned to him or her. Furthermore, each Director has a duty to 
act in the corporate interests of the Company and its business. 
Under Dutch law, corporate interest extends to the interests of 
all stakeholders of the Company, such as shareholders, 
creditors, employees and other stakeholders.

Composition, appointment, term and dismissal G4-38 and G4-39
The Articles of Association provide that the Board shall consist 
of one or more Executive Directors and three or more Non-
Executive Directors with a maximum of 19 Directors in total. 
The majority of the Directors shall be Non-Executive Directors 
and one-third of the Non-Executive Directors (rounded 
upwards) (the “Employee Nominated Directors”) shall be 
appointed in accordance with the reference terms 
(referentievoorschriften) as referred to in Section 2:333k (12)(13) 
of the Dutch Civil Code (the “DCC”). The exact number of 
Executive Directors and Non-Executive Directors shall be 
determined by the general meeting of the Company (the 
“General Meeting”) taking into account the foregoing. 
The General Meeting is authorised to resolve to amend the 
Articles of Association, on the proposal of the Board. The 
General Meeting may designate one Executive Director as CEO 
and one Executive Director as CFO and may grant other titles to 
Executive Directors, in each case for a term to be determined by 
the General Meeting, which shall not be longer than the term of 
office of the relevant person to the Board. An Executive Director 
can have more than one title. Furthermore, the General Meeting 
shall designate one Non-Executive Director as the Chairman 
and one or more Non-Executive Directors as deputy chairman/
deputy chairmen (the “Deputy Chairman” or the “Deputy 
Chairmen”), in each case for a term to be determined by the 
General Meeting which shall not be longer than the term of 
office of the relevant person to the Board. The General Meeting 
will also decide whether a Director is appointed as an Executive 
Director or as a Non-Executive Director.

Pursuant to the Articles of Association, Directors other than 
the Employee Nominated Directors will be appointed by the 
General Meeting. The Board may make a nomination for such 
appointments by the General Meeting. The Executive Directors 
shall not take part in discussions or decision-making by the 
Board relating to nominations for the appointment of Directors. 
A resolution to appoint a Director nominated by the Board may 
be adopted by the General Meeting by an absolute majority of 
votes cast, irrespective of the represented capital. A resolution 
to appoint the Director other than in accordance with a 
nomination by the Board may be adopted by the General 
Meeting by an absolute majority of votes cast representing 
more than one-third of the Company’s issued capital.

The Board as a whole is entitled to represent the Company. 
Additionally, the chief executive officer of the Company (“CEO”) 
and the Chairman, acting individually, and two Executive Directors, 
acting jointly, are also authorised to represent the Company. In 
addition, pursuant to the Articles of Association, the Board may 
appoint officers who are authorised to represent the Company 
within the limits of the specific powers delegated to them.

Pursuant to an agreement between the Company and Alumina 
Holdings LLC (“Alumina”), the vehicle through which GP 
Investments, Ltd. holds its participation in Magnesita, Alumina 
is entitled to nominate one person for appointment as a 
Non-Executive Director. Alumina elected to nominate Fersen 
Lambranho for appointment, who was subsequently appointed 
as Non-Executive Director.

6 0

G O V E R N A N C E

R H I   M A G N E S I TA

Corporate Governance
continued

Non-Executive Directors (other than Employee Nominated 
Directors) will be nominated for a term of three years, subject 
to satisfactory performance and annual re-appointment at the 
Annual General Meeting. This approach is consistent with Code 
provision B.7.1 of the UK Corporate Governance Code which 
recommends that Directors should seek re-election on an 
annual basis. Employee Nominated Directors are appointed for 
a term of not more than four years. The term of office for each 
Director (other than Employee Nominated Directors) will end 
on the day of the Annual General Meeting in the year following 
appointment. Pursuant to the Articles of Association, Directors 
may be re-appointed for an unlimited number of terms but it 
is anticipated that the Non-Executive Directors (other than 
Employee Nominated Directors) may be offered a second term 
of three years, at the expiry of which they will not ordinarily 
be considered for re-appointment.

The General Meeting has the power to suspend or remove a 
Director at any time, by means of a resolution for suspension or 
removal. The Directors may be suspended or removed by the 
General Meeting upon a proposal by the Board. A resolution to 
suspend or remove a Director requires adoption by at least an 
absolute majority of the votes cast, if adopted upon a proposal 

by the Board. A resolution by the General Meeting to suspend 
or remove a Director other than upon such proposal requires 
adoption by an absolute majority of the votes cast representing 
at least one-third of the Company’s issued capital. Executive 
Directors may also be suspended by the Board. The Executive 
Directors shall not participate in the discussion or decision-
making process of the Board in relation to the making of any 
proposal for suspension and removal of any Director.

Any suspension may be extended one or more times, but may 
not last longer than three months in aggregate. If, at the end 
of such period, no decision has been taken on termination 
of the suspension or on removal of the relevant Director, the 
suspension shall end. A suspension can be ended by the 
General Meeting at any time.

From 20 June 2017, being the date of incorporation of the 
Company, to 6 October 2017 the Board consisted of Stefan Borgas 
(Executive Director), Herbert Cordt (Non-Executive Director) and 
Wolfgang Ruttenstorfer (Non-Executive Director). With effect as 
of 6 October 2017, one additional Executive Director and eight 
additional Non-Executive Directors were appointed. At the date 
of this Annual Report, the Board is composed as follows: 

Name

Stefan Borgas

Octavio Lopes

Herbert Cordt

Fersen Lambranho

David A. Schlaff

Position

Executive Director (CEO)1

Executive Director (CFO)1

Non-Independent Non-Executive Director, Chairman1

Non-independent Non-Executive Director1 

Non-independent Non-Executive Director1

Year of birth

1964

1971

1947

1961

1978

Date of
appointment

20 June 2017

6 October 2017

20 June 2017

6 October 2017

6 October 2017

Stanislaus Prinz zu Sayn-Wittgenstein

Non-independent Non-Executive Director1 

1965 

6 October 2017

Celia Baxter

Andrew Hosty

James Leng

John Ramsay

Independent Non-Executive Director2, 3

Independent Non-Executive Director2, 3

Independent Non-Executive Director2, 3 
Deputy Chairman and Senior Independent Director

Independent Non-Executive Director2, 3

Wolfgang Ruttenstorfer

Independent Non-Executive Director2, 4

Karl Sevelda

Independent Non-Executive Director2, 3

1958

1965

1945

1957

1950

1950

6 October 2017

6 October 2017

6 October 2017

6 October 2017

20 June 2017

6 October 2017

Expiry/
reappointment
date

2018 AGM

2018 AGM

2018 AGM

2018 AGM

2018 AGM

2018 AGM

2018 AGM

2018 AGM

2018 AGM

2018 AGM

2018 AGM

2018 AGM

1  Non-independent within the meaning of the UK Corporate Governance Code but independent within the meaning of the Dutch Corporate Governance 

Code due to a difference in independence requirements under the respective codes.

2   Independent within the meaning of the UK Corporate Governance Code.
3   Independent within the meaning of the Dutch Corporate Governance Code.
4   Mr. Ruttenstorfer is, as a result of having undertaken a management board role for RHI on a temporary basis between June and November 2016, not 

considered to be independent within the meaning of the Dutch Corporate Governance Code. Notwithstanding this historic role, the Board considers 
Mr. Ruttenstorfer to be independent for the purposes of the UK Corporate Governance Code.

R H I   M A G N E S I TA

A N N U A L   R E P O R T   2 0 1 7

6 1

The UKCGC requires that, excluding the Chairman, at least 
half of the Board should comprise Non-Executive Directors 
determined to be independent.

The Board has considered the independence of the Non-
Executive Directors, including potential conflicts of interest, 
and the table above sets out those Directors considered 
independent in character and judgement. Each of these 
Directors has also confirmed that there is no reason why 
they should not continue to be considered independent.

The Chairman’s other significant commitments are set out in 
the table below: G4-41

Name of company

Function

Watermill Group Boston

Georgetown University, School of Foreign 
Service, MSFS Program

Member of the advisory board

Member of the advisory board

CORDT & PARTNER Management- und

Managing partner

James Leng has been appointed the senior independent 
director (the “Senior Independent Director”) to provide a 
sounding board for the Chairman and to serve as an intermediary 
for the other Directors where necessary. He is also available to 
shareholders if they have concerns that the normal channels 
of communication through the CEO and/or the Chairman has 
failed to resolve or for which contact with them is inappropriate. 

Board diversity G4-LA12
The Board also recognises the benefits that the experience of a 
diverse Board can bring. The Company aims to ensure that the 
Board represents a balance in terms of diversity, with criteria that 
includes, background, age, gender, education, nationality, skills, 
expertise and experience. The Board pursues a policy of having 
at least 30% of the seats on the Board held by men and at least 
30% of the seats on the Board held by women, in accordance 
with the “balanced composition” requirement under Dutch law. 

The Board is conscious that due to the recent formation of the 
Company its current composition does not meet the “balanced 
composition” required under Dutch law. However, the Board is 
committed to encouraging diversity and will pursue its 
programme in this regard.

Meetings and decision-making of the Board
The Board meets six times a year or additionally as often as 
deemed necessary by the Chairman or the Deputy-Chairman. 
Board papers are circulated in advance of meetings to allow 
Directors sufficient time to consider their content prior to 
the meeting. 

Pursuant to Dutch law, an Executive Director may not be 
allocated the tasks of: (i) serving as Chairman; (ii) participating 
in the adoption of resolutions (including any deliberations 
in respect of such resolutions) related to the remuneration 
of Executive Directors; or (iii) nominating Directors for 
appointment. Tasks that have not been specifically allocated 
to a specific Director fall within the power of the Board as a 
whole. The Directors share responsibility for all decisions and 
acts of the Board and for the acts of each individual member 
of the Board regardless of the allocation of tasks.

The Board has adopted Board Rules in accordance with the 
Articles of Association. The Board Rules describe, inter alia, 
the procedure of holding meetings and decision-making by the 
Board, and the Board’s operating procedures. The Board Rules 
have been established taking into account the Dutch Corporate 
Governance Code and the UK Corporate Governance Code.

Pursuant to the Articles of Association and the Board Rules, 
resolutions can be adopted without holding a meeting if the 
proposal is submitted to all Directors, each of them consents 
in writing and none of them has objected to this manner of 
adopting resolutions.

Attendance at Board meetings in 2017:

Stefan Borgas

Octavio Lopes

Herbert Cordt

Fersen Lambranho

David A. Schlaff

Stanislaus Prinz zu Sayn-Wittgenstein

Celia Baxter

Andrew Hosty

James Leng

John Ramsay

Wolfgang Ruttenstorfer

Karl Sevelda

Eligible 
to attend

Attended

3

3

3

3

3

3

3

3

3

3

3

3

3

3

3

2

2

2

3

3

3

3

3

3

6 2

G O V E R N A N C E

R H I   M A G N E S I TA

Corporate Governance
continued

Conflict of interests and time commitment G4-41
Dutch law provides that a Director may not participate in the 
discussions and decision-making by the Board if such Director 
has a direct or indirect personal interest conflicting with the 
interests of the Company or the business connected with it. 
Pursuant to the Articles of Association, this prohibition does not 
apply if all Directors have such a conflict of interest. A conflict 
of interest only exists if in the situation at hand the Director is 
deemed to be unable to serve the interests of the Company 
and the business connected with it with the required level of 
integrity and objectivity. Pursuant to the Articles of Association 
and the Board Rules, the Board has adopted procedures under 
which each Director is required to declare the nature and extent 
of any personal conflict of interest to the other Directors.

All transactions in which there are conflicts of interest with 
Directors will be agreed on terms that are customary in the 
sector concerned and disclosed in the Annual Report.

The existence of a personal conflict (or a potential conflict) of 
interest does not affect the authority to represent the Company, 
as described under “—The Board—Powers, responsibilities and 
functioning” above.

On appointment, and each subsequent year, Non-Executive 
Directors are required to confirm in writing that they have 
sufficient time to devote to the Company’s affairs. In addition, 
they are required to seek prior approval from the Chairman 
before taking on any additional external commitments that may 
affect their time available to devote to the Company, and the 
Board is advised of any changes. The Board is satisfied that all 
Non-Executive Directors are contributing effectively to the 
operation of the Board.

Group Company Secretary
Robert K Moorhouse FCIS
The Company Secretary advises the Board and ensures good 
information flows and comprehensive practical support is 
provided to the Directors. He maintains the Corporate 
Governance Framework and organises Directors’ induction 
and training. The Company Secretary communicates with 
shareholders as appropriate and ensures due regard is paid 
to their interests. Both appointment and removal of the 
Company Secretary is a matter for the Board as a whole.

Performance of the Board, its Committees  
and the Directors G4-44
During 2018 the Chairman of the Board and the Deputy 
Chairman will lead a review of the Board’s effectiveness, its 
Committees and individual Directors. The Board is committed 
to future annual reviews being facilitated externally at least 
once every three years. 

Committees G4-38
Audit and Compliance Committee
The Terms of Reference of the Audit and Compliance 
Committee available, in full on the Company’s website, are 
summarised below: 

 ¥ monitoring the integrity of the Company’s financial 

statements, including its annual and half-yearly reports, 
preliminary announcements and any other formal statements 
relating to its financial performance;

 ¥ reviewing of and reporting to the Board on significant financial 
reporting issues and judgements which those statements 
contain having regard to any matters communicated to it by 
the internal or external auditor;

 ¥ reviewing the Company’s internal financial control systems 
and risk management that identify, assess, manage and 
monitor financial risks, and its other internal control and risk 
management systems;

 ¥ monitoring and assessing the compliance with 

recommendations and observations from internal and external 
auditors such as management letters and management’s 
responses;

 ¥ monitoring the role and functioning of the internal audit 

function and review of the Audit and Compliance Committee 
effectiveness; review of compliance, whistle-blowing and  
anti-fraud framework; and

 ¥ maintaining relations with the external auditor, including, in 

particular, their independence, remuneration and any 
non-audit services carried out by them for the Company.

R H I   M A G N E S I TA

A N N U A L   R E P O R T   2 0 1 7

6 3

All members of the Audit and Compliance Committee are 
independent Non-Executive Directors from a UK Corporate 
Governance standpoint, with at least one of whom having 
recent and relevant financial experience and with competence 
in accounting and/or auditing. The Audit and Compliance 
Committee as a whole has competence relevant to the sector 
in which the Company operates. Members of the Audit and 
Compliance Committee are appointed by the Board on the 
recommendation of the Nomination Committee in consultation 
with the Chairman of the Audit and Compliance Committee. 
The Audit and Compliance Committee consists of John Ramsay 
(Chairman), Andrew Hosty and Wolfgang Ruttenstorfer.

The composition of the Audit and Compliance Committee is 
compliant with the UK Corporate Governance Code and the 
Dutch Corporate Governance Code.

Attendance at Audit and Compliance Committee meetings 
in 2017:

 ¥ approve the design of, and determine targets for, any 

performance related pay plans operated by the Company 
and recommend to the Board for approval the total annual 
payments made under such plans;

 ¥ review the design of all share incentive plans for approval by 
the Board and shareholders. For any such plans, determine 
each year whether awards will be made and, if so, the overall 
amount of such awards, the individual awards to Executive 
Directors, and other designated senior executives and the 
performance targets to be used;

 ¥ determine the policy for, and scope of, retirement 

arrangements for each Executive Director and other 
designated senior executives;

 ¥ ensure that contractual terms on termination, and any 

payments made, are fair to the individual and the Company, 
that failure is not rewarded and that the duty to mitigate loss is 
recognised; and

 ¥ oversee any major changes in employee benefits structures 

throughout the Group.

 ¥ reviewing the performance of any retained advisers and the 

Eligible to attend

Attended

effectiveness of the Remuneration Committee; and

John Ramsay

Andrew Hosty

Wolfgang Ruttenstorfer

1

1

1

1

1

1

The Company confirms that it complied with the provisions of 
the Competition and Markets Authority’s Order for the financial 
year under review. 

 ¥ preparing the Remuneration Report.

The Remuneration Committee consists of at least three 
members, all of whom are Non-Executive Directors who meet 
the independence requirements of the Dutch and the UKCGC. 
Members of the Remuneration Committee are appointed by the 
Board, on the recommendation of the Nomination Committee in 
consultation with the Chairman of the Remuneration Committee. 
The Remuneration Committee consists of Celia Baxter 
(Chairperson), James Leng and Karl Sevelda.

Remuneration Committee
The Terms of Reference of the Remuneration Committee, 
available in full on the Company’s website are summarised below:

The composition of the Remuneration Committee is compliant 
with the UK Corporate Governance Code and the Dutch 
Corporate Governance Code.

 ¥ determine and agree with the Board the framework or broad 
policy for the remuneration of the Chairman of the Board, 
the Executive Directors and other members of the executive 
management as it is designated to consider, to be proposed 
by the Board for approval at the General Meeting;

 ¥ within the terms of the agreed policy and in consultation with 
the Chairman and/or Group Chief Executive, as appropriate, 
determine with agreement of the Board the total individual 
remuneration package of the Chairman, each Executive Director, 
and other designated senior executives including bonuses, 
incentive payments and share options or other share awards;

Attendance at Remuneration Committee meetings in 2017:

Celia Baxter

James Leng

Karl Sevelda

Eligible to attend

Attended

2

2

2

2

2

2

6 4

G O V E R N A N C E

R H I   M A G N E S I TA

Corporate Governance
continued

Executive Management Team G4-34
At the date of this Annual Report, the Executive Management 
Team of the Company is composed as follows:

 ¥ Stefan Borgas, Chief Executive Officer (CEO);
 ¥ Octavio Lopes, Chief Financial Officer (CFO);
 ¥ Gerd Schubert, Chief Operations Officer;
 ¥ Reinhold Steiner, Chief Sales Officer;
 ¥ Luis Bittencourt, Chief Technology Officer;
 ¥ Thomas Jakowiak, Executive VP Integration Management;
 ¥ Luiz Rossato, Executive VP Corporate Development;
 ¥ Simone Oremovic, Executive VP People and Culture 

Management.

There is a clear division of responsibilities as set out in the 
“Reserved Matters for the Board” and those delegated to 
the executive management team. The types of decisions 
reserved for the Board include, among other items, overall 
responsibility for strategy and management; major acquisitions 
and investments; structure and capital; financial reporting and 
controls; and corporate governance. The executive 
management assist the Board with its responsibilities 
concerning the strategy of the Company; make strategy 
recommendations to the Board; is accountable for 
implementing the Board’s decisions; and is responsible for 
directing and overseeing the operations of the Company.

Transactions with majority shareholders
Since there are no legal or natural persons who hold at least 
10% of the shares in the capital of the Company, no declaration 
in accordance with best practice provision 2.7.5 of the Dutch 
Corporate Governance Code has to be published. There have 
been no transactions between the Company and MSP Stiftung 
within the meaning of best practice provision 2.7.5 of the Dutch 
Corporate Governance Code.

Outline of anti-takeover measures
No anti-takeover measures have been implemented.

The Committee has appointed Korn Ferry as consultants to 
provide advice on the development of the Remuneration Policy 
and the development of the annual bonus and performance 
share plan and ad hoc remuneration matters. Korn Ferry is not 
connected to the Company. 

Nomination Committee
The Terms of Reference of the Nomination Committee, available 
in full on the Company’s website are summarised below:

 ¥ reviewing the structure, size, functioning and composition 

of the Board, the diversity policy and degree of achievement, 
succession planning, and making recommendations to the 
Board with regard to any changes;

 ¥ keeping under review succession plans for senior 

management appointments, including in relation to the 
Executive Directors, and the Company’s policy and process 
in relation to the recruitment of candidates for these roles;

 ¥ making proposals for (re)appointments of Directors; and
 ¥ making recommendations concerning membership of the 
Audit and Remuneration Committees and any other Board 
Company as appropriate, in consultation with the Chairman 
of those committees.

The Nomination Committee consists of at least three members, 
a majority of whom are independent Non-Executive Directors. 
Members of the Nomination Committee are appointed by the 
Board, on the recommendation of the Nomination Committee in 
consultation with the Chairman of the Nomination Committee. 
The Nomination Committee consists of Herbert Cordt 
(Chairman), James Leng and Celia Baxter.

The composition of the Nomination Committee is compliant 
with the UKCGC and the Dutch Corporate Governance Code.

In view of the fact that the Company was only established and 
the Directors appointed some two months before the end of the 
financial year the Nomination Committee has held no formal 
meetings. It is the intention that this Committee will meet at 
least twice a year or on such further occasions as required.

It is the Board’s intention to establish a corporate responsibility 
committee (the “Corporate Responsibility Committee”) 
to oversee safety, health, environmental, community and 
other corporate responsibility matters as soon as possible, 
following Admission.

R H I   M A G N E S I TA

A N N U A L   R E P O R T   2 0 1 7

6 5

Major shareholdings G4-7
At the date hereof, the Company is aware of the following 
persons holding directly or indirectly at least 3% of the issued 
and outstanding shares in the capital of the Company:

The Directors receive regular updates on the Company’s major 
shareholders, and receive reports on shareholder feedback at 
each Board meeting. The Non-Executive Directors are invited 
to attend the Company’s results presentations.

Shareholder

MSP Stiftung1

Alumina Holdings LLC2

Chestnut Beteiligungsgesellschaft mbH3

Silver Beteiligungsgesellschaft mbH3

 Number 
of shares 

%

11,347,058 

25.32

4,258,905 

2,088,461 

2,088,461 

9.50

4.66

4.66

1  MSP Stiftung is a foundation under Liechtenstein law, whose founder is 

Mag. Martin Schlaff has certain supervisory rights and the right to 
unilaterally amend the foundation documents with respect to MSP 
Stiftung. Upon completion of the Merger MSP Stiftung directly and Mr. 
Schlaff indirectly (via MSP Stiftung) will hold 11,347,058 voting rights in 
the issuer.

2  Alumina Holdings LLC is a corporation incorporated under the laws of 

Delaware, USA, which is controlled, indirectly by GP Capital Partners III, 
L.P. (“GPCPIII”) and GP Partners IV, L.P. (“GPCPIV”), private equity funds 
whose ownership is dispersed. GPCPIII and GPCPIV are respectively 
managed by GP Investments (Cayman) III, Ltd. and GP Investments IV, 
Ltd., both of which are wholly owned subsidiaries of GP investments Ltd. 
(“GP Investments”), a company headquartered in Bermuda. GP 
Investments is listed on the Luxembourg Stock Exchange and is 
controlled by Partners Holdings, Inc., a company incorporated under 
the laws of the British Virgin Islands and controlled by Mr. Antonio 
Bonchristiano and Mr. Fersen Lambranho. 

3  Ms. Elizabeth Prinzessin zu Sayn-Wittgenstein holds a controlling 

interest in Chestnut Beteiligungsgesellschaft mbH (“Chestnut”), while 
Mr. Konstantin Alfred Winterstein exercises control over Silver 
Beteiligungsgesellschaft mbH (“Silver”). Ms. Sayn-Wittgenstein made an 
agreement with Mr. Winterstein which allows Chestnut to exercise the 
voting rights of Silver in RHI. Ms. Sayn-Wittgenstein and Mr. Winterstein 
hold a family relationship.

Communications with shareholders and other stakeholders
Communication with the Company’s investors is a priority for 
the Board. The Company runs an extensive investor relations 
programme, and the CEO, CFO and Director of Investor 
Relations hold meetings with institutional investors throughout 
the year, including results presentations, webcasts, road shows, 
one-to-one meetings and investor tours.

The Company’s major shareholders are encouraged to meet 
with the Chairman and the Senior Independent Director to 
discuss any matters they may wish to raise. 

Key shareholders and shareholder bodies were written to in 
January 2018 as part of the consultation process with regard 
to the development of the executive remuneration policy and 
the adoption of a performance share plan. The consultation 
is ongoing.

Culture 
The combination of RHI and Magnesita is a blend of two 
companies with complementary yet variant corporate cultures. 
The development of a new joint corporate culture and the 
definition of common principles has been a high priority. 
Assisted by the findings of an employee survey, four cultural 
themes have been defined. These cultural themes will underpin 
the implementation of the vision and strategy of the new 
Company. These themes will also serve as guiding principles 
for all employees specifically embracing cooperation and daily 
work within RHI Magnesita. In the course of 2018 a group of 
employees, our “culture champions”, will support the 
implementation of this new culture together with the integration 
plan throughout the Group.

The following key cultural themes determine the actions of 
RHI Magnesita:

 ¥ act customer-focused and innovatively
 ¥ have open decision-making in a respectful environment
 ¥ operate cross-functionally, collaboratively and pragmatically 

across the global organisation

 ¥ be performance-driven and accountable.

RHI Magnesita is also committed to responsible management 
and its activities are based on integrity, honesty, reliability and 
respectful contact with employees and business partners. 
The new Code of Conduct, the Compliance Helpline as well 
as additional policies and procedures of our comprehensive 
compliance programme are essential tools to embed the 
corporate culture and values as well as the fundamental 
legal and ethical rules RHI Magnesita stands for. 

6 6

G O V E R N A N C E

R H I   M A G N E S I TA

Corporate Governance
continued

Corporate governance declaration
The Dutch Corporate Governance Code requires companies 
to publish a statement concerning their approach to corporate 
governance and compliance with the Dutch Corporate 
Governance Code. This is referred to in article 2a of the 
decree on requirements for annual reports (Besluit inhoud 
bestuursverslag) of 23 December 2004, as most recently 
amended on 1 January 2018 (the “Decree”).

The information required to be included in this corporate 
governance statement as described in articles 3, 3a and 3b of 
the Decree, forms part of the Annual Report, which is available 
on the Company’s website. The information required to be 
included in this corporate governance statement as described 
in sections 3, 3a and 3b of the Decree can be found in the 
following chapters, sections and pages of the Annual Report 
and are deemed to be included and repeated in this statement:

Statement of Directors' responsibilities
The Directors are responsible for preparing the Company’s 
Annual Report. The Company’s Annual Report comprises the 
Strategic Report, the Governance Report, the Consolidated 
Financial Statements, the Company’s Financial Statements 
and some other information. The Directors are responsible for 
preparing the Annual Report in accordance with applicable law 
and regulations. The Directors are required by law to prepare 
the Annual Report for each financial year. The Directors have 
prepared the Annual Report in accordance with International 
Financial Reporting Standards (“IFRS”) as adopted by the 
European Union and the relevant provisions of the Dutch Civil 
Code. The Directors must not approve the Annual Report unless 
they are satisfied that it gives a true and fair view of the state of 
affairs of the Group and the Company and of the profit or loss of 
the Group for that period. In preparing the Annual Report, the 
Directors are required to:

 ¥ the information concerning compliance with the Dutch 

(a)  select suitable accounting policies and then apply them 

Corporate Governance Code, as required by section three of 
the Decree, can be found on page 58:

 ¥ the information concerning the Company’s main features of 
the internal risk management and control systems relating to 
the financial reporting process, as required by section 3a sub 
a of the Decree, can be found on page 22:

 ¥ the information regarding the functioning of the General 
Meeting and its main authorities and the rights of the 
Company’s shareholders and holders of certificates of shares 
and how they can be exercised, as required by section 3a sub 
b of the Decree, can be found on page 62:

 ¥ the information regarding the composition and functioning of 
the Board and its Committees, as required by section 3a sub 
c of the Decree, can be found on page 62:

 ¥ the diversity policy with regard to the composition of the 

Board and their Committees, can be found on page 61; and
 ¥ the information concerning the disclosure of the information 
required by the Decree on Section 10 EU Takeover Directive, 
as required by section 3b of the Decree, may be found on 
page 64.

consistently;

(b)  make judgements and accounting estimates that are 

reasonable and prudent;

(c)  state whether applicable IFRS as adopted by the European 
Union and the relevant provisions of the Dutch Civil Code 
have been followed, subject to any material departures 
disclosed and explained in the Annual Report; and
(d)  prepare the Annual Report on the going concern basis, 

unless it is inappropriate to presume that the Company will 
continue in business.

The Directors are responsible for keeping adequate accounting 
records that are sufficient to show and explain the Company’s 
transactions and disclose, with reasonable accuracy at any time, 
the financial position of the Company and the Group and 
enable them to ensure that the Annual Report complies with 
applicable law and, as regards the consolidated financial 
statements, Article four of the IAS Regulation. They are also 
responsible for safeguarding the assets of the Company and the 
Group and hence for taking reasonable steps for the prevention 
and detection of fraud and other irregularities.

R H I   M A G N E S I TA

A N N U A L   R E P O R T   2 0 1 7

6 7

With reference to section 5.25c paragraph 2c of the Dutch 
Act on Supervision, each of the Directors, whose names and 
functions are listed in the Governance section, confirm that, 
to the best of their knowledge:

 ¥ the Company’s financial statements and the consolidated 

financial statements, which have been prepared in 
accordance with IFRS as adopted by the European Union and 
the relevant provisions of the Dutch Civil Code, give a true and 
fair view of the assets, liabilities, financial position and profit or 
loss of the Group;

 ¥ the Annual Report gives a true and fair view on the situation on 
the balance sheet date, the development and performance of 
the business and the position of the Company and the Group 
companies of which the financial information is included in the 
Annual Report and includes a description of the principal risks 
and uncertainties that the Company faces; and

 ¥ having taken all matters considered by the Board and brought 
to the attention of the Board during the financial year into 
account, the Directors consider that the Annual Report, taken 
as a whole is fair, balanced and understandable. The Directors 
believe that the disclosures set out in the Annual Report 
provide the information necessary for shareholders to assess 
the Company’s position, performance, business model 
and strategy.

After conducting a review of management analysis, the 
Directors have reasonable expectation that the Group has 
adequate resources to continue in operational existence for 
the foreseeable future. For this reason, the Directors consider 
it appropriate to adopt the going-concern basis in preparing 
the Annual Report.

Directors are also required to provide a broader assessment of 
viability over a longer period which can be found on page 23 
(the “Viability Statement”) of the integrated report and accounts. 

The financial statements on pages 94 to 202 were approved by 
the Board on 20 March 2018 and signed on its behalf byHerbert 
Cordt, Stefan Borgas, Octavio Lopes.

 
6 8

G O V E R N A N C E

R H I   M A G N E S I TA

Audit
  Committee Report

The Audit Committee advises the Board in relation to the financial 
reporting process and its other responsibilities and prepares resolutions 
of the Board in relation thereto.

The responsibilities of the Audit Committee focus on 
supervising the activities of the Board with respect to:

 ¥ Supervising and monitoring the effect of internal risk 

management and control systems, including supervision of 
the enforcement of the relevant legislation and regulations, 
and supervising the effects of the code of conduct;

 ¥ Supervising the recording, management and submission of 
financial information by the Company (including choices of 
accounting policies, application and assessment of the effects 
of new rules, information regarding the handling of estimated 
items in the financial statements, forecasts, work of the internal 
auditor and the external auditor);

 ¥ Supervising the compliance with recommendations and 

observations of the internal auditor and the external auditor;
 ¥ Supervising the functioning of the internal audit department 
and controllers, and in particular, codetermining the plan of 
action for the internal audit department and taking note of the 
findings and considerations of the internal audit department;

 ¥ Supervising the policy of the Company on tax planning;
 ¥ Supervising the financing of the Company;
 ¥ Supervising the applications for information and 

communication technology;

 ¥ Supervising the relationship with the external auditor 
including, in particular, assessing its independence, 
remuneration and non-audit related work for the Company;
 ¥ Determining the involvement of the external auditor in respect 
of the contents and publication of financial reporting by the 
Company (other than the Annual Accounts), and 
acknowledging irregularities in respect of the content of the 
financial reporting as may be reported by the external auditor;
 ¥ Recommending the appointment of an external auditor by the 

General Meeting and

 ¥ Approving the Annual Accounts and the annual budget.

The Audit Committee maintains regular contact with and 
supervises the external auditor.

The Audit Committee comprises three members, all of whom 
are Independent Non-Executive Directors. Appointments to 
the Committee are made by the Board. The Board has satisfied 
itself that the Committee’s membership includes Directors with 
recent and relevant financial experience.

The members of the Committee that served since 6 October 
2017 were:

John Ramsay

Wolfgang Ruttensdorfer

Andrew Hosty

Chairman

Member

Member

Meetings attendance
The Committee meets as required, but not less than three times 
a year.

Since 6 October 2017, the Audit Committee met on the 
following dates:

 ¥ 13 December 2017
 ¥ 21 February 2018
 ¥ 8 March 2018
 ¥ 19 March 2018

All Audit Committee members have attended all meetings 
of the Audit Committee to date.

The Chief Financial Officer was present at all meetings of the 
Audit Committee to date.

The Chairman and the Chief Executive Officer were present 
at all the meetings of the Audit Committee to the date with 
the exception of the ones that took place on 8 March 2018 
and 19 March.

The Chairman of the Committee has had monthly private 
discussions with the external auditor and the CFO, since 
December 2017.

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6 9

Committee activities
The main activities of the Committee included the following:

 ¥ The critical review of the significant financial reporting issues 
in connection with the preparation of the Company's financial 
and related formal statements, with the assistance of reports 
received from management and the external auditor;

 ¥ An assessment of the scope and effectiveness of the systems 
established to identify, assess, manage and monitor financial 
and non-financial risks;

 ¥ Monitoring and reviewing the plans, work and effectiveness 
of the internal audit function, including any actions taken 
following any significant failures in internal controls;
 ¥ Review of the external auditor, its terms of engagement, 
findings of its work and at the end of the audit process 
reviewing its effectiveness;

 ¥ Review of the independence and objectivity of the external 

auditor;

 ¥ Reviewing the process of purchase price allocation after the 
merger of RHI and Magnesita and definition of appropriate 
accounting policy regarding the transaction;

 ¥ Review of treasury guidelines; and
 ¥ Review of financing options.

External auditor
The Company’s external auditor, PricewaterhouseCoopers 
Accountants N.V. (PwC), was appointed at the Annual General 
Meeting held on 4 October 2017.

The external auditor reports to the Committee on the actions 
taken to comply with professional and regulatory requirements 
and with best practice designed to ensure its independence. 

The performance of the external auditor is reviewed by the 
Audit Committee on an annual basis through a qualitative 
assessment of the services provided against the agreed 
audit plan and taking account of feedback received from 
management. Following this review, the Audit Committee is 
satisfied that the external audit process operates effectively. 

Internal control
In the course of the preparation of the merger of RHI and 
Magnesita, there have been several internal and external 
activities focused on the control environment of RHI and 
Magnesita as a stand-alone entity as well as the newly founded 
group. These have included:

 ¥ The full year audit of the 12 months ended 31 December 2017 
of RHI Magnesita N.V. performed by PwC for the purpose of 
this Annual Report and Accounts;

 ¥ The full year audit of the 12 months ended 31 December 2017 

of Magnesita performed by PwC for the purpose of the Annual 
Report and Accounts to be published under the regulations of 
the stock-exchange of São Paulo;

 ¥ The half year audit of the six months ended 30 June 2017 of 
RHI performed by PwC for the purposes of the Prospectus;
 ¥ The half year audit of the six months ended 30 June 2017 of 

Magnesita performed by PwC for the purposes of the 
Prospectus; 

 ¥ Financial Prospects and Procedures report produced by 
PwC on RHI and a Financial Prospectus and Procedures 
report produced by EY on Magnesita.

The statutory audits have not resulted in any significant 
control issues being brought to the attention of the Committee 
that would require material adjustment to the accounts. 
The Financial Prospectus and Procedure work concluded that 
both businesses have well established and robust procedures, 
systems, controls and people to enable them to comply with 
their obligations, including compliance with the listing rules 
and disclosure guidance and transparency rules. The Financial 
Prospectus and Procedures work also enabled the Board to 
attest in the Prospectus issued in September 2017 that 
responsibility exists for the merged entity, RHI Magnesita N.V., 
to establish procedures that provide a reasonable basis for 
making proper judgements on an ongoing basis as the Financial 
Prospectus and Procedures of the Company and its Group.

The combined business is facing additional risks as a direct 
result of the integration. This means that in 2018 there will be 
more focus on areas of the business affected by integration 
where changes in systems, personnel or processes could lead 
to weaknesses in internal controls during the transitional period. 

JOHN RAMSEY
CHAIRMAN OF THE AUDIT COMMITTEE

7 0

G O V E R N A N C E

R H I   M A G N E S I TA

Remuneration
  Committee Report

Dear Shareholders
I am pleased to present the Report of the Remuneration 
Committee for the financial year ended 31 December 2017. 

RHI Magnesita, the combination of the businesses of RHI and 
Magnesita, was incorporated on 20 June 2017 and admitted 
to the London Stock Exchange on 27 October 2017. As a Dutch 
incorporated and registered company that is listed on the 
London Stock Exchange, RHI Magnesita is required to comply 
with both UK and Dutch reporting requirements including their 
respective Corporate Governance Codes. The Board has also 
determined to provide certain additional voluntary disclosures 
recognising the importance of best practice and transparency 
of reporting. Our Remuneration Report is compiled on this 
basis and the following Annual General Meeting (“AGM”) 
resolutions will be presented to shareholders at the AGM 
for approval:

 ¥ A binding shareholder resolution to approve the new Directors’ 
Remuneration Policy. Subject to shareholders’ approval at the 
AGM, the Directors’ Remuneration Policy will be effective from 
1 January 2018 and is intended to operate for the three-year 
period to January 2021; if approval is not obtained the current 
policy will continue to apply.

 ¥ An advisory shareholder resolution to approve this Annual 
Statement and the Annual Report on Remuneration; and 

 ¥ A binding shareholder resolution to approve the new 

RHI Magnesita long-term incentive plan.

Remit of the Committee
In consultation with the other Non-Executive Directors, the 
Committee has responsibility for proposing to the Board the 
remuneration for the Chairman and Executive Directors. It also 
oversees and monitors the level and structure of remuneration 
for senior management. As reflected by the proposed changes 
to the UKCGC the Committee, in addition, will review and 
provide input into the remuneration policy and structure for 
Group employees as a whole. The Committee and the full 
Board understand the importance and support the principle 
of ensuring that both the remuneration policy for senior 
management and employees as a whole are aligned and 
supportive of the Group’s business strategy. Further, the 
Committee has the benefit of the involvement of the employee 
representatives who sit on the Board and therefore are able to 
consider and comment on the Committee’s proposals to the 
Board prior to the Board’s decisions on remuneration matters. 

Review of 2017 and work of the Committee
Prior to the business combination, the Chief Executive Officer 
(“CEO”) of RHI Magnesita was the CEO of the RHI business 
and the Chief Financial Officer (“CFO”) was the CEO of the 
Magnesita business. The remuneration structures, prior to 
Admission, were set by the respective remuneration 
committees of RHI for the CEO and Magnesita for the 
CFO. As a short-term measure, the Directors’ remuneration 
arrangements, in place at the time of Admission, were 
adopted as the Directors’ Remuneration Policy, which allowed 
the Executive Directors’ existing remuneration packages to 
continue post Admission. Full details of these packages were 
set out in the Admission document and are included in the 
Annual Report on Remuneration.

The Committee’s time since Admission has been spent 
predominantly on the design of the new Directors’ 
Remuneration Policy which is compliant with UK and Dutch 
governance. As part of this design work we have considered 
how to implement the policy for the financial year 2018. 
The Committee’s work in this area has been informed by 
consultation with our major shareholders. We have consulted 
on our proposals face to face with our three largest shareholders 
and corresponded with a further 15 shareholders and three 
investor bodies to gather their views and opinions. The majority 
of shareholders consulted were supportive of our proposals. 

The Committee has produced a Remuneration Report 
that provides a summary of the different elements of the 
remuneration packages of the Executive Directors for the 
financial year 2017 and the actual remuneration for the 
period from the date of Admission (27 October 2017 to 
31 December 2017). 

At the end of the 2017 financial year, the Committee reviewed 
the extent to which the targets under the respective pre-
Admission Annual Bonus Plans of RHI for the CEO and 
Magnesita for the CFO had been met, taking into account 
performance during 2017. The targets for the Annual Bonus for 
the CEO were set at the beginning of 2017 by the remuneration 
committee of RHI and were based on three financial measures 
relating to the RHI business alone: RHI Group Operating 
Earnings Before Interest and Tax (EBIT), RHI Group Operating 
Return on Operating Average Capital Employed (ROACE) and 
RHI Group Net Debt and a non-financial target relating to the 
acquisition, merger and listing of RHI Magnesita. The targets for 

R H I   M A G N E S I TA

A N N U A L   R E P O R T   2 0 1 7

7 1

the Annual Bonus for the CFO were set at the beginning of 2017 
by the remuneration committee of Magnesita and were based 
on two financial measures relating to the Magnesita business 
alone: Magnesita Group Economic Profit and Magnesita Group 
Operating Cash Flow and Magnesita Group safety key 
performance indicators. 

The targets and performance against them for both the CEO 
and CFO have been subject to independent audit and are 
disclosed in the Annual Report on Remuneration, resulting in an 
award of 99.8% of base salary for the CEO and 101.0% of salary 
for the CFO out of a maximum of 120% of salary respectively. 

There were no long-term incentives subsisting at the time of 
Admission. The CEO’s 2017 phantom share award vested prior 
to Admission and will be paid in three equal tranches in 2018, 
2019 and 2020. 

Policy overview
The Remuneration Policy has been designed to be in line 
with market practice for UK-listed companies, while taking 
into account a number of legacy issues and Dutch law. In 
determining the new Remuneration Policy and implementation 
of that Policy for 2018 we have taken into account the existing 
contractual entitlements and target remuneration levels of the 
Executive Directors, as well as the remuneration policy in 
operation at the time of Admission and the views of 
shareholders gained during our consultation. 

Certain aspects of this new policy are applicable to the current 
Executive Directors only and reflect the historic structure of their 
remuneration and legacy contracts, for example the salaries 
of the CEO and CFO were set prior to Admission. Further, the 
CFO will retain his legacy 2017 remuneration package for 2018 
and the Committee will explore with him during the course 
of 2018 how his package for 2019 can be aligned to the new 
remuneration policy and strategy. It is our wish to bring the 
Executive Directors’ remuneration packages within the new 
remuneration strategy in the medium term while acknowledging 
that this may practically only be fully achievable if and when 
new incumbents are appointed.

Our forward-looking remuneration policy, structured in line 
with market practice for UK-listed companies, comprises: base 
salary; standard benefits and retirement allowance; annual 
bonus with 50% of the bonus paid in excess of target being 
invested in shares of the Company and held for at least three 
years; and performance share awards with three-year 
performance and vesting periods plus a requirement to hold the 
vested shares (after sales to meet tax) for a two-year period post 
vesting. The Executive Directors will also have a shareholding 
requirement under which they will be required to build up over 
five years a holding of shares in the Company which will be 
retained while they are Executive Directors of the Company. 
This shareholding requirement is set at 200% of their salary. 

Implementation of the policy for 2018 
Fixed pay
Both Executive Directors retain their 2017 level of fixed pay for 
2018. However, the CEO’s base salary is reduced by 13% with 
the reduction provided as a retirement allowance. No salary 
increases will take place in 2018. 

Annual bonus and long-term incentive awards
The CEO’s annual bonus opportunity for 2018 is 150% of salary 
and the CFO’s 120% of salary. The bonus will be based 75% on 
Group financial metrics (35% Operating EBIT measured on a 
constant currency basis; 25% Free Cash Flow; 15% Synergy 
targets) and 25% on key strategic priorities of the business, 
which are critical to the future profitability of the Group.

The performance targets for the annual bonus are considered 
by the Board to be commercially sensitive and will be disclosed 
retrospectively in the 2018 Remuneration Report provided they 
are not considered to still be commercially sensitive at that time. 

The CEO will be granted a long-term incentive performance 
share award in 2018 with the potential, if performance targets 
are met, to receive three years later shares with a market value 
at the date of grant (in 2018) of 200% of salary. The CFO will 
not receive a long-term incentive as he is retaining his 2017 
pre-Admission remuneration package which does not include a 
long-term incentive element. The performance targets that will 
determine vesting of the performance share award will be based 
one-third on adjusted earnings per share (EPS) targets, one-
third on reported EBIT targets and the remaining third on 
relative Total Shareholder Return (TSR). 

7 2

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R H I   M A G N E S I TA

Remuneration Committee Report
continued

Non-Executive Director remuneration
The structure of remuneration for the Non-Executive Directors 
follows standard UK market practice with a base fee plus 
additional Board Committee membership and chairmanship 
fees. No incentives, pension or other similar forms of 
remuneration are payable. Further details are set out in the 
Remuneration Report. 

Conclusion
We believe that the proposed Remuneration Policy and its 
implementation for 2018 is strongly aligned to the Company’s 
business strategy and long-term shareholder interests. We do 
hope you will be supportive of our new policy, its application 
for financial year 2018 and new long-term incentive plan. 

CELIA BAXTER
CHAIRMAN OF THE REMUNERATION COMMITTEE 

25% of the TSR part of the award will vest for matching the 
FTSE 350 All Share Index performance and 100% for achieving 
TSR that is at least 25% in absolute terms higher than the Index 
(e.g. if Index TSR is 23% over three years then the vesting range 
is TSR of 23% to 48%) (with straight line vesting in between). 
Given the complexities of a merger on end of year reporting, the 
Board will not be able to finalise the EPS and EBIT targets until 
after this report is published. These targets will exceptionally 
therefore not be included in the 2017 Remuneration Report 
but will be included in the announcement to the market when 
awards are made. Further details of the proposed long-term 
incentive performance share awards are provided in the 
notice of AGM. 

Managing risk and ensuring alignment of pay with 
shareholder returns 
The Committee strongly believes that the Executive Directors’ 
pay should reflect the shareholders’ experience. The Committee 
may therefore amend the annual bonus and/or performance 
share plan awards if it considers the performance outcome 
is not representative of the underlying performance of the 
Company and/or there have been regulatory, environmental 
or health and safety issues that the Committee considers 
are of such severity that a scale back is appropriate. Further, 
the Committee may recoup (through clawback and malus) 
variable pay awards as detailed in the Remuneration Policy. 

Cascade of policy
The principles of the Executive Directors’ Remuneration Policy, 
including participation in the Group’s long-term incentive 
plan through the grant of performance share awards will be 
cascaded to the Executive Management Board. 

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7 3

Directors’  
  Remuneration Policy

As a short-term measure, the directors’ 
remuneration arrangements in place 
at the time of Admission were adopted 
as the Directors’ Remuneration 
Policy, which enabled the Executive 
Directors’ remuneration packages 
to continue post-Admission. The 
intention of the newly appointed 
Remuneration Committee was 
to develop a new Remuneration 
Policy for 2018 that complied 
with UK governance. 

This Directors’ Remuneration Policy will be presented to 
shareholders at the June 2018 AGM. Subject to shareholder 
approval, the policy will be effective from 1 January 2018 and is 
intended to operate for the three-year period to January 2021.

Policy overview
The Remuneration Committee has responsibility for determining 
the remuneration for the Chairman and Executive Directors.

The aim of the Company’s remuneration strategy is to provide 
a level of fixed pay that, together with incentives, will attract, 
retain and motivate high-calibre, high-performing executives, 
aligning them to the long-term performance of the Company 
and its long-term share performance while rewarding them 
for creating and delivering shareholder value. 

The remuneration policy put in place when the Company 
listed replicated the Executive Directors’ existing remuneration 
arrangements created by RHI and Magnesita for the CEO 
and CFO respectively. This enabled the continuation of the 
Executive Directors’ remuneration structure prior to listing while 
a new policy was developed by the Remuneration Committee 
to bring to the Company’s first AGM for approval.

Only certain aspects of this new policy are applicable to the 
current Executive Directors and reflect the historic structure 
of their remuneration and legacy contracts for example, the 
salaries of the CEO and CFO were set prior to Admission. 
In addition, the CFO will retain his legacy 2017 remuneration 
package for 2018 and the Committee will explore with him 
during the course of 2018 how his package for 2019 can be 
aligned to the new forward-looking policy and remuneration 
strategy. It is the Remuneration Committee’s wish to bring 
the Executive Directors’ remuneration packages within the 
new remuneration strategy within the medium term while 
acknowledging that this may practically only be fully 
achievable  if and when new incumbents are appointed.

The remuneration policy has been structured in line with market 
practice for UK-listed companies, while taking into account the 
legacy issues and Dutch law.

The remuneration policy for Executive and  
Non-Executive Directors
The table on pages 74 to 77 sets out the remuneration policy 
for the Executive Directors.

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Directors’ Remuneration Policy
continued

Policy table for Executive Directors

Element and purpose 

How it operates

Maximum opportunity

Performance related framework and recovery

Base salary

Salaries are paid monthly and reviewed annually. 

The Company’s policy is to set salaries at 
mid-market levels taking into account salaries 
at companies of a similar size by market 
capitalisation, revenue and any other factors 
considered relevant by the Committee such 
as international business mix and complexity.

Decisions on salary are influenced by:
•   The performance and experience of the 

individual

•  The performance of the Group
•   The individual’s role and responsibilities and 

any change in those responsibilities

•   Pay and employment conditions elsewhere in 

the Group

•   Rates of inflation and market-wide increases 

across international locations

•  The geographic location of the executive

The salaries of the CEO and CFO were set prior 
to Admission. 

There is no prescribed 
maximum annual 
base salary or 
salary increase. 

Salaries will be reviewed by the Committee 
annually taking into account the various 
factors noted in the “How it operates” section 
of the policy.

In respect of salary 
increases the 
Committee is guided 
by the general increase 
for the broader 
employee population 
and region where the 
executive is based. 

Increases beyond this 
may be awarded in 
certain circumstances 
such as where there is a 
change in responsibility 
and experience or the 
scale of the role or size, 
value or complexity of 
the business.

Directors may participate in a defined 
contribution plan, and/or receive cash in lieu 
of all or some of such benefit.

For the CEO and new 
Directors 15% of salary.

None

For the current CFO 
30% of salary.

Exceptionally for 
Executive Directors 
outside of the UK an 
amount as required by 
local regulation and 
in line with industry 
norms.

There is no maximum 
level of benefits 
provided to an 
Executive Director.

None

Only base salary is pensionable.

Exceptionally for Executive Directors outside the 
UK the pension will be structured as required by 
local regulation and in line with industry norms.

The CFO receives a cash payment in lieu of 
pension of 30% of salary. This is a legacy 
issue where the pension entitlement was set 
on recruitment.

Benefits provided currently include: private 
health insurance, life insurance, car/ car 
allowance and fuel allowance.

The current CFO is entitled to reasonable 
relocation expenses on termination of his 
contract (by either party). This is a legacy issue 
where the benefit was in place prior to Admission. 

Additional benefits and tax payable as a result 
of reimbursement of reasonable business 
expenses may be provided from time to time 
if the Committee decides payment of such 
benefits and tax is appropriate and in line 
with market practice.

To assist in the 
recruitment 
and retention of 
appropriate talent.

To provide a fair 
fixed level of pay 
commensurate for 
the role ensuring 
no over reliance on 
variable pay.

Retirement allowance

To provide competitive 
retirement benefits 
for recruitment and 
retention purposes.

Other benefits

To provide a 
competitive 
benefit package 
for recruitment and 
retention purposes 
as well as to support 
the personal health 
and well-being of 
the executive.

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7 5

Element and purpose 

How it operates

Maximum opportunity

Performance related framework and recovery

The annual bonus is based on the Group’s 
performance as set and assessed by the 
Committee on an annual basis.

The annual bonus is paid in cash and the 
Executive Directors (except for the CFO in respect 
of his 2018 annual bonus) are required to acquire 
shares in the Company with 50% of the amount 
paid in excess of target (after tax) which will be 
held for a minimum period of three years. 

Annual bonus

To provide focus 
on the short-term 
performance of the 
Company and to 
provide a reward for 
achieving short-term 
personal, strategic and 
financial Company 
performance.

To provide a 
mechanism for 
alignment with longer-
term performance and 
shareholder alignment.

The requirement for 
Executive Directors 
to acquire shares with 
their bonus aligns them 
to the “development 
of the market price 
of the shares” in the 
Company as provided 
in the Dutch Corporate 
Governance Code. 

Up to 150% of base 
salary maximum 
potential opportunity.

Target potential 
opportunity is 50% of 
maximum opportunity.

Details of the performance targets set for the 
year under review and performance against 
them will normally be provided each year in the 
Annual Report on Remuneration. If for reasons 
of commercial sensitivity, the targets cannot 
be disclosed then they will be disclosed in the 
following year. 

For 2018 the CFO’s 
target potential 
opportunity will be 
100% of salary which 
is 83.3% of maximum 
(on the basis that his 
maximum potential 
opportunity will be 
120% of salary), and 
threshold potential 
opportunity will be 
66.6% of maximum 
(being 80% of salary).

Performance normally measured over a  
one-year period. 

Targets will be based on the Group’s annual 
financial and non-financial performance 
for the particular performance year. At least 
70% of the bonus will be subject to financial 
performance metrics.

The Committee may scale back the bonus 
that is payable if it considers the outcome 
to be reasonably unacceptable or if it is not 
representative of the underlying performance of 
the Company and/or there have been regulatory, 
environmental or health and safety issues that 
the Committee considers are of such severity 
that a scale back of the bonus is appropriate. 

For the financial targets, not more than 25% of 
the maximum potential bonus opportunity will 
be payable for achieving threshold performance 
rising on a graduated scale to 100% for maximum 
performance. Threshold performance being the 
level of performance required for the bonus to 
start paying. 

In relation to strategic targets the structure of 
the target will vary based on the nature of the 
target set and it will not always be practicable to 
set targets using a graduated scale. Vesting may 
therefore take place in full if specific criteria are 
met in full.

Payments under the annual bonus plan may be 
subject to clawback/malus for a period of three 
years from payment in the event of a material 
misstatement of the Company’s financial results, 
an error in calculating the level of grant or level of 
vesting or payment, a failure of risk management 
including the liquidation of the Group, if the 
participant has been guilty of fraud or gross 
misconduct or the Company has been brought 
into disrepute. The clawback/malus provisions 
as set out above do not limit Article 2:135 of the 
Dutch Civil Code.

7 6

G O V E R N A N C E

R H I   M A G N E S I TA

Directors’ Remuneration Policy
continued

Policy table for Executive Directors continued

Element and purpose 

How it operates

Maximum opportunity

Performance related framework and recovery

Performance share awards may take the form 
of nil-cost options or conditional awards. 
Awards are normally made annually.

Awards normally vest after three years subject 
to performance and continued service. Where 
Executive Directors cease employment or are 
under notice prior to the three-year vesting date 
different rules may apply. 

Shares resulting from the exercise of an option 
or vesting of a conditional award cannot be sold 
until five years have elapsed from the date of 
award, other than to pay tax.

To the extent an award vests, the Committee may 
permit dividend equivalents to be paid either 
in the form of cash or shares representing the 
dividends that would have been paid on those 
shares during the vesting period (and where the 
award is a nil-cost option to the fifth anniversary 
of award). Dividend equivalents are payments in 
cash or shares equal to the value of the dividends 
that would have been paid during the period 
referred to above, on the number of shares 
that vest. 

Performance Share 
awards granted 
under the RHI 
Magnesita Long-Term 
Incentive Plan

To incentivise and 
reward execution 
of the longer-term 
business strategy.

To provide alignment 
to shareholders and 
the longer-term 
performance of the 
Company and to 
recognise and reward 
value creation over 
the longer term.

The “development 
of the market price 
of the shares” in 
the Company is, as 
required by the Dutch 
Corporate Governance 
Code, taken into 
account by providing 
a long-term incentive 
using shares as the 
delivery mechanism. 
In addition, part of the 
award is determined 
by Total Shareholder 
Return which is a 
measure of share 
price performance. 

200% of salary 
(face value of award) 
annually (normal limit). 
Where the face value 
is the market value of 
the shares subject to 
an award at the time it 
is awarded.

Awards vest based on three-year (or longer) 
performance measured against a range of 
challenging targets set and assessed by the 
Remuneration Committee. The Committee will 
determine the specific metrics and targets that 
will apply to each award prior to the date of award 
subject to the vesting of at least 25% of an award 
being determined by Total Shareholder Return.

In exceptional 
circumstances on 
recruitment 250% 
of salary (face value 
of award).

The targets for each award will be set out in the 
Annual Report on Remuneration.

In relation to financial targets not more than 
25% of the total award will vest for threshold 
performance rising on a graduated scale to 
100% for maximum performance. Threshold 
performance being the level of performance 
required for the Performance Shares to start to 
vest. In relation to strategic targets the structure 
of the target will vary based on the nature of the 
target set and it will not always be practicable 
to set targets using a graduated scale and so 
vesting may take place in full if specific criteria 
are met in full.

The Committee may scale back the level 
of vesting if it considers the outcome to 
be reasonably unacceptable or if it is not 
reflective of the underlying performance of the 
Company and/or there have been regulatory, 
environmental or health and safety issues that 
the Committee considers are of such severity 
that a scale back of the Performance Share 
award is appropriate. 

Performance Shares may be subject to 
clawback/malus for three years from the date of 
vesting in the event of a material misstatement 
of the Company’s financial results, an error in 
calculating the level of grant or level of vesting 
or payment, a failure of risk management 
including the liquidation of the Group, if the 
participant has been guilty of fraud or gross 
misconduct or the Company has been brought 
into disrepute. The clawback/malus provisions 
as set out above do not limit Article 2:135 of the 
Dutch Civil Code.

Share ownership

To increase alignment 
between management 
and shareholders 
and the longer-term 
performance of 
the Company.

Requirement for the Executive Directors is to 
normally retain all of the shares acquired from 
annual bonus payments following expiry of 
the three-year holding period and normally 
50% of vested Performance Shares (net of tax) 
following the two-year holding period until the 
shareholding requirement is achieved. 

The Committee normally expects this 
requirement to be met within five years of 
appointment or approval of this Policy, if later.

None.

The level of 
requirement will 
be disclosed in the 
Annual Report on 
Remuneration.

R H I   M A G N E S I TA

A N N U A L   R E P O R T   2 0 1 7

7 7

The table below sets out the remuneration policy for the Non-Executive Directors (including the Chairman).

Policy table for Non-Executive Directors

Element and purpose 

How it operates

Maximum opportunity

Performance related framework and recovery

Non-Executive 
Directors (including 
the Chairman and 
Deputy Chairman)

To provide fees 
reflecting time 
commitments and 
responsibilities of 
each role to enable 
recruitment of 
the right calibre 
of Non-Executive 
Directors who can 
further the interests 
of the Group through 
their experience, 
stewardship and 
contribution to 
strategic development 
of the Group.

The Non-Executive Directors are paid a 
basic fee.  Supplemental fees may be paid 
for additional responsibilities and activities, 
including for a Committee Chairman and 
member of the main Board Committees and 
the Senior Independent Director.

Cash fee normally paid quarterly. The Chairman’s 
fee is inclusive of all of his responsibilities.

Reasonable expenses incurred by the Non-
Executive Directors in carrying out their duties 
may be reimbursed by the Company including 
any personal tax payable by the Non-Executive 
Directors as a result of reimbursement of those 
expenses. The Company may also pay an 
allowance in lieu of expenses if it deems this 
is appropriate.

Fees are reviewed periodically.

There is no prescribed 
maximum annual fee or 
fee increase. 

None.

The Board is guided by 
the general increase 
in the Non-Executive 
market but may decide 
to award a lower or 
higher fee increase to 
recognise, for example, 
an increase in the scale, 
scope or responsibility 
of the role and/or take 
account of relevant 
market movements.

7 8

G O V E R N A N C E

R H I   M A G N E S I TA

Directors’ Remuneration Policy
continued

Performance criteria and discretions 
Selection of criteria 
The Committee assesses annually at the beginning of the relevant 
performance period which performance measures, or combination 
and weighting of performance measures, are most appropriate for 
both annual bonus and any performance share awarded to reflect 
the Company’s strategic initiatives for the performance period. 
The Committee has the discretion to change the performance 
measures for awards granted in future years based upon the 
strategic plans of the Company. The Committee sets what it 
considers are demanding targets for variable pay in the context 
of the Company’s trading environment and strategic objectives 
and considering the Company’s internal financial planning, and 
market forecasts. Any non-financial goals will be well defined. 

Discretions retained by the Committee 
The Committee operates the Group’s variable pay plans according 
to their respective rules. In administering these plans, the 
Committee may apply certain operational discretions. 
These include the following: 

 ¥ determining the extent of vesting based on the assessment 

of performance; 

 ¥ determining the status of leavers and, where relevant, the 

extent of vesting; 

 ¥ determining the extent of vesting of awards under share 
based plans in the event of a change of control; and 
 ¥ making appropriate adjustments required in certain 

circumstances (e.g. rights issues, corporate restructuring 
events, variation of capital and special dividends); 

 ¥ adjusting existing targets if events occur that cause the 

Committee to determine that the targets set are no longer 
appropriate and that amendment is required so the relevant 
award can achieve its original intended purpose, provided 
that the new targets are not materially less difficult to satisfy.

The Committee also retains discretion to make non-significant 
changes to the Policy without reverting to shareholders (for 
example, for regulatory, tax, legislative or administrative purposes).

Executive Directors’ service contracts and payments for 
loss of office
Service contracts and letters of appointment are available 
for inspection at the Company’s registered office.

Service contracts and loss of office
It is the Company’s policy that notice periods for Executive 
Directors will not exceed 12 months and the service contracts 
for the Executive Directors Messrs Borgas and Lopes are 
terminable by either the Company or the Executive Director 
on 12 months’ notice.

The Committee’s policy in relation to termination of service 
contracts is to deal with each case on its merits having regard 
to the circumstances of the individual, the termination of 
employment, any legal advice received and what is in the best 
interests of the Company and its shareholders. An Executive 
Director’s service contract may be terminated early (other 
than for cause) by payment in lieu of salary in equal monthly 
instalments over the notice period. The Company may include 
pension contributions and benefits within the payment in lieu of 
notice if this is deemed appropriate or is specifically provided for 
in the service contract. Unless a contract specifically provides 
otherwise, all payments would discontinue or reduce to the 
extent that alternative employment is obtained. There are 
no enhanced provisions on a change of control and there 
are no specific severance arrangements.

An Executive Director’s service contract may be terminated 
without notice for certain events such as gross misconduct 
in which case no payments or compensation beyond sums 
accrued to the date of termination will be paid. 

The Company may also pay outplacement costs, legal 
costs and other reasonable relevant costs associated with 
termination and may settle any claim or potential claim relating 
to the termination.

Treatment of variable pay awards on termination
Annual bonuses and Performance Share awards are non-
contractual and are dealt with in accordance with the rules 
of the relevant plans except that if Octavio Lopes’ contract is 
terminated by the Company before payment is made of his 
2017 bonus then he shall remain entitled to that bonus to be 
paid on the same date of payment as for the other executives 
of the Company.

R H I   M A G N E S I TA

A N N U A L   R E P O R T   2 0 1 7

7 9

At the discretion of the Committee, in certain circumstances, for 
example, to incentivise short-term retention and completion of 
key business deliverables, and where poor performance is not 
relevant to the cessation, a pro-rata bonus may become payable 
at the normal payment date for the period of employment with 
financial performance targets based on full year performance. 
Where the Committee decides to make a payment, the rationale 
will be fully disclosed in the Annual Report on Remuneration.

The default treatment for share based awards is that any 
unvested award will lapse on termination of employment or, in 
certain circumstances on the executive giving notice. However, 
under the rules of the long-term incentive plan under which 
Performance Share awards will be made, in certain prescribed 
circumstances, such as death, injury, ill-health, retirement with 
the Company’s agreement, redundancy, leaving the Group 
because the employer company or business leaves the Group or 
where the Committee determines otherwise, awards are eligible 
to vest subject to the performance conditions being met over 
the normal performance period (or a shorter period where the 
participant has died) and with the award being reduced (unless 
the Committee considers, in exceptional circumstances, a 
different treatment is appropriate) by an amount to reflect the 
proportion of the performance period not actually served.

Approach to recruitment and promotions
The recruitment package for a new Director would be set in 
accordance with the terms of the Company’s approved 
remuneration policy. 

On recruitment, salary may be set below the normal market rate, 
with phased increases as the Director gains experience. 

Annual bonus opportunity will reflect the period of service for 
the year. 

The normal annual Performance Share award limit is 200% of 
salary face value in a financial year (face value being the market 
value of the shares subject to an award at the time it is awarded). 
A higher limit of 250% of salary (face value) is included in the 
recruitment policy for use in exceptional circumstances for the 
Company to be able to attract and secure the right candidate 
if required. A Performance Share award may be made shortly 
after an appointment if the usual annual award date has passed. 

On an internal appointment, any variable pay element awarded 
in respect of their prior role will normally be allowed to continue 
according to its terms. 

The policy enables the Committee to include those benefits it 
deems appropriate for an Executive Director. On recruitment, 
this may include benefits such as relocation, housing or 
schooling expenses. In arriving at a benefits package the 
Committee’s prevailing consideration will be to pay only what 
is considered necessary and appropriate taking into account 
the importance of securing the right candidate for the job and 
acting in the best interests of the Company’s shareholders and 
limiting certain benefits to a specified period where possible.

On recruitment, the Company may compensate for incentive 
pay (or benefit arrangements) foregone from a previous 
employer. Replacement share awards would be made under 
the Company’s long-term incentive plan and any subsequently 
adopted share plans using the separate specific limit for these 
purposes of 250% of salary (face value) or as necessary and as 
permitted under the Listing Rules. The new awards would take 
account of the structure of awards being forfeited (cash or 
shares), quantum foregone, the extent to which performance 
conditions apply, the likelihood of meeting any existing 
performance conditions and the time left to vesting.

Policy for Executive Directors on external appointments
Subject to Board approval, Executive Directors may accept 
external non-executive positions and retain the fees payable 
for such appointments. 

Non-Executive Directors
Letters of appointment and policy on recruitment
All Non-Executive Directors have letters of appointment for 
a fixed period of three years, subject to reappointment each 
year at the AGM. No additional compensation is payable on 
termination, with fees being payable to the date of termination. 
The appointments are terminable by either party on three 
months’ written notice.

On appointment of a new Non-Executive Director, the fee 
arrangement will be set in accordance with the approved 
remuneration policy in force at that time.

8 0

G O V E R N A N C E

R H I   M A G N E S I TA

Directors’ Remuneration Policy
continued

Legacy arrangements
In approving this Directors’ Remuneration Policy, authority is 
given to the Company to honour any commitments entered in 
to with Directors, which were fully disclosed in the Admission 
document. Details of any such payments will be set out in the 
Annual Report on Remuneration as they arise.

How the views of shareholders and employees  
are taken into account
The Committee formally consults directly with employees on 
executive pay via the Employee Representatives appointed to 
the Board. In addition, the Committee takes due account of 
the overall approach to remuneration and the remuneration 
structures for employees in the Group when setting pay for 
the Executive Directors, for example consideration is given to 
Group-wide increases when determining any Executive Director 
salary increases. The Committee receives periodic updates from 
the CEO and Human Resources Director function of the Group 
which includes employee feedback received on remuneration 
practices across the Group. The Committee recognises the 
importance of employee communication and this was a major 
consideration in the appointment of the Employee 
Representatives to the Board. 

The Committee consulted with major shareholders on the 
terms of the remuneration policy to be brought to shareholders 
at the 2018 AGM and took note of guidance from shareholder 
representative bodies. Views expressed and guidance provided 
were taken into account when finalising the policy, for example 
in ensuring that the design of the various elements of pay and 
other parts of the policy is in line, as far as possible taking into 
account that views differ between investors and that the policy 
must support the strategy of the Company, with their views and 
guidance. The Committee will consider any further shareholder 
feedback received in relation to the policy at the AGM. This, plus 
any feedback received from time to time, as well as guidance 
from shareholder representative bodies more generally will 
be considered as part of the Company’s annual review of 
remuneration policy and implementation of that policy.

Remuneration comparison measurement was considered 
as part of the Committee’s formulation of policy in terms of 
considering remuneration data for companies of a comparable 
size and complexity to the Company. This was only one of many 
factors considered by the Committee.

The Committee has taken note of the views of the Executive 
Directors with regard to the amount and structure of their 
remuneration and the provisions of 3.1.2 of the Dutch 
Corporate Governance Code (matters that should be taken 
into consideration when formulating the remuneration 
policy) have been brought to their attention. 

How the Executive Directors’ Remuneration Policy relates to 
the wider Group
The policy described above applies specifically to the 
Company’s Executive and Non-Executive Directors. The 
Committee is aware of and provides feedback on the wider 
Group remuneration structures. The Company’s policy is for 
the Executive Directors’ remuneration policy and structure to 
be cascaded as far as practicable to the senior management 
team and for the overriding principles to be taken into 
account for the Group-wide policy. 

Base salaries for the whole Group are operated under broadly 
the same policy as for the Executive Directors. The key difference 
between the Executive Directors’ policy and the wider Group’s 
policy is that the Executive Directors’ packages (and the senior 
management team to a lesser extent) are weighted more to 
variable pay. Performance Share awards are reserved for those 
identified as having the greatest potential to influence Group 
level performance which, given the cost of operating such 
a plan, the Committee considers is the right approach 
and in the best interests of the Company and its shareholders. 

R H I   M A G N E S I TA

A N N U A L   R E P O R T   2 0 1 7

8 1

Pay ratios
In formulating the Directors’ Remuneration Policy, the 
Remuneration Committee has been cognisant of the relative 
pay levels of the Executive Directors, the rest of the management 
team and the Group employees. The Dutch Corporate 
Governance Code recommends that from the financial year 
2019, the UK Directors’ Reporting Regulations will require the 
Committee to consider and report pay ratios including changes 
from the prior year as part of its determination of executive pay. 

Remuneration scenarios for Executive Directors 
The Executive Director remuneration policy provides that a 
significant proportion of remuneration is determined by Group 
performance. The graph below illustrates how the total pay 
opportunities vary under three different performance scenarios: 
minimum, target and maximum. The graph has been prepared 
on the basis of implementation of the policy in 2018 and ignores 
the impact of future share price growth and the payment of 
dividend equivalents. 

RHI Magnesita was formed on 20 June 2017 and admitted to 
trading on 27 October 2017. There is therefore no prior year 
comparator information for this year’s reporting. Given the 
complexities of the recent merger of two large groups providing 
data for a large reference group is challenging. The pay ratio 
of the CEO to the average employee for the period 27 October 
2017 to 31 December 2017 is 50:1. This is arrived at using the 
CEO’s Single Total Figure of remuneration shown on page 83 
and the total employee remuneration figure (for the entire 
RHI Magnesita Group) shown in the accounts on page 33 and 
apportioned for the period 27 October 2017 to 31 December 
2017. The total employee remuneration figure is for all 
employees in all Group companies and includes countries 
with significantly lower levels of pay than Europe and the United 
States. The Committee will consider over the course of 2018 
what further information can be provided to shareholders in 
future years taking into account the Dutch and the new UK 
requirements (details of which should be available later this 
year) including what elements of pay should be covered and 
what an appropriate representative reference group might be.

Assumptions 
Minimum: Fixed pay only (base salary, pension and benefits).
Target: Fixed pay plus 50% of 2018 maximum annual bonus 
opportunity for the CEO and 83.3% for the CFO with 50% 
vesting of the 2018 Performance Share award for the CEO. 
There is no 2018 Performance Share award for the CFO. 
Maximum: Fixed pay plus maximum annual bonus opportunity 
and 100% vesting of 2018 Performance Share award.

As required under the Dutch Corporate Code, scenario analyses 
have been carried out as part of the formulation of the policy 
and to establish that the policy results in appropriate and fair 
levels of remuneration including that the level and ratio of fixed 
to variable pay does not encourage inappropriate risk taking or 
over-reliance on variable pay while ensuring there is sufficient 
alignment to investors and the long-term performance of the 
Company and development of the market value of the shares 
of the Company. 

Chief Executive Officer
€’000

Chief Financial Officer
£’000

Minimum

100%

€958

Minimum

Target

40%

26%

34%

€2,404

Target

Maximum

25%

32%

43%

€3,849

Maximum

100%

57%

52%

£735

43%

£1,285

48%

£1,395

Fixed pay

Annual bonus

Long-term incentives

Fixed pay

Annual bonus

8 2

G O V E R N A N C E

R H I   M A G N E S I TA

Annual Report on 
  Remuneration

As a Dutch incorporated and 
registered and UK listed company 
RHI Magnesita is required to comply 
with both UK and Dutch reporting 
requirements including the UK and 
Dutch Corporate Governance Codes.

The Board has also determined to provide certain additional 
voluntary disclosures recognising the importance of best 
practice and transparency of reporting. This Annual Report 
is compiled on this basis. 

The remuneration arrangements for the Executive Directors 
contribute to long-term value creation:

 ¥ By providing a fair and appropriate level of fixed remuneration 

that does not result in over-reliance on variable pay and undue 
risk taking, thereby encouraging the executives to focus on 
sustained long-term value creation. 

 ¥ By providing a balance of short- and long-term incentives to 
ensure there is focus on short term objectives that will over 
time build to create long-term value creation as well as 
long-term goals. 

 ¥ By requiring executives to acquire and retain shares in the 

Company.

 ¥ By offering long-term incentives where the reward is delivered 
in shares which aligns executives to shareholder interests and 
value as well as the performance of the Company over the 
longer term. 

 ¥ By requiring performance measures in our long-term incentive 
to be measured over the longer term and for shares to be held 
post vesting for a further two-year period. 

 ¥ By incorporating metrics focused on long-term shareholder 

value, such as total shareholder return.

A scenario analysis has been carried out as part of the formulation 
and implementation of the policy and is referred to in more detail 
in the policy section of this report. The Committee typically 
reviews, on at least an annual basis, the impact of different 
performance scenarios on the potential opportunity and 
payouts to be received by Executive Directors and the alignment 
of these with the returns that might be received by shareholders.

The pay ratio of the CEO to the average employee within the 
Company is provided in the policy section of this report.

The following section provides details of how the 
Company’s Directors were paid during the financial year 
to 31 December 2017.

Remuneration Committee membership
Celia Baxter is the Chairman of the Committee and James 
Leng and Karl Sevelda members of the Committee. They 
are all Independent Non-Executive Directors within the 
meaning of the UK and Dutch Corporate Governance Codes. 
The Company Secretary is the Secretary to the Committee. 

Other individuals, such as the Chief Executive Officer, the 
Human Resources Director and external professional advisers 
may be invited to attend for all or part of any meeting as and 
when appropriate and necessary. No individual is present when 
their own remuneration is discussed.

The Committee meets at least twice a year and at such other 
times as the Chairman of the Committee shall require or as the 
Board may direct. The Committee has formal terms of reference 
that can be viewed on the Company’s website.

Advisers
Korn Ferry Hay Group (KF), signatories to the UK Remuneration 
Consultants Group’s Code of Conduct, was appointed by the 
Committee following Admission. KF provides advice to the 
Committee on matters relating to executive remuneration. 
KF provided no other services to the Company and the 
Committee was satisfied that the advice provided by KF 
was objective and independent. KF’s fees in respect of the 
2017 financial year were £28,400. KF’s fees were charged 
on the basis of the firm’s standard terms of business for 
advice provided.

Remuneration arrangements for the Executive Directors 
during the period 27 October 2017 and 31 December 2017 
As a short-term measure, the Directors’ remuneration 
arrangements in place at the time of Admission were adopted 
as the Directors’ Remuneration Policy, which enabled the 
Executive Directors’ remuneration packages to continue post 
Admission. The structure of those remuneration packages for 
the financial year 2017 is:

R H I   M A G N E S I TA

A N N U A L   R E P O R T   2 0 1 7

8 3

 ¥ Base salary, benefits and a retirement allowance as 

described below.

 ¥ An annual bonus maximum opportunity of 120% of salary 
for both Stefan Borgas and Octavio Lopes in respect of the 
performance of the RHI and Magnesita businesses respectively 
for the year ended 31 December 2017.

 ¥ For Stefan Borgas a one-off cash bonus of 100% of salary 

payable in October 2017 in respect of the Acquisition of Control. 

 ¥ For Stefan Borgas a phantom share award with potential 
downward adjustment if the annual bonus does not pay 
out at target payable in cash of 50% of salary and vesting 
one-third annually.

 ¥ As part of his 2016 remuneration arrangements Octavio Lopes 
received a one-off cash retention bonus of 200% of salary 
with half payable in October 2017 and half payable in October 
2018, both payments subject to his continued employment. 

The intention of the newly appointed Remuneration Committee 
was to develop a new Remuneration Policy for 2018, which 
complied with UK and Dutch governance. The proposed 
Remuneration Policy to be adopted from 1 January 2018 
is detailed on pages 73 to 81.

Single total figure table (audited)
The remuneration for the Executive and Non-Executive Directors of the Company who performed qualifying services during the 
period from the date of Admission 27 October to 31 December 2017 being 66 days is detailed below.

Director1,2

Executive Directors

Stefan Borgas

Octavio Lopes

Non-Executive Directors

Herbert Cordt

Celia Baxter

Andrew Hosty

Fersen Lambranho

James Leng

Stanislaus Prinz zu Sayn-Wittgenstein

John Ramsay

Wolfgang Ruttenstorfer

David A. Schlaff

Karl Sevelda

Year

Salary3

Taxable
benefits4

Bonus5

Long-term
incentives

Pension

Legacy
 incentive
 payments6

Total
remuneration

2017

2017

2017

2017

2017

2017

2017

2017

2017

2017

2017

2017

€171,780

£99,452

 €1,539

€171,437

£3,696

£100,447

£39,781

£14,918

£14,014

£11,753

£18,534

£12,658

£14,014

£13,110

£11,753

£13,110

–

–

–

–

 –

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–  €132,225

€476,981

 £29,836

–

£233,431

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

£39,781

£14,918

£14,014

£11,753

£18,534

£12,658

£14,014

£13,110

£11,753

£13,110

1  Employee representatives attending Board meetings do not receive remuneration for that role and are not Directors of the Company.
2  All amounts detailed in the table above are in respect of the period from Admission on 27 October 2017 to 31 December 2017. Amounts payable in respect 

of the entire financial year 2017 have therefore been apportioned. All amounts are disclosed in the currencies in which the relevant elements of pay are set. 
Actual payment may be made in the currency where the recipient resides using the exchange rate at the time of payment. 

3  The annual base salary for Stefan Borgas was €950,000 and for Octavio Lopes was £550,000.
4  Benefits comprise for Stefan Borgas a car benefit of €8,500 for the year and for Octavio Lopes a package of standard insured benefits being private medical 

and life insurance with an annual value of £20,440.

5  Stefan Borgas and Octavio Lopes received annual bonus payments determined by performance for the year ended 31 December 2017 against targets set at 
the beginning of the year for the RHI and Magnesita businesses respectively. The amounts shown in the table are the pro-rating for the period 27 October 
to 31 December 2017 of the total amounts payable. 

6  Legacy incentive payments: This comprises the phantom share award for the CEO which was subject to a potential downward adjustment determined by 
performance for the year ended 31 December 2017. The total value of the phantom shares is €731.247 and is payable in three equal annual instalments 
in 2018, 2019 and 2020. The amount shown in the table is the pro-rating for the period 27 October to 31 December 2017 of the total amount payable. 
The bonus payments to Stefan Borgas in connection with the Acquisition of Control and the retention bonus for Octavio Lopes of 100% of salary each, 
paid in October 2017 are not included in the table above as they were paid and related to a period prior to Admission. 

No loans, advances or guarantees have been provided to any Director. 

 
 
8 4

G O V E R N A N C E

R H I   M A G N E S I TA

Annual Report on Remuneration
continued

2017 Annual bonus (audited)
The targets for the annual bonus for the CEO and CFO were set at the beginning of 2017 by the remuneration committee of RHI for 
the CEO and the remuneration committee of Magnesita for the CFO. The bonus for the CEO is determined by the performance of 
RHI and for the CFO by the performance of Magnesita. The targets and performance against them for both the CEO and CFO have 
been subject to an independent audit and are set out in the tables below. 

The annual bonus for Stefan Borgas was determined following assessment of achievement of qualitative and quantitative targets as 
set out below.

Measure and weighting 

Operating EBIT (35%)

Operating ROACE (35%)

Performance 
target for 
threshold vesting
 of 0% of salary

Performance 
target for 
target vesting 
of 100% of salary

Performance 
target for 
maximum vesting
 of 120% of salary

Actual 
performance

Payment 
(% of salary)

Cash bonus based
on salary of €171,780
 (for period 
27 October 2017 to 
31 December 2017)

€100.0 million

€133.4 million

€160.0 million

€145.2 million

6.5%

8.7%

10.4%

10.4%

Reduction of Net Debt (15%)

€325.0 million

€311.0 million

€300.0 million

€320.3 million

Personal/strategic objectives (15%)*

Not achieved 

Achieved

Over achieved 

Achieved 

Total as % salary 

38.2%

41.8%

4.8%

15.0%

99.8%

€171,437

*The objectives set for the CEO were to ensure that the people, systems, processes and organisational structures were in place to ensure a smooth and 
successful merger of the Austrian and Brazilian businesses and London Stock Exchange Listing as well as formulating a detailed plan to achieve the requisite 
merger synergies. The Committee, assisted by the Chairman of the Board, conducted a review and assessment to evaluate performance against the objectives 
set. The period of review included four months post Listing to the end of February 2018, which enabled the Committee to take into account the internal 
operation of the merged organisation post Listing in terms of the objectives set. The Committee concluded that the objectives had been achieved taking into 
account that key personnel, systems, processes and organisational structures were in place for the Listing and that the operation of the merged business and 
Listing had proceeded smoothly and as expected. Additionally, the detailed plan of merger synergies is fully incorporated into the Group’s operations and 
business plan.

R H I   M A G N E S I TA

A N N U A L   R E P O R T   2 0 1 7

8 5

The annual bonus for Octavio Lopes was determined following assessment of achievement of qualitative and quantitative targets 
as set out below.

Measure and weighting 

Economic Profit 
(55% of Scorecard)

Operating Cash Flow 
(35% of Scorecard)

Safety KPIs
(10% of scorecard)
  • LTIR
  • RR 

Total

Performance 
target for 
threshold vesting 
of 80% of salary
score 7

Performance 
target for 
target vesting 
of 100% of salary
score 10

Performance 
target for 
maximum vesting 
of 120% of salary
score 13

Actual 
performance

Weighted 
score

Cash bonus based
on salary of £99,452
 (for period 
27 October 2017 to 
31 December 2017)

US$18.9 million

US$49.0 million

US$79.7 million

US$43.4 million

US$56.0 million

US$70.0 million

0.26
1.15 

0.13
0.86 

0.00
0.53 

US$62.2 million
 (score 11.3)

US$48.2 million
 (score 8.2)

0.10
0.88
(score 10.4)

6.2

2.9

1.0 

10.1

£100,447

Notes:
(a)  Economic Profit (excl. Factoring) = Net Operating Profit after Tax (NOPAT) – Capital Charge. NOPAT = EBIT*(1-tax) 

Capital Charge WACC* (Receivables (excl. Factoring) + Inventory – Payables + Other Working Capital + Net Tax Liabilities + PP&E + Other Net Assets)

(b) Operating Cash Flow = EBITDA – Cash tax – ∆ (Receivables (excl. Factoring) + Inventory – Payables + Other Working Capital) – Capex
(c) Safety KPIs = 60% LTIR + 40% RR
LTIR = Lost Time Injury Rate = (# of lost time incidents * 200k) / worked hours
RR = Recordable Rate = ((# of lost time incidents + # non-lost time incidents) *200k)/ worked hours
The performance targets for EP and OCF are based on the adjusted budget, which is Magnesita's budget for the year of 2017 adjusted for externalities 
(actual steel market production output in Magnesita's established markets and actual foreign exchange rates)

This performance resulted in recommended annual bonuses of €171,437 being 99.8% of salary for Stefan Borgas and £100,447 
being 101.0% of salary for Octavio Lopes for the period 27 October to 31 December 2017.

No bonuses were awarded to Non-Executive Directors.

 
8 6

G O V E R N A N C E

R H I   M A G N E S I TA

Annual Report on Remuneration
continued

There were no changes in the Directors' interests in shares 
between 31 December 2017 and 19 March 2018.

Under the share ownership requirements set out in the 
Directors’ Remuneration Policy, the Executive Directors 
are required to build normally over five years and maintain 
a shareholding equivalent to at least 200% of salary. At the 
2017 year-end, the Executive Directors each held shares in 
the Company as detailed in the adjacent table. Stefan Borgas 
holds 20% of annual salary in shares and Octavio Lopes holds 
908% of annual salary in shares (based on the share price 
of £39.05 (€44.02) on 31 December 2017). 

There were no outstanding share awards held by the Executive 
Directors as at 31 December 2017. 

Review of past performance and CEO remuneration table 
(unaudited)
The graph below shows the TSR of the Company and the FTSE 
350 Index over the period from Admission to 31 December 2017. 
This is considered an appropriate comparator for RHI Magnesita, 
and aligns with the use of the FTSE 350 in the TSR performance 
measure for the Performance Share awards.

RHI Magnesita TSR vs FTSE 350 since admission 
Percentage increase/decrease since 27/10/2017

RHI Magnesita

FTSE 350 

140

130

120

110

100

90

27/10/2017

31/12/2017

Number 
of ordinary 
shares held

 4,300 

127,894

–

 1,002 

 379 

–

–

–

 2,130 

–

–

11,347,058

Source: Datastream (Thompson Reuters)

–

–

Share awards where vesting is based on performance periods 
ending during the period 27 October to 31 December 2017 
(unaudited)
There were no share awards where vesting is determined based 
on performance periods ending during the period 27 October 
to 31 December 2017.

Share awards awarded during the period 27 October to 
31 December 2017 (unaudited)
No share awards were awarded to the Directors during the 
period 27 October to 31 December 2017, nor were there any 
rights exercised during this period.

Statement of Directors’ shareholding and share interests 
(unaudited)
For each Director, the total number of Directors’ interests 
in shares at 31 December 2017 was as follows:

Executive Directors
Stefan Borgas
Octavio Lopes1
Non-Executive Directors
Herbert Cordt
Celia Baxter
Andrew Hosty
Fersen Lambranho1
James Leng
Stanislaus Prinz zu  
Sayn-Wittgenstein2 
John Ramsay
Franz Reiter
Wolfgang Ruttenstorfer
David A. Schlaff3
Michael Schwarz
Karl Sevelda

1  As detailed on page 65, 4,258,905 ordinary shares are held by Alumina 

Holdings LLC, a corporate controlled by funds managed by GP 
Investments, which is itself controlled, indirectly, by persons including 
Fersen Lambranho and in which Octavio Lopes has a minority interest.
2   Mr. Stanislaus Prinz zu Sayn-Wittgenstein has a family relationship with 

persons who control Chestnut and Silver, each of which holds 2,058,461 
ordinary shares , as detailed on page 65

3   Mr David A. Schlaff is the son of Mag. Martin Schlaff, the founder of MSP 

Stiftung, which holds 11,347,058 ordinary shares.

 
 
 
 
R H I   M A G N E S I TA

A N N U A L   R E P O R T   2 0 1 7

8 7

The information below is only in respect of the period 
27 October to 31 December 2017.

Single figure 
of total
remuneration1 

Annual bonus
 pay-out as %
 of maximum 

Long-term
 incentive 
vesting rates as
 % of maximum2 

2017

€476,981

83.16%

N/A

1  This figure relates to the period 27 October to 31 December 2017 only.
2  There was no long-term incentive subject to performance conditions 
where the performance period ended during the period 27 October to 
31 December 2017.

Percentage change in remuneration of the CEO (unaudited) 
Because the Company was established on 20 June 2017 and 
admitted to trading on 27 October 2017 there is no prior year 
information to provide the disclosure required for the year-on-
year percentage change in remuneration received by the CEO, 
compared with the change in remuneration received by all 
RHI Magnesita employees.

Relative importance of spend on pay (unaudited)
Because the Company was established on 20 June 2017 and 
admitted to trading on 27 October 2017 there is no prior year 
information to provide the disclosure required on the change 
in total staff pay compared with distributions to shareholders 
by way of dividends, share buy-backs or any other significant 
distributions or payments or other uses of profit or cash flow 
between financial years 2016 and 2017. 

Total gross employee pay

Dividends

27 October to 
31 December
 2017
€ million

82.2

33.6*

% change

No prior year
 information

No prior year
 information

*  Dividend is subject to AGM approval and is not time apportioned.

Payments to past Directors (unaudited)
There were no payments to past Directors in the period 
27 October to 31 December 2017.

Payments for loss of office (unaudited)
No payments were made to any Director in respect of loss 
of office in the period 27 October to 31 December 2017.

Implementation of Policy for 2018 (unaudited information)
An explanation of how the Directors’ Remuneration Policy will 
be applied during the financial year 2018 is set out below. 

In determining the new Remuneration Policy and 
implementation of that Policy for 2018, the Committee has 
taken into account the existing contractual entitlements and 
target remuneration levels of the Executive Directors as well as 
the Remuneration Policy in operation at the time of Admission. 
The CEO was historically part of the RHI business and the 
CFO part of the Magnesita business. 

One of the matters the Committee has had to address is how 
to arrive at a policy that can be applied to both Directors over 
the first policy period and that provides a remuneration package 
commensurate to that which they received at their respective 
companies but which is aligned as far as possible to UK market 
practice and which supports the strategy of the new 
merged Group. 

The Committee has, where possible, within the parametres of 
the CEO’s existing contract and remuneration arrangements, 
provided a remuneration package that retains his target 
remuneration level but is aligned as far as possible in terms of 
structure to the new remuneration strategy. The CFO retains his 
legacy 2017 remuneration package for 2018 and the Committee 
will explore with him during the course of 2018 how his package 
for 2019 can be aligned to the new forward-looking policy and 
remuneration strategy. 

  
8 8

G O V E R N A N C E

R H I   M A G N E S I TA

Annual Report on Remuneration
continued

Implementation of the remuneration policy for the financial year ending 31 December 2018 
At a Glance: the application set out below is dependent on the new policy being approved by shareholders at the 2018 AGM.  

Policy element

Base salary from 1 January 2018

% increase from prior year

Retirement allowance

Annual bonus

Annual bonus metrics

S Borgas (CEO)

€826,000 

-13% (note 1)

Allowance of 15% of base salary

Up to 150% of base salary

O Lopes (CFO)

£550,000

0%

Allowance of 30% of base 
salary

Up to 120% of base salary

75% of the annual bonus to be determined by Group financial targets and 25% by strategic targets as follows:
35% Operating EBIT measured on a constant currency basis; 25% Free Cash Flow; 15% Synergy targets and 25% 
strategic targets focusing on key strategic priorities of the business which are critical to the future profitability of 
the Group. Payment under this element is subject to the threshold EBIT target being met.

Amount paid for threshold performance

0%

Amount paid for target performance 

75% of salary (50% of max. annual bonus)

80% of salary (66.6% of 
max) based on 2017 legacy 
package

100% of salary (83.3% of 
max. annual bonus) based 
on 2017 legacy package 
to apply for 2018 

Payment of bonus in shares

50% of annual bonus in excess of target after tax is used by the executive to 
acquire shares that are held for a minimum of three years

No requirement to purchase 
shares for 2018

Performance Share Award 

200% of base salary

No award for 2018 

Performance Share Award metrics

33.3% of the award: relative TSR vs FTSE 350 Index 

33.3% of the award: Reported EBIT

33.3% of the award: Adjusted EPS

Payment for threshold performance

25%

N/A

Malus and clawback

Malus applies to the period prior to vesting for performance share awards and payment of the annual bonus 

Clawback applies to cash bonus and Performance Share awards for a period of three years following the date 
of vesting and three years following any cash payment

Dividends on vested awards

Shareholding requirement

Participants are eligible for dividend equivalents on Performance Shares awarded 

200% of base salary to be met within five years 

Shareholding as % of salary at 2017 year-end 20%

Non-Executive fees:

Chairman (inclusive of all Committee fees)

Other Non-Executive Directors

Deputy Chair/ Senior Independent Director

Chairs of the Audit and Compliance, and 
Remuneration Committees

Membership of the Audit and Compliance, 
and Remuneration Committees

Chair of Nomination Committee (unless 
filled by the Chairman) and Corporate 
Responsibility Committee

Membership of the Nomination and 
Corporate Responsibility Committee

Note 1: Base salary reduced by 13% with the 13% reduction provided as a retirement allowance.

908%

Annual fee

£220,000

£65,000

£25,000

£12,500

£7,500

£10,000

£5,000

R H I   M A G N E S I TA

A N N U A L   R E P O R T   2 0 1 7

8 9

Summary of 2017 and 2018 structure of remuneration packages
The summary below sets out how the Policy will be implemented in 2018 if shareholders approve it at the 2018 AGM. The CFO 
retains his 2017 legacy remuneration package for 2018 as set out below. 

Element of package

2017 structure

Salary

Benefits

CEO

€950,000

Company car

CFO

£550,000

Standard insured 
benefits and relocation 
as applicable

2018 structure

CEO

€826,000

Company car

CFO

£550,000

Standard insured 
benefits and relocation 
as applicable

Pension

Nil

30% salary

15% salary

30% salary

Performance based 
annual bonus

Fixed bonus

Performance based  
long-term incentive

Phantom share award

Max. opportunity 120% 
salary

Max. opportunity 120% 
salary

Max. opportunity 150% 
salary

Max. opportunity 120% 
salary

100% of salary payable 
October 2017

Nil

50% of salary phantom 
share award, with vesting 
over three years.

Nil 

Nil

Nil

Nil

200% of salary 
Performance Share award

Nil

Nil

Nil

Nil

Note: As part of his 2016 remuneration arrangements the CFO received a retention bonus of 200% of salary payable half in October 2017 and half in October 
2018 subject to him remaining employed. 

Benefits
Benefits will be paid in line with the Directors’ Remuneration 
Policy. The CEO and CFO retain the benefits that they were 
entitled to on Admission. Details of the benefits received are 
set out in the single figure table on page 83. 

Base salary
There will be no salary increases for the Executive Directors 
in 2018.

The CEO’s salary is reduced from €950,000 to €826,000 
with effect from 1 January 2018 with the difference provided 
as a retirement allowance (see below). 

The CFO’s salary remains at £550,000.

Retirement allowance 
The CEO did not have a retirement allowance at the time of 
Admission. As part of the implementation of the new policy the 
CEO’s salary is reduced as detailed above and he is provided 
from the same date with a retirement allowance paid in cash 
of 15% of salary to make good the reduction in salary. 

The CFO retains his current cash retirement allowance of 
30% of salary.

9 0

G O V E R N A N C E

R H I   M A G N E S I TA

Annual Report on Remuneration
continued

Annual bonus
The maximum potential annual bonus opportunity for the 
financial year ending 31 December 2018 will be 150% of 
salary for the CEO and 120% of salary for the CFO. 

The target opportunity for the CEO is 75% of salary. 
Because the CFO remains on his legacy 2017 annual bonus 
arrangements his target opportunity for 2018 is 100% of salary.

75% of the annual bonus to be determined by Group financial 
targets and 25% by strategic targets as follows:

 ¥ 35% Operating EBIT measured on a constant currency basis; 
 ¥ 25% Free Cash Flow; 
 ¥ 15% Synergy targets; 
 ¥ 25% strategic targets focusing on three key strategic priorities 
of the business, which are critical to the future profitability of 
the Group; and 

 ¥ No bonus will be payable for strategic targets unless the 

Threshold target for EBIT is met.

The CEO is required to use 50% of any bonus earned in excess 
of target (net of tax) to acquire shares in the Company that 
will be held for a minimum of three years. This element of the 
forward-looking policy does not apply to the CFO for 2018. 

Clawback and malus provisions apply.

In addition, as set out in the policy table, bonus payments 
will be subject to the Committee agreeing that the proposed 
bonus amounts, calculated by reference to performance 
against the targets, appropriately reflect the Company’s overall 
performance and shareholders’ experience. If the Committee 
does not believe this to be the case, it may adjust the bonus 
outturn accordingly.

The specific targets relating to the bonus have not been 
disclosed at this stage as they are considered by the Committee 
to be commercially sensitive and it is not considered in the 
interests of shareholders to disclose further details on a 
prospective basis. Details will be provided on a retrospective 
basis in next year’s Annual Report on Remuneration.

Performance Share award
The Committee intends to make Performance Share awards 
following the 2018 AGM provided that, the new policy and 
long-term incentive plan are approved by shareholders at 
that time.

The CEO will be awarded a Performance Share award over 
shares with a face value at the date of award of 200% of 
salary. Because the CFO remains on his legacy 2017 
remuneration arrangements for 2018 he will not receive 
a Performance Share award. 

The extent to which any Performance Share award will vest 
will be determined by relative Total Shareholder Return (TSR) 
targets for 33.3% of the award, 33.3% reported EBIT targets and 
the remaining 33.3% adjusted EPS. The TSR targets are detailed 
below. The EBIT and EPS targets will be disclosed at the time 
awards are made in the announcement to the market. 

R H I   M A G N E S I TA

A N N U A L   R E P O R T   2 0 1 7

9 1

Shares resulting from the exercise of a Performance Share award 
cannot be sold until five years have elapsed from the date of 
award, other than to pay tax. Awards will be subject to clawback 
and malus provisions.

Fees for Chairman and Non-Executive Directors
The Company’s approach to the remuneration for the Chairman 
and Non-Executive Directors, set by the Board, was reviewed on 
Admission. The table entitled At a Glance on page 88 provides 
full details of the fee levels for 2018.

This Report was reviewed and approved by the Board on 
20 March 2018 and signed on its behalf by order of the Board.

CELIA BAXTER
CHAIRMAN OF THE REMUNERATION COMMITTEE

Terminology for Performance Share awards
The RHI Magnesita long-term incentive plan (the Plan) 
is subject to approval at the AGM and provided approval is 
given, Performance Share awards will be granted under the 
Plan following the AGM. The grant of an award is when 
participants are told they will receive shares provided 
performance targets are met. Participants do not receive 
shares at the time an award is granted. Performance targets 
are set at the time the award is granted and measured over a 
performance period of three financial years. At the end of 
the performance period the performance targets are tested 
against performance. An award will vest if the performance 
targets are met. If the performance targets are only met in 
part then only part of the award will vest. When the award 
vests the participant receives shares in the Company. 
If therefore a participant is granted an award over 100 shares 
but the performance targets are only met in part and only 
50% of the award vests, the participant will receive 
50 shares. Once an award vests the Executive Directors must 
retain the vested shares for a further two years ( subject to the 
sale of sufficient shares to meet any tax payable on vesting).

Measure: TSR vs FTSE 350 All Share 
Index – 33.3% of the total award

% of award vesting

Target 

nil

25%

Less than matching Index 

Matching Index

Straight-line vesting

From Index to Index plus 25%1

100%

Index plus 25% or above1

1  For example, if Index TSR is 23% over three years then the vesting range 

is TSR of 23% to 48%. 

Financial

Statements

Independent Auditors’ Report 
Consolidated Statement 
of Financial Position 
Consolidated Statement 
of Profit and Loss 
Consolidated Statement 

of Comprehensive Income 

Consolidated Statement 

of Cash Flows 

Consolidated Statement 
of Changes in Equity 
Notes to the Consolidated 

Financial Statements 2017 

94

102

103

104

105

106

108

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
9 4

F I N A N C I A L   S TAT E M E N T S

R H I   M A G N E S I TA

Independent  
  auditor’s report 

To: the general meeting and the board of directors of 
RHI Magnesita N.V. 

Report on the financial 
statements 2017 

Our opinion 
In our opinion:
 ¥ RHI Magnesita N.V.’s consolidated financial statements give 
a true and fair view of the financial position of the Group as 
at 31 December 2017 and of its result and cash flows for the 
year then ended in accordance with International Financial 
Reporting Standards as adopted by the European Union 
(EU-IFRS) and with Part 9 of Book 2 of the Dutch Civil Code;
 ¥ RHI Magnesita N.V.’s company financial statements give a true 
and fair view of the financial position of the Company as at 
31 December 2017 and of its result for the year then ended in 
accordance with Part 9 of Book 2 of the Dutch Civil Code.

What we have audited
We have audited the accompanying financial statements 2017 
of RHI Magnesita N.V., Arnhem (‘the Company’). The financial 
statements include the consolidated financial statements of 
RHI Magnesita N.V. and its subsidiaries (together: ‘the Group’) 
and the company financial statements.

The consolidated financial statements comprise:
 ¥ the consolidated statement of financial position as 

at 31 December 2017;

 ¥ the following statements for 2017: the consolidated 
statement of profit or loss and the consolidated 
statements of comprehensive income, changes in 
equity and cash flows; and

 ¥ the notes, comprising a summary of significant 

accounting policies and other explanatory information.

The company financial statements comprise:
 ¥ the company balance sheet as at 31 December 2017;
 ¥ the company statement of profit or loss for the year 

then ended;

 ¥ the notes, comprising a summary of the accounting 

policies and other explanatory information.

The financial reporting framework that has been applied in the 
preparation of the financial statements is EU-IFRS and the 
relevant provisions of Part 9 of Book 2 of the Dutch Civil Code 
for the consolidated financial statements and Part 9 of Book 2 
of the Dutch Civil Code for the company financial statements.

The basis for our opinion
We conducted our audit in accordance with Dutch law, 
including the Dutch Standards on Auditing. Our responsibilities 
under those standards are further described in the section 
‘Our responsibilities for the audit of the financial statements’ 
of our report.

We believe that the audit evidence we have obtained is 
sufficient and appropriate to provide a basis for our opinion.

Independence
We are independent of RHI Magnesita N.V. in accordance with 
the European Regulation on specific requirements regarding 
statutory audit of public interest entities, the ‘Wet toezicht 
accountantsorganisaties’ (Wta, Audit firms supervision act), the 
‘Verordening inzake de onafhankelijkheid van accountants bij 
assuranceopdrachten’ (ViO – Code of Ethics for Professional 
Accountants, a regulation with respect to independence) and 
other relevant independence requirements in the Netherlands. 
Furthermore, we have complied with the ‘Verordening gedrags- 
en beroepsregels accountants’ (VGBA – Code of Ethics for 
Professional Accountants, a regulation with respect to rules of 
professional conduct).

Our audit approach
Overview and context
RHI Magnesita N.V. is a worldwide producer of refractory 
products. Refractory products are used in all the world’s 
high-temperature industrial processes. The group is comprised 
of several components and therefore we considered our group 
audit scope and approach as set out in the section ‘The scope of 
our group audit’. We paid specific attention to the areas of focus 
driven by the operations of the Group, as set out below.

The financial year 2017 was characterised by the acquisition 
of Magnesita Refratários S.A. by subsidiary of RHI AG. This 
acquisition had a major impact on the consolidated financial 
statements of the company. This affected the determination 
of materiality, the scope of our group audit and our audit 
procedures as described in the sections ‘Materiality’, ‘The scope 
of our audit’ and ‘Key audit matters’. Immediately before 
acquisition, RHI AG merged with and into RHI Magnesita N.V. 

As part of designing our audit, we determined materiality and 
assessed the risks of material misstatement in the financial 
statements. In particular, we considered where the directors 
made important judgements; for example, in respect of 
significant accounting estimates that involved making 
assumptions and considering future events that are inherently 
uncertain. In note 10 of the financial statements the company 
describes the areas of judgment in applying accounting policies 

 
R H I   M A G N E S I TA

A N N U A L   R E P O R T   2 0 1 7

9 5

and the key sources of estimation uncertainty. Given the 
significant estimation uncertainty and the related higher 
inherent risks of material misstatement in the recoverability of 
deferred tax assets, accounting of the Magnesita acquisition, 
valuation of goodwill and other intangible assets and 
accounting of restructuring, we considered these to be key audit 
matters as set out in the section ‘Key audit matters’ of this report. 

predecessor auditors PwC Austria and PwC Brazil and discussed 
the outcome thereof to confirm our understanding of the 
opening balances, comparative figures and internal controls 
within the Group. Based on these procedures, we have prepared 
our risk assessment and audit strategy and prepared our audit 
plan which has been discussed with the board of directors.

Besides the key audit matters, other areas of focus were the 
disclosures concerning the transition to new accounting 
standard IAS 18 – ‘Revenue’ to IFRS 15 ‘Revenue from contracts 
with customers’ the transition from IAS 39 – ‘Financial 
instruments’ to IFRS 9 – ‘Financial instruments’ issued but not 
yet effective, and the effects of tax reform in the United States 
of America. As in all of our audits, we also addressed the risk of 
management override of internal controls, including evaluating 
whether there was evidence of bias by the directors that may 
represent a risk of material misstatement due to fraud.

We ensured that the audit teams both at group and at 
component levels included the appropriate skills and 
competences which are needed for the audit of an international 
industrial products company. We therefore included specialists 
in the areas of valuations, actuarial expertise, IT specialists and 
tax specialists.

The outline of our audit approach was as follows:

Materiality
The scope of our audit is influenced by the application of 
materiality which is further explained in the section 
‘Our responsibilities for the audit of the financial statements’.

Based on our professional judgment, we determined certain 
quantitative thresholds for materiality, including the overall 
materiality for the financial statements as a whole as set out in 
the table below. These, together with qualitative considerations, 
helped us to determine the nature, timing and extent of our 
audit procedures on the individual financial statement line 
items and disclosures and to evaluate the effect of identified 
misstatements, both individually and in aggregate, on the 
financial statements as a whole and on our opinion.

Overall group 
materiality
Basis for determining 
materiality

€8.0 million.
We used our professional judgment to 
determine overall materiality. As a basis 
for our judgment we used approximately 
2,5 % of earnings before interest, taxes, 
depreciation and amortization (EBITDA).
We used approximately 2.5% of earnings 
before interest, taxes, depreciation and 
amortization (EBITDA) as the primary 
benchmark, a generally accepted 
auditing practice, based on our analysis 
of the common information needs of 
users of the financial statements.  
On this basis we believe that EBITDA 
is an important metric for the financial 
performance of the company. 
To each component in our audit scope, 
we, based on our judgement, allocate 
materiality that is less than our 
overall group materiality. The range of 
materiality allocated across components 
was between €0.6 million and 
€5.7 million. Certain components 
were audited to a local statutory audit 
materiality that was also less than our 
overall group materiality.

We also take misstatements and/or possible misstatements 
into account that, in our judgement, are material for 
qualitative reasons.

We agreed with the directors that we would report to them 
misstatements identified during our audit above €0.4 million 
as well as misstatements below that amount that, in our view, 
warranted reporting for qualitative reasons.

Materiality
 ¥ Overall materiality: €8.0 million.

Audit scope
 ¥ We conducted audit work in  

35 locations. We paid particular  
attention to the acquisition of  
Magnesita Refratários S.A. that took  
place in 2017.

Materiality

Rationale for 
benchmark applied

Audit scope

Component 
materiality

 ¥ Site visits were conducted to  

3 countries – Germany, Austria and Brazil.

 ¥ Audit coverage: 90% of consolidated  
revenue, 89% of consolidated total  
assets, 80% of consolidated profit before  
tax and 82% of consolidated EBITDA.

Key audit
matters

Key audit matters
 ¥ Recoverability of deferred income tax assets;
 ¥ Initial purchase price allocation acquisition Magnesita 

Refratários S.A.;

 ¥ Valuation of goodwill and other intangible assets;
 ¥ Accounting for restructuring.

First year audit consideration
The Company established RHI Magnesita N.V. in June 2017, 
became the ultimate parent of the group in October 2017 
and subsequently listed their shares on the London 
Stock Exchange per October 27, 2017. As a consequence 
PricewaterhouseCoopers Accountants N.V. was appointed 
the statutory auditor of the listed entity on October 4, 2017. 
Prior to that date, other auditors organisations were the statutory 
auditors of the consolidated financial information of the 
Magnesita group and of the consolidated financial information 
of the RHI group. We reviewed the auditor’s files of the 

9 6

F I N A N C I A L   S TAT E M E N T S

R H I   M A G N E S I TA

Independent auditor’s report
continued

The scope of our group audit
RHI Magnesita N.V. is the parent company of a group of entities. 
The financial information of this group is included in the 
consolidated financial statements of RHI Magnesita N.V.

We tailored the scope of our audit to ensure that we performed 
sufficient work to be able to give an opinion on the financial 
statements as a whole, taking into account the management 
structure of the Group, the nature of operations of its 
components, the accounting processes and controls, and 
the markets in which the components of the Group operate. 
In establishing the overall group audit strategy and plan, 
we determined the type of work required to be performed at 
the component level by the group engagement team and by 
each component auditor.

The group audit primarily focussed on the 
significant components:

 ¥ RHI Magnesita N.V., Netherlands
 ¥ RHI Feuerfest GmbH, Austria
 ¥ Didier-Werke Aktiengesellschaft, Germany
 ¥ Veitsch-Radex GmbH & Co OG, Austria
 ¥ RHI Urmitz AG & Co, Austria
 ¥ Magnesit Anonim Sirekti, Turkey
 ¥ Magnesita Refratários S.A., Brazil
 ¥ Magnesita Mineracao S.A., Brazil
 ¥ Magnesita Refractories Company, USA
 ¥ Magnesita Refractories GmbH, Germany
 ¥ Stopinc Aktiengesellschaft, Switzerland
 ¥ RHI Dinaris GmbH, Germany
 ¥ Liaoning RHI Jinding Magnesia Co., Ltd, China
 ¥ RHI Refratários SA, Brazil
 ¥ Orient Refractories Limited, India
 ¥ RHI Glas GmbH, Germany
 ¥ Producción RHI México S. de R.L. de C.V., Mexico

17 components were subject to audits of their complete financial 
information as those components are individually financially 
significant to the group. In addition, 18 components were 
subjected to specific risk-focussed audit procedures as 
they include significant or higher risk areas. Additionally, 
6 components were selected for audit procedures to 
achieve appropriate coverage on financial line items in the 
consolidated financial statements.

In total, in performing these procedures, we achieved the 
following coverage on the financial line items:

Revenue
Total assets
Profit before tax
EBITDA

90%
89%
80%
82%

None of the remaining components represented more than 
2% of total group revenue or total group assets. For those 
remaining components we performed, among other things, 
analytical procedures to corroborate our assessment that 
there were no significant risks of material misstatements 
within those components.

For group entities RHI Magnesita N.V., RHI Feuerfest GmbH, 
Austria, Veitsch-Radex GmbH & Co OG, Austria, RHI 
Refractories Raw Material GmbH, Austria, Lokalbahn  
Mixnitz-St. Erhard Aktien-Gesellschaft, Austria, Veitsch-Radex 
Vertriebsgesellschaft mbH, Austria and Refractory Intellectual 
Porperty GmbH & Co KG, Austria, the group engagement team 
performed the audit work. For all other components we used 
component auditors who are familiar with the local laws and 
regulations to perform the audit work.

Where the work was performed by component auditors, we 
determined the level of involvement we needed to have in their 
audit work to be able to conclude whether sufficient appropriate 
audit evidence had been obtained as a basis for our opinion on 
the consolidated financial statements as a whole.

The group engagement team visits the component teams on a 
rotational basis. In the current year the group audit team visited 
the Magnesita finance function in Brazil given the importance of 
the judgements involved in the initial purchase price allocation 
resulting from the acquisition of Magnesita, as well as visited the 
Austrian and German operating locations.

The group consolidation, financial statement disclosures and a 
number of complex items are audited by the group engagement 
team at the head office. These include, acquisition accounting, 
impairment testing and valuation of deferred tax assets and 
restructuring provisions. 

By performing the procedures above at components, combined 
with additional procedures at group level, we have been able to 
obtain sufficient and appropriate audit evidence on the Group’s 
financial information, as a whole, to provide a basis for our 
opinion on the financial statements.

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9 7

Key audit matters
Key audit matters are those matters that, in our professional judgement, were of most significance in the audit of the financial 
statements. We have communicated the key audit matters to the directors. The key audit matters are not a comprehensive 
reflection of all matters that were identified by our audit and that we discussed. In this section, we described the key audit matters 
and included a summary of the audit procedures we performed on those matters.

The key audit matters were addressed in the context of our audit of the financial statements as a whole, and in forming our opinion 
thereon. We do not provide separate opinions on these matters or on specific elements of the financial statements. Any comments 
or observations we make on the results of our procedures should be read in this context.

Key audit matter

How our audit addressed the matter

Recoverability of deferred income tax assets
Refer to note 8, 10, 17 and 44 of the 
consolidated financial statements 
The Group capitalized deferred tax assets on tax loss carry-
forwards in the amount of €134.6 million and deductible 
temporary differences arising on provisions for employee 
benefits in the amount of €70.2 million. Reference is made 
to Note 17 of the financial statements. 

Deferred tax assets are capitalized based on the assumption 
that sufficient taxable income will be generated against 
which loss carry-forwards and other deductible temporary 
differences can be offset. This assumption is based on 
estimates of the current and the planned taxable results, and 
any future measures implemented by the company in several 
jurisdictions concerned that will have an effect on income tax. 

Due to the inherent level of uncertainty, the potential 
limitations in the recoverability of deferred income tax assets 
and the significant judgement involved, we considered the 
recoverability of deferred income tax assets to be a key audit 
matter for our audit.  

Initial purchase price allocation acquisition 
Magnesita Refratários S.A.
Refer to note 5 of the consolidated financial statements
During the fiscal year 2017 RHI Magnesita Group acquired the 
Magnesita Group. IFRS 3, Business Combinations, requires to 
recognize the identifiable assets and liabilities at fair value at 
the date of the acquisition, with the excess of the acquisition 
cost over the identified fair value of recognized assets, and 
liabilities as goodwill even if the purchase price allocation 
(“PPA”) exercise was not completed at the balance sheet date. 
This was considered a significant purchase to the whole group.

Management has engaged an independent valuator to issue 
a report on the initial PPA, calculating fair values of the 
identified assets and liabilities at the respective acquisition 
date through, among other things, assessments of future 
cash flows and assessing appropriate discount rates. The PPA 
exercise for Magnesita was in an initial stage at the balance 
sheet date. Goodwill, amounting to €171.7 million at the 
acquisition date was initially recognized (see Note (5) Group 
of consolidated companies).

We focused on this area as a key audit matter as the 
accounting for the transaction was complex, the magnitude 
of the transaction and the significant judgment involved in in 
determining the fair value of acquired identifiable assets and 
liabilities, in particular determining the allocation of purchase 
consideration to separately identifiable intangible assets and 
contingent liabilities. 

We have requested and obtained confirmation letters from tax 
advisors to confirm both the existence, accuracy and valuation 
of the tax loss carry-forwards, taking into account the expiration 
dates per jurisdiction. In addition we have assessed per tax 
jurisdiction the level of potential offsetting deferred tax liabilities.

Furthermore, we have challenged the underlying assumptions 
of the forecasted taxable income through agreeing the 
forecasted future taxable profits with approved business plans 
per entity/for the entities in a tax jurisdiction. We also assessed 
the past performance against the expected future tax profits in 
the business plans used by the company. In addition, we have 
considered the local expiry periods together with any applicable 
restrictions in recovery for each individual jurisdiction.

We assessed and corroborated the adequacy and 
appropriateness of the disclosure made in the consolidated 
financial statements.

The above procedures did not result in material audit findings.

We compared the Group’s accounting policies over business 
combinations with requirements in EU-IFRS and evaluated 
the competence, capabilities and objectivity of the 
independent valuator and evaluated the work done thus far. 
We engaged valuation specialists to compare the draft valuation 
assumptions with external benchmarks (including a peer group 
analysis to assess the discount rates) and to assess assumptions 
underlying future cash flows based on our knowledge of the 
Group and its subsidiaries. 

We assessed the Group’s determination of the (initial) fair 
values of the remaining assets and liabilities having regard to 
the completeness of assets and liabilities identified and the 
reasonableness of any underlying assumptions in their 
respective valuation that would also include the assessment 
on the reasonableness of the useful lives of the tangible and 
intangible assets and the consideration given. 

We assessed and corroborated the adequacy and 
appropriateness of the disclosure made in the consolidated 
financial statements.

We have established that, in accordance with IFRS 3, it 
is appropriate to account for the purchase price on a 
provisional basis. 

 
 
 
 
 
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R H I   M A G N E S I TA

Independent auditor’s report
continued

Key audit matter

How our audit addressed the matter

Valuation of goodwill and other intangible assets
Refer to note 8, 10, 12, 13 and 40 of the 
consolidated financial statements
The Group capitalized goodwill in the amount of EUR 210.4 
million of which €171.7 million relates to the acquisition of 
Magnesita, the remainder mainly relates to goodwill from 
the Steel divisions Lining and Flow control. In addition, the 
company capitalized intangible assets in the amount of 
€217.6 million of which €161.4 million relates to the Magnesita 
acquisition. These assets form part of cash-generating units 
(or CGUs for short) to the extent that they independently 
generate cash inflows. If and to the extent to which these 
CGUs include goodwill or intangible assets with indefinite 
useful lives or show signs for impairment, the recoverable 
amount is assessed. Annual planning process data is used to 
make assumptions on the discount rate, profitability as well 
as growth rates, and sensitivity analyses are carried out with 
regard to any accounting effects. 

We identified the impairment assessment as a key audit matter 
due to significant judgement and assumptions about the 
discount rate, profitability as well as growth rates. 

Goodwill and intangibles assets were identified as part of the 
initial purchase price allocation (PPA) from the Magnesita 
acquisition. Procedures performed on the preliminary PPA are 
described in the key audit matter above. 

As part of our audit procedures, we have evaluated and 
challenged the composition of management’s future cash flow 
forecasts and the process applied to identify and define cash-
generating units, calculate the recoverable amount, test for 
impairment, calculate the capital cost rate and the growth rate, 
as well as the calculation model. 

We have reconciled the assumed future cash flows used in the 
budget planning with the information included in the forecast 
made by the management board. 

With the support of our valuation specialists, we have evaluated 
management’s assumptions such as revenue and margin, the 
discount rate, terminal value, operational and capital expenditure 
and number of employees. We have obtained corroborative 
evidence for these assumptions. We performed analyses to 
assess the reasonableness of forecasted revenues, margins and 
expenditures in line with the level of activity forecasted and 
corroboration to contracted revenue for the coming years and 
price trends, and obtained further explanations when considered 
necessary. We compared the long term growth rates used in 
determining the terminal value, with economic and industry 
forecasts. We have re-performed calculations, compared the 
methodology applied with generally accepted valuation 
techniques, assessed appropriateness of the cost of capital for 
the company and comparable assets, as well as considered 
territory specific factors and assessed appropriateness of 
disclosure of the key assumptions and sensitivities underlying 
the tests. 

We found the assumptions to be consistent and supported by the 
available evidence.

 
 
 
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9 9

Key audit matter

How our audit addressed the matter

Accounting for restructuring 
Refer to note 34 and 40 of the consolidated 
financial statements
The integration of the newly acquired subsidiaries led to a 
consolidation of entities to achieve appropriate synergies for 
the whole RHI Magnesita Group, leading to restructuring 
expenses amounting to €62.7 million and restructuring 
provisions amounting to €37.6 million per 31 December 2017. 

The Group initiated a number of restructuring initiatives that 
commenced in fiscal year 2017, and will continue in the next 
years, reducing the company’s workforce and closure of 
locations, requiring additional provisions once the IAS 37 
criteria for recognising those are met (e.g. there is a detailed 
formal plan approved and announcements are made). 

Given that the restructuring provision resulted from the 
acquisition and subsequent merger of RHI and Magnesita, 
the inherent risk involved in timeliness and assessment of 
expenditures related to restructurings, and the amount 
involved, we consider this a key audit matter.

We assessed appropriateness of the restructuring expenses 
that resulted from 

1. 
2. 

3. 

 a loss of closure of the plant in Aken, Germany and; 
 the expenses provided for the closure of the Hilden office 
in Germany planned for June 2018 as well as for; 
 the planned restructuring of the workforce,

through corroborating to (the timing of) announcements and 
management’s decisions for restructuring. We reconciled 
the provision with approved restructuring plans.

We have assessed and corroborated the adequacy and 
appropriateness of the disclosure made in the consolidated 
financial statements.

The above procedures did not reveal any material exceptions.

Report on the other information 
included in the annual report

Report on other legal and 
regulatory requirements

Our appointment
We were appointed as auditors of RHI Magnesita N.V. following 
the passing of a resolution by the shareholders at the annual 
meeting held on 4 October 2017.

No prohibited non-audit services
To the best of our knowledge and belief, we have not provided 
prohibited non-audit services as referred to in Article 5(1) of the 
European Regulation on specific requirements regarding 
statutory audit of public interest entities.

Services rendered
The services, in addition to the audit, that we have provided to 
the company and its controlled entities, for the period to which 
our statutory audit relates, are disclosed in note 61 to the 
consolidated financial statements.

In addition to the financial statements and our auditor’s report 
thereon, the annual report contains other information that 
consists of:

 ¥ the section strategic report;
 ¥ the section governance;
 ¥ the other information pursuant to Part 9 of Book 2 of the 

Dutch Civil Code.

Based on the procedures performed as set out below, we 
conclude that the other information:

 ¥ is consistent with the financial statements and does not 

contain material misstatements;

 ¥ contains the information that is required by Part 9 of Book 2 

of the Dutch Civil Code.

We have read the other information. Based on our knowledge 
and understanding obtained in our audit of the financial 
statements or otherwise, we have considered whether the 
other information contains material misstatements.

By performing our procedures, we comply with the 
requirements of Part 9 of Book 2 of the Dutch Civil Code and 
the Dutch Standard 720. The scope of such procedures was 
substantially less than the scope of those performed in our 
audit of the financial statements.

The directors are responsible for the preparation of the 
other information, including the directors’ report and the 
other information in accordance with Part 9 of Book 2 of 
the Dutch Civil Code.

  
 
 
 
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Independent auditor’s report
continued

Responsibilities for the financial 
statements and the audit

Responsibilities of the directors for the financial statements
The directors are responsible for:

 ¥ the preparation and fair presentation of the financial 

statements in accordance with EU-IFRS and with Part 9 
of Book 2 of the Dutch Civil Code; and for

 ¥ such internal control as the directors determine is necessary 
to enable the preparation of the financial statements that are 
free from material misstatement, whether due to fraud or error.

As part of the preparation of the financial statements, the 
directors are responsible for assessing the company’s ability 
to continue as a going concern. Based on the financial 
reporting frameworks mentioned, the directors should prepare 
the financial statements using the going-concern basis of 
accounting unless the directors either intend to liquidate 
the company or to cease operations, or have no realistic 
alternative but to do so. The directors should disclose events 
and circumstances that may cast significant doubt on the 
company’s ability to continue as a going concern in the 
financial statements.

The board of directors is responsible for overseeing the 
company’s financial reporting process.

Our responsibilities for the audit of the financial statements
Our responsibility is to plan and perform an audit engagement 
in a manner that allows us to obtain sufficient and appropriate 
audit evidence to provide a basis for our opinion. Our audit 
opinion aims to provide reasonable assurance about whether 
the financial statements are free from material misstatement. 
Reasonable assurance is a high but not absolute level of 
assurance which makes it possible that we may not detect all 
misstatements. Misstatements may arise due to fraud or error. 
They are considered to be material if, individually or in the 
aggregate, they could reasonably be expected to influence 
the economic decisions of users taken on the basis of the 
financial statements.

Materiality affects the nature, timing and extent of our audit 
procedures and the evaluation of the effect of identified 
misstatements on our opinion.

A more detailed description of our responsibilities is set out in 
the appendix to our report.

Rotterdam, 20 March 2018
PricewaterhouseCoopers Accountants N.V.

Original has been signed by E.M.W.H. van der Vleuten RA MSc

 
 
 
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Considering our ultimate responsibility for the opinion on 
the company’s consolidated financial statements we are 
responsible for the direction, supervision and performance 
of the group audit. In this context, we have determined the 
nature and extent of the audit procedures for components of 
the group to ensure that we performed enough work to be 
able to give an opinion on the financial statements as a whole. 
Determining factors are the geographic structure of the group, 
the significance and/or risk profile of group entities or activities, 
the accounting processes and controls, and the industry in 
which the group operates. On this basis, we selected group 
entities for which an audit or review of financial information 
or specific balances was considered necessary.

We communicate with the directors regarding, among 
other matters, the planned scope and timing of the audit 
and significant audit findings, including any significant 
deficiencies in internal control that we identify during our audit. 
In this respect we also issue an additional report to the audit 
committee in accordance with Article 11 of the EU Regulation 
on specific requirements regarding statutory audit of public-
interest entities. The information included in this additional 
report is consistent with our audit opinion in this auditor’s report.

We provide the directors with a statement that we have 
complied with relevant ethical requirements regarding 
independence, and to communicate with them all relationships 
and other matters that may reasonably be thought to bear on 
our independence, and where applicable, related safeguards.

From the matters communicated with the directors, we 
determine those matters that were of most significance in 
the audit of the financial statements of the current period 
and are therefore the key audit matters. We describe these 
matters in our auditor’s report unless law or regulation 
precludes public disclosure about the matter or when, in 
extremely rare circumstances, not communicating the matter 
is in the public interest.

Appendix to our auditor’s report 
on the financial statements 2017 
of RHI Magnesita N.V.

In addition to what is included in our auditor’s report we 
have further set out in this appendix our responsibilities for 
the audit of the financial statements and explained what an 
audit involves.

The auditor’s responsibilities for the audit of the 
financial statements
We have exercised professional judgement and have 
maintained professional scepticism throughout the audit 
in accordance with Dutch Standards on Auditing, ethical 
requirements and independence requirements. Our objectives  
are to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial 
statements as a whole are free from material misstatement, 
whether due to fraud or error. Our audit consisted, among 
other things of the following:

 ¥ Identifying and assessing the risks of material misstatement of 

the financial statements, whether due to fraud or error, 
designing and performing audit procedures responsive to 
those risks, and obtaining audit evidence that is sufficient 
and appropriate to provide a basis for our opinion. The risk 
of not detecting a material misstatement resulting from fraud 
is higher than for one resulting from error, as fraud may involve 
collusion, forgery, intentional omissions, misrepresentations, 
or the intentional override of internal control.

 ¥ Obtaining an understanding of internal control relevant to the 
audit in order to design audit procedures that are appropriate 
in the circumstances, but not for the purpose of expressing an 
opinion on the effectiveness of the company’s internal control.

 ¥ Evaluating the appropriateness of accounting policies used 

and the reasonableness of accounting estimates and related 
disclosures made by the directors.

 ¥ Concluding on the appropriateness of the directors’ use of 
the going concern basis of accounting, and based on the 
audit evidence obtained, concluding whether a material 
uncertainty exists related to events and/or conditions that may 
cast significant doubt on the company’s ability to continue as 
a going concern. If we conclude that a material uncertainty 
exists, we are required to draw attention in our auditor’s 
report to the related disclosures in the financial statements 
or, if such disclosures are inadequate, to modify our opinion. 
Our conclusions are based on the audit evidence obtained 
up to the date of our auditor’s report and are made in the 
context of our opinion on the financial statements as a whole. 
However, future events or conditions may cause the company 
to cease to continue as a going concern.

 ¥ Evaluating the overall presentation, structure and content 
of the financial statements, including the disclosures, and 
evaluating whether the financial statements represent the 
underlying transactions and events in a manner that achieves 
fair presentation.

 
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  2017 RHI Magnesita Group   2  as of 31.12.2017  Consolidated Statement of Financial Position in € million Notes 31.12.2017 31.12.2016 ASSETS               Non-current assets       Property, plant and equipment (11) 901.3 521.8 Goodwill (12) 210.4 37.8 Other intangible assets (13) 217.6 71.1 Investments in joint ventures and associates (14) 30.5 20.5 Other non-current financial assets (15) 25.1 18.9 Other non-current assets (16) 24.2 17.7 Deferred tax assets (17) 180.4 144.8     1,589.5 832.6 Current assets       Inventories (18) 676.6 365.3 Trade and other current receivables (19) 530.0 399.1 Income tax receivables (20) 13.5 9.3 Other current financial assets (21) 34.1 3.0 Cash and cash equivalents (22) 442.4 182.9     1,696.6 959.6     3,286.1 1,792.2                 EQUITY AND LIABILITIES               Equity       Share capital (23) 44.8 289.4 Group reserves  (24) 576.2 219.3 Equity attributable to shareholders of RHI Magnesita N.V. 621.0 508.7 Non-controlling interests (25) 138.7 15.3     759.7 524.0 Non-current liabilities     Non-current financial liabilities (26) 983.8 327.2 Other non-current financial liabilities (27) 55.5 66.9 Deferred tax liabilities (17) 11.7 13.5 Provisions for pensions (28) 308.7 236.8 Other personnel provisions (29) 82.5 80.6 Other non-current provisions (30) 53.8 4.5 Other non-current liabilities (31) 9.0 6.9     1,505.0 736.4 Current liabilities       Current financial liabilities (26) 241.8 156.0 Other current financial liabilities (27) 17.4 15.6 Trade payables and other current liabilities (32) 671.4 312.7 Income tax liabilities (33) 16.1 18.4 Current provisions (34) 74.7 29.1     1,021.4 531.8     3,286.1 1,792.2     R H I   M A G N E S I TA

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    3 from 01.01.2017 to 31.12.2017    Consolidated Statement of Profit or Loss in € million Notes 2017 2016 Revenue (35) 1,946.1 1,651.2 Cost of sales (36) (1,485.6) (1,294.8) Gross profit   460.5 356.4 Selling and marketing expenses (37) (125.0) (105.2) General and administrative expenses (38) (167.5) (134.5) Other income (39) 91.2 102.7 Other expenses (40) (216.1) (103.3) EBIT   43.1 116.1 Interest income (41) 5.6 4.1 Interest expenses (42) (27.1) (17.5) Other net financial expenses (43) (9.1) (7.8) Net finance costs   (30.6) (21.2) Share of profit of joint ventures and associates (14) 11.0 10.9 Profit before income tax   23.5 105.8 Income tax (44) (36.4) (29.9) Profit after income tax   (12.9) 75.9 attributable to shareholders of RHI Magnesita N.V.   (18.4) 74.0 attributable to non-controlling interests (25) 5.5 1.9                 in €       Earnings per share (basic and diluted) (53) (0.45) 1.86     1 0 4

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  2017 RHI Magnesita Group   4  from 01.01.2017 to 31.12.2017    Consolidated Statement of Comprehensive Income in € million Notes 2017 2016 Profit after income tax   (12.9) 75.9         Currency translation differences       Unrealised results from currency translation (7) (44.3) (1.9) Deferred taxes thereon (44) 1.7 (0.6) Current taxes thereon   (0.4) (1.9) Reclassification reserves to profit or loss (7) 40.7 (2.0) Deferred taxes thereon (44) (5.7) (0.1) Current taxes thereon   (0.5) (0.4) Cash flow hedges       Unrealised results from fair value change (56) 0.6 0.4 Deferred taxes thereon (44) (0.1) (0.2) Reclassification reserves to profit or loss (56) 0.5 0.0 Deferred taxes thereon (44) (0.1) 0.0 Fair value changes of available-for-sale financial instruments       Unrealised results from fair value change (55) 0.0 0.1 Reclassification reserves to profit or loss (55) 0.0 (0.1) Items that will be reclassified subsequently to profit or loss, if necessary   (7.6) (6.7)         Remeasurement of defined benefit plans       Remeasurement of defined benefit plans (28) (11.3) (10.2) Deferred taxes thereon (44) 2.9 3.8 Share of other comprehensive income of joint ventures (14) (0.1) (0.1) Items that will not be reclassified to profit or loss   (8.5) (6.5)         Other comprehensive income after income tax   (16.1) (13.2)         Total comprehensive income   (29.0) 62.7 attributable to shareholders of RHI Magnesita N.V   (28.5) 60.5 attributable to non-controlling interests (25) (0.5) 2.2     R H I   M A G N E S I TA

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    5 from 01.01.2017 to 31.12.2017  Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows in € million Notes 2017 2016 Profit after income tax   (12.9) 75.9 Adjustments for       income tax   36.4 29.9 depreciation and amortisation charges   72.7 65.1 impairment losses of property, plant and equipment and intangible assets 19.8 8.9 income from the reversal of investment subsidies   (1.2) (1.0) (reversals of impairment losses)/impairment losses on securities   1.9 (0.5) losses from the disposal of property, plant and equipment   1.5 0.3 gains from the disposal of securities and shares   0.0 (0.9) losses from the disposal of subsidiaries   19.3 4.1 interest result   21.5 13.4 share of profit of joint ventures and associates   (11.0) (10.9) other non-cash changes   82.6 (8.9) Changes in       inventories   (112.4) 29.0 trade receivables and receivables from long-term construction contracts 12.1 4.3 other receivables and assets   7.6 (10.0) provisions   (15.2) (25.2) trade payables   111.1 26.9 prepayments received on orders   9.1 1.4 other liabilities   20.6 (1.5) Cash flow from operating activities   263.5 200.3 Income tax paid less refunds   (41.9) (37.6) Net cash flow from operating activities (47) 221.6 162.7 Investments in subsidiaries net of cash 45.1 0.0 Cash flows from the sale of subsidiaries net of cash   30.6 (4.6) Investments in property, plant and equipment and intangible assets   (72.0) (70.8) Cash inflows from the sale of property, plant and equipment   2.7 3.5 Investments in/ cash inflows from non-current receivables   (0.2) 0.0 Investments in securities   (11.8) 0.0 Cash inflows from the sale of securities and shares   21.8 6.1 Dividends received from joint ventures and associates   10.8 9.5 Investment subsidies received   1.2 0.4 Interest received   5.1 3.0 Net cash flow from investing activities (48) 33.3 (52.9) Capital expenses for the issue of shares   (3.0) 0.0 Payments to non-controlling interests   (0.6) 0.0 Dividend payments to shareholders of the Group   (29.9) (29.9) Dividend payments to non-controlling interests   (1.1) (0.6) Proceeds from non-current borrowings and loans   459.8 1.6 Repayments of non-current borrowings and loans   (375.6) (29.0) Changes in current borrowings   (8.3) (5.8) Interest payments   (24.9) (17.0) Net cash flow from financing activities (49) 16.4 (80.7) Total cash flow   271.3 29.1 Change in cash and cash equivalents   271.3 29.1 Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of year   182.9 149.7 Changes due to currency translation   (11.8) 4.1 Cash and cash equivalents at year-end (51) 442.4 182.9 Total interest paid (50) 25.6 17.5 Total interest received (50) 5.1 3.2     1 0 6

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  2017 RHI Magnesita Group   6  from 01.01.2017 to 31.12.2017   Consolidated Statement of Changes in Equity               in € million Share  capital Additional  paid-in  capital Mandatory reserves Notes (23) (24) (24)         01.01.2017 289.4 38.3 - Profit after income tax - - - Currency translation differences - - - Cash flow hedges - - - Remeasurement of defined benefit plans - - - Share of other comprehensive income of joint ventures - - - Other comprehensive income after income tax - - - Total comprehensive income - - -         Dividends - - - Issue of ordinary shares related to business combinations 5.0 174.5 - Costs for the issue of shares net of tax - (8.8) - Change in non-controlling interests due to addition to consolidated companies - - - Transactions with shareholders 5.0 165.7 - Disposal of defined benefit plans - - - Downstream merger from RHI AG to RHI Magnesita N.V. (249.6) (38.3) 288.7 Reclassifications (249.6) (38.3) 288.7         31.12.2017 44.8 165.7 288.7                   in € million Share  capital Additional  paid-in  capital Mandatory reserves Notes (23) (24) (24)         01.01.2016 289.4 38.3 - Profit after income tax - - - Currency translation differences - - - Cash flow hedges - - - Remeasurement of defined benefit plans - - - Share of other comprehensive income of joint ventures - - - Other comprehensive income after income tax - - - Total comprehensive income - - -         Dividends - - - Other changes in equity - - - Transactions with shareholders - - - Reclassification due to disposal of defined benefit plans - - -         31.12.2016 289.4 38.3 0.0             R H I   M A G N E S I TA

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    7     Group reserves          Accumulated other comprehensive income Equity attribut-able to share-holders of RHI Magnesita N.V. Non-controlling interests Total  equity Retained earnings Cash flow hedges Defined  benefit plans Currency translation (24) (24) (24) (24)   (25)                 331.0 (0.7) (100.3) (49.0) 508.7 15.3 524.0 (18.4) - - - (18.4) 5.5 (12.9) - - - (2.5) (2.5) (6.0) (8.5) - 0.8 -   0.8 0.1 0.9 - - (8.3) - (8.3) (0.1) (8.4) - - (0.1) - (0.1) - (0.1) - 0.8 (8.4) (2.5) (10.1) (6.0) (16.1) (18.4) 0.8 (8.4) (2.5) (28.5) (0.5) (29.0)               (29.9) - - - (29.9) (1.2) (31.1) - - - - 179.5 - 179.5 - - - - (8.8) - (8.8)  - - - - 0.0  125.1 125.1  (29.9) - - - 140.8 123.9 264.7 (1.0) - 1.0 - - - - (0.8) - - - - - - (1.8) - 1.0 - - - -               280.9 0.1 (107.7) (51.5) 621.0 138.7 759.7          Group reserves          Accumulated other comprehensive income Equity attributable  to shareholders  of RHI AG Non-controlling interests Total  equity Retained earnings Cash flow hedges Defined  benefit plans Currency translation (24) (24) (24) (24)   (25)                 284.5 (0.9) (91.9) (41.8) 477.6 13.8 491.4 74.0 - - - 74.0 1.9 75.9 - - - (7.2) (7.2) 0.3 (6.9) - 0.2 - - 0.2 - 0.2 - - (6.4) - (6.4) - (6.4) - - (0.1) - (0.1) - (0.1) - 0.2 (6.5) (7.2) (13.5) 0.3 (13.2) 74.0 0.2 (6.5) (7.2) 60.5 2.2 62.7               (29.9) - - - (29.9) (0.7) (30.6) 0.5 - - - 0.5  - 0.5  (29.4) - - - (29.4) (0.7) (30.1) 1.9 - (1.9) - - - -               331.0 (0.7) (100.3) (49.0) 508.7 15.3 524.0                      1 0 8

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  2017 RHI Magnesita Group   8  to the Consolidated Financial Statements 2017  PRINCIPLES AND METHODS (1) General RHI Magnesita is a globally operating industrial group. The core activities of the RHI Magnesita Group comprise the development and production as well as the sale, installation and maintenance of high-grade refractory products and systems which are used in industrial high-temperature processes exceeding 1,200°C. RHI Magnesita supplies customers in the steel, cement, lime, glass and nonferrous metals industries. In addition, RHI Magnesita products are employed in the environment (waste incineration), energy (refractory construction) and chemicals (petrochemicals) sectors. The ultimate parent undertaking of the Group is RHI Magnesita N.V., a public company with limited liability under Dutch law. The company is registered with the Dutch Trade Register of the Chamber of Commerce under the number 68991665 and has its corporate seat in Arnhem, Netherlands. The administrative seat and registered office is located at Wienerbergstraße 9, 1100 Vienna, Austria. The shares of RHI Magnesita N.V. are listed on the Main Market of the London Stock Exchange and are included in the FTSE 250 index. RHI Magnesita N.V. was established on 20 June 2017 and became the ultimate parent of the RHI Magnesita Group as of 26 October 2017, after completing the corporate restructuring of RHI AG. Until then, RHI AG was the ultimate parent of the group. This restructuring represented a common control transaction that had no impact on the Consolidated Financial Statements, except for the reclassification of individual equity components.  The Consolidated Financial Statements are prepared as of the reporting date of the Annual Financial Statements of RHI Magnesita N.V.. The financial year of RHI Magnesita N.V. corresponds to the calendar year. Insofar as financial years of companies included in the Consolidated Financial Statements do not end on the reporting date of RHI Magnesita N.V. on 31 December due to local legal requirements, interim Financial Statements are prepared for the purpose of consolidation. The reporting date of the Indian subsidiaries Orient Refractories Ltd., RHI Clasil Private Limited and RHI India Private Limited is 31 March. The Consolidated Financial Statements for the period from 1 January to 31 December 2017 were drawn up in accordance with all International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRSs) mandatory at the time of preparation as adopted by the European Union (EU). The presentation in the Consolidated Statement of Financial Position distinguishes between current and non-current assets and liabilities. Assets and liabilities are classified as current if they are due within one year or within a longer normal business cycle. Inventories as well as trade receivables and trade payables are generally presented as current items. Deferred tax assets and liabilities as well as assets and provisions for pensions and termination benefits are generally presented as non-current items. The Consolidated Statement of Profit or Loss is drawn up in accordance with the cost of sales method. Under this method, revenue is offset against the expenses incurred to generate it, which are allocated to the functions production, sales and administration. With the exception of specific items such as available-for-sale financial assets, derivative financial instruments and plan assets for defined benefit obligations, the Consolidated Financial Statements are prepared in accordance with the principle of historical acquisition and production costs. The measurement methods applied to the exceptions are described in the following. The preparation of the Consolidated Financial Statements in agreement with generally accepted accounting and valuation principles under IFRS, as adopted by the EU, requires the use of estimates and assumptions that influence the amount and presentation of assets and liabilities recognised as well as the disclosure of contingent Notes R H I   M A G N E S I TA

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    9 assets and liabilities as of the reporting date and the recognition of income and expenses during the reporting period. Although these estimates reflect the best knowledge of the management based on experience from comparable transactions, the actual values recognised at a later date may differ from these estimates.  All amounts in the notes and tables are shown in € million, unless indicated otherwise. For computational reasons, rounding differences may occur.  The Annual Report was prepared by the Board of Directors and authorized for issue on 20 March 2018 and is subject to adoption at the Annual General Meeting of Shareholders on 7 June 2018.  (2) Initial application of new financial reporting standards In the financial year 2017, the following revised financial reporting standards including the changes in other standards, which are also adopted by the EU, were applied for the first time: 1) according to EU Endorsement Status Report of 27.02.2018  IAS 7 “Statements of Cash Flow: Disclosure initiative” The amendments to IAS 7 on the Statement of Cash Flows require additional information on changes in financial liabilities. The additional information affects both cash and non-cash changes. In order to meet the new disclosure requirements, additional information is presented in Note (49).  (3) Other changes in comparative information In order to improve the informative value of the Consolidated Financial Statements as of 31 December 2017, the following changes in presentation were made compared to the previously published Financial Statements: The line item operating EBIT was eliminated from the Consolidated Statement of Profit or Loss because in the newly formed RHI Magnesita Group this represents no longer a key figure for measuring performance. Consequently, the former separately presented items result from derivatives from supply contracts, impairment losses, income from restructuring and restructuring expenses are now presented as other income and other expenses (see Notes (39) and (40)). Liabilities to fixed-term or puttable non-controlling interests of €32.0 million (31.12.2016: €32.5 million), which were previously included in financial liabilities (Note (26)), were reclassified to other financial liabilities (Note (27)) as this presentation is more appropriate.  Personnel provisions in the Consolidated Statement of Financial Position are reported separately as provisions for pensions (Note (28)) and other personnel provisions (Note (29)).  The information for the previous year was adjusted accordingly for all the above-mentioned changes in presentation.  Standard Title Publication (EU endorsement)1) Mandatory application for RHI Magnesita Effects on RHI Magnesita Consolidated Financial Statements Amendments of standards       Various Annual Improvements to IFRSs 2014-2016 Cycle 08.12.2016 (07.02.2018) 01.01.2017/ 01.01.2018 No effect IAS 7 Disclosure Initiative 29.01.2016 (06.11.2017) 01.01.2017 Additional notes disclosures IAS 12 Recognition of Deferred Tax Assets for Unrealized Losses  19.01.2016 (06.11.2017) 01.01.2017 No effect      1 1 0

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  2017 RHI Magnesita Group   10  (4) New financial reporting standards not yet applied The IASB issued further standards, amendments to standards and interpretations, whose application is, however, not yet mandatory for the year 2017. They were not applied early on a voluntary basis.  The following accounting standards were adopted by the EU by the time of the preparation of the RHI Magnesita Consolidated Financial Statements: 1) according to EU Endorsement Status Report of 27.02.2018  IFRS 9 “Financial Instruments” IFRS 9 was published in July 2014 and subsequently endorsed by the European Union on 22 November 2016. IFRS 9 includes revised guidance on classification and measurement of financial instruments, including a new expected credit loss model for calculating impairment on financial assets and new general hedge accounting requirements. The standard replaces existing guidance in IAS 39 Financial Instruments: Recognition and Measurement. RHI Magnesita will implement IFRS 9 per 1 January 2018 using the modified retrospective approach, meaning that the 2017 comparative numbers in the 2018 Financial Statements will not be restated. Any impact of IFRS 9 as of 1 January 2018 will be recognised directly in equity. RHI Magnesita has reviewed the impact of this new standard and has concluded that the impact is limited to the following: With regard to the revised classification and measurement principles, IFRS 9 contains three classification categories: “measured at amortised cost”, “fair value through other comprehensive income” and “fair value through profit or loss”. The standard eliminates the existing IAS 39 categories: “loans and receivables”, “held to maturity” and “available-for-sale”. For RHI Magnesita Group this new classification only means that the assets currently classified as “available-for-sale” or “financial assets at cost” will be classified as “fair value through other comprehensive income” or “fair value through profit or loss”, whereas all assets in the category “loans and receivables” will be recorded at “amortised cost”. Receivables that are part of factoring agreements will be classified as “fair value through profit or loss”. The resulting effect on the measurement of the financial assets will be immaterial for RHI Magnesita Group.  With regard to the impact of the expected loss model on trade and other current receivables RHI Magnesita concluded that the impact is immaterial.  Standard Title Publication (EU endorsement)1) Mandatory application for RHI Magnesita Expected effects on RHI Magnesita Consolidated Financial Statements New standards     IFRS 2 Classification and Measurement of Share-based Payment Transactions 20.06.2016 (26.02.2018) 01.01.2018 No effect IFRS 4 Applying IFRS 9 Financial Instruments with IFRS 4 Insurance Contracts 12.09.2016 (03.11.2017) 01.01.2018 Not relevant IFRS 9 Financial Instruments 24.07.2014 (22.11.2016) 01.01.2018 No material effects IFRS 15 Revenue from Contracts with Customers 28.05.2014 (11.09.2015)/ (22.09.2016) 01.01.2018 Timing differences in revenue recognition IFRS 15 Clarifications to IFRS 15 Revenue from Contracts with Customers 12.04.2016 (31.10.2017) 01.01.2018 Timing differences in revenue recognition IFRS 16 Leases 13.01.2016  (31.10.2017) 01.01.2019 Material effects expected Various Annual Improvements to IFRSs 2014-2016 Cycle 08.12.2016 (07.02.2018) 01.01.2017/ 01.01.2018 No effect      R H I   M A G N E S I TA

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    11 IFRS 15 “Revenue from Contracts with Customers” IFRS 15 provides uniform regulations for revenue recognition which are applicable to all contracts with customers. IFRS 15 supersedes IAS 18 “Revenue” and IAS 11 “Construction Contracts“. The decisive factor for revenue recognition is no longer the transfer of significant risks and rewards, but rather, when the customer obtains control over the goods and services agreed and can benefit from them.  IFRS 15 introduces a five-step model to determine revenue recognition. According to this model, the contract with the customer and the separate performance obligations therein has to be identified. Then the transaction price must be determined and allocated to the identified performance obligations. Revenue must then be recognised separately for each performance obligation in the amount of the allocated pro-rata transaction price. For this purpose, criteria were defined which distinguish between satisfying a performance obligation either at a point in time or over time.  IFRS 15 is applicable to financial years starting on or after 1 January 2018. The RHI Magnesita Group will apply the modified retrospective method. Under this method, IFRS 15 is applied to those contracts that are not yet complete as of 1 January 2018. The cumulative effect of the initial application will be recognised as an adjustment of the opening balance of group reserves in the item retained earnings as of 1 January 2018. In an implementation project, RHI Magnesita analysed its business models in respect of the new regulations. Based on the analyses performed the effects of the initial application of IFRS 15 on the Consolidated Financial Statements are as follows:  If contracts with customers include the delivery of products, revenue is recognised at the time when control over the products is passed to the customer in accordance with IFRS 15. Based on the individual Incoterms rule agreed in the customer contract, time of transfer of control over the products is determined. The Incoterms rules describe mainly the tasks, costs and risks involved in delivery of goods from the seller to the buyer. For the Incoterms rules CPT (Carriage paid to), CIP (Carriage and Insurance paid to) as well as for CFR (Cost and Freight) and CIF (Cost, Insurance and Freight) it was determined, that the time of passing control deviates from the time of transfer of significant risks and rewards. As a result revenue will be recognised at a later point in time. Therefore, the estimated effect from the initial application of IFRS 15 will result in a reduction of retained earnings as at 1 January 2018 in the amount of about €6.2 million. By applying IFRS 15, additional separate performance obligations can be identified in supply contracts with customers. When multiple independent performance obligations are identified, the transaction price has to be allocated to the components by reference to their relative standalone selling prices in the future. Accordingly, temporary shifts may occur in revenue recognition. The impact on revenue recognition is of minor importance. In addition to delivering products, the RHI Magnesita Group also provides various services. When services represent separate performance obligations within a contract, a corresponding transaction price has to be allocated to the service component. This may influence the timing of revenue recognition. Moreover, it causes an increase in revenue from providing services at the expense of revenue from the sale of products. The impact on revenue recognition is of minor importance. In the Steel segment, multi-component contracts with variable payment arrangements are concluded in some cases. For such contracts, the transaction price depends on the customer’s production performance (e.g. amount per ton of steel produced in the customer aggregate serviced). Pursuant to the current provisions on revenue recognition according to IAS 18, revenue for those refractory products is recognised in the Group based on the production performance achieved by the customer. If the customer already obtains control over the refractory products with the installation of the refractory materials in the aggregate, revenue must be recognised at this time in accordance with IFRS 15. Since the consideration to be paid by the customer is completely variable, revenue in the Group must be determined on the basis of an estimate. In such cases, revenue from refractory products is recognised earlier in accordance with IFRS 15. In the Consolidated Statement of Financial Position, receivables from customer contracts that have not been invoiced yet lead to the recognition of a contract asset. Most of the products supplied to the customers in this business model are consumables with very high turnover. Consequently, RHI Magnesita Group determined that revenue will only be recognised earlier 1 1 2

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  2017 RHI Magnesita Group   12  and thus will have an effect on the Consolidated Financial Statements for those customer aggregates in which refractories with long durability are applied. As far as other products or services apart from refractory products represent separate performance obligations in such multi-component contracts, a variable transaction price has to be allocated to the components by reference to their relative standalone selling prices. This may influence the timing of revenue recognition. However, no material changes in revenue recognition are expected for such contracts with variable payment arrangements. IFRS 16 “Leases” The accounting standard IFRS 16, which was issued in January 2016, supersedes IAS 17 “Leases” and the related interpretations and is applicable to financial years beginning on or after 1 January 2019. Accounting for the lessor according to IFRS 16 is comparable to the current regulations. In contrast, accounting will change fundamentally for the lessee with the application of IFRS 16. In future, most leases will have to be recognised as assets and liabilities in the Statement of Financial Position of the lessee, regardless of whether they are considered operating or financing leases under the previous criteria of IAS 17.  According to IFRS 16, a lessee recognises a right of use, which represents his right to use the underlying asset, and a liability from the lease, which reflects the obligation of lease payments. Exemptions are provided for short-term leases and assets of minor value. Moreover, the type of expenses related to these leases will change since IFRS 16 replaces the straight-line expenses for operating leases with a depreciation charge for rights of use and interest expenses for liabilities from the lease. In the Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows, there is a shift from cash flow from operating activities to cash flow from financing activities since the repayment of leasing liabilities must in any case be shown as cash flow from financing activities.  As a lessee, RHI Magnesita can apply IFRS 16 based on the retrospective method or the modified retrospective method with optional simplification rules; the option chosen has to be applied consistently to all leases of the Group. RHI Magnesita currently intends to initially apply IFRS 16 as of 1 January 2019. At present it is still undecided which transition method the Group will choose and whether the exemption options will be used.  RHI Magnesita has started to assess the possible effects on the Consolidated Financial Statements, but can currently not determine the precise effects of the application of IFRS 16 on the reported assets and liabilities. Due to the fact that obligations from rental and leasing contracts of €56.9 million exist in the RHI Magnesita Group as of 31 December 2017 (31.12.2016: €66.7 million) (see Note (60)), RHI Magnesita expects a significant extension of the Statement of Financial Position due to the initial application of IFRS 16. Together with the resulting shift between EBIT and net finance costs as well as the shift between cash flow from operating activities and financing activities, the Group expects a significant impact on the presentation of the asset, financial and earnings position.  R H I   M A G N E S I TA

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    13 The following financial reporting standards were issued by the IASB, but had not yet been adopted by the EU at the time of the preparation of the RHI Magnesita Consolidated Financial Statements: 1) according to EU Endorsement Status Report of 27.02.2018  (5) Group of consolidated companies In addition to RHI Magnesita N.V. as the parent company, the RHI Magnesita Consolidated Financial Statements include the Financial Statements of 112 subsidiaries (31.12.2016: 77) and of the RHISA Employee Trust, Sandton, South Africa. In 2017 two joint ventures and two associates are accounted for under the equity method. In the previous year, the Group held only one investment in a joint venture. 19 (31.12.2016: three) subsidiaries and three (31.12.2016: three) other investments which are considered to be immaterial for the financial position and performance of the RHI Magnesita Group due to their suspended or minimal business activities are not included in the Consolidated Financial Statements.  The group of consolidated companies developed as follows:  Standard Title Publication1) Mandatory application for RHI Magnesita Expected effects on RHI Magnesita Consolidated Financial Statements New standards and interpretations     IFRS 14 Regulatory Deferral Accounts 30.01.2014 No EU endorsement Not relevant IFRS 17 Insurance Contracts  18.05.2017 01.01.2021 No effect IFRIC 22 Foreign Currency Transactions and Advance Consideration 08.12.2016 01.01.2018 No effect IFRIC 23 Uncertainty over Income Tax Treatments  07.06.2017 01.01.2019 No effect Amendments of standards     IAS 28 Long-term Interests in Associates and Joint Ventures  12.10.2017 01.01.2019 No effect IAS 40 Transfers of Investment Properties 08.12.2016 01.01.2018 No effect IFRS 9 Prepayment Features with Negative Compensation 12.10.2017 01.01.2019 No effect IFRS 10,  IAS 28 Sale or Contribution of Assets between an Investor and its Associate or Joint Venture 11.09.2014 Postponed by EU No effect Various  Annual Improvements to IFRSs 2015-2017 Cycle  12.12.2017 01.01.2019 No effect        2017 2016 Number of consolidated companies Full  consolidation Equity  method Full  consolidation Equity  method Balance at beginning of year 78 1 78 1 Additions 43 3 2 0 Retirements and disposals (7) 0 (2) 0 Balance at year-end 114 4 78 1      1 1 4

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  2017 RHI Magnesita Group   14  Changes in the group of consolidated companies in the reporting year 2017 Acquisition of Magnesita On 26 October 2017 RHI Magnesita N.V. via its indirect, wholly-owned subsidiary Dutch Brasil Holding B.V. obtained control in Magnesita Refratários S.A. and its subsidiaries (Magnesita) after acquiring 50% plus one share and corresponding voting rights in Magnesita Refratários S.A.. Magnesita is a global group dedicated to the production and sale of an extensive line of refractory materials and industrial minerals, and distinguishes itself through its vertically integrated operations. Shares of Magnesita are listed on the Novo Mercado segment of the Brazilian Stock Exchange in São Paulo (“Novo Mercado”). The strategic rationale for the acquisition is to create a global, leading refractory company and become a more competitive, vertically integrated global provider of products, systems and services in the refractory industry.  The purchase price amounts to €296.8 million and was paid in the form of 5,000,000 newly issued ordinary shares of RHI Magnesita N.V. and €117.3 million in cash. The closing price of EUR 35.9 per share was used as a basis for determining the fair value of the issued ordinary shares.  The preliminary fair values of the acquired assets and liabilities according to IFRS at the acquisition date are presented as follows:  in € million 26.10.2017 Property, plant and equipment 439.0 Other intangible assets 161.4 thereof customer relations 122.0 Investments in joint ventures and associates 9.9 Other non-current financial assets 4.3 Other non-current assets 16.3 Deferred tax assets  49.9 Inventories 244.7 Trade and other current receivables 175.6 Income tax receivables 9.2 Other current financial assets 42.7 Cash and cash equivalents 166.2 Assets held for sale 33.6 Non-current financial liabilities (550.8) Deferred tax liabilities  (0.3) Provisions for pensions (81.0) Other personnel provisions (1.5) Other non-current provisions (51.7) Other non-current liabilities (2.0) Current financial liabilities (131.4) Current derivative financial liabilities (0.2) Trade and other current liabilities (238.4) Income tax liabilities (10.1) Current provisions (25.8) Liabilities relating to assets held for sale (9.4) Net assets 250.2 Non-controlling interest (125.1) Proportional share of net assets acquired 125.1 Goodwill 171.7 Purchase price 296.8   R H I   M A G N E S I TA

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    15 The purchase price allocation has not been finalized yet, as the valuations of the acquired assets and liabilities assumed have not been completely finalized. From today’s perspective the Group expects further fair value adjustments mainly on property, plant and equipment, intangible assets, inventories, provisions and deferred taxes.  The remaining preliminary goodwill of €171.7 million essentially reflects expected synergies achieved by optimizing production capacities and cost structure as well as new business of the enlarged Group. Goodwill is not deductible for tax purposes. Non-controlling interests have been measured at their proportionate share of Magnesita’s identifiable net assets. Trade receivables comprise gross contractual receivables amounting to €145.0 million, of which €14.3 million are estimated as presumably irrecoverable, resulting in a fair value of €130.7 million. In case of receivables from joint ventures and associates of €17.8 million as well as other receivables amounting to €27.1 million the fair value corresponds to the gross amount. Due to the short-term nature of receivables, the Group assumes that the future cash flows correspond to the fair value. The acquisition-related costs reported under administrative expenses in the consolidated income statement amount to €24.4 million for the current financial year and €12 million in the previous year. In addition, the Group recognised €9.1 million issue costs, less income tax amounting to €0.3 million, directly in equity.  In the period from November to December 2017, Magnesita generated revenue of €172.2 million and profit after income tax of €6.3 million. If the acquisition had been carried out at 1 January 2017, consolidated revenue would have amounted to €2,677.2 million and profit after income tax to €118.4 million. The pro-forma annual revenue and profit after income tax were determined under the assumption that the fair value adjustments and merger control divestments would have also been made as of 1 January 2017. The Group is required – in accordance with the share purchase agreement (SPA) and Brazilian laws and regulations – to make a mandatory public offer in Brazil which must be addressed to all remaining Magnesita shareholders and must be made on the same terms and conditions as those made available to the Sellers under the SPA, including as to purchase price and form of consideration. The Group decided to combine the mandatory offer with a so-called “delisting tender offer” in an Integrated Tender Offer and has filed with the Brazilian Securities Commission the respective request.  According to the original and subsequent filings, shareholders of Magnesita will have the option of selling each Magnesita share in exchange of (i) R$17.81, adjusted by SELIC (the Brazilian benchmark interest rate) from 26 October 2017 until the date of the settlement of the auction of the Integrated Tender Offer, plus 0.1998 RHI Magnesita shares or  (ii) a cash-only alternative consideration. The consideration of the cash-only alternative offer will be the higher of:  (i) R$31.09, adjusted by SELIC from 26 October 2017 until the date of the settlement of the auction of the Integrated Tender Offer, and  (ii) R$35.56, not adjusted by SELIC. Since the cash plus shares option was equivalent to R$57.73 on 28 February 2018, in light of the RHI Magnesita share price and the exchange rate prevailing on that date, the Group expects substantially all of Magnesita’s minority shareholders to tender their shares and opt for the cash plus shares consideration. If 100% of Magnesita’s minority shareholders tender their shares and opt for the cash plus shares consideration, the Group will disburse R$455.6 million, adjusted by SELIC from 26 October 2017 until the date of the settlement of the auction of the Integrated Tender Offer, and issue an additional 5,000,000 shares. The Integrated Tender Offer is expected to be completed during 2018. The difference between the amount paid in the Integrated Tender Offer and the book value of non-controlling interest acquired will be recognised directly in equity.  1 1 6

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  2017 RHI Magnesita Group   16  Acquisition of Agellis On 13 October 2017, RHI Magnesita acquired 100% of the shares of Agellis Group AB (Agellis), located in Lund, Sweden. Agellis provides products optimizing the molten metal processing, aimed at increasing quality, reducing maintenance and assisting safety. This technical know-how was the main reason for the acquisition. The purchase price amounts to €5.6 million whereof €5.0 million were paid in cash and €0.6 million represent the recorded liability for an earn-out agreement. The earn-out is based on the revenue outcome of the financial year 2020 and will be paid in July 2021. The estimated earn-out corresponds to 52% of the maximum earn-out and has been discounted with the transaction internal rate of return.  The fair values of the acquired assets and liabilities according to IFRS at the acquisition date are presented as follows: Goodwill amounting to €2.4 million primarily refers to the value of potential new customers and, to a limited extent, the assembled workforce. Goodwill is not deductible for tax purposes. Other additions Additions are related to the establishment of the RHISA Employee Trust, Sandton, in South Africa with effect from 13 March 2017. The operating activities of the RHI Magnesita Group in South Africa are subject to the Black Economic Empowerment legislation. Based on this, the RHI Magnesita Group has transferred 25.4% of the shares in RHI Refractories Africa (Pty) Ltd. to a trust, whose beneficiaries are employees of RHI Refractories Africa (Pty) Ltd. The trust is fully consolidated in the Consolidated Financial Statements since the RHI Magnesita Group can exercise a controlling influence on the trust due to the contractual terms and conditions. In addition, RHI Feuerfest GmbH, Vienna, Austria, was included for the first time in the Consolidated Financial Statements with effect from 19 May 2017. This company took over the operating activities after the corporate restructuring of former RHI AG.  Furthermore, RHI Magnesita N.V. which is based in Arnhem, the Netherlands, and has its place of management in Austria, was established on 20 June 2017 and subsequently fully consolidated. As of 26 October 2017, after completing the corporate restructuring of RHI AG, the company became the ultimate parent of the RHI Magnesita Group. Disposals At the end of October 2017, all shares in the two entities REFEL S.p.A., San Vito al Tagliamento, Italy, and CJSC "RHI Podolsk Refractories", Moscow, Russia (together subsequently called Fused Cast) were sold.  In order to satisfy the conditions imposed by the European Commission to approve the acquisition of Magnesita, the Group sold its magnesia-carbon bricks business concentrated in Oberhausen, Germany, as well as its entire dolomite business in the European Economic Area, which consisted of 100% shares in Dolomite Franchi S.p.A., Brescia, Italy, and its production site in Lugones, Spain (together subsequently called merger control divestments) at the end of November.   in € million 13.10.2017 Property, plant and equipment 0.1 Other intangible assets 2.1 Other non-current financial assets 0.1 Deferred tax assets  0.9 Inventories 0.3 Trade and other current receivables 0.7 Trade and other current liabilities (1.0) Net assets 3.2 Goodwill 2.4 Purchase Price 5.6   R H I   M A G N E S I TA

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    17 The net assets disposed at the date of deconsolidation consist of the following items: The result from deconsolidation is determined as follows: The loss was recognised in other expenses in the Consolidated Statement of Profit or Loss. The selling price for the merger control divestments of €42.6 million consists of €40.0 million paid in cash and €2.6 million deferred consideration that will be due on the second anniversary of the disposal. The loss from deconsolidation of the merger control divestments includes an investment reimbursement obligation of €3.7 million to the former subsidiary Dolomite Franchi S.p.A.. The selling price for fused cast amounted to €0.3 million and was paid in cash.  Changes in the group of consolidated companies in the previous year On 4 March 2016, the subsidiary RHI United Offices Europe, S.L. (100%), based in Lugones, Spain, was established and included in the Consolidated Financial Statements as of this date. On 1 September 2016, the subsidiary RHI United Offices America, S.A. de C.V. (100%), based in Monterrey, Mexico, was established. The purpose of these companies is the provision of internal administrative services. With effect from 12 May 2016 the subsidiary RHI Rückversicherungs AG (100%) based in Vaduz, Liechtenstein, was liquidated.  As of 6 June 2016, all shares (100%) in RHI Monofrax, LLC, Wilmington, USA, were sold. The net assets disposed at the date of deconsolidation consist of the following items: Disposal groups in € million Merger control Fused Cast Property, plant and equipment 27.9 0.1 Other non-current assets 0.4 0.1 Inventories 24.5 11.2 Trade and other current receivables 44.7 2.1 Income tax receivables 1.6 0.5 Cash and cash equivalents 3.4 6.3 Deferred tax liability (2.2) 0.0 Provisions for pensions (1.1) 0.0 Other personnel provisions (2.7) (1.1) Trade payables and other current liabilities (43.4) (11.2) Income tax liability (0.4) (0.1) Current provision (0.2) 0.0 Net assets disposed 52.5 7.9    in € million Merger control Fused Cast Proceeds from the sale 42.6 0.3 Net assets disposed (52.5) (7.9) Reclassification currency translation differences 0.0 (1.8) Investment reimbursement (3.7) 0 Result from deconsolidation (13.6) (9.4)    in € million   06.06.2016 Inventories   11.9 Trade and other current receivables   0.3 Cash and cash equivalents   4.6 Personnel provisions   (5.6) Other non-current provisions   (0.7) Trade payables and other current liabilities   (2.7) Net assets disposed   7.8 1 1 8

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  2017 RHI Magnesita Group   18  The result from deconsolidation is determined as follows: The loss, taking into account the transaction-related costs of €0.5 million incurred in the USA, was recognised in other expenses in the Consolidated Statement of Profit or Loss. The selling price of US$1 was paid in cash.  Companies of the RHI Magnesita Group The main operating companies of the RHI Magnesita Group pursue the following core business activities:     in € million   06.06.2016 Net assets disposed   (7.8) Reclassification currency translation differences   3.7 Result from deconsolidation   (4.1)    Name and registered office of the company Country of  core activity Core business activity Didier-Werke Aktiengesellschaft, Germany Germany Production Magnesit Anonim Sirketi, Turkey Turkey Mining, production, sales Magnesita Mineração S.A., Brazil Brazil Mining Magnesita Refractories Company, USA USA Mining, production, sales Magnesita Refractories GmbH, Germany Germany Production, sales Magnesita Refratários S.A., Brazil International Production, sales, Orient Refractories Limited, India India Production, sales RHI Canada Inc., Canada Canada Production, sales, provision of services RHI Feuerfest GmbH, Austria International Sales, R&D, financing RHI GLAS GmbH, Germany International Sales RHI Refractories (Dalian) Co., Ltd., PR China PR China Production RHI US Ltd., USA USA Production, sales, provision of services RHI-Refmex, S.A. de C.V., Mexico Latin America Sales Veitsch-Radex GmbH & Co OG, Austria Austria Mining, production    R H I   M A G N E S I TA

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    19 The following list shows all companies in which RHI Magnesita holds a share of at least 20% (with the exception of the RHISA Employee Trust):       31.12.2017 31.12.2016 Ser. no. Name and registered office of the company Share- holder Share in % Share- holder Share in % 1. RHI Magnesita N.V., Arnhem, Netherlands     - - 2. RHI AG, Vienna, Austria - -       Fully consolidated subsidiaries         3. Agellis Group AB, Sund, Sweden 60. 100.0 - - 4. Baker Refractories Holding Company, Las Vegas, USA 47. 100.0 - - 5. Baker Refractories I.C., Inc., Las Vegas, USA 4. 100.0 - - 6. Baker Refractories, Las Vegas, USA 47. 100.0 - - 7. Betriebs- und Baugesellschaft mit beschränkter Haftung, Wiesbaden, Germany 12. 100.0 12. 100.0 8. CJSC "RHI Podolsk Refractories", Moskau, Russia  - - 60.,114. 100.0 9. D.S.I.P.C.-Didier Société Industrielle de Production et de  Constructions, Breuillet, France 12. 100.0 12. 100.0 10. Didier Belgium N.V., Evergem, Belgium 77.,108. 100.0 77.,108. 100.0 11. Didier Vertriebsgesellschaft mbH, Wiesbaden, Germany 12. 100.0 12. 100.0 12. Didier-Werke Aktiengesellschaft, Wiesbaden, Germany 1.,60. 100.0 2.,60. 100.0 13. Dolomite Franchi S.p.A., Brescia, Italy  - - 60. 100.0 14. Dutch Brasil Holding B.V., Arnhem, Netherlands 114. 100.0 114. 100.0 15. Dutch MAS B.V., Arnhem, Netherlands 12. 100.0 12. 100.0 16. Dutch US Holding B.V., Arnhem, Netherlands 114. 100.0 114. 100.0 17. FE "VERA", Dnepropetrovsk, Ukraine 60. 100.0 60. 100.0 18. Feuerfestwerk Bad Hönningen GmbH, Hilden, Germany 119. 100.0 - - 19. FireShark Refractories GmbH, Vienna, Austria 75. 100.0 - - 20. Full Line Supply Africa (Pty) Ltd., Sandton, South Africa 86. 100.0 86. 100.0 21. GIX International Limited, Newark, United Kingdom 120. 100.0 120. 100.0 22. INDRESCO U.K. Ltd., Newark, United Kingdom 21. 100.0 21. 100.0 23. INTERSTOP (Shanghai) Co., Ltd., Shanghai, PR China 113. 100.0 113. 100.0 24. Latino America Refractories ApS, Hellerup, Denmark - - 120. 100.0 25. Liaoning RHI Jinding Magnesia Co., Ltd., Dashiqiao City, PR China1) 60. 83.3 60. 83.3 26. LLC "RHI Wostok Service", Moskau, Russia 60.,75. 100.0 2.,60. 100.0 27. LLC "RHI Wostok", Moskau, Russia 60.,75. 100.0 2.,60. 100.0 28. Lokalbahn Mixnitz-St. Erhard Aktien-Gesellschaft, Vienna, Austria 100. 100.0 100. 100.0 29. LWB Holding Company, Las Vegas, USA 61. 100.0 - - 30. LWB Refractories Belgium S.A., Liège, Belgium 49.,119. 100.0 - - 31. LWB Refractories Beteiligungs GmbH & Co. KG, Hilden, Germany 39.,61. 100.0 - - 32. LWB Refractories Hagen GmbH, Hagen, Germany 119. 100.0 - - 33. LWB Refractories Holding France S.A.S., Valenciennes, France 119. 100.0 - - 34. M.E. Refractories Company FZE i. l., Dubai, United Arab Emirates 38. 100.0 - - 35. Mag Data Participaçoes e Investimentos em Projetos de Mineração S.A., Contagem, Brazil 54. 100.0 - - 36. Magnesit Anonim Sirketi, Eskisehir, Turkey2) 60. 100.0 60. 100.0 37. Magnesita Asia Refractory Holding Ltd, Hong Kong, PR China 33. 100.0 - - 38. Magnesita Finance S.A., Luxembourg, Luxembourg 54. 100.0 - - 39. Magnesita Grundstücks-Beteiligungs GmbH, Hilden, Germany 54. 100.0 - - 40. Magnesita International Limited, London, United Kingdom 54. 100.0 - - 41. Magnesita Malta Finance Ltd., St. Julians, Malta 42.,119. 100.0 - -       1 2 0

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  2017 RHI Magnesita Group   20       31.12.2017   31.12.2016 Ser. no. Name and registered office of the company Share- holder Share in % Share- holder Share in % 42. Magnesita Malta Holding Ltd., St. Julians, Malta 49.,119. 100.0 - - 43. Magnesita Mineração S.A., Brumado, Brazil 38.,54., 126. 100.0 - - 44. Magnesita NAM Insurance Company, Wilmington, USA 29. 100.0 - - 45. Magnesita Refractories (Canada) Inc., Montreal, Canada 4. 100.0 - - 46. Magnesita Refractories (Dalian) Co. Ltd., Dalian, PR China 38. 100.0 - - 47. Magnesita Refractories Company, York, USA 29. 100.0 - - 48. Magnesita Refractories de Mexico S.A. de C.V., Monterrey, Mexico 4.,5. 100.0 - - 49. Magnesita Refractories GmbH, Hilden, Germany 119. 100.0 - - 50. Magnesita Refractories Ltd., Dinnington, United Kingdom 4. 100.0 - - 51. Magnesita Refractories Middle East FZE, Dubai, United Arab Emirates 38. 100.0 - - 52. Magnesita Refractories S.C.S., Valenciennes, France 33.,119. 100.0 - - 53. Magnesita Refractories S.R.L., Trezzano Sul Naviglio, Italy 119. 100.0 - - 54. Magnesita Refratários S.A., Contagem, Brazil 14. 50.0 - - 55. Magnesita Resource (Anhui-Chizhou) Company. Ltd., Chizhou, PR China 37. 100.0 - - 56. Mezubag AG, Pfäffikon, Switzerland 113. 100.0 113. 100.0 57. Orient Refractories Limited, Neu Delhi, India 16. 69.6 16. 69.6 58. Premier Periclase Limited, Drogheda, Ireland 16. 100.0 16. 100.0 59. Producción RHI México, S. de R.L. de C.V., Ramos Arizpe, Mexico  91.,120. 100.0 91.,120. 100.0 60. Radex Vertriebsgesellschaft m.b.H., Leoben, Austria  116. 100.0 116. 100.0 61. Rearden G Holdings Eins GmbH, Hilden, Germany 38. 100.0 - - 62. REFEL S.p.A., San Vito al Tagliamento, Italy - - 12. 100.0 63. Refractarios Argentinos S.A.I.C.M., Buenos Aires, Argentina 54. 100.0 - - 64. Refractarios Magnesita Chile S/A, Santiago, Chile 63. 100.0 - - 65. Refractarios Magnesita Colombia S/A, Sogamoso, Colombia 54. 100.0 - - 66. Refractarios Magnesita del Perú S.A.C., Lima, Peru 54. 100.0 - - 67. Refractory Intellectual Property GmbH & Co KG, Vienna, Austria 68.,75. 100.0 2.,68. 100.0 68. Refractory Intellectual Property GmbH, Vienna, Austria 75. 100.0 2. 100.0 69. Reframec Manutenção e Montagens de Refratários S.A., Matozinhos, Brazil 54. 100.0 - - 70. RHI Argentina S.R.L., San Nicolás, Argentina 16.,120. 100.0 16.,120. 100.0 71. RHI Canada Inc., Burlington, Canada 120. 100.0 120. 100.0 72. RHI Chile S.A., Santiago, Chile  21.,120. 100.0 21.,120. 100.0 73. RHI Clasil Private Limited, Hyderabad, India1) 120. 53.7 120. 53.7 74. RHI Dinaris GmbH, Wiesbaden, Germany 108. 100.0 108. 100.0 75. RHI Feuerfest GmbH, Vienna, Austria 1. 100.0 - - 76. RHI Finance A/S, Hellerup, Denmark 75. 100.0 2. 100.0 77. RHI GLAS GmbH, Wiesbaden, Germany 108. 100.0 108. 100.0 78. RHI India Private Limited, Navi Mumbai, India 14.,120. 100.0 14.,120. 100.0 79. RHI ITALIA S.R.L., Brescia, Italy 75. 100.0 2. 100.0 80. RHI Marvo Feuerungs- und Industriebau GmbH, Gerbstedt, Germany 81. 100.0 81. 100.0 81. RHI MARVO Feuerungs- und Industriebau GmbH, Kerpen, Germany  12. 100.0 12. 100.0 82. RHI MARVO S.R.L., Ploiesti, Romania 60.,114. 100.0 60.,114. 100.0 83. RHI Normag AS, Porsgrunn, Norway 60. 100.0 60. 100.0 84. RHI Refractories (Dalian) Co., Ltd., Dalian, PR China 60. 100.0 60. 100.0 85. RHI Refractories (Site Services) Ltd., Newark, United Kingdom 22. 100.0 22. 100.0       R H I   M A G N E S I TA

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    21      31.12.2017     31.12.2016 Ser. no. Name and registered office of the company Share- holder Share in % Share- holder Share in % 86. RHI Refractories Africa (Pty) Ltd., Sandton, South Africa 60.,111. 100.0 60. 100.0 87. RHI Refractories Andino C.A., Puerto Ordaz, Venezuela 120. 100.0 120. 100.0 88. RHI Refractories Asia Ltd., Hongkong, PR China - - 112. 100.0 89. RHI Refractories Asia Pacific Pte. Ltd., Singapore 75. 100.0 2. 100.0 90. RHI Refractories Egypt LLC., Cairo, Egypt 60.,114. 100.0 60.,114. 100.0 91. RHI Refractories España, S.L., Lugones, Spain 12.,15. 100.0 12.,15. 100.0 92. RHI Refractories France SA, Breuillet, France3) 112. 100.0 112. 100.0 93. RHI Refractories Holding Company, Wilmington, USA 120. 100.0 120. 100.0 94. RHI Refractories Ibérica, S.L., Lugones, Spain 112. 100.0 112. 100.0 95. RHI Refractories Italiana s.r.l., Brescia, Italy 112. 100.0 112. 100.0 96. RHI Refractories Liaoning Co., Ltd., Bayuquan, PR China1) 60. 66.0 60. 66.0 97. RHI Refractories Lugones, S.L., Lugones, Spain - - - - 98. RHI Refractories Mercosul Ltda., Sao Paulo, Brazil 114.,120. 100.0 114.,120. 100.0 99. RHI Refractories Nord AB, Stockholm, Sweden 112. 100.0 112. 100.0 100. RHI Refractories Raw Material GmbH, Vienna, Austria 1.,60.,75. 100.0 2.,60. 100.0 101. RHI Refractories Site Services GmbH, Wiesbaden, Germany  12. 100.0 12. 100.0 102. RHI Refractories UK Limited, Bonnybridge, United Kingdom 12. 100.0 12. 100.0 103. RHI Refratários Brasil Ltda, Belo Horizonte, Brazil 14.,120. 100.0 14.,120. 100.0 104. RHI Sales Europe West GmbH, Mülheim-Kärlich, Germany  12.,112. 100.0 12.,112. 100.0 105. RHI Trading (Dalian) Co., Ltd., Dalian, PR China 60. 100.0 60. 100.0 106. RHI United Offices America, S.A. de C.V., Monterrey, Mexico 91.,107. 100.0 91.,107. 100.0 107. RHI United Offices Europe, S.L., Lugones, Spain 91. 100.0 91. 100.0 108. RHI Urmitz AG & Co. KG, Mülheim-Kärlich, Germany 11.,12. 100.0 11.,12. 100.0 109. RHI US Ltd., Wilmington, USA 16. 100.0 16. 100.0 110. RHI-Refmex, S.A. de C.V., Ramos Arizpe, Mexico 91.,120. 100.0 91.,120. 100.0 111. RHISA Employee Trust, Sandton, South Africa4) - 0.0 - - 112. SAPREF AG für feuerfestes Material, Basel, Switzerland 120. 100.0 120. 100.0 113. Stopinc Aktiengesellschaft, Hünenberg, Switzerland 12.,60. 100.0 12.,60. 100.0 114. Veitscher Vertriebsgesellschaft m.b.H., Vienna, Austria 75. 100.0 2. 100.0 115. Veitsch-Radex America LLC., Wilmington, USA 109. 100.0 109. 100.0 116. Veitsch-Radex GmbH & Co OG, Vienna, Austria 75.,117. 100.0 2.,117. 100.0 117. Veitsch-Radex GmbH, Vienna, Austria  75. 100.0 2. 100.0 118. Veitsch-Radex Vertriebsgesellschaft m.b.H., Vienna, Austria 75. 100.0 2. 100.0 119. Vierte LWB Refractories Holding GmbH, Hilden, Germany 31.,61. 100.0 - - 120. VRD Americas B.V., Arnhem, Netherlands 60.,75. 100.0 2.,60. 100.0 121. Zimmermann & Jansen GmbH, Düren, Germany 12. 100.0 12. 100.0   Subsidiaries not consolidated due to minor significance         122. Agellis Process AB, Lund, Sweden  3. 100.0 - - 123. Agellis Surface AB, Lund, Sweden  3. 100.0 - - 124. Araçuaí Holding S.A., São Paulo, Brazil 135. 100.0 - - 125. Dr.-Ing. Petri & Co. Unterstützungsgesellschaft m.b.H., Wiesbaden, Germany 12. 100.0 12. 100.0 126. Grayhill MDMM Holding Ltda., São Paulo, Brazil 54. 100.0 - - 127. INTERSTOP do Brasil Equipamentos Metalurgicos Ltda i. l., Barueri, Brazil - - 113. 100.0 128. Magnesita Australia PTY Ltd. i. l., Australia 37. 100.0 - - 129. Magnesita Refractories A.B., Köping, Sweden 119. 100.0 - - 130. Magnesita Refractories PVT Ltd, Mumbai, India 61.,119. 100.0 - - 131. Magnesita Refractories S.A. (Pty) Ltd., Middleburg, South Africa 49. 100.0 - -       1 2 2

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  2017 RHI Magnesita Group   22   1) In accordance with IAS 32, fixed-term or puttable non-controlling interests are shown under liabilities. 2) Further shareholders are VRD Americas B.V., Lokalbahn Mixnitz St. Erhard Aktien-Gesellschaft and Veitscher Vertriebsgesellschaft mbH. 3) Further shareholders are Didier-Werke AG, RHI Dinaris GmbH and RHI GLAS GmbH.  4) Controlling influence due to contractual terms and conditions i.l. In liquidation  (6) Methods of consolidation Subsidiaries Subsidiaries are companies over which RHI Magnesita N.V. exercises control. Control exists when the company has the power to decide on the relevant activities, is exposed to variable returns from its involvement with the investee and has the ability to affect those returns through its power over the investee. The acquisition method is used to account for all business combinations. Under this method, the purchase price for the shares in a consolidated subsidiary is offset against the proportional share of net assets based on the fair value of the acquired assets and liabilities at the date of acquisition or when control is obtained. Intangible assets which were previously not recognised in the separate Financial Statements of the company acquired are also measured at fair value. Intangible assets identified when a company is acquired, including for example patents, brand names and customer relations, are only measured separately at the time of acquisition if they are identifiable and are in the control of the company and a future economic benefit is expected. For the acquisition of companies in which less than 100% of the shares are acquired, IFRS 3 allows an accounting policy choice whereby either goodwill proportionate to the share held or goodwill including the share accounted for by non-controlling interests can be recognised. This accounting policy choice can be exercised anew for any company acquisition. For the acquisition of Magnesita, non-controlling interests have been measured at their proportionate share of Magnesita’s identifiable net assets. The purchase price allocation at the date of acquisition can be made on a preliminary basis in justified cases. If adjustments are necessary in favour or at the expense of assets and liabilities within twelve months of the acquisition, they will be made accordingly. These adjustments will be presented in the notes. After completing the purchase price allocation, the determined goodwill is allocated to the relevant cash-generating unit and tested for impairment at this level. In accordance with the provisions of IFRS 3, negative     31.12.2017       31.12.2016 Ser. no. Name and registered office of the company Share- holder Share in % Share- holder Share in %132. MAG-Tec (MSA Service) Ltda., Contagem, Brazil 54. 98.7 - -133. Metal Data Participações Ltda., Rio de Janeiro, Brazil 54. 61.0 - -134. Metal Data S.A. – Mineração e Metalurgia, Contagem, Brazil 54.,133. 100.0 - -135. MMD Araçuaí Holding Ltda., São Paulo, Brazil 35.,54. 100.0 - -136. MPC, Metal Process Control AB, Lund, Sweden  3. 100.0 - -137. Refractarios Especiales Y Moliendas S.A., Buenos Aires, Argentina 63. 100.0 - -138. Refractarios Magnesita Uruguay S/A, Montevideo, Uruguay 54. 100.0 - -139. RHI Réfractaires Algérie E.U.R.L., Sidi Amar, Algeria 92. 100.0 92. 100.0  Equity-accounted joint ventures and associated companies        140. Krosaki Magnesita Refractories LLC, York, USA 47. 40.0 - -141. Magnesita Envoy Asia Ltd., Kaohsiung, Taiwan 4. 50.0 - -142. MAGNIFIN Magnesiaprodukte GmbH & Co KG, St. Jakob, Austria 114.,146. 50.0 114.,146. 50.0143. Sinterco S.A., Nameche, Belgium 61. 70.0 - -  Other immaterial investments, measured at cost        144. LLC "NSK Refractory Holding", Moskau, Russia 60. 49.0 60. 49.0145. LLC "NSK Refractory", Novokuznetsk, Russia 60. 49.0 60. 49.0146. MAGNIFIN Magnesiaprodukte GmbH, St. Jakob, Austria 114. 50.0 114. 50.0      R H I   M A G N E S I TA

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    23 goodwill is immediately recognised to profit or loss in other income after renewed measurement of the identifiable assets, liabilities and contingent liabilities. Shares in net assets of subsidiaries that are not attributable to RHI Magnesita N.V. are shown separately under equity as non-controlling interests. The basis for non-controlling interests are the equity of the subsidiary concerned after adjustment to the accounting and measurement principles of the RHI Magnesita Group and proportional consolidation entries. Transaction costs which are directly related to business combinations are expensed as incurred. Conditional components of the purchase price are recorded at fair value at the date of initial consolidation. When additional shares are acquired in companies which are already included in the Consolidated Financial Statements as subsidiaries, the difference between the purchase price and the proportional carrying amount in the subsidiary’s net assets is offset against shareholders’ equity. Gains and losses from the sale of shares are also recorded in equity unless they lead to a loss of the controlling influence.  In the case of a step acquisition and the related obtaining of a controlling interest, the difference between the carrying amount to be transferred and the fair value at the date of the initial full consolidation is realised through profit or loss. Intragroup receivables and liabilities as well as income and expenses are fully eliminated. Intragroup results related to intragroup deliveries of non-current assets and inventories as well as transfers of shares are eliminated. In accordance with IAS 12, deferred taxes are calculated on temporary differences arising from the consolidation. Subsidiaries are deconsolidated on the day control ends.   Joint ventures and associates Shares in joint ventures and associates are accounted for using the equity method. A joint venture is a joint arrangement between the RHI Magnesita Group and one or several other partners whereby the parties that have joint control over the arrangement have rights to the net assets of the arrangement.  An associate is an entity over which the RHI Magnesita Group has significant influence. Significant influence is the power to participate in an investee’s financial and operating policy decisions without control or joint control. A significant influence can be assumed if a company holds directly or indirectly 20% of the shares of the investee or has other abilities (e.g. through seats in the supervisory board) to influence the company’s financial and operating policy decisions. These presumptions can also be disproved if the company has no significant influence.    At the date of acquisition, a positive difference between the acquisition costs and the share in the fair values of identified assets and liabilities of the joint ventures and associates is determined and recognised as goodwill. Goodwill is shown under the item investments in joint ventures and associates in the Statement of Financial Position. The acquisition cost of investments accounted for using the equity method is increased or decreased each year to reflect the change in the equity of the individual joint venture or associate that is attributable to the RHI Magnesita Group. Unrealised intragroup results from transactions with these companies are offset against the carrying amount of the investment on a pro-rata basis during consolidation, if they are material. RHI Magnesita examines at every reporting date whether there are objective indications of an impairment of the shares in joint ventures and associates. If such indications exist, the required impairment is determined as the 1 2 4

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  2017 RHI Magnesita Group   24  difference between the recoverable amount and the carrying amount of the joint ventures and associates and recognised in profit and loss in the item share of profit of joint ventures and associates.  The Financial Statements of the companies accounted for using the equity method are prepared in accordance with uniform accounting and measurement methods throughout the Group.   (7) Foreign currency translation Functional currency and presentation currency The Consolidated Financial Statements are presented in Euro, which represents the functional and presentation currency of RHI Magnesita N.V.. The items included in the Financial Statements of each Group company are valued based on the currency of the primary economic environment in which the company operates (functional currency).  Foreign currency transactions and balances Foreign currency transactions in the individual Financial Statements of group companies are translated into the functional currency based on the exchange rate in effect on the date of the transaction. Gains and losses arising from the settlement of such transactions and the measurement of monetary assets and liabilities in foreign currencies at the closing rate are recognised in profit or loss under other income or expenses. Contrary to this, unrealised currency translation differences from monetary items which form part of a net investment in a foreign business are recognised in other comprehensive income in equity. Non-monetary items in foreign currency are carried at historical rates. Group companies The Annual Financial Statements of foreign subsidiaries that have a functional currency differing from the Group presentation currency are translated into Euros as follows: Assets and liabilities are translated at the closing rate on the reporting date of the Group, while monthly income and expenses and consequently the profit for the year as presented in the Statement of Profit or Loss are translated at the respective closing rates of the previous month. Differences resulting from this translation process and differences resulting from the translation of amounts carried forward from the prior year are recorded under other comprehensive income without recognition to profit or loss. Monthly cash flows are translated at the respective closing rates of the previous month. Goodwill and adjustments to the fair value of assets and liabilities related to the purchase price allocations of a subsidiary outside the European currency area are recognised as assets and liabilities of the respective subsidiary and translated at the closing rate.   The Euro exchange rates of currencies important for the RHI Magnesita Group are shown in the following table: 1) Arithmetic mean of the monthly closing rates     Closing rate Average rate1) Currencies 1 € = 31.12.2017 31.12.2016 2017 2016 Argentine Peso ARS 22.93 16.74 18.65 16.27 Brazilian Real BRL 3.96 3.42 3.60 3.90 Canadian Dollar CAD 1.50 1.42 1.46 1.47 Chilean Peso CLP 735.00 700.25 733.37 748.21 Chinese Renminbi Yuan CNY 7.78 7.31 7.61 7.32 Indian Rupee INR 76.40 71.43 73.36 74.31 Mexican Peso MXN 23.56 21.77 21.27 20.48 Norwegian Krone NOK 9.85 9.09 9.30 9.31 Pound Sterling GBP 0.89 0.86 0.87 0.81 Swiss Franc CHF 1.17 1.08 1.11 1.09 South African Rand ZAR 14.75 14.33 15.02 16.40 US Dollar USD 1.20 1.05 1.12 1.11       R H I   M A G N E S I TA

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    25 (8) Principles of accounting and measurement  Property, plant and equipment Property, plant and equipment is measured at acquisition or production cost, less accumulated depreciation on a systematic basis and impairments. These assets are depreciated on a straight-line basis over the expected useful life. Depreciation is calculated pro rata temporis beginning in the month the asset is available for use, i.e. when the asset is at its designated location and ready for operations as intended by management. Leased property, plant and equipment that qualifies as asset purchase financed with long-term funds is capitalised at the market value of the asset or the lower present value in accordance with IAS 17. The leased assets are depreciated on a systematic basis over the useful life. The payment obligations resulting from future lease instalments are discounted and recorded as liabilities. Current lease payments are apportioned between a finance charge and the amortisation of the outstanding liability. As of the reporting date, the property, plant and equipment leased through finance leases is of small scale. All other leases are treated as operating leases. The lease payments resulting from operating leases are recorded as expenses. The production costs of internally generated assets comprise direct costs as well as a proportional share of capitalisable production overheads and borrowing costs. If financing can be specifically allocated to an investment, the actual borrowing costs are capitalised as production costs. If no direct connection can be made, the average rate on borrowed capital of the Group is used as the capitalization rate due to the central funding of the Group. Expected demolition and disposal costs at the end of an asset’s useful life are capitalised as part of acquisition cost and recorded as a provision. The criteria for this treatment are a legal or constructive obligation towards a third party and the ability to prepare a reliable estimate. Real estate, land and plant under construction are not depreciated on a systematic basis. Depreciation of other material property, plant and equipment is based on the following useful lives in the RHI Magnesita Group:  The residual carrying amounts and economic useful lives are reviewed regularly and adjusted if necessary. Depletion is recorded on raw material deposits of the volume actually mined in proportion to the estimated volume. When components of plant or equipment have to be replaced at regular intervals, the relevant replacement costs are capitalised as incurred if the criteria set forth in IAS 16 have been met. The carrying amount of the replaced components is derecognised. Regular maintenance and repair costs are expensed as incurred. Gains or losses from the disposal of property, plant and equipment, which result as the difference between the net realizable value and the carrying amount, are recognised as income or expense in the Consolidated Statement of Profit or Loss.  Factory and office buildings 15 to 50 years Land improvement 8 to 30 years Crusher machines and mixing facilities 8 to 20 years Presses 10 to 12 years Tunnel, rotary and shaft kilns 50 years Other calcining and drying kilns 20 to 30 years Cars, other plant, furniture and fixtures 3 to 35 years   1 2 6

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  2017 RHI Magnesita Group   26  Goodwill Goodwill is recognised as an asset in accordance with IFRS 3. It is tested for impairment at least once each year, or when events or a change in circumstances indicate that the asset could be impaired. In accordance with IFRS 3, negative goodwill is recognised through profit or loss immediately after a new assessment of the identified assets, liabilities and contingent liabilities.  Other intangible assets Research costs are expensed in the year incurred and included under general and administrative expenses. Development costs also represent expenses in the period. They are recognised under general and administrative expenses. They are only capitalised if the allocable costs of the intangible asset can be measured reliably during its development period. Moreover, capitalization requires that the product or process development can be clearly defined, is feasible in technical, economic and capacity terms and is intended for own use or sale. In addition, future cash inflows which cover not only normal costs but also the related development costs must be expected. Capitalised development costs are amortised on a straight-line basis over the expected useful life, however, over a maximum of ten years, and recognised in cost of sales. The development costs for internally generated software are expensed as incurred if their primary purpose is to maintain the functionality of existing software. Expenses that can be directly and conclusively allocated to individual programmes and represent a significant extension or improvement over the original condition of the software are capitalised as production costs and added to the original purchase price of the software. These direct costs include the personnel expenses for the development team as well as an adequate, proportional share of overheads. Software is predominantly amortised on a straight-line basis over a period of four years. Purchased intangible assets are measured at acquisition cost, which also includes acquisition-related costs, less accumulated amortisation and impairments. Intangible assets with a finite useful life are amortised on a straight-line basis over the expected period of useful life. The following table shows the most important useful lives:  Impairment of property, plant and equipment, goodwill and other intangible assets Property, plant and equipment and intangible assets, including goodwill, are tested for impairment if there is any indication that the value of these items may be impaired. Intangible assets with an indefinite useful life and goodwill are tested for impairment at least annually. An asset is considered to be impaired if its recoverable amount is less than the carrying amount. The recoverable amount of an asset is the higher of its fair value less costs of disposal and its value in use (present value of future cash flows). If the carrying amount is higher than the recoverable amount, an impairment loss equivalent to the resulting difference is recognised in the Consolidated Statement of Profit or Loss. If the reason for an impairment loss recognised in the past for property, plant and equipment and for other intangible assets ceases to exist, a reversal of impairment on the amortised acquisition and production costs is recognised in profit or loss. In the case of impairments related to cash-generating units (CGU) which contain goodwill, existing goodwill is initially reduced. If the required impairment exceeds the carrying amount of the goodwill, the difference is apportioned proportionately to the remaining non-current tangible and intangible assets of the CGU. Reversals of impairment losses recognised on goodwill are not permitted and are therefore not considered. The effects of impairment tests at the CGU level are shown in other income or other expenses in the Consolidated Statement of Profit or Loss. Patents 7 to 18 years Brand rights 20 years Land use rights 50 or 65 years Customer relations 6 to 15 years   R H I   M A G N E S I TA

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    27 If there is an indication for an impairment of a specific asset, only this specific asset will be tested for impairment.  Cash-generating units (CGU) In the RHI Magnesita Group the individual assets do not generate cash inflows independent of one another; therefore, no recoverable amount can be presented for individual assets. As a result, the assets are combined in CGUs, which largely generate independent cash inflows. These units are combined in strategic business units and reflect the market presence and the market appearance and are as such responsible for cash inflows. The organisational structures of the Group reflect these units. In addition to the joint management and control of the business activities in each unit, the sales know-how and the knowledge of RHI Magnesita’s products are also incorporated in these units. The sales know-how is reflected in long-standing customer relationships or knowledge of the customer’s production facilities and processes. Product knowledge is manifested in the application-oriented knowledge of chemical, physical and thermal properties of RHI Magnesita products. The services offered extend over the life cycle of RHI Magnesita products at the customer’s plant, from the appropriate installation and support of optimal operations, to environmentally sound disposal or sustainable reuse in RHI Magnesita’s production process. These factors determine cash inflow to a significant extent and consequently form the basis for the CGU structures of RHI Magnesita. The CGUs of the strategic business unit Steel are Linings and Flow Control. These two units are determined according to the production stages in the process of steel production. In the Industrial Division, each industry segment (glass, cement/lime, nonferrous metals and environment, energy, chemicals) forms a separate CGU. The independent CGU Fused Cast in the Industrial Division was sold in 2017. In the Raw Materials Division, all raw material producing facilities with the exception of Norway are combined in one CGU. The plant in Porsgrunn, Norway, was not included in the raw materials unit, but treated as a separate CGU because a management team was installed specifically for the coordination and implementation of the optimization measures due to the dimension and the special situation at the Porsgrunn plant. This organisation goes beyond plant management and also includes sub-tasks of the administration processes.  As in the previous year, the impairment test is based on the value in use. The recoverable amount is determined using the discounted cash flow method and incorporates the terminal value. The detailed planning of the first five years is congruent with the strategic business and financial planning. Based on the detailed planning period, it is geared to a steady-state business development, which balances out possible economic or other non-sustainable fluctuations in the detailed planning period and forms the basis for the calculation of the terminal value. In the impairment test 2017, the terminal value is based on a growth rate derived from the difference of the current and the possible degree of utilisation of the assets. The net cash flows are discounted using the weighted average cost of capital (WACC). The weighted average cost of capital is calculated taking into account comparable companies (peer group). The corresponding parameters are derived from capital market information. In addition, country-specific risk premiums are considered in the weighted average cost of capital. The weighted average cost of capital before tax is determined per legal unit and weighted according to the share of revenue of the legal units. The weighted interest rates range between 5.7% and 8.6% in the year 2017. In the previous year, the interest rates determined on the same basis ranged between 6.4% and 8.0%. Composition of estimated future cash flows The estimates of future cash flows include forecasts of the cash flows from continued use. If assets are disposed at the end of their useful life, the related cash flows are also included in the forecasts. A simplified Statement of Cash Flows serves to determine the cash flows on the basis of strategic business and financial planning. The forecasts include cash flows from future maintenance investments. Expansion 1 2 8

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  2017 RHI Magnesita Group   28  investments are only taken into account in the future cash flows when there has been a significant cash outflow or significant payment obligations have been entered into due to services received and it is sufficiently certain that the investment measure will be completed. All other expansion investments are not considered; this applies in particular to expansion investments that have been decided on but not begun. Future cash flows from financing and for income taxes are generally not included. For reasons of practicability, the expected cash flows also include tax payments, therefore the values in use are determined using an after-tax weighted average cost of capital. The after-tax weighted average cost of capital is iteratively reconciled to an implicit pre-tax weighted average cost of capital, which is indicated in the notes. If the result before tax is negative in the detailed planning period, tax inflows (tax refunds) are considered regardless of whether tax loss carryforwards exist. With respect to pension obligations, a differentiation is made between earned entitlements and entitlements yet to be earned. Provisions for pensions do not reduce the carrying value of a CGU; accordingly, pension payouts are not included in the recoverable amounts. Expected additions to provisions for pensions are considered cash effective with respect to service cost. The interest expense related to pension obligations represents a financing expense and is consequently not considered in the forecast of cash flows. Working capital is included in the carrying amount of the CGU; therefore, the recoverable amount only takes into account changes in working capital.  Basis for Planning Basis for the impairment test was the five-year forward-looking business plan that was used on the one hand to support the decision making of the acquisition of Magnesita and on the other hand to support the listing at the London Stock Exchange. This business plan has been updated with the budget 2018 as starting point, that was approved by the Board, and developed with the growth rates used in the forward-looking business plan.   In addition, an intangible asset with indefinite useful life of €1.8 million (31.12.2016: €1.8 million) is allocated to the Steel Division – Flow Control.  The preliminary goodwill determined due to the Magnesita acquisition was not considered in the impairment calculation since the purchase price allocation is not complete yet and it is not possible to make a reliable estimate of the allocations to CGUs. On the other hand, no triggering events were identified that would lead to an impairment of the goodwill.    2017 2016   WACC before Tax Perpetual annuity growth rate Goodwill per group of CGUs  in € million WACC before tax Perpetual annuity growth rate Goodwill  in € million Preliminary goodwill  not yet allocated     171.7                     Steel Division - Linings 8.6% 0.9% 9.4 7.6% 0.9% 9.4 Steel Division - Flow Control 8.5% 0.9% 28.3 8.0% 0.9% 27.4               Industrial Division - Glass 7.2% 0.9% 0.0 7.0% 0.9% 0.0 Industrial Division - Cement 8.4% 0.9% 0.5 7.2% 0.9% 0.5 Industrial Division - Nonferrous 7.7% 0.9% 0.2 6.8% 0.9% 0.2 Industrial Division - EEC 8.0% 0.9% 0.3 7.0% 0.9% 0.3               Raw Material - Raw Material 7.9% 0.9% 0.0 6.7% 0.9% 0.0 Raw Material - Norway 5.7% 0.0% 0.0 6.5% 0.0% 0.0        R H I   M A G N E S I TA

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    29 Result of impairment test Based on the impairment test conducted in the financial year 2017, the recoverability of the assets was demonstrated in all CGUs. In the year 2016, the impairment losses for the former CGU Industrial/Fused Cast amounted to €8.0 million. In the first half of 2017, the Fused Cast plants were classified as a disposal group, which led to an additional impairment of €1.8 million. The disposal group was sold in the fourth quarter. As in the previous year, no reversals of impairments were made in the financial year 2017. Other financial assets and liabilities The Group initially recognises securities which are held for trading on the trading date when the entity becomes a party to the contractual provisions of the instruments. All other financial assets and financial liabilities are initially recognised on the date when they are originated. Financial assets are derecognised if the entity transfers substantially all the risks and rewards or if the entity neither transfers nor retains substantially all the risks and rewards and has not retained control. Financial liabilities are derecognised when the contractual obligations are settled, withdrawn or have expired.  The item other financial assets in the Consolidated Statement of Financial Position of RHI Magnesita includes shares in non-consolidated subsidiaries and other investments, securities, financial receivables and positive fair values of derivative financial instruments.  The item other financial liabilities includes negative fair values of derivative financial instruments as well as liabilities to fixed-term or puttable non-controlling interests. Shares in non-consolidated subsidiaries and investments in other companies are classified entirely as “available for sale” in the RHI Magnesita Group. These available-for-sale financial assets of minor significance are measured at cost. If there are indications that the fair value is lower, the lower value is recognised.  Securities classified as available-for-sale are initially measured at fair value including any related transaction expenses. Subsequent measurement reflects fair value, with changes in fair value being recorded in other comprehensive income. The accumulated gains and losses from fair value measurement that are recorded under other comprehensive income are reclassified to the Statement of Profit or Loss with the disposal of the financial assets. Impairments are charged to profit or loss. Impairment losses on equity instruments recognised to profit or loss are reversed through other comprehensive income. Reversals of impairment for debt instruments are recognised to profit or loss. Securities are classified as at fair value through profit or loss if they are classified as held for trading or designated as such on initial recognition. Directly attributable transaction costs are recognised in profit or loss as incurred. Securities at fair value through profit or loss are measured at fair value and changes therein, including any interest income, are recognised in profit or loss.  Financial receivables are measured at amortised cost applying the effective interest method. Any doubt concerning the collectability of the receivables is reflected in the use of the lower present value of the expected future cash flows. Foreign currency receivables are translated at the closing rate.  Derivative financial instruments, which are not part of an effective hedging relationship in accordance with IAS 39 or do not meet the hedge accounting requirements, must be classified as held for trading in accordance with IFRS and measured at fair value through profit or loss. In the RHI Magnesita Group, this measurement category includes derivatives related to purchase obligations, forward exchange contracts, embedded derivatives in open orders that are denominated in currencies other than the functional currency as well as derivative financial instruments in the form of interest rate swaps. Derivative financial instruments relating to purchase obligations are accounted for in accordance with IAS 39 and concern a long-term power supply contract which provides for the purchase of fixed amounts of electricity at fixed 1 3 0

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  2017 RHI Magnesita Group   30  prices. The measurement is made taking into account quoted electricity prices in the futures market. Based on the fixed amounts of electricity, the cash flows for the entire term of the contract are initially determined as the difference between forward rates and contractually fixed prices and discounted at the reporting date using a cost of borrowing rate corresponding to the term. The measurement effects resulting from this electricity derivative are shown as gain or loss from derivatives from supply contracts in the Statement of Profit or Loss. The measurement of forward exchange contracts and embedded derivatives in open orders denominated in a currency other than the functional currency is made on a case-by-case basis at the respective forward rate on the reporting date. These forward rates are based on spot rates, and also include forward premiums and discounts. Unrealised valuation gains or losses and results from the realisation are recognised to the Statement of Profit or Loss under other income or expenses. The underlying transactions for the derivatives are carried at amortised cost. For derivative financial instruments, which are incorporated in an effective hedging relationship in accordance with IAS 39, the provisions regarding hedge accounting are applied. RHI Magnesita has concluded derivative financial instruments in the form of interest rate swaps to hedge the cash flow risk of financial liabilities carrying variable interest. Hedging transactions are shown as part of cash flow hedge accounting. The interest rate swaps as hedging instruments are measured at fair value, which corresponds to the amount which RHI Magnesita would receive or has to pay on the reporting date when the financial instrument is terminated. The fair value is calculated using the interest rates and yield curves relevant on the reporting date. The effective part of the fair value changes is initially recorded in other comprehensive income as an unrealised gain or loss. Only at the time of the realisation of the underlying transaction, the contribution of the hedging instrument is shown in the Statement of Profit or Loss. Ineffective parts of the fair value changes of cash flow hedges are recognised immediately in the Statement of Profit or Loss. If the underlying transaction is no longer expected to take place, the accumulated amount previously recorded in other comprehensive income is reclassified to the Statement of Profit or Loss. Capital shares of non-controlling interests in subsidiaries with a fixed term are recognised under other financial liabilities in the Consolidated Statement of Financial Position in accordance with IAS 32. The liabilities are measured at amortised cost. The share of profit attributable to non-controlling interests is recognised under interest expenses in the Statement of Profit or Loss. Dividend payments to non-controlling interests reduce liabilities. Furthermore, the RHI Magnesita Group has entered into purchase obligations with non-controlling shareholders of a subsidiary. Based on these agreements, the shareholders receive the right to tender their shares at any time on previously defined conditions. In this case, IAS 32 provides for carrying a liability in the amount of the probable future exercise price. The difference between the estimated liability and the carrying amount of the non-controlling interest was recognised to equity at the time of initial recognition without affecting profit or loss. Subsequently, the liability to puttable non-controlling interests is measured at amortised cost and changes are recorded in net finance costs.  Deferred taxes Deferred taxes are recognised on temporary differences between the tax base and the IFRS carrying amount of assets and liabilities, tax-loss carryforwards and consolidation entries. Deferred tax assets are recognised on temporary differences insofar as it is probable that sufficient deferred tax liabilities exist or that sufficient taxable income before the reversal of temporary differences is available for the settlement of deductible temporary differences.  Deferred taxes are recognised on temporary differences relating to shares in subsidiaries and joint ventures, unless the parent company is in a position to control the timing of the reversal of the temporary differences and it is probable that the temporary differences will not reverse. No temporary differences are recognised for financial instruments which were issued by subsidiaries to non-controlling interests and which are classified as a financial liability in accordance with IFRS. R H I   M A G N E S I TA

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    31 The RHI Magnesita Group accounts for deferred tax assets for unused tax loss carryforwards to the extent that it is probable that a taxable income will be available. The calculation of deferred taxes is based on the tax rate expected in the individual countries at the time the deferred tax asset is realised or the liability is settled and generally reflects the enacted or substantively enacted tax rate on the reporting date. As in the previous year, deferred taxes of the Austrian group companies are determined at the corporation tax rate of 25%. Deferred tax assets and liabilities of the Brazilian group companies are measured at the tax rate of 34%. Tax rates from 12.5% to 35.0% (31.12.2016: 12.5% to 37.9%) were applied to the other companies. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are offset if there is an enforceable right to offset current tax receivables against current tax liabilities, and if the deferred taxes relate to income taxes due from/to the same tax authorities.  Inventories Inventories are stated at acquisition or production cost, or at net realizable value as of the reporting date. The determination of acquisition cost of purchased inventories is based on the moving average price method. Finished goods and work in process are valued at fixed and variable production cost. The net realizable value is the estimated selling price in the ordinary course of business minus any estimated cost to complete and to sell the goods. Impairments due to reduced usability are reflected in the calculation of the net realizable value.  Long-term construction contracts Construction contracts are accounted for using the percentage of completion method if the criteria defined in IAS 11 have been met. Under the percentage of completion method, production costs incurred plus an appropriate mark-up for profit based on the stage of completion are recognised under receivables from construction contracts and under revenue. The stage of completion is based on the expenses incurred as a percentage of the expected total expenses for the contract. Any expected losses on a contract are covered by provisions, which also reflect identifiable risks. Prepayments received from customers are deducted from contract receivables. Any resulting negative balance on a construction contract is recorded as a liability from construction contracts.  Trade and other current receivables Receivables are initially measured at fair value and subsequently carried at amortised cost minus any valuation allowances. These valuation allowances are determined on an individual basis and reflect any recognizable risk of default. A default leads to the derecognition of the relevant receivables. Receivables denominated in foreign currencies are translated using the closing rate.   Emission certificates Emission certificates acquired for a consideration are carried at cost and recognised to profit and loss in cost of sales when used up, written down to fair value or sold. In the case of a shortfall, a provision is recognised equivalent to the fair value of the lacking emission certificates. Emission certificates allocated free of charge are not accounted for. Proceeds from the sale of these rights are recognised as income.  1 3 2

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  2017 RHI Magnesita Group   32  Cash and cash equivalents Cash on hand, checks received and cash at banks with an original term of a maximum of three months are shown under cash and cash equivalents. Moreover, shares in money market funds, which are only exposed to insignificant value fluctuations due to their high credit rating and investments in extremely short-term money market instruments and can be converted to defined cash amounts within a few days at any time, are also recorded under cash equivalents under IAS 7. Cash and cash equivalents denominated in foreign currencies are translated at the closing rate.  Disposal groups held for sale Non-current assets and disposal groups which can be sold in their present state and whose sale is highly probable are classified as held for sale. Assets and liabilities which are intended to be sold together in a single transaction represent a disposal group held for sale and are shown separately from other assets and liabilities in the Statement of Financial Position. All accumulated income and expenses recorded in other comprehensive income which are related to disposal groups classified as held for sale are presented separately in the Consolidated Statement of Changes in Equity.  Non-current assets and disposal groups which are classified as held for sale are carried at the lower of fair value less costs to sell and carrying amount. Impairments are initially allocated to existing goodwill and then to the non-current assets on a pro-rata basis, based on the carrying amount of each individual asset of the disposal group. Impairments beyond that are allocated to current assets pursuant to the liquidity principle and recognised through profit or loss in the item other expenses. Non-current assets are not depreciated as long as they are classified as held for sale.   Financial liabilities Financial liabilities include liabilities to financial institutions and other lenders and are measured at fair value less directly attributable transaction costs at initial recognition. In subsequent measurements these liabilities are measured at amortised cost applying the effective interest method. Financial liabilities in foreign currency are translated at the closing rate.   Provisions Provisions are recognised when the Group incurs a legal or constructive obligation as a result of past events, and it is probable that an outflow of resources will be required to meet this obligation, and the amount of the obligation can be reliably estimated. Non-current provisions are measured at their discounted settlement value as of the reporting date if the discount effect is material. If maturities cannot be estimated, they are shown under current provisions. Provisions for pensions With respect to post-employment benefits, a differentiation is made between defined contribution and defined benefit plans. Defined contribution plans limit the company’s obligation to the agreed amount of contributions to earmarked pension plans. The related expenses are shown in the functional areas and thus in EBIT. No provisions are necessary. Defined benefit plans require the company to provide the agreed amount of benefits to active and former employees and their dependents, with a differentiation made between pension systems financed through provisions and pension systems financed by funds. R H I   M A G N E S I TA

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    33 For pension plans financed through external funds, the pension obligation according to the projected unit credit method is netted out against the fair value of the plan assets. If the plan assets are not sufficient to cover the obligation, the net obligation is recognised under provisions for pensions. However, if the plan assets exceed the obligations, the asset recognised is limited to reductions of future contribution payments to the plan and is shown under other non-current assets. The present value of defined benefit obligations for current pensions, future pension benefits and similar obligations and the related expenses are calculated separately for each plan annually by independent qualified actuaries in accordance with the provisions of IAS 19. The present value of future benefits is based on the length of service, expected wage/salary developments and pension adjustments. The expense to be recognised in a period includes current and past service costs, settlement gains and losses, interest expenses from the interest accrued on obligations, interest income from plan assets and administration costs paid from plan assets. The net interest expense is shown separately in net finance costs. All other expenses related to defined benefit plans are allocated to the costs of the relevant functional areas. Actuarial assumptions are required to calculate these obligations, above all the interest rate used for discounting, but also the rates of increases in wages/salaries and pensions as well as the retirement starting age and probability of employee turnover and actual claims. The calculation is based on local biometric parameters. Interest rates chosen on the basis of the interest on high-quality corporate bonds issued with adequate maturities and currencies are applied to determine the present value of pension obligations. In countries where there is no sufficiently liquid market for high-quality corporate bonds, the returns on government bonds are used as a basis. The rates of increase for wages/salaries were based on an average of past years, which is also considered to be realistic for the future. The fluctuation probabilities were estimated specific to age or according to seniority.  The retirement age used for the calculation is based on the respective statutory provisions of the country concerned. The calculation is based on the earliest possible retirement age according to the current statutory provisions of the respective country, among other things depending on gender and date of birth.  Remeasurement gains and losses are recorded net of deferred taxes under other comprehensive income in the period incurred. Other personnel provisions Other personnel provisions include provisions for termination benefits, service anniversary bonuses, payments to semi-retirees, share-based payments and lump-sum settlements. Provisions for termination benefits are primarily related to obligations to employees whose employment is subject to Austrian law. Employees who joined an Austrian company before 31 December 2002 receive a one-off lump-sum termination benefit as defined by Austrian labour legislation if the employer terminates the employment relationship or when the employee retires. The amount of the termination payment depends on the relevant salary at the time of the termination as well as the number of years of service and ranges between two and twelve monthly salaries. These obligations are measured in accordance with IAS 19 using the projected unit credit method applying an accumulation period of 25 years. Remeasurement gains and losses are recorded directly to other comprehensive income after considering tax effects and shown in the Statement of Comprehensive Income. For employees who joined an Austrian company after 31 December 2002, employers are required to make regular contributions equal to 1.53% of the monthly wage/salary to a statutory termination benefit scheme. The company has no further obligations. Claims by employees to termination benefits are filed with the statutory 1 3 4

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  2017 RHI Magnesita Group   34  termination benefit scheme, while the regular contributions are treated like defined contribution pension plans and included under personnel expenses of the functional areas. Service anniversary bonuses are one-time special payments that are dependent on the employee’s wage/salary and length of service. The employer is required by collective bargaining agreements or company agreements to make these payments after an employee has reached a certain number of uninterrupted years of service with the same company. Obligations are mainly related to service anniversary bonuses in Austrian and German group companies. Under IAS 19 service anniversary bonuses are treated as other long-term employee benefits. Provisions for service anniversary bonuses are calculated based on the projected unit credit method. Remeasurement gains or losses are recorded in the personnel costs of the functional areas in the period incurred. Local labour laws and other similar regulations require individual group companies to create provisions for semi-retirement obligations. The obligations are partially covered by qualified plan assets and are reported on a net basis in the Statement of Financial Position. For cash-settled share-based payments for the members of the former Management Board of RHI AG, a provision is recorded for the services received and measured at fair value on the date of receipt. Until the debt is settled, its fair value is recalculated at each reporting date and on the settlement date. All changes in fair value are recognised to profit or loss in general and administrative expenses. Obligations for lump-sum settlements are based on company agreements in individual companies. Other provisions Provisions for warranties are created for individual contracts at the time of the sale of the goods concerned, or after a service has been provided. The amounts of the provisions are based on the expected or actual warranty claims. Provisions for restructuring are created insofar as a detailed formal restructuring plan has been developed and announced prior to the reporting date or whose implementation was commenced prior to the reporting date. The Group recognises provisions for demolition and disposal costs and environmental damages. RHI Magnesita’s facilities and its refractory, exploration and mining operations are subject to environmental and governmental laws and regulations in each of the jurisdictions in which it operates. These laws govern, among other things, reclamation or restoration of the environment in mined areas and the clean-up of contaminated properties. Provisions for demolition and disposal costs and environmental damages include the estimated demolition and disposal costs of plants and buildings as well as environmental restoration costs arising from mining activities, based on the present value of estimated cash flows of the expected costs. The estimated future costs of deactivation of assets are reviewed annually and adjusted, if appropriate.  Provisions for labour and civil contingencies are recognised for all risks referring to legal proceedings that represent probable loss. Assessment of the likelihood of loss includes analysis of available evidence, including the opinion of internal and external legal advisors of the RHI Magnesita Group.  Trade payables and other current liabilities These liabilities are initially recognised at fair value, and subsequently measured at amortised cost. Liabilities denominated in foreign currencies are translated at the closing rate.  R H I   M A G N E S I TA

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    35 Government grants Government grants to promote investments are recognised as deferred income and released through profit or loss over the useful life of the relevant asset distributed on a straight-line basis. Grants that were granted as compensation for expenses or losses are recognised to profit or loss in the periods in which the subsidized expenses are incurred. In the RHI Magnesita Group, they mainly include grants for research and employee development. Grants for research are recorded as income in general and administrative expenses.  Revenue and expenses Revenue comprises the sale of products and services less rebates and other sales deductions. Revenue is realised when ownership and risk are transferred to the customer or when a service is performed, the consideration has been contractually defined or can otherwise be determined and the RHI Magnesita Group can therefore expect to collect the related receivable. If formal acceptance by the customer is agreed, the related revenue is only recognised after this acceptance has been received. Revenue on construction contracts is realised according to the percentage of completion method, if the requirements of IAS 11 have been met. Expenses are recognised to the Statement of Profit or Loss when a service is consumed or the costs are incurred. Interest income and expenses are recognised in accordance with the effective interest method. Dividends from investments that are not accounted for using the equity method are recognised to profit and loss at the time the legal claim arises. Income taxes are recognised according to the local regulations applicable to each company. Current and deferred income taxes are recognised in the Statement of Profit or Loss unless they are related to items which were recorded directly in equity or in other comprehensive income. In such a case, income taxes are also recorded in equity or other comprehensive income. RHI Feuerfest GmbH, Vienna, Austria, acts as the head of a corporate tax group. The corporate tax group of RHI AG, Vienna, Austria was terminated with 31 December 2016 due to the corporate restructuring of RHI AG in 2017. A new tax compensation agreement has been concluded and is in force since 1 January 2017 between the head of the group and eight Austrian group members. According to the group and tax compensation agreement, the members of the group have to pay a positive tax compensation of 20% of the taxable profit to the head of the group if the result is positive, as long as tax loss carry forwards exist with the head of the group; subsequently 25% of the taxable profit have to be paid. In case of a tax loss of the group member, the head of the group has to pay a negative tax compensation to the member of the group, with a rate of 12.5% being applied insofar as the loss can be utilised within the group. In case the losses of a group member were compensated (negative tax allocation payment) and this group member generates taxable income within the next three years (after compensation), the positive tax allocation amounts to 12.5%. In case of a loss in the tax group, an unused tax loss of a group member is retained and offset against future taxable profits of the group member. When the contract is terminated, a compensation payment is agreed for unused tax losses of a group member, which were allocated to the head of the group. In Germany, Didier-Werke Aktiengesellschaft, Wiesbaden, acts as the head of a tax group for corporate and trade tax purposes. The seven tax group members are obliged to transfer their profit or loss to Didier-Werke Aktiengesellschaft based on a profit or loss transfer agreement. Additionally, Didier-Werke Aktiengesellschaft, Wiesbaden, acts as the head of a tax group for input tax purposes with nine German tax group members. Furthermore, Rearden G Holdings Eins GmbH, Hagen, acts as the head of a two-level structure tax group with four group members for corporate, trade tax and input tax purposes.  1 3 6

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  2017 RHI Magnesita Group   36   (9) Segment reporting The RHI Magnesita Group comprises the operating segments Steel, Industrial and Raw Materials. This segmentation of the business activities is geared to internal control and reporting. The segmentation into Steel and Industrial represents a grouping by the main customer industries. The Steel segment specializes in supporting customers in the steel-producing and steel-processing industry. The Industrial segment serves customers in the glass, cement/lime, nonferrous metals and environment, energy, chemicals industries. The main activities of the two segments consist of market development, global sales of high-grade refractory bricks, mixes and special products as well as providing services at the customers’ sites. The operating activities of the segment Raw Materials primarily consist of supplying group companies with raw materials. This includes mining magnesite and dolomite in mines owned by the Group and raw material production based on seawater, processing and finishing raw materials as well as purchasing and selling raw materials. Within the Group, raw materials are carried at market price. The globally located manufacturing sites, which process the raw materials, are combined in one organisational unit. The allocation of manufacturing cost variances of the production plants to the Steel and Industrial Divisions is based on the supply flow. The research activities of the RHI Magnesita Group are managed centrally. R&D costs are allocated directly to the three segments. The Shared Service Centre costs of the Group are allocated to the three operating segments according to the agreed Service Level Agreements. The allocation of expenses of Group management is based on external revenue. Statements of profit or loss up to EBIT are available for each segment. The gross profit serves the management of the RHI Magnesita Group for internal management. The profit of joint ventures and associates is allocated to the segments. Net finance costs and income taxes are managed on a group basis and are not allocated. Segment assets include trade receivables and inventories, which are available to the operating segments and are reported to the management for control and measurement, as well as property, plant and equipment, goodwill and other intangible assets, which are allocated to the segments based on the capacity of the assets provided to the segments. Investments in joint ventures and associates are allocated to the segments. All other assets are not allocated. The recognition of segment assets is determined on the basis of the accounting and measurement methods applied to the IFRS Consolidated Financial Statements. Data on revenue by country are disclosed by the sites of the customers. Data on non-current assets (property, plant and equipment and intangible assets) are disclosed on the basis of the respective locations of the companies of the RHI Magnesita Group.   (10) Discretionary decisions, assumptions and estimates The RHI Magnesita Group used forward-looking assumptions and estimates, especially with respect to business combinations, non-current assets, valuation adjustments to inventories and receivables, provisions and income taxes to a certain extent in the application of accounting and measurement methods. The estimates are based on comparable values in the past, plan data and other findings regarding transactions to be accounted. The actual values may ultimately deviate from the assumptions and estimates made. The resulting changes in value of assets, liabilities, revenue and expenses are accounted for in the reporting period in which the change is made and in the affected future reporting periods.   Business combinations (initial consolidation) Estimates relating to the calculation of fair values of acquired assets, liabilities and contingent liabilities are required within the context of business combinations. R H I   M A G N E S I TA

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    37 If intangible assets are identified, discretionary estimates are necessary for the determination of fair values by means of discounted cash flows, especially regarding the duration and amount of future cash flows, as well as for the determination of an adequate discount rate. When determining the fair value of land, buildings and technical plant, above all the estimate of comparability of the reference objects with the objects subject to valuation is discretionary. When making discretionary decisions in the context of purchase price allocations on major acquisitions, RHI Magnesita consults with independent experts who accompany the execution of the discretionary decisions and record it in appraisal documents.  Impairment of intangible assets with finite useful lives and property, plant and equipment Intangible assets with a finite useful life and property, plant and equipment must be tested for impairment when events or a change in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of an asset may not be recoverable. The carrying amounts of these assets amounted to €1,117.1 million at 31 December 2017 (31.12.2016: €591.1 million). In accordance with IAS 36, such impairment losses are determined through comparisons with the discounted future cash flows expected from the related assets of the cash-generating units (CGU). As part of the annual planning process, the impairment test is conducted for the CGUs defined in the RHI Magnesita Group, thus taking into account all changes resulting from updates of strategic planning. Sensitivity analyses are also performed as part of the impairment test. In their calculation one of the main parameters is changed as follows: increase in the discount rate by 10%, reduction in the form of the contribution margin by 10% and reduction of the growth rate in terminal value by 50%. In all CGUs these simulations do not result in impairments.  Likewise, in all CGUs a reduction of the discount rate by 10%, an increase in profitability in the form of the contribution margin by 10% and an increase in the growth rate in terminal value by 50% do not result in reversals of impairments.  Impairment of goodwill The effect of an adverse change by plus 10% in the estimated interest rates as of 31 December 2017 or by minus 10% in the contribution margin would not result in an impairment of goodwill recognised (carrying amount 31.12.2017: €38.7 million, 31.12.2016: €37.8 million).  Impairment of other intangible assets with indefinite useful life The effect of an adverse change by plus 10% in the estimated interest rate as of 31 December 2017 or by minus 10% in the contribution margin would not result in an impairment charge to intangible assets with indefinite useful lives recognised (carrying amount at 31.12.2017 and 31.12.2016: €1.8 million).  Provisions for pensions and termination benefits The present value of pension and termination benefit obligations depends on a number of factors, which are based on actuarial assumptions such as interest rates, future salary and pension increases as well as life expectancy. Due to the long-term orientation of these obligations, these assumptions are subject to significant uncertainties. The following sensitivity analysis shows the change in present value of the pension and termination benefit obligations if one key parameter changes, while the other influences are maintained constant. In reality, however, it is rather unlikely that these influences do not correlate. The present value of the pension obligations for the sensitivities shown was calculated using the same method as for the actual present value of the pension obligations (projected unit credit method). 1 3 8

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  2017 RHI Magnesita Group   38    These changes would have no immediate effect on the result of the period as remeasurement gains and losses are recorded in other comprehensive income without impact on profit or loss.  The assumptions regarding the interest rate are reviewed semi-annually; all other assumptions are reviewed at the end of the year.  Other provisions The recognition and measurement of other provisions totalling €128.5 million (31.12.2016: €33.6 million) were based on the best possible estimates using the information available at the reporting date. The estimates take into account the underlying legal relationships and are performed by internal experts or, when appropriate, also by external experts. Despite the best possible assumptions and estimates, cash outflows expected at the reporting day may deviate from actual cash outflows. As soon as additional information is available, the estimates made are reviewed and provisions are also adjusted.   Income taxes The calculation of income taxes of RHI Magnesita N.V. and its subsidiaries is based on the tax laws applicable in the individual countries. Due to their complexity, the tax items presented in the Financial Statements may be subject to different interpretations by local finance authorities. When determining the amount of the capitalisable deferred tax assets, an estimate of the management is required regarding the amount of future taxable income and the expected time. Should the future taxable profit deviate by 10% from the assumption made on the reporting date within the planning period defined for the accounting and measurement of deferred taxes, the net position of deferred tax assets amounting to €168.7 million (31.12.2016: €131.3 million) would have to be increased by €0.8 million (31.12.2016: €1.8 million) or reduced by €0.9 million (31.12.2016: €1.7 million).  Other items With respect to the other items of the Statement of Financial Position, RHI Magnesita currently assumes that no material effects on the financial position and performance would result for the following financial years due to changes in the estimates and assumptions.   Change of assumption in percentage points or years 31.12.2017 31.12.2016 in € million Pension plans Termination benefits Pension plans Termination benefits Present value of the obligations - 517.1 58.1 289.2 58.5 Interest rate +0.25 (14.9) (1.5) (7.6) (1.6)   (0.25) 15.7 1.6 8.0 1.6 Salary increase +0.25 0.8 1.6 0.6 1.5   (0.25) (0.7) (3.5) (0.6) (1.4) Pension increase +0.25 10.6 - 5.0 -   (0.25) (10.2) - (4.9) - Life expectancy +1 year 18.3 - 12.9 -   (1) year (23.6) - (13.2) -       R H I   M A G N E S I TA

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    39 NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL POSITION (11) Property, plant and equipment Property, plant and equipment developed as follows in the year 2017 and in the previous year: 1) preliminary   in € million Real estate, land and buildings Raw material deposits Technical  equipment, machinery Other plant, furniture and fixtures Prepayments made and plant under construction Total Cost at 01.01.2017 453.7 32.1 877.9 294.2 43.8 1,701.7 Currency translation (14.5) (0.5) (23.5) (6.5) (2.3) (47.3) Additions to consolidated companies1) 148.6 16.6 214.1 5.4 54.4 439.1 Additions 6.5 1.5 13.6 8.8 34.4 64.8 Retirements and disposals (20.4) 0.0 (24.4) (9.5) 0.0 (54.3) Reclassifications 7.3 1.0 16.5 6.1 (30.0) 0.9 Reclassification as held for sale (25.4) (5.1) (92.5) (10.6) (0.9) (134.5) Cost at 31.12.2017 555.8 45.6 981.7 287.9 99.4 1,970.4 Accumulated depreciation 01.01.2017 285.6 24.5 639.3 229.6 0.9 1,179.9 Currency translation (5.3) 0.0 (11.2) (5.0) (0.1) (21.6) Depreciation charges 8.7 0.5 36.4 14.3 0.0 59.9 Impairment losses 9.4 0.0 7.9 1.1 0.3 18.7 Retirements and disposals (19.6) 0.0 (23.1) (9.0) 0.0 (51.7) Reclassifications 0.4 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.4 Reclassification as held for sale (22.4) (3.6) (79.9) (10.3) (0.3) (116.5) Accumulated depreciation 31.12.2017 256.8 21.4 569.4 220.7 0.8 1,069.1 Carrying amounts at 31.12.2017 299.0 24.2 412.3 67.2 98.6 901.3        in € million Real estate, land and buildings Raw material deposits Technical  equipment, machinery Other plant, furniture and fixtures Prepayments made and plant under construction Total Cost at 01.01.2016 448.0 31.8 877.0 286.3 49.2 1,692.3 Currency translation 0.2 0.0 (6.0) (0.2) (0.1) (6.1) Disposals of consolidated companies (4.2) 0.0 (15.4) (2.3) 0.0 (21.9) Additions 5.9 0.3 13.7 7.6 32.8 60.3 Retirements and disposals (5.3) 0.0 (11.0) (4.2) (0.7) (21.2) Reclassifications 9.1 0.0 19.6 7.0 (37.4) (1.7) Cost at 31.12.2016 453.7 32.1 877.9 294.2 43.8 1,701.7 Accumulated depreciation 01.01.2016 282.1 24.2 633.5 220.1 0.2 1,160.1 Currency translation 0.9 0.0 (3.9) 0.5 0.0 (2.5) Disposals of consolidated companies (4.2) 0.0 (15.4) (2.3) 0.0 (21.9) Depreciation charges 7.8 0.3 32.3 14.3 0.0 54.7 Impairment losses 4.0 0.0 2.9 1.0 0.9 8.8 Retirements and disposals (5.1) 0.0 (10.1) (4.0) 0.0 (19.2) Reclassifications 0.1 0.0 0.0 0.0 (0.2) (0.1) Accumulated depreciation 31.12.2016 285.6 24.5 639.3 229.6 0.9 1,179.9 Carrying amounts at 31.12.2016 168.1 7.6 238.6 64.6 42.9 521.8        1 4 0

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  2017 RHI Magnesita Group   40  The impairment losses of €18.7 million are primarily related to the restructuring of operations in Germany and Brazil. In 2016, impairment losses of €8.8 million were mainly caused by the restructuring of the CGU Industrial/Fused Cast and the CGU Raw Materials/Norway.  The item prepayments made and plant under construction includes plant under construction with a carrying amount of €96.5 million (31.12.2016: €41.7 million), with the modification of the smelter at the site in Radenthein, Austria, representing the largest investment project under construction of the financial year 2017. As in the previous year, there are no restrictions on the sale of property, plant and equipment.  (12) Goodwill Goodwill developed as follows: 1) preliminary  (13) Other intangible assets Other intangible assets changed as follows in the financial year 2017: 1) preliminary  in € million 2017 2016 Cost at beginning of year 40.2 40.1 Currency translation (1.6) 0.1 Additions to consolidated companies1) 174.1 0.0 Reclassification as held for sale (0.4) 0.0 Cost at year-end 212.3 40.2 Accumulated impairment at beginning of year (2.4) (2.6) Currency translation 0.1 0.2 Reclassification as held for sale 0.4 0.0 Accumulated impairment at year-end (1.9) (2.4) Carrying amount at year-end 210.4 37.8    in € million Internally generated intangible assets Other intangible assets Total Cost at 01.01.2017 45.9 114.0 159.9 Currency translation (0.2) (10.0) (10.2) Additions to consolidated companies1) 0.0 163.5 163.5 Additions 4.1 1.5 5.6 Retirements and disposals 0.0 (0.6) (0.6) Reclassifications (0.6) (0.3) (0.9) Reclassification as held for sale (1.6) (1.7) (3.3) Cost at 31.12.2017 47.6 266.4 314.0 Accumulated amortisation 01.01.2017 27.7 61.1 88.8 Currency translation (0.2) (2.0) (2.2) Amortisation charges 3.8 9.0 12.8 Impairment losses 0.8 0.0 0.8 Retirements and disposals 0.0 (0.6) (0.6) Reclassifications (0.6) 0.2 (0.4) Reclassification as held for sale (1.3) (1.5) (2.8) Accumulated amortisation 31.12.2017 30.2 66.2 96.4 Carrying amounts at 31.12.2017 17.4 200.2 217.6     R H I   M A G N E S I TA

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    41 Other intangible assets changed as follows in the previous year:  Internally generated intangible assets comprise capitalised software and product development costs. Other intangible assets include in particular acquired customer relations, patents, trademark rights, software, and land use rights. The customer relations of Magnesita have a preliminary carrying amount of €116.1 million and a remaining useful life of 8 to 15 years. The land use rights have a carrying amount of €26.0 million (31.12.2016: €23.4 million) and a remaining useful life of 20 to 60 years. As in the previous year, there are no restrictions on the sale of intangible assets.   (14) Investments in joint ventures and associates The following investments in joint ventures and associates are accounted for using the equity method in the RHI Magnesita Consolidated Financial Statements: Joint ventures As in the previous year, the RHI Magnesita Group holds a share of 50% in MAGNIFIN Magnesiaprodukte GmbH & Co KG, a company based in St. Jakob, Austria. The company’s core business activity is the production and sale of halogen-free flame retardants for plastics. The investment in MAGNIFIN is treated as a financial investment. MAGNIFIN is set up as an independent vehicle. RHI Magnesita has a residual interest in the net assets of the company and accordingly classified its share as a joint venture. There are no listed market prices.  in € million Internally generated intangible assets Other intangible assets Total Cost at 01.01.2016 42.2 130.5 172.7 Currency translation (0.2) (0.2) (0.4) Disposals of consolidated companies (1.1) (1.5) (2.6) Additions 5.0 1.0 6.0 Retirements and disposals 0.0 (17.5) (17.5) Reclassifications 0.0 1.7 1.7 Cost at 31.12.2016 45.9 114.0 159.9 Accumulated amortisation 01.01.2016 25.5 73.0 98.5 Currency translation (0.3) 0.1 (0.2) Disposals of consolidated companies (1.1) (1.5) (2.6) Amortisation charges 3.5 6.9 10.4 Impairment losses 0.1 0.0 0.1 Retirements and disposals 0.0 (17.5) (17.5) Reclassifications 0.0 0.1 0.1 Accumulated amortisation 31.12.2016 27.7 61.1 88.8 Carrying amounts at 31.12.2016 18.2 52.9 71.1     in € million 31.12.2017 31.12.2016 Investments in joint ventures 20.7 20.5 Investments in associates 9.8 0.0 Carrying amount at year-end 30.5 20.5    1 4 2

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  2017 RHI Magnesita Group   42  The following table summarises the income and expenses of MAGNIFIN: Income taxes on the share of profit of MAGNIFIN amounting to €2.7 million (2016: €2.8 million) are recognised by the head of the tax group, RHI Feuerfest GmbH, Vienna, Austria, due to the legal form of the joint venture and transferred to Veitscher Vertriebsgesellschaft m.b.H., Vienna, Austria, in accordance with the provisions of the tax compensation agreement. The net assets of MAGNIFIN are shown in the table below:  The development of the carrying amount of the share in MAGNIFIN in the RHI Magnesita Consolidated Financial Statements is shown below:  In the course of the acquisition of Magnesita the Group acquired interests in an immaterial joint venture with a carrying amount of €0.1 million as of 31 December 2017 (26.10.2017: €0.1 million). The Group’s share of the profit after income tax, other comprehensive income and total comprehensive income for November and December 2017 amounts to less than €0.1 million.  Associates In the course of the acquisition of Magnesita the Group acquired interests in Sinterco S.A.. Sinterco is located in Nameche, Belgium, and is dedicated to the production of sintered doloma. The direct parent, which is ultimately controlled by RHI Magnesita, holds a share of 70% in equity of Sinterco but does not have control over Sinterco due to a special agreement with the minority shareholder and accordingly classified its share as an associate. There are no listed market prices. in € million 2017 2016 Revenue 40.3 40.0 Profit before income tax 20.8 20.9 Depreciation 0.8 1.7 Interest expense 0.2 0.3 Other comprehensive income (0.2) (0.3) Total comprehensive income 20.6 20.6    in € million 31.12.2017 31.12.2016 Non-current assets 9.3 9.9 Current assets (without cash and cash equivalents) 10.2 12.9 Cash and cash equivalents 19.7 16.7 Non-current liabilities and provisions (4.0) (4.0) Current provisions (1.2) (1.1) Trade payables and other current liabilities (2.7) (3.2) Net assets 31.3 31.2    in € million 2017 2016 Proportional share of net assets at beginning of year 15.6 14.4 Share of profit 10.8 10.9 Share of other comprehensive income (remeasurement losses) (0.1) (0.1) Dividends received (10.7) (9.5) Other changes in value 0.0 (0.1) Proportional share of net assets at year-end 15.7 15.6 Goodwill 4.9 4.9 Carrying amount of investment at year-end 20.6 20.5    R H I   M A G N E S I TA

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    43 In November and December 2017 Sinterco generated revenue amounting to €4.0 million. Profit after income tax and total comprehensive income amount to less than €0.1 million. The net assets of Sinterco are shown in the table below: At 31 December 2017 as well as at 26 October 2017 the carrying amount of the investment in Sinterco in the RHI Magnesita Consolidated Financial Statements amounts to €9.1 million. In the course of the acquisition of Magnesita the Group acquired a second, but immaterial, associate with a carrying amount of €0.7 million as of 31 December 2017 (26.10.2017: €0.7 million). The Group’s share of the profit after income tax for November and December 2017 amounts to €0.1 million. Total comprehensive income including other comprehensive income of less than €0.1 million, amounts to €0.1 million.  (15) Other non-current financial assets  Other non-current financial assets consist of the following items:  At 31 December 2017 accumulated impairments on investments, securities and shares of €3.8 million (31.12.2016: €2.0 million) are recognised.  (16) Other non-current assets Other non-current assets include the following items:  in € million 31.12.2017 26.10.2017 Non-current assets 26.3 26.0 Current assets 13.8 13.4 Non-current liabilities (20.7) (20.5) Current liabilities (6.4) (5.9) Net assets 13.0 13.0      in € million 31.12.2017 31.12.2016 Interests in subsidiaries not consolidated 0.8 0.0 Available-for-sale investments 0.4 0.4 Available-for-sale securities and shares 15.0 15.8 Securities designated as fair value through profit and loss 2.3 0.0 Interest derivatives designated as cash flow hedges 1.5 0.0 Non-current receivables from disposal of subsidiaries 2.6 0.0 Other non-current financial receivables 2.5 2.7 Other non-current financial assets 25.1 18.9    in € million 31.12.2017 31.12.2016 Receivables from other taxes 9.9 6.7 Stripping costs 8.0 8.3 Judicial deposits 3.7 0.0 Plan assets from overfunded pension plans 2.0 2.1 Prepaid expenses 0.6 0.6 Other non-current assets 24.2 17.7    1 4 4

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  2017 RHI Magnesita Group   44  Prepaid expenses for stripping costs arising from mining raw materials in a surface mine are shown in non-current assets due to the planned use of the mine.  Receivables from other taxes are related to input tax credits, which are expected to be utilised in the medium term.  (17) Deferred taxes  Deferred taxes are related to the following significant balance sheet items and loss carryforwards: 1) Comparative values adjusted to current presentation  As of 31 December 2017, subsidiaries which generated tax losses in the past year or the previous year recognised net deferred tax assets on temporary differences and on tax loss carryforwards of €26.0 million (31.12.2016: €32.3 million). These assets are considered to be unimpaired because the companies concerned are expected to generate taxable income in the future. This assessment is based on measures implemented in 2016, which lead to increased taxable income. On the one hand, a subsidiary was sold; on the other hand, the financing of a subsidiary was optimized. Tax loss carryforwards totalled €609.7 million in the RHI Magnesita Group as of 31 December 2017 (31.12.2016: €383.7 million). A significant portion of the tax loss carryforwards originates in Austria and in Brazil and can be carried forward indefinitely. The annual offset of the tax loss carryforwards in Austria is limited to 75% and in Brazil to 30% of the respective tax profits. No deferred taxes were recognised for tax loss carryforwards of €157.7 million (31.12.2016: €156.9 million). The main part of the non-capitalised tax losses can be carried forward indefinitely. €3.4 million (31.12.2016: €25.8 million) will lapse at the earliest in the year 2020 if not used by then. In addition, no deferred tax assets were recognised for temporary differences totalling €16.2 million (31.12.2016: €2.2 million) as it is not sufficiently probable that they can be used. The deductible temporary differences can be carried forward indefinitely.  Taxable temporary differences of €667.0 million (31.12.2016: €109.3 million) and deductible temporary differences of €295.6 million were not recognised on shares in subsidiaries because the corresponding distributions of profit or the sale of the investments are not expected in the foreseeable future.   31.12.2017 2017 31.12.20161) 20161) in € million Deferred tax assets Deferred tax liabilities Expense/(Income) Deferred tax assets Deferred tax liabilities Expense/ (Income) Property, plant and equipment, intangible assets 21.6 81.5 (4.7) 22.3 38.5 0.8 Inventories 16.1 1.1 5.7 16.9 1.0 (3.5) Trade receivables, other assets 6.3 38.3 (11.5) 1.6 3.1 (8.7) Pensions and other personnel provisions 70.2 0.3 6.4 53.1 0.4 2.6 Other provisions 20.5 1.2 3.0 3.9 0.7 (0.1) Trade payables, other liabilities 26.6 4.8 (1.4) 16.5 1.1 2.4 Tax loss carryforwards 134.6 - 8.4 61.8 - 10.8 Offsetting (115.5) (115.5) - (31.3) (31.3) - Deferred taxes 180.4 11.7 5.9 144.8 13.5 4.3        R H I   M A G N E S I TA

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    45 The maturity structure of deferred taxes is shown in the table below:  (18) Inventories Inventories as presented in the Consolidated Statement of Financial Position consist of the following items:  The inventories recognised as of 31 December 2017 totalled €676.6 million (31.12.2016: €365.3 million), of which €9.0 million (31.12.2016: €2.7 million) are carried at net realizable value.  The impairment losses recorded in the financial year 2017, netted out against reversals of impairment losses, amount to €4.0 million (2016: €1.1 million).  As in the previous year, there are no restrictions on the disposal of inventories.  (19) Trade and other current receivables Trade and other current receivables as presented in the Statement of Financial Position are classified as follows:    31.12.2017 31.12.2016 in € million Current Non-current Total Current Non-current Total Deferred tax assets 50.9 129.5 180.4 39.0 105.8 144.8 Deferred tax liabilities 0.4 11.3 11.7 0.0 13.5 13.5        in € million 31.12.2017 31.12.2016 Raw materials and supplies 183.7 74.5 Unfinished products and unfinished services 122.1 99.4 Finished products and goods 353.6 184.9 Prepayments made 17.2 6.5 Inventories 676.6 365.3    in € million 31.12.2017 31.12.2016 Trade receivables 394.9 309.0 Receivables from long-term construction contracts 11.7 7.8 Receivables from other taxes 77.0 65.9 Receivables from joint ventures and associates 19.4 1.0 Prepaid expenses 3.7 2.8 Prepaid transaction costs related to financial liabilities 2.5 0.0 Receivables from property transactions 2.5 3.3 Emission rights 1.6 0.0 Receivables from employees 1.3 0.8 Receivables from personnel welfare foundation 0.8 0.8 Receivables from non-consolidated subsidiaries 0.3 0.0 Other current receivables 14.3 7.7 Trade and other current receivables 530.0 399.1 thereof financial assets 419.9 312.1 thereof non-financial assets 110.1 87.0    1 4 6

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  2017 RHI Magnesita Group   46  Receivables from long-term construction contracts consist of the following components:  Receivables from other taxes include input tax credits and receivables from energy tax refunds, research, education and apprentice subsidies. As in the previous year, trade receivables with a total nominal value of €34.0 million were assigned for financial liabilities as of 31 December 2017 (31.12.2016: €34.0 million). Accumulated valuation allowance to trade and other current receivables developed as follows:  (20) Income tax receivables Income tax receivables amounting to €13.5 million (31.12.2016: €9.3 million) are mainly related to tax prepayments and deductible withholding taxes.  (21) Other current financial assets  This item of the Consolidated Statement of Financial Position consists of the following components:  At 31 December 2017 accumulated impairments on other current financial receivables of €1.1 million (31.12.2016: €0.0 million) are recognised.  in € million 31.12.2017 31.12.2016 Contract costs incurred up to the reporting date 13.2 10.0 Profits recognised by the reporting date 1.4 0.8 Prepayments received (2.9) (3.0) Receivables from long-term construction contracts 11.7 7.8    in € million 2017 2016 Accumulated valuation allowance at beginning of year 35.2 30.1 Currency translation (1.1) 0.4 Addition 11.2 7.4 Use (3.2) (0.3) Reversal (5.6) (2.4) Reclassification as held for sale (2.1) 0.0 Accumulated valuation allowance at year-end 34.4 35.2    in € million 31.12.2017 31.12.2016 Securities held for trading 32.3 0.0 Derivatives in open orders 0.8 1.1 Forward exchange contracts 0.9 0.4 Other current financial receivables 0.1 1.5 Other current financial assets 34.1 3.0    R H I   M A G N E S I TA

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    47 (22) Cash and cash equivalents This item of the Consolidated Statement of Financial Position consists of the following components:  (23) Share capital At 31 December 2016, the fully paid-in share capital of RHI AG amounted to €289,376,212.84 and consisted of 39,819,039 zero par value bearer shares. One share granted a rounded calculated share of €7.27 in capital stock. In exchange for the cancellation of the RHI AG shares as a result of the merger, in which RHI AG merged with and into RHI Magnesita N.V., the shareholders of RHI AG received one newly issued ordinary share of RHI Magnesita N.V. for each RHI AG share. As part of the purchase price for the acquisition of control of Magnesita, RHI Magnesita N.V. issued 5,000,000 new ordinary shares to the sellers of Magnesita shares as at 26 October 2017. Following the merger and the acquisition of control and also at year-end 2017, RHI Magnesita N.V.’s issued and fully paid-in share capital therefore consists of 44,819,039 ordinary shares at €1 each share.  The authorized share capital of RHI Magnesita N.V. amounts to €100,000,000 divided into 100,000,000 ordinary shares, of which 44,819,039 ordinary shares are issued and outstanding as explained before. All outstanding RHI Magnesita shares grant the same rights. The shareholders are entitled to payment of the dividend adopted and have one voting right per share at the Annual General Meeting. There are no RHI Magnesita shares with special control rights. No limitations regarding the voting rights of RHI Magnesita shares, including from agreements between shareholders, are known to the company. On 20 October 2017 the voluntary employee stock ownership programme “4 plus 1” for employees and executives of RHI AG as well as members of the management, executives and employees of RHI group companies was terminated. Until the termination of the plan employees received one RHI share free of charge for four RHI shares they purchased themselves. During 2017, 2,310 (2016: 7,998) shares were acquired over the stock exchange for the employee stock ownership plan and issued to employees. No own shares were held by RHI AG at the merger date and at 31 December 2016.  (24) Group reserves Additional paid-in capital At 31 December 2017, additional paid-in capital comprises premiums on the issue of shares less issue costs net of tax by RHI Magnesita N.V.. The additional paid-in capital as of 31 December 2016, was eliminated in the course of downstream merger from RHI AG to RHI Magnesita N.V..  Mandatory reserves The articles of association stipulate a mandatory reserve of €288,699,230.59 which was created in connection with the merger. No distributions, allocations or additions may be made and no losses of the company may be allocated to the mandatory reserve. Retained earnings The item retained earnings includes the result of the financial year and results that were earned by consolidated companies during prior periods, but not distributed.  in € million 31.12.2017 31.12.2016 Cash at banks 373.2 179.9 Money market funds 67.5 0.4 Checks 1.4 2.5 Cash on hand 0.3 0.1 Cash and cash equivalents 442.4 182.9    1 4 8

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  2017 RHI Magnesita Group   48  Accumulated other comprehensive income The item cash flow hedges includes gains and losses from the effective part of cash flow hedges less tax effects. The accumulated gain or loss from the hedge allocated to reserves is only reclassified to the Statement of Profit or Loss if the hedged transaction also influences the result or is terminated. The item defined benefit plans includes the gains and losses from the remeasurement of defined benefit pension and termination benefit plans taking into account tax effects. No reclassification of these amounts to the Statement of Profit or Loss will be made in future periods. Currency translation includes the accumulated currency translation differences from translating the Financial Statements of foreign subsidiaries as well as unrealised currency translation differences from monetary items which are part of a net investment in a foreign operation, net of related income taxes. If foreign companies are deconsolidated, the currency translation differences are recognised in the Statement of Profit or Loss as part of the gain or loss from the sale of shares in subsidiaries. In addition, when monetary items cease to form part of a net investment in a foreign operation, the currency translation differences of these monetary items previously recognised in other comprehensive income are reclassified to profit or loss. In the financial year 2017, the Group reassessed its internal financing structure and as a result reclassified accumulated losses of €38.9 million to the profit or loss statement. Due to the disposal of Fused Cast accumulated foreign currency translation losses of €1.8 million were reclassified to the Statement of Profit or Loss. The corresponding tax effect led to an income of €6.2 million.  (25) Non-controlling interests  Non-controlling interests in Magnesita Non-controlling interests hold a share of 50% minus one share in the listed company Magnesita Refratários S.A. and its subsidiaries (Magnesita). Magnesita is a global group dedicated to the production and sale of an extensive line of refractory materials and industrial minerals and distinguishes itself through its vertically integrated operations.  Based on the net assets of Magnesita, the carrying amount of the non-controlling interests is determined as follows: The aggregate Statement of Profit or Loss and Statement of Comprehensive Income are shown below: in € million 31.12.2017 26.10.2017 Non-current assets 660.8 680.8 Current assets 678.2 672.0 Non-current liabilities (619.6) (687.3) Current liabilities (471.1) (415.3) Net assets before intragroup eliminations 248.3 250.2 Intragroup eliminations (0.1) 0.0 Net assets 248.2 250.2 Percentage of non-controlling interests 50.0% 50.0% Carrying amount of non-controlling interests 124.1 125.1    in € million 11-12/2017 Revenue 172.2 Operating expenses, net finance costs and income tax (165.9) Profit after income tax before intragroup eliminations 6.3 Intragroup eliminations 0.0 Profit after income tax 6.3   thereof attributable to non-controlling interests of Magnesita 3.1   R H I   M A G N E S I TA

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    49  The following table shows the summarised Statement of Cash Flows: Non-controlling interests in Orient Refractories Ltd. Non-controlling interests hold a share of 30.4% (31.12.2016: 30.4%) in the listed company Orient Refractories Ltd. (in the following “ORL”), based in New Delhi, India. ORL is allocated to the Steel segment.  Based on the net assets of the company, the carrying amount of the non-controlling interests is determined as follows:  The aggregate Statement of Profit or Loss and Statement of Comprehensive Income are shown below:   in € million 11-12/2017 Profit after income tax 6.3 Other comprehensive income  (9.8) Total comprehensive income (3.5) thereof attributable to non-controlling interests of Magnesita (1.8)   in € million 11-12/2017 Net cash flow from operating activities 46.5 Net cash flow from investing activities 18.7 Net cash flow from financing activities (2.8) Total cash flow 62.4   in € million 31.12.2017 31.12.2016 Non-current assets 25.6 28.9 Current assets 48.8 44.6 Non-current liabilities (6.8) (8.2) Current liabilities (16.6) (14.8) Net assets before intragroup eliminations 51.0 50.5 Intragroup eliminations (0.2) (0.2) Net assets 50.8 50.3 Percentage of non-controlling interests 30.4% 30.4% Carrying amount of non-controlling interests 15.4 15.3    in € million 2017 2016 Revenue 77.9 68.6 Operating expenses, net finance costs and income tax (70.1) (61.9) Profit after income tax before intragroup eliminations 7.8 6.7 Intragroup eliminations 0.1 (0.3) Profit after income tax 7.9 6.4 thereof attributable to non-controlling interests of ORL 2.4 1.9    in € million 2017 2016 Profit after income tax 7.9 6.4 Other comprehensive income  (3.6) 0.8 Total comprehensive income 4.3 7.2 thereof attributable to non-controlling interests of ORL 1.3 2.2    1 5 0

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  2017 RHI Magnesita Group   50  The following table shows the summarised Statement of Cash Flows of ORL:  Net cash flow from financing activities includes dividend payments to non-controlling interests amounting to €1.1 million (2016: €0.6 million).  Accumulated other comprehensive income attributable to non-controlling interests The development of accumulated other comprehensive income attributable to non-controlling interests is shown in the following table:  (26) Financial liabilities Financial liabilities include all interest-bearing liabilities of the RHI Magnesita Group due to financial institutions and other lenders at the respective reporting date.   The financial liabilities have the following contractual remaining terms:  in € million 2017 2016 Net cash flow from operating activities 6.4 7.9 Net cash flow from investing activities (1.0) (0.5) Net cash flow from financing activities (3.8) (2.3) Total cash flow 1.6 5.1    in € million Cash flow hedges Defined benefit plans Currency translation Accumulated other comprehensive income 01.01.2017 0.0 0.0 0.1 Unrealised results from currency translation - - (6.0) Unrealised results from fair value change 0.1 - - Remeasurement of defined benefit plans - (0.1) - Accumulated other comprehensive income 31.12.2017 0.1 (0.1) (5.9)       Total Remaining term in € million 31.12.2017 up to 1 year 2 to 5 years over 5 years Export credits and investment financing 346.4 65.6 280.0 0.8 Syndicated Financing 266.2 0.0 266.2 0.0 Bonded loans ("Schuldscheindarlehen") 230.5 0.0 162.0 68.5 Utilised other credit lines and other loans 102.1 102.1 0.0 0.0 Accrued interest 7.8 7.8 0.0 0.0 Liabilities to financial institutions 953.0 175.5 708.2 69.3 Perpetual bond 215.3 64.3 0.0 151.0 Senior notes 55.6 1.1 54.5 0.0 Other financial liabilities 1.7 0.9 0.7 0.1 Financial liabilities 1,225.6 241.8 763.4 220.4      R H I   M A G N E S I TA

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    51  RHI Magnesita Group adapted its financing structure in the context of the acquisition of Magnesita. In addition to obtaining acquisition financing for the purchase price of Magnesita, financial liabilities related to the bonded loans concluded in 2012 and 2014 were refinanced. The conclusion of changed and new loan agreements is dated as of July 2017 for the majority of the volume. The main loan agreements concluded relate to syndicated financing arrangements amounting to a total of €477.0 million and a bonded loan of €178.0 million. In addition, all existing export loans and one-off financing were also refinanced in the course of the transaction in the fourth quarter of 2017.   Of the liabilities to financial institutions recognised at 31 December 2017 €34.0 million (31.12.2016: €34.0 million) are secured by assignment of receivables and €2.6 million (31.12.2016: €0.0 million) by assignment of cash and cash equivalents. In case the loan agreements are not met, the financing banks are entitled to inflows from the receivables and cash and cash equivalents assigned.  Net debt/adjusted EBITDA is the most important financial covenant of the loan agreements. Depending on the facility, net debt/adjusted EBITDA is calculated either on the group level or on the respective RHI or Magnesita subgroup level. Compliance with the covenants is measured predominantly on an annual or semi-annual basis. During the reporting years 2017 and 2016, the Group met all covenant requirements.  For liabilities of €1,109.9 million (31.12.2016: €383.0 million), lenders have a termination option in the case of a change of control. In the event that certain reasons for termination exist, the lenders may declare the loan due with immediate effect and demand immediate repayment of the principal including interest, as well as the payment of other amounts payable that may have been incurred. Taking into account interest swaps, 34% (31.12.2016: 61%) of the liabilities to financial institutions carry fixed interest and 66% (31.12.2016: 39%) carry variable interest.   Total Remaining term in € million 31.12.2016 up to 1 year 2 to 5 years over 5 years Bonded loans ("Schuldscheindarlehen") 253.5 55.0 139.5 59.0 Export credits and one-time financing 154.5 29.0 116.9 8.6 Utilised other credit lines 65.9 65.9 0.0 0.0 Accrued interest 1.6 1.6 0.0 0.0 Liabilities to financial institutions 475.5 151.5 256.4 67.6 Other financial liabilities 7.7 4.5 3.1 0.1 Financial liabilities 483.2 156.0 259.5 67.7      1 5 2

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  2017 RHI Magnesita Group   52  The following table shows fixed interest terms and conditions, taking into account interest rate swaps, without liabilities from deferred interest:    In some cases, the terms to maturity of the contracts are substantially longer than the period during which interest terms are fixed. The financial liability from the perpetual bond bears fixed interest of 8.6%, financial liability from senior notes bears fixed interest of 7.9%.  Interest terms fixed until Effective annual interest rate Cur- rency 31.12.2017 Carrying amount in € million Interest terms fixed until Effective annual interest rate Cur- rency 31.12.2016 Carrying amount in € million 2018 EURIBOR + margin EUR 369.6 2017 EURIBOR + margin EUR 125.1   Variable interest rate + margin EUR 34.0   Variable interest rate + margin EUR 34.0   LIBOR + margin USD 54.4   LIBOR + margin USD 10.2   4.11% USD 18.3   0.69% EUR 50.0   4.15% USD 13.4           Interbank Deposit Certificate (CDI) + margin BRL 145.5           Various - variable rate Var. 16.0   Various - variable rate Var. 15.0   Various - fixed rate Var. 10.5   Various - fixed rate Var. -         2018 1.13% EUR 30.0 2019 0.68% EUR 10.0 2019 0.68% EUR 15.0   0.72% EUR 7.1   0.72% EUR 10.7   3.77% EUR 3.0   1.42% + margin EUR 3.0   1.59% EUR 4.0   3.25% EUR 15.0           1.49% EUR 16.0           3.15% EUR 12.0           1.46% + margin EUR 10.0 2020 4.19% USD 70.7 2020 3.15% + margin EUR 24.5   4.98% USD 62.4   3.90% EUR 13.6   7.50% BRL 8.2                 2021 1.97% EUR 17.0 2022 1.74% EUR 63.0 2022 4.50% EUR 6.0   4.60% EUR 3.0                 2023 0.35% + margin EUR 13.8 2024 3.10% EUR 37.0 2024 3.00% EUR 53.0   3.20% EUR 5.5           4.00% EUR 9.6               945.2       473.9         R H I   M A G N E S I TA

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    53 (27) Other financial liabilities Other financial liabilities include the negative fair value of derivative financial instruments as well as fixed-term and puttable non-controlling interests in group companies. This item of the Consolidated Statement of Financial Position consists of the following items: Additional explanations on derivative financial instruments are provided under Note (56).   (28) Provisions for pensions The net liability from pension obligations in the Consolidated Statement of Financial Position is derived as follows:  The present value of pension obligations by beneficiary groups is structured as follows:  The calculation of pension obligations is based on the following actuarial assumptions:  These are average values which were weighted with the present value of the respective pension obligation.   31.12.2017 31.12.2016 in € million Current Non-current Total Current Non-current Total Liabilities from derivatives from supply contracts  6.8 33.4 40.2 5.9 43.1 49.0 Liabilities from interest rate swaps  0.0 0.2 0.2 0.5 0.4 0.9 Liabilities from derivatives in open orders 0.5 0.0 0.5 0.1 0.0 0.1 Derivative financial liabilities 7.3 33.6 40.9 6.5 43.5 50.0 Liabilities to fixed-term or puttable non-controlling interests 10.1 21.9 32.0 9.1 23.4 32.5 Other financial liabilities 17.4 55.5 72.9 15.6 66.9 82.5        in € million 31.12.2017 31.12.2016 Present value of pension obligations 517.1 289.2 Fair value of plan assets (228.6) (56.4) Funded status 288.5 232.8 Asset ceiling 18.3 1.9 Net liability from pension obligations 306.8 234.7 thereof assets from overfunded pension plans 1.9 2.1 thereof pensions 308.7 236.8    in € million 31.12.2017 31.12.2016 Active beneficiaries 107.9 71.2 Vested terminated beneficiaries 71.9 17.9 Retirees 337.3 200.1 Present value of pension obligations 517.1 289.2    in % 31.12.2017 31.12.2016 Interest rate 3.1% 1.9% Future salary increase 2.8% 2.2% Future pension increase 2.1% 1.3%    1 5 4

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  2017 RHI Magnesita Group   54  The calculation of the actuarial interest rate for the European currency area is based on a yield curve for returns of high-quality corporate bonds denominated in EUR with an average rating of AA, which is derived from pooled index values. The calculation of the actuarial interest rate for the USD and GBP currency area is based on a yield curve for returns of high-quality corporate bonds denominated in USD with an average rating of AA, which is derived from pooled index values. Where there are very long-term maturities, the yield curve follows the performance of bonds without credit default risk. The interest rate is calculated annually at 31 December, taking into account the expected future cash flows which were determined based on the current personal and commitment data. As in the previous year, the calculation in Austria was based on the Pagler & Pagler AVÖ 2008 P biometric calculation principles for salaried employees. In Germany, the Heubeck 2005 G actuarial tables were used as a basis. In the other countries, country-specific mortality tables were applied.  The main pension regulations are described below: The Austrian group companies account for €122.6 million (31.12.2016: €124.4 million) of the present value of pension obligations and for €26.1 million (31.12.2016: €26.3 million) of the plan assets. The agreed benefits include pensions, invalidity benefits and benefits for surviving dependents. Commitments in the form of company or individual agreements depend on the length of service and the salary at the time of retirement. For the majority of commitments the amount of the company pension subsidy is limited to 75% of the final remuneration including a pension pursuant to the General Social Insurance Act (ASVG). RHI Magnesita has concluded pension reinsurance policies for part of the commitments. The pension claims of the beneficiaries are limited to the coverage capital required for these commitments. Pensions are predominantly paid in the form of annuities and are partially indexed. For employees joining the company after 1 January 1984, no defined benefits were granted. Rather, a defined contribution pension model is in place. In addition, there are commitments based on the deferred compensation principle, which are fully covered by pension reinsurance policies, and commitments for preretirement benefits for employees in mining operations. The pension plans of the German group companies account for €158.6 million (31.12.2016: €123.4 million) of the present value of pension obligations and for €0.7 million (31.12.2016: €0.7 million) of plan assets. The benefits included in company agreements comprise pensions, invalidity benefits and benefits for surviving dependents. The amount of the pension depends on the length of service for the majority of the commitments and is calculated as a percentage of the average monthly wage/salary of the last twelve months prior to retirement. In some cases commitments to fixed benefits per year of service have been made. The pensions are predominantly paid in the form of annuities and are adjusted in accordance with the development of the consumer price index for Germany. The pension plans are closed for new entrants, except one contribution-based plan. There is no defined contribution model on a voluntary basis. Individual commitments have been made, with major part of them being retired beneficiaries.  The pension plan of the US group company Magnesita Refractories Company, York, USA, accounts for €73.7 million of the present value of pension obligations and for €60.0 million of the plan assets. The pension plan is a non-contributory defined benefit plan covering a portion of the employees of the company. The plan is subject to the provisions of the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 (ERISA). Effective 21 June 1999, the Company offered the participants the opportunity to elect to participate in a single enhanced defined contribution plan. Participants who make this election are no longer eligible for future accruals under this plan. All benefits accrued as of the date of transfer will be retained. Employees hired after 21 June 1999 and employees that did not meet the plan's eligibility requirements as of 21 June 1999 are not eligible for this plan. The pensions are predominantly paid in the form of annuities and are adjusted annually based on the U.S. consumer price index. The Company's contributions for the year ended 31 December 2017 met, or exceeded, the minimum funding requirements of ERISA. The pension plan of the UK group company Magnesita Refractories Ltd., Dinnington, United Kingdom, accounts for €60.7 million of the present value of pension obligations and holds €76.5 million of assets, although only €60.7 million of the plan assets are reflected on the balance sheet due to the application of IFRIC 14 (asset ceiling). The company sponsors a funded defined benefit pension plan for qualifying UK employees. The plan is R H I   M A G N E S I TA

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    55 administered by a separate board of trustees which is legally separate from the company. The trustees are composed of representatives of both the employer and employees, plus an independent professional trustee. The trustees are required by law to act in the interest of all relevant beneficiaries and are responsible for the investment policy with regard to the assets plus the day to day administration of the benefits. Under the plan, employees are entitled to annual pensions on retirement at age 65 of one-sixtieth of final pensionable salary for each year of service. Pensionable salary is defined as basic salary less the Lower Earnings Limit. Benefits are also payable on death and following other events such as withdrawing from active service. No other post-retirement benefits are provided to these employees. The pension liabilities of the Brazilian group company Magnesita Refratários S.A. accounts for €62.3 million of the present value of pension obligations and for €36.3 million of the plan assets and qualifies as optional benefit plan. Employees are entitled to contribute to the plan, with the company contributing 1.5 times this value. The agreed benefits include pensions, invalidity benefits and benefits for surviving dependents. Commitments in the form of company or individual agreements depend on the length of service and salary at the time of retirement. For the majority of commitments, the amount of the company pension obligation is limited to 75% of the final remuneration. At retirement the employee may choose to receive up to 25% of his/her amount at once or receive it on a pro-rata base with different options of monthly quotes.  The following table shows the development of net liability from pension obligations: 1) preliminary  The present value of pension obligations developed as follows: 1) preliminary  in € million 2017 2016 Net liability from pension obligations at beginning of year 234.7 243.9 Currency translation (2.3) (2.2) Additions to consolidated companies1) 81.0 0.0 Disposals of consolidated companies 0.0 (5.6) Pension cost 8.5 9.3 Remeasurement losses/(gains) 6.0 9.0 Benefits paid (17.8) (17.2) Employers' contributions to external funds (3.3) (2.5) Net liability from pension obligations at year-end 306.8 234.7    in € million 2017 2016 Present value of pension obligations at beginning of year 289.2 304.9 Currency translation (7.9) (2.8) Additions to consolidated companies1) 240.3 0.0 Disposals of consolidated companies 0.0 (11.5) Current service cost 3.3 3.5 Interest cost 7.2 6.8 Remeasurement losses/(gains)     from changes in demographic assumptions (0.6) (0.3) from changes in financial assumptions 6.1 10.3 due to experience adjustments 2.2 (1.1) Benefits paid (23.1) (21.0) Employee contributions to external funds 0.4 0.4 Present value of pension obligations at year-end 517.1 289.2    1 5 6

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  2017 RHI Magnesita Group   56  The development of plan assets is shown in the table below: 1) preliminary  The changes in the asset ceiling are shown below: 1) preliminary  At 31 December 2017 the weighted average duration of pension obligations amounts to 12 years (31.12.2016: 11 years). The following amounts were recorded in the Consolidated Statement of Profit or Loss:  The remeasurement results recognised in other comprehensive income are shown in the table below:  in € million 2017 2016 Fair value of plan assets at beginning of year 56.4 63.8 Currency translation (5.9) (0.5) Additions to consolidated companies1) 174.6 0.0 Disposals of consolidated companies 0.0 (5.9) Interest income 2.3 1.1 Administrative costs (paid from plan assets) (0.2) (0.1) Income on plan assets less interest income 3.0 (1.1) Benefits paid (5.3) (3.8) Employers' contributions to external funds 3.3 2.5 Employee contributions to external funds 0.4 0.4 Fair value of plan assets at year-end 228.6 56.4    in € million 2017 2016 Asset ceiling at beginning of year 1.9 2.8 Currency translation (0.3) 0.1 Additions to consolidated companies1) 15.3 0.0 Interest expense  0.1 0.0 (Gains)/losses from changes in asset ceiling less interest expense 1.3 (1.0) Asset ceiling at year-end 18.3 1.9    in € million 2017 2016 Current service cost 3.3 3.5 Interest cost 7.2 6.8 Interest income (2.3) (1.1) Interest expense from asset ceiling  0.1 0.0 Administrative costs (paid from plan assets) 0.2 0.1 Pension expense recognised in profit or loss 8.5 9.3    in € million 2017 2016 Accumulated remeasurement losses at beginning of year 113.3 102.4 Reclassification due to disposal of defined benefit plans 0.0 1.9 Remeasurement losses/(gains) on present value of pension obligations 7.7 8.9 Income on plan assets less interest income (3.0) 1.1 (Gains)/losses from changes in asset ceiling less interest 1.3 (1.0) Accumulated remeasurement losses at year-end 119.3 113.3    R H I   M A G N E S I TA

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    57 The present value of plan assets is distributed to the following classes of investments:  The present value of the insurances to cover the Austrian pension plans corresponds to the coverage capital. Insurance companies predominantly invest in debt instruments and to a low extent in equity instruments and properties. Plan assets do not include own financial instruments of the Group or assets utilised by the RHI Magnesita Group. RHI Magnesita works with professional fund managers for the investment of plan assets. They act on the basis of specific investment guidelines adopted by the pension fund committee of the respective pension plans. The committees consist of management staff of the finance department and other qualified executives. They meet regularly in order to approve the target portfolio with the support of independent actuarial experts and to review the risks and the performance of the investments. In addition, they approve the selection or the extension of contracts of external fund managers.  The largest part of the assets is invested in pension reinsurance, which creates a low counterparty risk towards insurance companies. In addition, the Group is exposed to interest risks and longevity risks resulting from defined benefit commitments. The Group generally endows the pension funds with the amount necessary to meet the legal minimum allocation requirements of the country in which the fund is based. Moreover, the Group makes additional allocations at its discretion from time to time. In the financial year 2018, RHI Magnesita expects employer contributions to external plan assets to amount to €4.8 million and direct payments to entitled beneficiaries to €17.9 million. In the previous year, employer contributions of €2.4 million and direct pension payments of €15.1 million had been expected for the financial year 2017.  (29) Other personnel provisions Other personnel provisions consist of the following items:    31.12.2017 31.12.2016 in € million Active market No active market Total Active market No active market Total Insurances 0.0 38.4 38.4 0.0 38.8 38.8 Equity instruments 4.8 23.1 27.9 5.0 0.0 5.0 Debt instruments 17.2 45.2 62.4 0.0 8.2 8.2 Cash and cash equivalents 35.0 0.4 35.4 0.0 0.3 0.3 Other assets 60.8 3.7 64.5 0.2 3.9 4.1 Fair value of plan assets 117.8 110.8 228.6 5.2 51.2 56.4        in € million 31.12.2017 31.12.2016 Termination benefits 58.1 58.5 Service anniversary bonuses 19.4 18.3 Share-based payments 2.9 1.4 Semi-retirements 1.4 1.7 Lump-sum settlements 0.7 0.7 Other personnel provisions 82.5 80.6    1 5 8

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  2017 RHI Magnesita Group   58  Provisions for termination benefits Provisions for termination benefits were based on the following weighted average measurement assumptions:  The interest rate for the measurement of termination benefit obligations in the Euro area was determined taking into account the company specific duration of the portfolio. Provisions for termination benefits developed as follows in the financial year and the previous year:  Payments for termination benefits are expected to amount to €3.0 million in the year 2018. In the previous year, the payments for termination benefits expected for the year 2017 amounted to €1.9 million. The following remeasurement gains and losses were recognised in other comprehensive income: 1) Including €0.1 million (2016: €0.1 million) from a joint venture accounted for using the equity method  At 31 December 2017 the weighted average duration of termination benefit obligations amounts to 11 years (31.12.2016: 11 years). Provisions for service anniversary bonuses The measurement of provisions for service anniversary bonuses is based on an average weighted interest rate of 1.4% (31.12.2016: 1.5%) and takes into account salary increases of 3.6% (31.12.2016: 3.8%). Provisions for semi-retirement The discount rate of provisions for semi-retirement amounts to 0.0% as of 31 December 2017 (31.12.2016: 0.0%). in % 31.12.2017 31.12.2016 Interest rate 1.7% 1.8% Future salary increase 3.8% 2.9%    in € million 2017 2016 Provisions for termination benefits at beginning of year 58.5 60.1 Currency translation (0.1) 0.0 Current service cost 1.5 1.5 Interest cost 1.0 1.3 Remeasurement losses/(gains)     from changes in financial assumptions 5.1 2.9 due to experience adjustments 0.4 (1.7) Benefits paid (4.1) (5.6) Reclassification  (0.4) 0.0 Reclassification as held for sale (3.8) 0.0 Provisions for termination benefits at year-end 58.1 58.5    in € million 2017 2016 Accumulated remeasurement losses at beginning of year 23.6 22.3 Remeasurement losses1) 5.6 1.3 Reclassification as held for sale (1.3) 0.0 Accumulated remeasurement losses at year-end 27.9 23.6    R H I   M A G N E S I TA

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    59 The funded status of provisions for obligations to employees with semi-retirement contracts is shown in the table below:  External plan assets are beyond the reach of all creditors and exclusively serve to meet semi-retirement obligations.  (30) Other non-current provisions The development of non-current provisions is shown in the table below: 1) preliminary  The provision for contract obligations amounting to €31.0 million (31.12.2016: €4.0 million) is related to a lease contract and to contracts for logistics services and the procurement of raw materials. In November 2017, RHI Magnesita sold a plant located in Oberhausen, Germany, in order to satisfy the conditions imposed by the European Commission in connection with their approval of the Acquisition of Control of Magnesita. As RHI Magnesita is obligated to provide raw materials at cost, the Group has recognised a provision for unfavourable contracts as part of the purchase price allocation to reflect the foregone profit margin. The preliminary fair value of this provision is based on current market prices and discounted over the contractual lifetime of 12 years. The non-current portion of this contract obligation amounts to €27.6 million as of 31.12.2017.  The provision for labour and civil contingencies amounting to €9.4 million primarily comprises a provision relating to a public civil action that aims to condemn RHI Magnesita for damages caused by overloaded trucks in disagreement with the traffic legislation. In addition, a provision for a legal action is included where a supplier requires the condemnation payment of RHI Magnesita in connection with consulting services, advice and representations.  The item provision for demolition and disposal costs and environmental damages amounting to €9.0 million primarily includes provisions for the estimated costs of mining site restoration of several mines in Brazil amounting to €3.8 million and various sites in the United States amounting to €4.8 million.  The item other provisions includes provisions related to tax litigation procedures in Peru related to corporate income tax of fiscal year 2009 amounting to €2.6 million and judicial action filed in Colombia related to corporate income tax of fiscal year 2010 amounting to €1.5 million. Furthermore, several provisions are included that are individually immaterial and cannot be allocated to one of the above-mentioned categories. Currently, these provisions are expected to be used in a period from two to four years. in € million 31.12.2017 31.12.2016 Present value of semi-retirement obligations 5.0 5.1 Fair value of plan assets (3.6) (3.4) Provisions for semi-retirement obligations 1.4 1.7    in € million Contract obligations  Labour and civil contingencies  Demolition/ disposal costs,  environmental damages Other  Total 01.01.2017 4.0 0.0 0.5 0.0 4.5 Currency translation (1.1) (0.3) (0.3) (0.1) (1.8) Additions to consolidated companies1) 28.9 9.1 9.0 4.7 51.7 Use (1.7) 0.0 0.0 (0.2) (1.9) Reversal (0.5) 0.0 (0.2) 0.0 (0.7) Addition 2.4 0.6 0.0 0.0 3.0 Reclassifications (1.0) 0.0 0.0 0.0 (1.0) 31.12.2017 31.0 9.4 9.0 4.4 53.8       1 6 0

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  2017 RHI Magnesita Group   60   (31) Other non-current liabilities Other non-current liabilities consist of the following items:   (32) Trade payables and other current liabilities Trade payables and other current liabilities included in the Consolidated Statement of Financial Position consist of the following items:  The item liabilities to employees primarily consists of obligations for wages and salaries, payroll taxes and employee related duties, performance bonuses, unused vacation and flexitime credits. Other current liabilities include €3.7 million investment reimbursement obligation to the former subsidiary Dolomite Franchi S.p.A., €1.3 million (31.12.2016: €0.0 million) liabilities from emission rights and other accrued expenses.   (33) Income tax liabilities Income tax liabilities amounting to €16.1 million (31.12.2016: €18.4 million) primarily include income taxes for the current year and previous years which have not yet been definitively audited by domestic and foreign tax authorities. Taking into account a multitude of factors, including the interpretation, commenting and case law regarding the respective tax laws as well as past experiences, adequate liabilities have been recognised as far as apparent.  in € million 31.12.2017 31.12.2016 Deferred income for subsidies received 4.7 4.7 Liabilities employees 2.8 1.3 Contingent consideration for acquired subsidiaries 0.6 0.0 Miscellaneous non-current liabilities 0.9 0.9 Other non-current liabilities 9.0 6.9 thereof financial liabilities 0.6 0.0 thereof non-financial liabilities 8.4 6.9    in € million 31.12.2017 31.12.2016 Trade payables 461.3 202.1 Prepayments received on orders 24.1 14.9 Liabilities to employees 99.2 51.8 Taxes other than income tax 23.2 16.5 Payables from commissions 13.2 5.9 Liabilities to joint ventures and associates 9.1 0.0 Customers with credit balances 6.5 6.0 Payables from property transactions 4.8 2.8 Liabilities to non-consolidated subsidiaries 1.1 0.1 Other current liabilities 28.9 12.6 Trade payables and other current liabilities 671.4 312.7 thereof financial liabilities 500.2 217.3 thereof non-financial liabilities 171.2 95.4    R H I   M A G N E S I TA

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    61 (34) Current provisions The development of current provisions is shown in the table below: 1) preliminary  Provisions for restructuring costs amount to €37.6 million as of 31 December 2017 (31.12.2016: €2.1 million) and primarily consist of benefit obligations to employees due to termination of employment. The increase in the fiscal year 2017 results from the acquisition-related reorganisation of the Group.  The item demolition and disposal costs, environmental damages includes provisions for the estimated demolition and disposal costs of plants and buildings, of which an amount of €2.5 million (31.12.2016: €2.8 million) refers to former sites in Duisburg, Germany and €2.7 million (31.12.2016: €1.0 million) in Aken, Germany. It is assumed that these provisions will be used up within in the next twelve months.  Provisions for warranties include provisions for claims arising from warranties and other similar obligations from the sale of refractory products. Provision for contract obligations include provisions for unfavourable contracts from the sale of refractory products amounting to €4.7 million and provisions for unfavourable contracts related to a lease contract, to contracts for logistics services and the procurement of raw materials totalling €4.9 million. In November 2017, RHI Magnesita sold a plant located in Oberhausen, Germany, in order to satisfy the conditions of the merger control divestment imposed by the European Commission in connection with their approval of the Acquisition of Control of Magnesita. As RHI Magnesita is obligated to provide raw materials at cost, the Group has recognised a provision for unfavourable contracts as part of the purchase price allocation to reflect the foregone profit margin. The preliminary fair value of this provision is based on current market prices and discounted over the contractual lifetime of 12 years. The current portion of this contract obligation amounts to €2.5 million as of 31.12.2017.  Provisions for guarantees provided include obligations from sureties and guarantees to banks and insurance companies in the country and abroad. The exact due date of the cash outflow is uncertain at present. The item other provisions include provisions for real estate transfer tax amounting to € 2.4 million resulting from corporate reorganisation of RHI Magnesita as well as a provision for the share-based remuneration programme of the members of the former Management Board of RHI AG of €1.4 million (31.12.2016: €0.7 million).  in € million Restruc-turing costs  Demolition/ disposal costs,  environmental damages Warran-ties Contract obliga-tions  Guaran-tees provided Other  Total 01.01.2017 2.1 8.2 11.1 0.0 3.3 4.4 29.1 Currency translation (0.2) 0.0 (0.3) (0.2) 0.0 (0.2) (0.9) Additions to consolidated companies1) 19.5 0.0 0.1 2.6 0.0 3.6 25.8 Use (3.2) (0.5) (1.5) (1.9) 0.0 (2.4) (9.5) Reversal (0.8) (0.1) (1.5) (0.8) (0.4) (0.2) (3.8) Addition 18.6 1.7 3.9 4.3 0.0 4.0 32.5 Reclassifications 1.6 0.0 (3.0) 3.2 0.0 (0.1) 1.7 Reclassification from current liabilities 0.0 0.0 (0.1) 0.0 0.0 (0.1) (0.2) 31.12.2017 37.6 9.3 8.7 7.2 2.9 9.0 74.7         1 6 2

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  2017 RHI Magnesita Group   62  In addition, provisions for legal proceedings including attorney’s fees amounting to €3.1 million are included in the item other provisions. It is currently uncertain when precisely the cash outflow is due. In the context of the legal proceedings to review the cash compensation of the former minority shareholders of Didier-Werke AG, Wiesbaden, Germany, a provision amounting to €0.6 million was in place at 31 December 2016. With a decision of 17 January 2017, the Frankfurt Higher Regional Court followed the amount of the adequate cash compensation according to an expert opinion and set the compensation at €102.37 per no-par share of Didier-Werke AG. This amount carried an interest rate of five percentage points above the base rate since 26 August 2010. In addition, the RHI Magnesita Group had to bear the court costs, costs of the legal counsel and the out-of-court costs of the claimant. No appeals were permitted. The decision is thus final. The payment was made in February 2017.  Furthermore, several provisions, which are individually immaterial and cannot be allocated to one of the above-mentioned categories, are included in other provisions. A large part of these costs is expected to be paid within twelve months. R H I   M A G N E S I TA

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    63 NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF PROFIT OR LOSS (35) Revenue Revenue is essentially generated by product deliveries. The distribution of revenue by product group, division and country is given in the explanations to segment reporting under Note (52). Revenue includes revenues from long-term construction contracts amounting to €81.3 million (2016: €58.7 million).  (36) Cost of sales Cost of sales comprises the production cost of goods sold as well as the purchase price of merchandise sold. In addition to direct material and production costs, it also includes overheads including depreciation charges on production equipment, amortisation charges of intangible assets as well as impairment losses and reversals of impairment losses of inventories. Moreover, cost of sales also includes the costs of services provided by the Group or services received.  (37) Selling and marketing expenses This item includes personnel expenses for the sales staff, commissions, as well as depreciation charges and other operating expenses related to the market and sales processes.  (38) General and administrative expenses General and administrative expenses primarily consist of personnel expenses for the administrative functions, legal and other consulting costs, expenses for research and non-capitalisable development costs.  Research and development expenses totaled €24.0 million (2016: €23.9 million), of which development costs amounting to €4.6 million (2016: €4.8 million) were capitalised. Income from research grants amounted to €3.8 million (2016: €4.0 million) in the reporting year 2017. Amortisation and impairment of development costs amounting to €4.3 million (2016: €3.4 million) are recognised under cost of sales.  For the acquisition of Magnesita, costs totaling €33.5 million were incurred in the financial year 2017 (2016: €12.1 million). They are primarily related to legal and other advisory fees and fees for the consulting investment banks. Of the total costs, €24.4 million (2016: €12.1 million) were recognised in profit or loss under general and administrative expenses and €9.1 million were accounted for as a deduction from equity since these costs were directly attributable to the issue of RHI Magnesita shares in 2017. Thereof €3.0 million were cash-effective and are shown in the Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows in the item capital expenses for the issue of shares.  (39) Other income The individual components of other income are: In 2017, the valuation of the commodity futures contract for electricity for the fusion plant in Porsgrunn, Norway, led to an income of €4.9 million (2016: €10.1 million). Further information is presented in Note (56). in € million 2017 2016 Foreign exchange gains 68.2 85.0 Gains from derivative financial instruments 14.2 2.7 Result from derivatives from supply contracts 4.9 10.1 Income from restructuring 0.3 0.3 Income from the disposal of non-current assets 0.9 0.9 Miscellaneous income 2.7 3.7 Other income 91.2 102.7    1 6 4

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  2017 RHI Magnesita Group   64   (40) Other expenses Other expenses include: Net foreign currency result The net foreign currency effects amount to €(58.1) million (2016: €8.1 million). The net amount of gains and losses from derivative financial instruments in the EBIT amounts to €7.3 million (2016: €(4.1) million). This amount includes realised effects from forward exchange contracts of €10.8 million (2016: €(3.6) million). Restructuring costs Merger related restructuring In order to achieve the expected synergies from the acquisition of Magnesita the Group initiated a global restructuring programme which led to €35.3 million expenses in 2017. Merger control divestments The European Commission approved the acquisition of Magnesita subject to the divestment of RHI’s entire dolomite business concerning the production sites in Marone, Italy, and Lugones, Spain, and Magnesita’s production, sale, and related activities of magnesia-carbon bricks concentrated in Oberhausen, Germany. Consequently, all related assets and liabilities were reclassified as a disposal group. At the end of November, the disposal resulted in expenses amounting to €13.6 million. Further details regarding this divestment are included in Note (5) on the changes in the group of consolidated companies.  Sale of fused cast business The disposal of the Italian San Vito plant and the Russian Podolsk plant, which produce fused cast refractories for the use in the glass industry, resulted in expenses amounting to €9.4 million. Further details regarding this divestment are included in Note (5) on the changes in the group of consolidated companies. Porsgrunn plant, Norway The high-grade products manufactured at this site stand in direct competition with products available on the market. Due to the massive drop in raw material prices in 2016, external purchases were increased and the capacities for the Group’s own production restricted accordingly. This resulted in expenses for unused logistics services amounting to €4.4 million in 2017. In 2016 expenses amounting to €4.2 million were recorded, which comprised personnel costs of €1.4 million and costs from purchase contracts for the delivery of raw materials and provision of logistics services of €2.8 million. Sale RHI Monofrax LLC, USA The sale of RHI Monofrax LLC, Wilmington, USA, resulted in expenses amounting to €4.6 million in 2016. Further details regarding this deconsolidation are included in Note (5) on the changes in the group of consolidated companies in the previous year. Clydebank plant, United Kingdom The Clydebank site was closed at the end of the year 2016 and the activities for isostatically pressed products concentrated at the site in Bonnybridge. This resulted in personnel costs of €0.1 million in 2016. in € million 2017 2016 Foreign exchange losses (126.3) (76.9) Restructuring costs (62.7) (8.9) Losses from the disposal of non-current assets (7.6) (0.5) Losses from derivative financial instruments (6.9) (6.8) Impairment losses (2.1) (8.6) Miscellaneous expenses (10.5) (1.6) Other expenses (216.1) (103.3)    R H I   M A G N E S I TA

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    65 Impairment losses The plants in San Vito, Italy, and Sherbinska, Russia, produce fused cast products. The production of such fused cast products is associated with high fixed costs, which combined with low capacity utilisation burden the achievable margins and led to an impairment of €8.0 million as of 31 December 2016 for the CGU Industrial/Fused Cast. In the first half of 2017, these two plants were classified as a disposal group, which led to an additional impairment of €1.8 million. The disposal group was sold in the fourth quarter. Additionally, other minor investments totalling €0.3 million (2016: €0.6 million) were fully impaired. Miscellaneous expenses The miscellaneous expenses include €6.5 million non-recoverable input tax (ICMS), of which the majority is related to the stream-lining of operations in Brazil.  (41) Interest income This item includes interest on cash at banks and similar income amounting to €2.8 million (2016: €2.9 million), interest income on financial receivables amounting to €0.2 million (2016: €0.2 million) and interest income on available-for-sale securities and shares amounting to €2.5 million (2016: €1.0 million), of which €2.0 million (2016: €0.4 million) is accounted for by impaired securities.  (42) Interest expenses This item includes interest expenses for bonded loans and bank loans less capitalised interest on borrowings, interest from interest rate swaps, tax-related interest, interest expenses attributable to non-controlling interests totalling €3.3 million (2016: €3.4 million) and other interest and similar expenses.  (43) Other net financial expenses Other net financial expenses consist of the following items:  (44) Income tax Income tax consists of the following items:  The current tax expense of the year 2017 includes tax expenses for previous periods of €2.8 million (2016: €1.8 million) and income from income tax relating to other periods of €8.6 million (2016: €8.2 million). In 2017, in € million 2017 2016 Interest income on plan assets 2.2 1.1 Interest expense on provisions for pensions (7.2) (6.8) Interest expense on provisions for termination benefits (1.0) (1.3) Interest expense on other personnel provisions (0.3) (0.4) Net interest expense personnel provisions (6.3) (7.4) Reversal of impairment losses/(impairment losses) on securities (1.9) 0.5 Expenses from the valuation of put options (0.9) (1.8) Gains from the disposal of securities and shares 0.0 0.9 Other net financial expenses (9.1) (7.8)    in € million 2017 2016 Current tax expense 30.5 25.6 Deferred tax expense/(income) relating to     temporary differences (2.5) (6.5) tax loss carryforwards 8.4 10.8   5.9 4.3 Income tax 36.4 29.9    1 6 6

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  2017 RHI Magnesita Group   66  €6.7 million were attributable to the reversal of a provision related to a tax audit in Germany. In 2016, the completion of a tax audit in Turkey led to the reversal of a provision of €6.3 million.  In addition to the income taxes recognised in the Statement of Profit or Loss, tax income totalling €4.1 million (2016: €1.1 million), which is attributable to other comprehensive income, was also recognised in other comprehensive income. Tax expense totalling €6.3 million (2016: tax income of €0.5 million) was reclassified from other comprehensive income to the Statement of Profit or Loss. The administrative seat, place of effective management and registered office is located in Vienna, Austria. Consequently RHI Magnesita N.V. is considered tax resident in Austria under the tax rules of Austria and under the double taxation treaty between Austria and the Netherlands. The reasons for the difference between the arithmetic income tax expense, which would result from the application of the Austrian corporate tax rate of 25% on the profit before income tax, and the income tax reported are shown below:  Deferred tax expense due to tax rates changes is primarily attributable to the reduction of the corporate income tax rate in the United States from 35% to 21% (€(7.5) million) and in Norway (2017: €(1.1) million, 2016:  €(1.2) million).  (45) Expense categories The presentation of the Consolidated Statement of Profit or Loss is based on the cost of sales method. The following table shows a classification by expense category for the financial year 2017 and the previous year: 1) Including impairment losses on property, plant and equipment and intangible assets in € million 2017 2016 Profit before income tax 23.5 105.8 Arithmetic tax expense with tax rate of 25% (2016: 25%) 5.9 26.5 Different foreign tax rates 1.0 1.2 Expenses not deductible for tax purposes, non-creditable taxes 20.4 12.5 Income not subject to tax and tax advantages (7.1) (2.2) Non-capitalised tax losses and temporary differences of the financial year 11.9 2.1 Utilisation of previously unrecognised loss carryforwards and temporary differences (1.2) (0.6) Capitalization of previously unrecognised loss carryforwards and temporary differences (5.8) (0.5) Change in valuation allowance on deferred tax assets 3.7 1.4 Deferred tax expense due to tax rate changes 9.5 1.3 Deferred income tax relating to prior periods 3.3 (4.4) Current income tax relating to prior periods (5.8) (6.4) Other 0.6 (1.0) Recognised tax expense 36.4 29.9 Effective tax rate (in %) 154.9% 28.3%    in € million Cost of sales Selling and marketing expenses General and administrative expenses Other income/ expenses Total 2017 Changes in inventories, own work capitalised (50.4) 0.2 (3.9) 1.5 (52.6) Cost of materials 919.2 4.0 5.3 (0.3) 928.2 Personnel costs 259.2 72.4 100.2 22.8 454.6 Depreciation charges1) 68.4 0.9 6.0 17.2 92.5 Other income (8.5) 0.0 (6.9) (91.3) (106.7) Other expenses 297.7 47.5 66.8 175.0 587.0 Total 1,485.6 125.0 167.5 124.9 1,903.0       R H I   M A G N E S I TA

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    67  1) Including impairment losses on property, plant and equipment and intangible assets  Cost of materials includes expenses for raw materials and supplies, and purchased goods of €759.0 million (2016: €620.3 million) as well as expenses for services received, especially energy, amounting to €169.2 million (2016: €165.4 million). Amortisation charges of intangible assets are largely recognised in cost of sales.  (46) Personnel costs Personnel costs consist of the following components:  Personnel costs do not include amounts resulting from the interest accrued on personnel provisions. They amount to €6.3 million (2016: €7.4 million) and are recorded in net finance costs. in € million Cost of sales Selling and marketing expenses General and administrative expenses Other income/ expenses Total 2016 Changes in inventories, own work capitalised 22.6 0.0 (4.8) 0.0 17.8 Cost of materials 781.4 0.4 2.7 1.2 785.7 Personnel costs 253.5 58.4 85.3 1.5 398.7 Depreciation charges1) 60.5 0.5 4.2 8.8 74.0 Other income (14.7) 0.0 (8.2) (92.3) (115.2) Other expenses 191.5 45.9 55.3 81.4 374.1 Total 1,294.8 105.2 134.5 0.6 1,535.1       in € million 2017 2016 Wages and salaries 360.1 305.8 Pensions     Defined benefit plans 3.4 3.6 Defined contribution plans 3.4 3.1 Termination benefits     Defined benefit plans 1.5 1.5 Defined contribution plans 2.0 1.9 Other expenses 1.5 4.1 Social security costs  68.7 68.3 Fringe benefits 14.0 10.4 Personnel expenses (without interest expenses) 454.6 398.7    1 6 8

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  2017 RHI Magnesita Group   68  NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF CASH FLOWS The Statement of Cash Flows shows how cash and cash equivalents of the Group change through cash inflows and cash outflows during the reporting year. In accordance with IAS 7, cash flows from operating activities, from investing activities and from financing activities are distinguished. Cash flows from investing and financing activities are determined on the basis of cash payment, while cash flow from operating activities is derived from the Consolidated Financial Statements using the indirect method. The respective monthly changes in items of the Statement of Financial Position of companies that report in foreign currencies are translated at the closing rate of the previous month and adjusted for effects arising from changes in the group of consolidated companies or in other businesses. Therefore, the Statement of Cash Flows cannot be derived directly from changes in items of the Consolidated Statement of Financial Position. As in the Statement of Financial Position, cash and cash equivalents are translated at the closing rate. The effects of changes in exchange rates on cash and cash equivalents are shown separately.  (47) Net cash flow from operating activities Net cash flow from operating activities is derived indirectly based on profit after income tax. Profit after income tax is adjusted for results which are allocable to the cash flows from investing or financing activities and for non-cash expenses and income. Other non-cash expenses and income include in particular the net interest expenses for defined benefit pension plans amounting to €6.3 million (2016: €7.4 million), net remeasurement losses of monetary foreign currency positions and derivative financial instruments of €51.2 million (2016: net remeasurement gain of €21.9 million) and non-cash funding of provisions for restructuring amounting to €13.6 million (2016: funding of €1.0 million). Taking into account the change in funds tied up in working capital as well as other operating assets and liabilities and income taxes paid, the result is net cash flow from operating activities.  (48) Net cash flow from investing activities Net cash flow from investing activities shows the cash inflows and outflows for disposals of and additions to non-current assets. The cash outflows for investments in property, plant and equipment and intangible assets differ from the additions to assets primarily through additions to assets already capitalised, which will have a cash effect in the following year. Cash effects from business combinations or the sale of companies (net change in cash and cash equivalents from initial consolidations and deconsolidations) are shown separately. Total cash inflows due to the acquisition of subsidiaries net of cash acquired amount to €45.1 million in the reporting year. The acquisition of a share of 50.0% plus one share in Magnesita led to a cash inflow of €50.2 million (purchase price paid of €117.3 million less acquired cash and cash equivalents of €167.5 million). The purchase price paid for the acquisition of 100% of the shares of Agellis amounts to €5.1 million.  The sale of Fused Cast and the merger control divestments in the financial year 2017 led to a total cash inflow of €30.6 million (purchase price received of €40.3 million less cash and cash equivalents disposed of amounting to €9.7 million).The sale of the subsidiary RHI Monofrax LLC, Wilmington, USA, as of 6 June 2016 led to a cash outflow of €4.6 million. Interest and dividends received are included under cash flow from investing activities.  (49) Net cash flow from financing activities Net cash flow from financing activities includes outflows from dividend payments and interest payments. In contrast, interest on borrowings capitalised in accordance with IAS 23 is included in cash flow from investing activities, and tax-related interest is recognised in cash flow from operating activities. R H I   M A G N E S I TA

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    69 Inflows resulting from the proceeds and repayments of loans and other financial liabilities are classified as non-current or current according to the term of financing.  The net cash flow from financing activities consists of payments to shareholders of the Group and non-controlling interests as well as changes in financial liabilities and assets. The reconciliation of movements of financial liabilities and assets to cash flows arising from financing activities is shown in the table below:    (50) Total interest paid and interest received Total interest paid amounts to €25.6 million in the reporting period (2016: €17.5 million), of which €0.1 million (2016: €0.0 million) are included in cash flow from operating activities, €0.6 million (2016: €0.5 million) in cash flow from investing activities and €24.9 million (2016: €17.0 million) in cash flow from financing activities.  Total interest received amounts to €5.1 million for the financial year 2017 (2016: €3.2 million), of which €0.0 million (2016: €0.2 million) are included in cash flow from operating activities and €5.1 million (2016: €3.0 million) in cash flow from investing activities.   (51) Cash and cash equivalents Cash and cash equivalents as presented in the Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows correspond to the cash and cash equivalents recognised in the Consolidated Statement of Financial Position. They include restricted cash totalling €80.8 million at 31 December 2017 (31.12.2016: €19.8 million). Restricted cash is mainly related to cash and cash equivalents at subsidiaries (mainly in Brazil, India and China) to which the company only has limited access due to foreign exchange and capital transfer controls. €75.8 million (31.12.2016: €13.5 million) are accounted for by subsidiaries with non-controlling interests.       Cash changes Non-cash changes   in € million 01.01.2017   Changes in foreign exchange rates Additions to consolidated companies Interest expense and other changes 31.12.2017 Liabilities to financial institutions 475.5 60.1 (13.3) 407.9 22.8 953.0 Perpetual bond 0.0 0.0 (5.6) 217.9 3.0 215.3 Senior notes 0.0 0.0 (1.4) 56.3 0.7 55.6 Liabilities to fixed-term or puttable non-controlling interests 32.5 (3.2) (1.7) 0.0 4.4 32.0 Other financial liabilities 7.7 (3.4) (0.1) 0.1 (2.6) 1.7 Prepaid transaction costs related to financial liabilities 0.0 (2.5) 0.0 0.0 0.0 (2.5) Changes of financial liabilities and assets arising from financing activities 515.7 51.0 (22.1) 682.2 28.3 1,255.1        1 7 0

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  2017 RHI Magnesita Group   70  OTHER DISCLOSURES (52) Segment reporting Segment reporting by operating company division The following tables show the financial information for the operating segments for the year 2017 and the previous year:   in € million Steel Industrial Raw Materials Reconcil-iation Group 2017 External revenue 1,308.8 577.6 59.7 0.0 1,946.1 Internal revenue 0.0 0.0 228.8 (228.8) 0.0 Segment revenue 1,308.8 577.6 288.5 (228.8) 1,946.1             Gross profit 302.7 130.2 27.6 0.0 460.5             EBIT 26.4 9.8 6.9 0.0 43.1 Net finance costs 0.0 0.0 0.0 (30.6) (30.6) Share of profit of joint ventures and associates 0.1 0.0 10.9 0.0 11.0 Profit before income tax         23.5             Depreciation and amortisation charges (34.8) (18.1) (19.8) 0.0 (72.7)             Segment assets 31.12.2017 1,131.7 445.5 835.3 843.1 3,255.6 Investments in joint ventures and associates 31.12.2017 9.2 0.0 21.3 0.0 30.5           3,286.1 Investments in property, plant and equipment and intangible assets (according to non-current assets statement) 36.7 21.0 12.7 0.0 70.4       in € million Steel Industrial Raw Materials Reconcil-iation Group 2016 External revenue 1,071.4 538.6 41.2 0.0 1,651.2 Internal revenue 0.0 0.0 224.8 (224.8) 0.0 Segment revenue 1,071.4 538.6 266.0 (224.8) 1,651.2             Gross profit 216.4 124.7 15.3 0.0 356.4             EBIT 76.3 32.0 7.8 0.0 116.1 Net finance costs 0.0 0.0 0.0 (21.2) (21.2) Share of profit of joint ventures 0.0 0.0 10.9 0.0 10.9 Profit before income tax         105.8             Depreciation and amortisation charges (31.3) (16.5) (17.3) 0.0 (65.1)             Segment assets 31.12.2016 645.4 269.6 397.8 458.9 1,771.7 Investments in joint ventures 31.12.2016 0.0 0.0 20.5 0.0 20.5           1,792.2 Investments in property, plant and equipment and intangible assets (according to non-current assets statement) 28.7 16.7 20.9 0.0 66.3       R H I   M A G N E S I TA

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    71 Revenue amounting to €195.5 million (2016: €183.9 million) was realised with one customer in 2017, which is included in the Steel segment. No other single customer contributed 10% or more to consolidated revenue in 2017 or 2016. Companies which are known to be part of a group are treated as one customer. Segment assets include the external receivables and inventories which are reported to the management for control and measurement and which are available to operating segments, as well as property, plant and equipment, goodwill and other intangible assets which are allocated to the segments based on the capacity of the assets provided to the segments. Shares in joint ventures are allocated to the segments. All other assets are recognised under reconciliation. When allocating revenue to product groups, a distinction is made between shaped products (e.g. hydraulically pressed bricks, fused cast bricks, isostatically pressed products) and unshaped products (e.g. repair mixes, construction mixes and castables) as well as other revenue. Other includes revenue from the provision of services as well as the sale of non-group refractory products. In the reporting year, revenue is classified by product group as follows:  In 2016, revenue was classified by product group as follows:  Segment reporting by country Revenue is classified by customer sites as follows:  in € million Steel Industrial Raw Materials Group 2017 Shaped products 826.3 435.0 0.2 1,261.5 Unshaped products 353.2 63.8 58.9 475.9 Other 129.3 78.8 0.6 208.7 Revenue 1,308.8 577.6 59.7 1,946.1      in € million Steel Industrial Raw Materials Group 2016 Shaped products 675.6 403.8 0.0 1,079.4 Unshaped products 314.8 61.5 40.9 417.2 Other 81.0 73.3 0.3 154.6 Revenue 1,071.4 538.6 41.2 1,651.2      in € million 2017 2016 Netherlands 14.1 14.7 All other countries     India 204.3 170.7 USA 195.0 151.2 Germany 137.0 142.7 PR China 121.4 88.9 Mexico 118.6 113.6 Italy 105.9 93.2 Brazil 91.5 32.9 Canada 70.8 60.8 Russia 59.0 49.1 Other countries, each below €42.3 million (2016: €41.5 million) 828.5 733.4 Revenue 1,946.1 1,651.2    1 7 2

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  2017 RHI Magnesita Group   72  The carrying amounts of property, plant and equipment and intangible assets are classified as follows by the respective sites of the group companies:  (53) Earnings per share In accordance with IAS 33, earnings per share are calculated by dividing the profit or loss attributable to the shareholders of RHI Magnesita N.V. (2016: RHI AG) by the weighted average number of shares outstanding during the financial year.  There are no options for the issue of new shares or other circumstances that may lead to diluting effects. Therefore, the basic and diluted earnings per share are identical.  (54) Dividend payments and proposed dividend Based on a resolution adopted by the 38th Annual General Meeting of RHI AG on 5 May 2017, dividends totalling €29.9 million were paid out to the shareholders in the financial year 2017 for the year 2016, which corresponded to a dividend of €0.75 per share. For the financial year 2017, the Board of Directors will propose a dividend of €0.75 per share, which corresponds to a dividend payment of €33.6 million for the shareholders of RHI Magnesita N.V.. The proposed dividend is subject to the approval by the Annual General Meeting on 7 June 2018 and was not recognised as a liability in the Consolidated Financial Statements 2017. Dividend payments to the shareholders of RHI Magnesita N.V. have no income tax consequences for RHI Magnesita N.V..   (55) Additional disclosures on financial instruments The following tables show the carrying amounts and fair values of financial assets and liabilities by measurement category and level and the allocation to the measurement category in accordance with IFRS 13. In addition, carrying amounts are shown aggregated according to measurement category. in € million 31.12.2017 31.12.2016 Brazil 644.1 6.0 Austria 214.0 206.5 PR China 138.9 128.3 Germany 98.6 87.9 India 58.8 64.2 USA 56.6 6.2 Turkey 31.8 34.1 Mexico 28.8 28.4 Other countries, each below €19.1 million (31.12.2016: €20.8 million) 57.7 69.1 Property, plant and equipment and intangible assets 1,329.3 630.7      2017 2016 Profit after income tax attributable to the owners of the parent (in € million) (18.4) 74.0 Weighted average number of shares 40,682,053 39,819,039 Earnings per share (in €) (0.45) 1.82    R H I   M A G N E S I TA

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    73     IAS 39 Measurement category1) Level (Amortised) cost Fair value 31.12.20172) in € million recognised in profit or loss recognised in equity Carrying amount Fair value Interests in subsidiaries not consolidated FAAC - 0.8 - - 0.8 - Available-for-sale investments FAAC - 0.4 - - 0.4 - Available-for-sale securities AfS 1 - - 12.6 12.6 12.6 Available-for-sale shares FAAC - 2.4 - - 2.4 - Securities designated as fair value through profit or loss FAFVTPL 1 - 2.3 - 2.3 2.3 Interest derivatives designated as cash flow hedges - 2 -   1.5 1.5 1.5 Non-current receivables from disposal of subsidiaries LaR - 2.6 - - 2.6 - Other non-current financial receivables LaR - 2.5 - - 2.5 - Trade and other current receivables LaR - 419.9 - - 419.9 - Other current financial receivables LaR - 0.1 - - 0.1 - Financial assets held for trading - securities FAHfT 1 - 32.3 - 32.3 32.3 Financial assets held for trading - derivatives FAHfT 2 - 1.7 - 1.7 1.7 Cash and cash equivalents LaR - 442.4 - - 442.4 - Financial assets           921.5   Liabilities to financial institutions FLAAC 2 953.0 - - 953.0 966.1 Perpetual bond FLAAC 1 215.3 - - 215.3 217.0 Senior notes FLAAC 2 55.6 - - 55.6 55.6 Other financial liabilities FLAAC 2 1.7 - - 1.7 1.7 Financial liabilities held for trading - derivatives FLHfT 2 - 40.9 - 40.9 40.9 Liabilities to fixed-term or puttable non-controlling interests FLAAC 2 32.0 - - 32.0 32.0 Contingent consideration for acquired subsidiaries FLFVTPL 3 - 0.6   0.6 0.6 Trade payables and other current liabilities FLAAC - 500.2 - - 500.2 - Financial liabilities           1,799.3   Aggregated according to measurement category           Loans and receivables LaR   867.5 - - 867.5   Available for sale financial instruments AfS   - - 12.6 12.6   Financial assets designated as fair value through profit or loss FAFVTPL   - 2.3 - 2.3   Financial assets at cost FAAC   3.6 - - 3.6   Financial assets held for trading FAHfT   - 34.0 - 34.0   Financial liabilities measured at amortised cost FLAAC   1,757.8 - - 1,757.8   Financial liabilities held for trading FLHfT   - 40.9 - 40.9   Financial liabilities measured at fair value through profit or loss FLFVTPL   - 0.6 - 0.6           1 74

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  2017 RHI Magnesita Group   74    1) FAAC: Financial assets at cost   AfS: Available for sale financial instruments   FAFVTPL: Financial assets measured at fair value through profit or loss  LaR: Loans and receivables   FAHfT: Financial assets held for trading   FLAAC: Financial liabilities measured at amortised cost   FLHfT: Financial liabilities held for trading  FLFVTPL: Financial liabilities measured at fair value through profit or loss 2) The items trade and other non-current receivables and payables also include non-financial assets and liabilities; they are therefore not considered in the table of financial instruments. The reconciliation to the respective items of the Statement of Financial Position is provided in Notes ((19) and (31)).  In the RHI Magnesita Group especially securities and derivative financial instruments are measured at fair value. Fair value is defined as the amount for which an asset could be exchanged, or a liability settled, between market participants in an arm's length transaction on the day of measurement. When the fair value is determined it is assumed that the transaction in which the asset is sold or the liability is transferred takes place either in the main market for the asset or liability, or in the most favourable market if there is no main market. RHI Magnesita considers the characteristics of the asset or liability to be measured which a market participant would consider in pricing. It is assumed that market participants act in their best economic interest.   IAS 39 Measurement category1) Level (Amortised) cost Fair value 31.12.20162) in € million recognised in profit or loss recognised in equity Carrying amount Fair value Available-for-sale investments FAAC - 0.4 - - 0.4 - Available-for-sale securities AfS 1 - - 15.3 15.3 15.3 Available-for-sale shares FAAC - 0.5 - - 0.5 - Other non-current financial receivables LaR - 2.7 - - 2.7 - Trade and other current receivables LaR - 312.1 - - 312.1 - Other current financial receivables LaR - 1.5 - - 1.5 - Financial assets held for trading - derivatives FAHfT 2 - 1.5 - 1.5 1.5 Cash and cash equivalents LaR - 182.9 - - 182.9 - Financial assets           516.9   Liabilities to financial institutions FLAAC 2 475.5 - - 475.5 497.7 Other financial liabilities FLAAC 2 7.7 - - 7.7 7.7 Interest derivatives designated as cash flow hedges - 2 - - 0.9 0.9 0.9 Financial liabilities held for trading - derivatives FLHfT 2 - 49.1 - 49.1 49.1 Liabilities to fixed-term or puttable non-controlling interests FLAAC 2 32.5 - - 32.5 32.5 Trade payables and other current liabilities FLAAC - 217.3 - - 217.3 - Financial liabilities           783.0   Aggregated according to measurement category           Loans and receivables LaR   499.2 - - 499.2   Available for sale financial instruments AfS   - - 15.3 15.3   Financial assets at cost FAAC   0.9 - - 0.9   Financial assets held for trading FAHfT   - 1.5 - 1.5   Financial liabilities measured at amortised cost FLAAC   733.0 - - 733.0   Financial liabilities held for trading FLHfT   - 49.1 - 49.1           R H I   M A G N E S I TA

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    75 RHI Magnesita takes into account the availability of observable market prices in an active market and uses the following hierarchy to determine fair value:  The fair value of available-for-sale securities, securities designated as fair value through profit or loss and securities held for trading is based on price quotations at the reporting date (Level 1). Due to the sale of securities in the year 2016, income of €0.1 million, which was previously recognised in other comprehensive income, had to be reclassified to the Statement of Profit or Loss. The fair value of interest derivatives in a hedging relationship (interest rate swaps) is determined by calculating the present value of future cash flows based on current yield curves taking into account the corresponding terms (Level 2). For two existing hedging relationships, which were previously included in an effective hedging relationship in accordance with IAS 39 and to which the rules of hedge accounting were applied, the requirements for hedge accounting were no longer given as of 30 June 2017. Consequently, the fair values of these interest derivatives have to be classified as financial liabilities held for trading. The fair value of financial assets and liabilities held for trading corresponds to the market value of the forward exchange contracts and the embedded derivatives in open orders denominated in a currency other than the functional currency, as well as the market value of a long-term power supply contract, which was classified as a derivative financial instrument since the financial year 2015. These financial assets and liabilities held for trading are measured based on quoted forward rates (Level 2). The fair value of the contingent consideration liability amounting to €0.6 million recognised in the year 2017 due to the acquisition of Agellis is determined by discounting the estimated earn-out with the transaction’s internal rate of return (Level 3). RHI Magnesita takes into account reclassifications in the measurement hierarchy at the end of the reporting period in which the changes occur. There were no shifts between the different measurement levels in the two reporting periods. Financial liabilities and liabilities to fixed-term or puttable non-controlling interests are carried at amortised cost in the Consolidated Statement of Financial Position; the fair values of the financial liabilities are only shown in the notes. The fair value of the perpetual bond is based on price quotations at the reporting date (Level 1), all other liabilities are calculated at the present value of the discounted future cash flows using yield curves that are currently observable (Level 2). Shares in non-consolidated subsidiaries of €0.8 million (31.12.2016: €0.0 million), available-for-sale investments of €0.4 million (31.12.2016: €0.4 million) and available-for-sale shares of €2.4 million (31.12.2016: €0.5 million) are equity instruments carried at cost for which there is no quoted price on an active market. It was not possible to derive a fair value based on comparable transactions. These investments and shares are immaterial in comparison with the total position of the Group.  The financial receivables approximately correspond to the fair value as due to the amount of the existing receivables no material deviation between the fair value and the carrying amount is assumed and the credit default risk is accounted for by forming valuation allowances. The remaining terms of trade and other current receivables and liabilities as well as cash and cash equivalents are predominantly short. Therefore, the carrying amounts of these items approximate fair value at the reporting date. At the two reporting dates, no contractual netting agreement of financial assets and liabilities were in place. Level 1: Prices quoted in active markets for identical financial instruments. Level 2: Measurement techniques in which all important data used are based on observable market data. Level 3:  Measurement techniques in which at least one significant parameter is based on non-observable market data.    1 7 6

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  2017 RHI Magnesita Group   76  Net results by measurement category in accordance with IAS 39 The effect of financial instruments on the income and expenses recognised in the reporting years 2017 and 2016 is shown in the following table, classified according to the measurement categories defined in IAS 39:  The net gain on available-for-sale financial assets recognised in the Consolidated Statement of Profit or Loss includes income from securities and shares, income from the disposal of securities and shares, income realised from changes in market value originally recognised in other comprehensive income as well as impairment losses and income from reversals of impairment losses. The net loss arising from loans and receivables as well as financial liabilities includes interest income and expenses, changes in valuation allowances and losses on derecognition, foreign exchange gains and losses as well as expenses related to the measurement of put options. The net gain of financial assets held for trading and financial liabilities includes unrealised results from the measurement of a long-term commodity futures contract as well as changes in the market value and realised results of forward exchange contracts and embedded derivatives in open orders in a currency other than the functional currency of RHI Magnesita, interest derivatives which do not meet the requirements of hedge accounting in accordance with IAS 39 and interest income from securities. The net gain from financial assets at fair value through profit or loss designated on initial recognition includes income related to the measurement of securities. Net finance costs include interest income amounting to €5.0 million (2016: €3.1 million) and interest expenses of €26.5 million (2016: €17.0 million), which result from financial assets and liabilities which are not carried at fair value through profit or loss.   (56) Derivative financial instruments Commodity futures The RHI Magnesita Group concluded a commodity futures contract for electricity for the fusion plant in Porsgrunn, Norway, in November 2011 which has been accounted for as a financial instrument in accordance with IAS 39 since 31 December 2015 because the “own-use exemption” (exemption for own use in accordance with IAS 39.5) no longer applies. The measurement of the entire term of the contract until the end of the year 2023 at market price level leads to a financial liability of €40.1 million at 31 December 2017 (31.12.2016: €49.0 million). The corresponding present value of the cash flows for the agreed electricity supply totals €83.4 million at 31 December 2017 (31.12.2016: €97.5 million); the present value of the cash flow at market price amounts to €43.3 million (31.12.2016: €48.5 million).   in € million 2017 2016 Net gain on available-for-sale financial assets     recognised in the Statement of Profit or Loss 0.5 2.4 recognised in other comprehensive income 0.0 0.1 reclassified from other comprehensive income to the Statement of Profit or Loss 0.0 (0.1)   0.5 2.4 Net loss from loans and receivables as well as financial liabilities at amortised cost (87.7) (13.1) Net gain on financial assets and financial liabilities classified as held for trading 12.2 6.0 Net gain from financial assets at fair value through profit or loss designated on initial recognition 0.1 0.0    R H I   M A G N E S I TA

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    77 Interest rate swaps RHI Magnesita has concluded interest rate swaps to hedge the cash flow risk of financial liabilities carrying variable interest rates. Financial liabilities carrying variable interest were designated as hedged items. The cash flow changes of the hedged items, which result from the changes of the variable interest rates, are balanced out by the cash flow changes of the interest rate swaps. These hedging measures pursue the objective to transform variable-interest financial liabilities into fixed-interest financial liabilities, thus hedging the cash flow from the financial liabilities. Credit risks are not part of the hedge. The term of two hedging relationships with a nominal volume of €17.2 million at the reporting date (31.12.2016: €25.7 million) ends in the financial year 2019. The interest payments from the underlying transaction and the compensation payments from the two interest rate swaps are made quarterly at the end of the quarter. The refinancing of liabilities to financial institutions carried out in the course of the acquisition of Magnesita led to the early repayment of, among others, two financial liabilities carrying variable interest which are designated as the underlying transactions for these two hedging relationships. Due to the early repayment, the expected transaction, the future variable interest payments, was no longer expected to take place. Consequently, the expense of €0.3 million recognised in other comprehensive income was reclassified to profit or loss as of 30 June 2017 and recognised in interest expenses. The changes in the fair value of these interest rate swaps are now recognised through profit or loss. In the year 2016 no ineffectiveness had to be recognised through profit or loss for these two hedges. Fixed interest rates amount to roughly 0.7% as in the previous year. The variable interest rates are based on the EURIBOR. The term of two other hedging relationships, which were acquired in the course of the acquisition of Magnesita, with a total nominal volume of US$160.0 million at the reporting date ends in the second half of the financial year 2020. The interest and compensation payments for these hedging relationships are due semi-annually at the end of January respectively March and at the end of July respectively September. The interest expenses are recognised accordingly on a period basis. The effectiveness of a hedging relationship is tested on a prospective and retrospective basis. In the reporting year no hedge ineffectiveness had to be recognised through profit or loss. Fixed interest rates amount to roughly 1.3%; the variable interest rates are based on the LIBOR. A hedging relationship with a nominal value of €50.0 million (31.12.2016: €50.0 million) ended on 31 July 2017. The expense of €0.2 million recognised in other comprehensive income was reclassified to profit or loss and recognised under interest expenses. The fair values of the interest rate swaps totalled €1.3 million at the reporting date (31.12.2016: €(0.9) million).  Forward exchange contracts As of 31 December 2017, there are no material open forward exchange contracts. The nominal value and fair value of forward exchange contracts as of 31 December 2016 are shown in the table below:                                                                                    31.12.2016 Purchase Sale                                                       Nominal value                                                                           in million Fair value in € million EUR ZAR ZAR 100.0 (0.1) EUR USD USD 90.0 0.4 EUR CNY EUR 21.7 0.1 EUR CAD CAD 10.0 0.0 MXN USD USD 10.0 0.0 EUR INR EUR 8.9 0.0 Forward exchange contracts     0.4      1 7 8

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  2017 RHI Magnesita Group   78  (57) Financial risk management  Financial risks are incorporated in RHI Magnesita’s corporate risk management and are centrally controlled by Group Treasury. None of the following risks have a significant influence on the going concern of the RHI Magnesita Group.  Credit risks The maximum credit risk from recognised financial assets amounts to €921.5 million (31.12.2016: €516.9 million) and is primarily related to investments with banks and receivables due from customers.  The credit risk with banks related to investments (especially cash and cash equivalents) is reduced by the fact that business transactions are generally only carried out with contractual partners with a good credit rating. In order to counteract the default risk related to these transactions, receivables from customers are hedged as far as possible through credit insurance and collateral arranged through banks (guarantees, letters of credit), even if the contractual partner has a top class credit rating. Credit and default risks are monitored continuously, and provisions are formed for risks that have occurred and for identifiable risks. In the following, the credit risk from trade receivables is shown classified by customer industry, by foreign currency and by term. This credit risk, which is hedged by existing credit insurance, letters of credit and bank guarantees, is shown by customer segment in the following table:   The following table shows the carrying amounts of receivables denominated in currencies other than the functional currencies of the group companies. The carrying amounts of the receivables in the functional currency of the respective Group company are included under other functional currencies:   in € million 31.12.2017 31.12.2016 Segment Steel 294.3 208.6 Segment Industrial 96.9 96.0 Segment Raw Materials 3.7 4.4 Trade receivables 394.9 309.0 Credit insurance and bank guarantees (158.1) (181.5) Net credit exposure 236.8 127.5    in € million 31.12.2017 31.12.2016 US Dollar 96.0 50.1 Euro 9.9 6.7 Pound Sterling 3.8 2.9 Other currencies 7.9 2.6 Other functional currencies 277.3 246.7 Trade receivables 394.9 309.0    R H I   M A G N E S I TA

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    79 The classification of receivables by days outstanding is shown below:  With respect to receivables that were neither impaired nor overdue, there were no indications at the reporting date that the debtors would be unable to meet their payment obligations. No valuation allowance was recognised for overdue receivables amounting to €76.3 million at the reporting date (31.12.2016: €43.2 million) and impaired receivables of €35.4 million (31.12.2016: €48.8 million) because the risk of default is essentially covered by credit insurance, bank guarantees and letters of credit.  Liquidity risk Liquidity risk refers to the risk that financial obligations cannot be met when due. The Group’s financial policy is based on long-term financial planning and is centrally controlled and monitored continuously at RHI Magnesita. The liquidity requirements resulting from budget and medium-term planning are secured by concluding appropriate financing agreements. As of 31 December 2017, the RHI Magnesita Group has a credit facility of €317.2 million (31.12.2016: €310.8 million) at its disposal, which is unused and available immediately. At 31 December 2016, unused credit lines from the sale of receivables amounted to €6.8 million. These lines of credit were concluded with different international banks in order to ensure independence of banks. The companies of the RHI Magnesita Group are integrated into a clearing process managed by Central Treasury and provided with financing limits in order to minimize the need of borrowings for the Group as a whole. Non-derivative financial instruments An analysis of the terms of non-derivative financial liabilities based on undiscounted cash flows including the related interest payments shows the following expected cash outflows:  in € million 31.12.2017 31.12.2016 Neither impaired nor past due at reporting date 283.2 217.4 Not impaired at reporting date and past due in the following time frames     Less than 30 days 36.6 20.5 Between 30 and 59 days 14.6 7.2 Between 60 and 89 days 5.7 2.7 More than 90 days 19.4 12.8 Impaired at reporting date 67.7 81.6 Valuation allowances (32.3) (33.2) Trade receivables 394.9 309.0          Remaining term in € million Carrying amount 31.12.2017 Cash outflows up to 1 year 2 to 5 years over 5 years Liabilities to financial institutions           fixed interest 176.7 202.7 60.6 96.8 45.3 variable interest 776.3 858.1 146.5 683.7 27.9 Perpetual bond 215.3 309.5 79.1 52.9 177.5 Senior Notes 55.5 66.0 5.2 60.8 0.0 Other financial liabilities 1.7 1.8 0.9 0.8 0.1 Liabilities to fixed-term or puttable non-controlling interests 32.0 161.0 10.1 12.3 138.6 Contingent consideration for acquired subsidiaries 0.6 0.6 0.0 0.6 0.0 Trade payables and other current liabilities 500.2 500.2 500.2 0.0 0.0 Non-derivative financial liabilities 1,758.3 2,099.9 802.6 907.9 389.4       1 8 0

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  2017 RHI Magnesita Group   80    Derivative financial instruments The remaining terms of derivative financial instruments based on expected undiscounted cash flow as of 31 December 2017 and 31 December 2016 are shown in the table below:    Foreign currency risks Foreign currency risks arise especially where business transactions (operating activities, investments, financing) are conducted in a currency other than the functional currency of a company. They are monitored at the group level and analysed with respect to hedging options. The net position of the Group in the respective currency serves as the basis for decisions regarding the use of hedging instruments. Foreign currency risks according to IFRS 7 are created through financial instruments which are denominated in a currency other than the functional currency (in the following: foreign currency) and are monetary in nature. Important primary monetary financial instruments include trade receivables and payables, cash and cash equivalents as well as financial liabilities as shown in the Consolidated Statement of Financial Position. Equity instruments are not of a monetary nature and therefore not linked to a foreign currency risk in accordance with IFRS 7.       Remaining term in € million Carrying amount 31.12.2016 Cash outflows up to 1 year 2 to 5 years over 5 years Liabilities to financial institutions           fixed interest 214.6 237.6 26.0 140.6 71.0 variable interest 260.9 267.5 133.5 132.3 1.7 Other financial liabilities 7.7 7.8 4.5 3.2 0.1 Liabilities to fixed-term or puttable non-controlling interests 32.5 182.2 9.1 13.0 160.1 Trade payables and other current liabilities 217.3 217.3 217.3 0.0 0.0 Non-derivative financial liabilities 733.0 912.4 390.4 289.1 232.9             Remaining term in € million Carrying amount 31.12.2017 Cash flows up to 1 year 2 to 5 years over 5 years Receivables from derivatives with net settlement           Interest derivatives designated as cash flow hedges 1.5 1.5 0.9 0.6 0.0 Financial assets held for trading 1.7 1.7 1.7 0.0 0.0 Liabilities from derivatives with net settlement           Financial liabilities held for trading 40.9 43.5 7.5 28.8 7.2             Remaining term in € million Carrying amount 31.12.2016 Cash flows up to 1 year 2 to 5 years over 5 years Receivables from derivatives with net settlement           Financial assets held for trading 1.5 1.5 1.5 0.0 0.0 Liabilities from derivatives with net settlement           Interest derivatives designated as cash flow hedges 0.9 0.9 0.7 0.2 0.0 Financial liabilities held for trading 49.1 51.9 6.1 31.0 14.8       R H I   M A G N E S I TA

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    81 The majority of foreign currency financial instruments in the RHI Magnesita Group result from operating activities, above all from intragroup financing transactions, unless the foreign exchange effects recognised to profit or loss on monetary items, which represent part of a net investment in a foreign operation in accordance with IAS 21, are eliminated or hedged through forward exchange contracts. Significant provisions denominated in foreign currencies are also included in the analysis of risk. The following table shows the foreign currency positions in the major currencies as of 31 December 2017:  The foreign currency positions as of 31 December of the previous year are structured as follows:  The disclosures required by IFRS 7 for foreign exchange risks include a sensitivity analysis that shows the effects of hypothetical changes in the relevant risk variables on profit or loss and equity. In general, all non-functional currencies in which group companies enter into financial instruments are considered to be relevant risk variables. The effects on a particular reporting period are determined by applying the hypothetical changes in these risk variables to the financial instruments held by the Group as of the reporting date. It is assumed that the positions on the reporting date are representative for the entire year. The sensitivity analysis does not include the foreign exchange differences that result from translating the net asset positions of the foreign group companies into the group currency, the Euro. A 10% appreciation or devaluation of the relevant functional currency against the following major currencies as of 31 December 2017 would have had the following effect on profit or loss and equity (both excluding income tax):  The hypothetical effect on profit or loss at 31 December 2016 can be summarised as follows:  in € million USD EUR MXN CAD Other Total Financial assets 583.9 88.5 (0.1) 22.7 48.6 743.6 Financial liabilities, provisions (727.5) (218.6) (18.6) (2.4) (47.1) (1,014.2) Net foreign currency position (143.6) (130.1) (18.7) 20.3 1.5 (270.6)        in € million USD EUR MXN CAD Other Total Financial assets 207.4 64.8 0.1 4.5 26.9 303.7 Financial liabilities, provisions (156.2) (37.8) (14.2) (0.1) (24.0) (232.3) Net foreign currency position 51.2 27.0 (14.1) 4.4 2.9 71.4            Appreciation of 10% Devaluation of 10% in € million   Gain/(loss) Equity Gain/(loss) Equity US Dollar   20.3 20.3 (24.8) (24.8) Euro   11.9 11.9 (14.5) (14.5) Mexican Peso   1.7 1.7 (2.1) (2.1) Canadian Dollar   (1.8) (1.8) 2.3 2.3 Other currencies   (0.4) (0.4) 0.3 0.3           Appreciation of 10% Devaluation of 10% in € million   Gain/(loss) Equity Gain/(loss) Equity US Dollar   (4.8) (5.6) 5.9 6.9 Euro   (2.8) 7.7 2.7 (10.1) Mexican Peso   1.3 1.3 (1.6) (1.6) Canadian Dollar   (0.4) (1.5) 0.5 1.9 Other currencies   (0.4) (0.4) 0.4 0.4       1 8 2

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  2017 RHI Magnesita Group   82  Interest rate risks The interest rate risk in the RHI Magnesita Group is primarily related to financial instruments carrying variable interest rates, which may lead to fluctuations in results and cash flows. At 31 December 2017, interest rate hedges amounting to a nominal volume of €17.2 million (31.12.2016: €75.7 million) and a nominal volume of US$160.0 million existed; a variable interest rate was converted into a fixed interest rate through an interest rate swap. The exposure to interest rate risks is presented through sensitivity analyses in accordance with IFRS 7. These analyses show the effects of changes in market interest rates on interest payments, interest income and interest expense and on equity. The RHI Magnesita Group measures fixed-interest financial assets and financial liabilities at amortised cost, and did not use the fair value option. A hypothetical change in the market interest rates for these financial instruments at the reporting date would have had no effect on profit and loss or equity. Changes in market interest rates on financial instruments designated as hedges as a part of cash flow hedges to protect against interest rate-related payment fluctuations have an effect on equity and are therefore included in the equity-related sensitivity analysis. If the market interest rate as of 31 December 2017 had been 25 basis points higher or lower, equity would have been €0.5 million (31.12.2016: €0.2 million) higher or lower taking into account tax effects. Changes in market interest rates have an effect on the interest result of primary, variable interest financial instruments whose interest payments are not designated as hedged items as a part of cash flow hedge relationships against interest rate risks, and are therefore included in the calculation of the result-related sensitivities. If the market interest rate as of 31 December 2017 had been 25 basis points higher or lower, the interest result would have been €0.5 million (31.12.2016: €0.0 million) lower or higher.  Other market price risk RHI Magnesita holds certificates in an investment fund amounting to €12.6 million (31.12.2016: €15.3 million) to cover the legally required protection of personnel provisions of Austrian group companies. The market value of these certificates is influenced by fluctuations of the worldwide volatile stock and bond markets. In the financial year 2015, an energy supply contract with a term until the year 2023 had to be classified as a derivative financial instrument in accordance with IAS 39 for the first time. The fair value of the financial liability amounts to €40.1 million at 31 December 2017 (31.12.2016: €49.0 million). If the quoted forward prices at 31 December 2017 had been 20% higher or lower, EBIT would have been €8.7 million (31.12.2016: €9.7 million) higher or lower. In contrast, if the borrowing cost relevant for discounting had been 25 basis points higher or lower at the reporting date, EBIT would have been €0.3 million (31.12.2016: €0.4 million) higher or lower.  (58) Capital management The objectives of the capital management strategy of the RHI Magnesita Group are to secure going concern at all times by creating a solid capital base to finance growth, investments, to increase shareholders value on a sustained basis and to generate adequate returns to enable attractive dividend payments to the shareholders and to service debt.  The RHI Magnesita Group manages its capital structure through careful monitoring and assessment of the overall economic framework conditions, credit, interest rate and FX risks and the requirements and risks related to operations and taking into account strategic projects. R H I   M A G N E S I TA

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    83 The capital structure key figures at the reporting date are shown below:   Net debt, which reflects financial liabilities net of cash and cash equivalents and non-derivative other current financial assets, is controlled by Corporate Treasury. The main task of the Corporate Treasury department is to execute the capital management strategy as well as to secure liquidity to support business operations on a sustainable basis, to use banking and financial services efficiently and to limit financial risks while at the same time optimizing earnings and costs. The net gearing ratio is the ratio of net debt to equity. It amounts to 98.8% for the current financial year. In the previous year, the net gearing ratio amounted to 57.0%.  The increase in net debt and gearing results primarily from the acquisition of Magnesita in the course of which additional debt was assumed. In the reporting year 2017 and in the previous year, all externally imposed capital requirements were met. The Group has sufficient liquidity headroom within its committed debt facilities. RHI Magnesita N.V. is subject to minimum capital requirements according to its articles of association. The articles of association stipulate a mandatory reserve of €288,699,230.59 which was created in connection with the merger.  (59) Contingent liabilities At 31 December 2017, warranties, performance guarantees and other guarantees amount to €39.8 million (31.12.2016: €32.0 million). The terms of contingent liabilities range between two months and 11 years, depending on the type of liability. Based on experiences of the past, the probability that contingent liabilities are used is considered to be low. In addition, contingent liabilities from sureties of €0.5 million (31.12.2016: €0.7 million) were recorded, of which €0.3 million (31.12.2016: €0.3 million) are related to contingent liabilities to creditors from joint ventures. Individual proceedings and lawsuits which result from ordinary activities are pending as of 31 December 2017 or can potentially be exercised against RHI Magnesita in the future. The related risks were analysed with a view to their probability of occurrence. The Group is party to tax proceedings in Brazil with the estimated amount of €178.3 million for the following lawsuits, for which no provision was set up according to IFRS, as management classified risks of loss (based on the evaluation of legal advisors) as possible but not probable: In 2011, the Brazilian Tax Authorities raised an assessment in respect of corporate income tax and social contribution on tax goodwill referring to the years 2008 and 2009. The Tax Authorities are challenging the deductibility of the amortisation of the tax goodwill arising from mergers of subsidiaries. In 2016, the company was notified of the decision rendered by the CARF, which annulled over 90% of the tax assessment notice. However, this decision may still be amended due to appeals filed by the company and the General Counsel to the National Treasury (PGFN). The final decision is expected within one to two years. The potential loss from this lawsuit amounts to €87.8 million (including interest and penalties) as at 31 December 2017. In 2016, the Brazilian Tax Authorities extended their above review into the years 2011 and 2012. In December 2016 the company filed a defence against the tax assessment notice. The final decision is expected within two to three years. The potential loss from this lawsuit amounts to €40.0 million (including interest and penalties) as at 31 December 2017.   31.12.2017 31.12.2016 Net debt (in € million) 750.8 298.8 Net gearing ratio (in %) 98.8% 57.0%    1 8 4

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  2017 RHI Magnesita Group   84  In 2013, the Brazilian Tax Authorities raised an assessment notice for allegedly failing to pay social security contributions in the period from January to December 2009. The company has appealed the assessment. Legal opinions demonstrate that the company has solid supporting documentation capable of reversing the assessment. The potential loss from this proceeding amounts to €6.0 million (including interest and penalties) as at 31 December 2017. Furthermore, the Brazilian Tax Authorities raised an assessment into a former holding company in Brazil in respect of federal taxes. The assessment relates to federal tax offsets made by the company up to and including 2008 which have not been approved by the Federal Revenue Service. Legal opinions demonstrate that the company has solid supporting documentation capable of reversing the assessment. The potential loss amounts to €11.1 million (including interest and penalties) as at 31 December 2017. In addition, the Brazilian Tax Authorities raised an assessment into the calculation basis of CFEM (Financial Compensation for Exploration of Mineral Resources). Based on the opinion of the legal advisors the company has appealed the assessment and the loss was considered possible due to jurisprudence of the Brazilian court. Additionally, recent changes on CFEM legislation, mostly adopting the company’s interpretation, also demonstrate that the interpretation taken is the most accurate, which is a fact judges can decide upon. The potential loss from this proceeding amounts to €13.9 million (including interest and penalties) as at 31 December 2017. Magnesita Refratários S.A., Contagem, Brazil, is also involved in other minor lawsuits totalling €19.5 million which relate to a number of assessments concerning various taxes and related obligations. Proceedings and lawsuits in which other subsidiaries are involved have no significant negative influence on the financial position and performance of the RHI Magnesita Group.  (60) Other financial obligations Other financial obligations consist of the following items:   Other financial obligations are exclusively due to third parties. They are shown at nominal value. Rental and leasing obligations for property, plant and equipment of €23.1 million (2016: €21.8 million) are recognised in the Consolidated Statement of Profit or Loss of the financial year 2017. The conditions of the most important operating rental and leasing agreements can be summarised as follows: At the company’s head office in Vienna, Austria, a rental agreement exists which has been renegotiated in 2017 and ends on 31 December 2018.    Total Remaining term in € million 31.12.2017 up to 1 year 2 to 5 years over 5 years Obligations from rental and leasing contracts 56.9 16.1 24.2 16.6 Capital commitments 5.9 5.9 0.0 0.0 Other financial obligations 62.8 22.0 24.2 16.6        Total Remaining term in € million 31.12.2016 up to 1 year 2 to 5 years over 5 years Obligations from rental and leasing contracts 66.7 13.8 32.6 20.3 Capital commitments 2.5 2.5 0.0 0.0 Other financial obligations 69.2 16.3 32.6 20.3      R H I   M A G N E S I TA

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    85 Another rental contract for offices has a term until 30 April 2020. The tenant has a two-time optional right to extend the contract by three years each. The annual rent is coupled to the development of the consumer price index. At one production site, the area for operating a plant has been leased for the long term. The related contract ends in April 2062 and includes an extension option for another 30 years. The rent is subject to adaptation to inflation. The Group also rents numerous mining vehicles, diggers, forklifts and the like by cancellable leasing agreements. The contracts have terms ranging from two to seven years; most of them do not include a purchasing option after the contract ends. In addition to the aforementioned financial obligations, the RHI Magnesita Group also has long-term purchase obligations related to the supply with raw materials, especially for electricity, natural gas, strategic raw materials as well as for the transport of raw materials within the Group. This results in other financial obligations of the nominal value of €99.9 million at the reporting date (31.12.2016: €90.3 million). The remaining terms of the contracts amount to up to nine years. Purchases from these arrangements are recognised in accordance with the usual course of business. Purchase contracts are regularly reviewed for imminent losses, which may occur, for example, when requirements fall below the agreed minimum purchase volume or when contractually agreed prices deviate from the current market price level.   (61) Expenses for the Group auditor The expensed fees for the activities of the Group auditor PwC that are included in the Consolidated Statement of Profit or Loss are shown in the following table:  Other audit related services, tax compliance services and other non-audit services were performed and invoiced by PwC network firms outside of the Netherlands.  In 2017, €0.5 million of the audit fees invoiced by PwC network firms of €2.2 million are related to the full audit of the half-year consolidated financial statements. The other non-audit services of €2.5 million in 2017 are mainly related to services in connection with the acquisition of Magnesita and listing on the London Stock Exchange.   (62) Annual average number of employees The average number of employees of the RHI Magnesita Group based on full time equivalents amounts to: All but one of them work outside of the Netherlands.  in € million 2017 2016 Audit of the Financial Statements 2.4 1.0 thereof invoiced by PwC Accountants N.V. 0.2 0.0 thereof invoiced by PwC network firms 2.2 1.0 Other audit related services 0.1 0.1 Tax compliance services 0.9 1.7 Other non-audit services 2.5 0.3 Total fees 5.9 3.1      2017 2016 Salaried employees 3,788 3,544 Waged workers 4,781 4,134 Number of employees on annual average 8,569 7,678    1 8 6

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  2017 RHI Magnesita Group   86  (63) Transactions with related parties Related companies include subsidiaries that are not fully consolidated, joint ventures, associates and MSP Foundation, Liechtenstein, as a shareholder of RHI Magnesita N.V. since it exercises significant influence based on its share of more than 25% in RHI Magnesita N.V.. In accordance with IAS 24, the personnel welfare foundation of Stopinc AG, Hünenberg, Switzerland, also has to be considered a related company. Related persons are persons having authority and responsibility for planning, directing and controlling the activities of the Group (key management personnel) and close members of those persons’ families. Since 26 October 2017 key management personnel comprises members of the Board of Directors of RHI Magnesita N.V. and the Executive Management Team. Before that members of the Management Board and the Supervisory Board of RHI AG formed the key management personnel. Related companies In the financial year 2017, the Group conducted the following transaction with its related companies:  In the financial years 2017 and 2016, the Group charged electricity and stock management costs to the joint venture MAGNIFIN Magnesiaprodukte GmbH & Co KG, St. Jakob, Austria, and purchased raw materials. In November and December 2017, the associate Sinterco S.A.,Nameche, Belgium, sold sintered doloma to the RHI Magnesita Group. Furthermore, the Group has a financing receivable of €17.0 million from a loan agreement with Sinterco.  The balances at the end of the financial year are unsecured and will be paid in cash. For the financial year 2016, business transactions with non-consolidated subsidiaries are not listed as they were of minor significance. All income and expenses of the joint ventures, associates and non-consolidated subsidiaries acquired in the course of the acquisition of Magnesita relate to the periods November and December 2017. Before the acquisition of Magnesita the Group had no associates. To secure a pension claim of a former employee of MAGNIFIN, RHI Magnesita has assumed a surety amounting to €0.3 million (31.12.2016: €0.3 million). A resulting cash outflow is not expected. No guarantees were received. In the financial years 2017 and 2016 no transactions were carried out between the RHI Magnesita Group and MSP Foundation, with the exception of the dividend paid.  A service relationship with respect to the company pension scheme of the employees of Stopinc AG exists between the personnel welfare foundation of Stopinc AG and the fully consolidated subsidiary Stopinc AG. Stopinc AG makes contribution payments to the plan assets of the foundation to cover pension obligations. The pension plan is recognised as a defined benefit plan and is included in Note (28). At 31 December 2017 current account receivables of €0.8 million (31.12.2016: €0.8 million) from the personnel welfare foundation exist, for which an interest of 2.5% (2016: 2.5%) is charged. In the past reporting period, employer contributions                Joint ventures Associates Non-consolidated subsidiaries in € million 2017 2016 2017 2017 Revenue from the sale of goods and services 3.4 3.3 0.4 0.1 Purchase of raw materials 2.5 1.9 3.8 0.0 Interest income 0.1 0.1 0.0 0.0           Trade and other receivables 1.3 1.0 1.1 0.2 Loans granted 0.0 0.0 17.0 0.1           Trade liabilities 0.6 0.0 8.5 1.1           Dividends received 10.7 9.5 0.0 0.0      R H I   M A G N E S I TA

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    87 amounting to €0.5 million (2016: €0.5 million) were made to the personnel welfare foundation. The overfunding of the pension plan is recognised as a non-current asset of €2.0 million (31.12.2016: €2.1 million). Related persons Remuneration of key management personnel of the Group, which is subject to disclosure in accordance with IAS 24, comprises the remuneration of the active Board of Directors and the Executive Management Team (EMT) from November to December 2017 as well as the former Management Board and Supervisory Board of RHI AG until October 2017. After RHI AG merged with and into RHI Magnesita N.V. Stefan Borgas was appointed Executive Director and the other members of the former Management Board of RHI AG were appointed EMT Members. At the same time, the Group combined with Magnesita and Octavio Lopes was appointed second Executive Director, and additional EMT members were appointed. For the financial year 2017, expenses for the remuneration of the Executive Directors, EMT members and former Management Board, active in 2017, recognised in the Consolidated Statement of Profit or Loss total €12.6 million (2016: €10.1 million) The expenses, not including non-wage labour costs amount to €11.8 million (2016: €9.4 million), of which €9.8 million (2016: €4.6 million) were related to current benefits (fixed, variable and other earnings), €0.0 million (2016: €2.9 million) to benefits related to the termination of employment and €1.9 million (2016: €1.9 million) to share-based remuneration. At 31 December 2017, liabilities for performance-linked variable earnings and share-based payments for active members of the former Management Board of €6.7 million (2016: €1.6 million) are recognised as liabilities. There are no obligations arising from post-employment benefits and legally required termination benefits.  In addition to the variable remuneration, the members of the former Management Board of RHI AG active in 2017 and 2016 were also entitled to share-based payments. This programme was a performance-linked and share-based compensation model, in which the vesting period per tranche extends over the respective financial year. At the beginning of the programme, a portion of the annual salary was defined for the members of the former Management Board of RHI AG, and was translated into a number of virtual shares using a reference price. The relevant reference price for the remuneration programme of the respective financial year corresponded to the average RHI AG share price from 1 December of the previous year to 31 January of the current reporting year. The actual, vested entitlement to virtual shares depended on the level of target achievement; financial criteria (adjusted EBIT, ROACE, adjusted for external costs related to the planned acquisition of Magnesita) determined 70% and other criteria 30% of the entitlement. The equivalent value of the number of virtual shares determined per tranche were paid in cash in the three equal portions in the following three financial years. This equivalent value in cash was determined on the basis of the average share price of the respective period from 1 December of the reporting year to 31 January of the following year. The programme was terminated after RHI AG merged with and into RHI Magnesita N.V. and the provisioned amount will be paid over the next three years.  The effects of this compensation programme on the Consolidated Financial Statements are shown in the table below:  In the financial year 2017, a payment of €1.2 million was made for the compensation programmes 2017, 2016 and 2015 (2016: € 0.1 million for the compensation program 2015). For members of the Non-Executive Directors as well as for the former Supervisory Board members (capital representatives), remuneration totalling €0.8 million (2016: €0.3 million) was recognised through profit or loss in the year 2017. The compensation paid to the members of the former Supervisory Board and Non-Executive Directors only consists of short-term employee benefits.   Number of virtual shares Provision in € million Expense in € million   31.12.2017 31.12.2016 31.12.2017 31.12.2016 2017 2016 Compensation programme 2017 68,389 - 2.5 - 2.7 - Compensation programme 2016 44,020 73,042 1.6 1.7 0.5 1.8 Compensation programme 2015 6,022 14,781 0.2 0.4 0.1 0.1 Total 118,431 87,823 4.3 2.1 3.3 1.9        1 8 8

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  2017 RHI Magnesita Group   88  Employee representatives acting as Non-Executive Directors of RHI Magnesita N.V. or as Supervisory Board members of the former RHI AG, who are employed by the Group, do not receive compensation for their activity as Non-Executive Directors or Supervisory Board members. For their activity as employees in the company and the activity of their close relatives employed with RHI Magnesita, expenses of €0.7 million (2016: €0.8 million) are recognised. This group of persons received zero (2016: 176) RHI AG shares in the reporting year as part of the employee stock ownership plan “4 plus 1” as the programme was terminated in 2017 No advance payments or loans were granted to key management personnel. The RHI Magnesita Group did not enter into contingent liabilities on behalf of the key management personnel. Directors Dealings reports are published on the websites of RHI Magnesita N.V. and of the London Stock Exchange. The members of the Board of Directors are covered by D&O insurance at RHI Magnesita.  Detailed and individual information on the remuneration of the Board of Directors is presented in the Annual Report on Remuneration of the RHI Magnesita Group. Earnings of former members of the former Management Board amounted to €3.5 million (2016: €1.2 million), of which €1.4 million are related to share-based remuneration.  From 16 October 2015 until 28 September 2016, a non-remunerated consultancy agreement with a close relative of a related person was in place for the support of the initiation of the transaction with the shareholders of Magnesita, which was terminated before the signing of the agreement regarding the acquisition of the company.   (64) Corporate bodies of former RHI AG (until 25 October 2017) Members of the Management Board Stefan Borgas, Chairman Barbara Potisk-Eibensteiner (until 31 August 2017) Thomas Jakowiak  Gerd Schubert Reinhold Steiner Members of the Supervisory Board Herbert Cordt, Chairman Helmut Draxler, Deputy Chairman Wolfgang Ruttenstorfer, Deputy Chairman Hubert Gorbach Alfred Gusenbauer Gerd Peskes Stanislaus Prinz zu Sayn-Wittgenstein-Berleburg David A. Schlaff Employee representatives: Walter Geier Christian Hütter Roland Rabensteiner Franz Reiter  R H I   M A G N E S I TA

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    89 (65) Board of Directors of RHI Magnesita N.V. (from 26 October 2017) The members of the Board of Directors are as follows: Executive Directors Stefan Borgas, CEO Octavio Lopes, CFO Non-independent Non-Executive Directors Herbert Cordt, Chairman Fersen Lambranho David Schlaff Stanislaus Prinz zu Sayn-Wittgenstein-Berleburg Independent Non-Executive Directors Celia Baxter Andrew Hosty Jim Leng John Ramsay Wolfgang Ruttenstorfer Karl Sevelda  Employee representatives: Franz Reiter (from 13 November 2017) Michael Schwarz (from 8 December 2017)  (66) Material events after the reporting date On 26 January 2018, Magnesita redeemed US$70 million of its US$250 million 8.625% perpetual notes. On 30 January 2018, it was announced that Magnesita (through its fully-owned subsidiary Magnesita Refractories Company, York, USA) has given notice of the early redemption of the entire principal amount outstanding (US$63.3 million) of its US$400 million 7.875% Senior Notes due March 2020, to be effected on 30 March 2018, at a price equal to 100% of the principal amount plus accrued and unpaid interest. On 28 February 2018, RHI Magnesita N.V. decided to amend the cash-only alternative offer of the Integrated Tender Offer to ensure it is "at least" equivalent to Magnesita's shares' economic value. For further details refer to Note (5) – Acquisition of Magnesita. After the reporting date on 31 December 2017, there were no other events of special significance which may have a material effect on the financial position and performance of the RHI Magnesita Group.  1 9 0

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  2017 RHI Magnesita Group   90  (67) Company Financial Statements of RHI Magnesita N.V. Company Balance Sheet as at 31 December 2017 (before appropriation of result)   Company Statement of Profit or Loss for the period 1 July to 31 December 2017   in € million Notes 31.12.2017 30.06.2017 ASSETS               Fixed assets       Financial fixed assets (A) 571.5 0.0     571.5 0.0 Current assets       Receivables from group companies   62.5 70.0 Cash and cash equivalents   0.1 0.0 Total current assets   62.6 70.0         Total assets   634.1 70.0                 EQUITY AND LIABILITIES               Equity       Share capital (B) 44.8 0.0 Additional paid-in capital (C) 165.7 70.0 Legal and mandatory reserves (D) 237.3 0.0 Other reserves   263.5 0.0 Result for the period (F) (90.3) 0.0 Shareholders' Equity   621.0 70.0         Current liabilities       Trade payables   2.8 0.0 Accrued liabilities   10.3 0.0 Total current liabilities   13.1 0.0         Total equity and liabilities   634.1 70.0     in € million Notes 2017 General and administrative expenses   (13.0) Result before taxation   (13.0) Income tax   0.0 Net result from investments (E) (77.3) Net result for the period (F) (90.3)    R H I   M A G N E S I TA

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    91 Movements in Shareholder’s Equity   Notes to the Company Financial Statements for the period ended 31 December 2017 General RHI Magnesita N.V. is a public company with limited liability under Dutch law. The company is registered with the Dutch Trade Register of the Chamber of Commerce under the number 68991665 and has its corporate seat in Arnhem, Netherlands. The administrative seat, place of effective management and registered office is located at Wienerbergstraße 9, 1100 Vienna, Austria. The shares of RHI Magnesita N.V. (ISIN code NL0012650360) are listed on the Main Market of the London Stock Exchange and are included in the FTSE 250 index. The first financial year of the Company ended on 30 June 2017. On 16 October 2017 the general meeting of the company resolved to amend and completely readopt the articles of association of the company. Upon the amendment of articles of association of the company, taking effect on 26 October 2017, the current financial year runs from 1 July 2017 up to and including 31 December 2017. Basis of preparation The Company Financial Statements have been prepared in accordance with the provisions of Part 9 of Book 2 of the Dutch Civil Code. The Company uses the option of Section 362, subsection 8, of Part 9, Book 2, of the Dutch Civil Code to prepare the Company Financial Statements on the basis of the same accounting principles as those applied for the Consolidated Financial Statements. Valuation is based on recognition and measurement requirements of accounting standards adopted by the EU (i.e. only IFRS that is adopted for use in the EU at the date of authorisation) as explained further in the Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements.       Legal and mandatory reserves  Other reserves     in € million Share capital Additional paid-in capital Cash flow hedges Currency transla-tion Manda-tory reserves Retained earnings Net result Equity attributable to shareholders                   Incorporation 20 June 2017  - - - - - - - 0.0 Increase of equity - 70.0 - - - - - 70.0 Balance as of 30 June 2017 - 70.0 - - - - - 70.0                   Net result - - - - - - (90.3) (90.3) Downstream merger from RHI AG  39.8 (70.0) (0.1) (71.2) 288.7 270.0 - 457.2 Issue of ordinary shares minus costs 5.0 165.7 - - - - - 170.7 Net income/ (expense) recognised directly in equity  - - 0.2 19.7 - (6.5) - 13.4                   Balance as of 31 December 2017 44.8 165.7 0.1 (51.5) 288.7 263.5 (90.3) 621.0                            1 9 2

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  2017 RHI Magnesita Group   92  Significant accounting policies Financial fixed assets Investments in group companies in the Company Financial Statements are accounted for using the equity method. Net result from investments The share in the result of investments comprises the share of the company in the result of these investments.  Fixed assets (A) Financial fixed assets The financial fixed assets comprise investments in: The investments have developed as follows: A list of investments in group companies, prepared in accordance with the relevant legal requirements (Dutch Civil Code, Book 2, Sections 379), is shown in Note 5 of the Consolidated Financial Statements. Equity (B) Share capital The company’s authorised share capital amounts to €100,000,000, comprising 100,000,000 ordinary shares, each of €1 nominal value. Following the merger and also at year-end 2017, RHI Magnesita N.V.’s issued and fully paid-in share capital consists of 44,819,039 ordinary shares.  (C) Additional paid-in capital  At 31 December 2017, additional paid-in capital comprises premiums on the issue of shares less issue costs net of tax by RHI Magnesita N.V.. The additional paid-in capital as of 30 June 2017 was eliminated in the course of the downstream merger from RHI AG to RHI Magnesita N.V.. (D) Legal and mandatory reserves Cash flow hedges The item cash flow hedges includes gains and losses from the effective part of cash flow hedges less tax effects. Currency translation Currency translation includes the accumulated currency translation differences from translating the financial statements of foreign subsidiaries as well as unrealised currency translation differences from monetary items which are part of a net investment in a foreign operation, net of related income taxes. If foreign companies are deconsolidated, the currency translation differences are recognised in the Statement of Profit or Loss as part of the gain or loss from the sale of shares in subsidiaries. In addition, when monetary items which are part of a net Name and registered office of the company Share in % Didier Werke A.G., Wiesbaden, Germany 12.5 RHI Refractories Raw Material GmbH, Vienna, Austria 25.0 RHI Feuerfest GmbH, Vienna, Austria 100.0   in € million   Balance as at 30 June 2017 0.0 From downstream merger 457.2 Capital contributions 179.5 Changes from currency translation and cash flow hedges 19.9 Changes from defined benefit plans (5.6) Equity settled transaction  (2.2) Net result from investments (77.3) Balance as at 31 December 2017 571.5   R H I   M A G N E S I TA

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1 9 3

    93 investment in a foreign operation are paid back, the currency translation differences of these monetary items previously recognised in other comprehensive income are reclassified to profit or loss. The cash flow hedges reserve and the currency translation reserve are legal reserves and are restricted for distribution. Mandatory reserve The articles of association stipulate a mandatory reserve of €288,699,230.59 which was created in connection with the merger. No distributions may be made from the mandatory reserve, no losses of the company may be allocated to the mandatory reserve and no allocation or addition may be made to the mandatory reserve. (E) Net results from investments The exact legal steps of the merger are reflected in the Company Financial Statements. Consequently the interests in the investments are recognised as per date of the transaction, in this case 26 October 2017. The results of the investments for the period from 26 October to 31 December 2017 amount to a loss of €77.3 million and are recognised in the Company Statement of Profit or Loss.  The results of the investments for the period from 1 January to 25 October 2017 amount to a profit of €71.9 million and have been recognised as an effect from the downstream merger under retained earnings. (F) Net result for the period A different accounting treatment of the merger has been applied in the Consolidated Financial Statements and the Company Financial Statements. In the Consolidated Financial Statements the results of a full year have been recognised in the profit or loss account (the so called ‘pooling of interest methodology’), whereas in the Company Financial Statements the results of the period 26 October 2017 to 31 December 2017 have been recognised in the profit or loss account (the so called ‘carryover accounting methodology). The difference between the Consolidated Financial Statements and the Company Financial Statements is shown in the table below:  Proposed appropriation of result It is proposed that pursuant to Article 27 clause 1 of the articles of association of the company the result shown in RHI Magnesita N.V. income statement be appropriated as follows: It is proposed that €33.6 million of retained earnings are distributed among the shareholders. Other notes Information regarding auditor's fees, number of employee’s and the remuneration of the Board of Directors is included in Note 61 to 63 of the Consolidated Financial Statements. in € million 2017 Company’s net result for the period 1 July to 31 December 2017 (90.3) Result of the investments for the period from 1 January 2017 to 25 October 2017 recognised in retained earning 71.9 Company’s consolidated results (attributable to shareholders of RHI Magnesita N.V.) (18.4)   in € million 2017 Loss attributable to shareholders (90.3) In accordance with Article 27 clause 1 to be transferred to retained earnings (90.3) At the disposal of the General Meeting of Shareholders 0.0   1 9 4

F I N A N C I A L   S TAT E M E N T S

R H I   M A G N E S I TA

  2017 RHI Magnesita Group   94  Material events after the reporting date On 28 February 2018, RHI Magnesita N.V. decided to amend the cash-only alternative offer of the Integrated Tender Offer to ensure it is "at least" equivalent to Magnesita's shares' economic value. For further details refer to Note 5 of the Consolidated Financial Statements – Acquisition of Magnesita.   Vienna, 20 March 2018  Executive Directors    Non-independent Non-Executive Directors     Herbert Cordt, Chairman   Independent Non-Executive Directors    Employee representatives  Stefan Borgas CEO Octavio Lopes CFO David Schlaff    Stanislaus Prinz zu Sayn-Wittgenstein-Berleburg Fersen Lambranho      Celia Baxter  Andrew Hosty  Jim Leng  John Ramsay  Wolfgang Ruttenstorfer  Karl Sevelda Franz Reiter   Michael Schwarz  R H I   M A G N E S I TA

A N N U A L   R E P O R T   2 0 1 7

1 9 5

    95 Other information Provisions of the articles of association on profit and distributions The stipulations of Article 27 and 28 of the Articles of Association concerning profit and distributions are: 27 Profit and distributions 27.1 The Board may resolve that the profits realised during a financial year will fully or partially be appropriated to increase and/or form reserves. With due regard to Article 26.2, a deficit may only be offset against the reserves prescribed by law to the extent this is permitted by law.  27.2 The allocation of profits remaining after application of Article 27.1 shall be determined by the General Meeting. The Board shall make a proposal for that purpose. A proposal to make a distribution of profits shall be dealt with as a separate agenda item at the General Meeting.  27.3 Distribution of profits shall be made after adoption of the annual accounts if permitted under the law given the contents of the annual accounts.  27.4 The Board may resolve to make interim distributions and/or to make distributions at ttie expense of any reserve of the Company, other than the Mandatory Reserve.  27.5 Distributions on Shares may be made only up to an amount which does not exceed the amount of the Distributable Equity. If it concerns an interim distribution, the compliance with this requirement must be evidenced by an interim statement of assets and liabilities as referred to in Section 2:105 paragraph 4 of the Dutch Civil Code. The Company shall deposit the statement of assets and liabilities at the Dutch Trade Register within eight days after the day on which the resolution to make the distribution is published.  27.6 Distributions on Shares payable in cash shall be paid in euro, unless the Board determines that payment shall be made in another currency.  27.7 The Board is authorised to determine that a distribution on Shares will not be made in cash but in kind or in the form of Shares, or to determine that Shareholders may choose to accept the distribution in cash and/or in the form of Shares, all this out of the profits and/or at the expense of reserves, other than the Mandatory Reserve, and all this if and in so far the Board has been designated by the General Meeting in accordance with Article 6.1. The Board shall set the conditions under which such a choice may be made. 28 Release for payment Distributions of profits and other distributions shall be made payable four weeks after adoption of the relevant resolution, unless the Board or the General Meeting at the proposal of the Board determine another date.  1 9 6

O T H E R   I N F O R M AT I O N

R H I   M A G N E S I TA

Global Reporting

Initiative G4 Index

General Standard Disclosures

Page Annual Report / Location

Remarks / Omissions

Strategy and Analysis

G4-1

Foreword

Organizational profile

6-7

G4-3

G4-4

G4-5

G4-6

G4-7

G4-8

G4-9

G4-10

Name of the organization

 58, Shareholder Information

Important brands, products and services

4, 10-11, 48

Headquarters of the organization

Shareholder Information

Number and names of the countries in which 
the organization operates

5  
See also the world map at  
www.rhimagnesita.com/about/
where-we-are/

Nature of ownership and legal form

65, Shareholder Information

Markets and industries served

4-5

Scale of the organization

4-5, 32, Balance Sheet

Employees by employment contract, gender 
and region

32, 33, 37

G4-11

Percentage of employees covered by 
collective bargaining agreements

38

G4-12

Supply chain

See the Responsibility / Reporting 
section on the RHI Magnesita 
website.

G4-13

G4-14

G4-15

Changes during the reporting period

Precautionary approach and principle

12

24-25

Advocacy of external charters, principles and 
initiatives

26 
See also page 5 of our Code of 
Conduct.

G4-16

Membership in associations

27-28

Identified material aspects and boundaries

G4-17

G4-18

G4-19

G4-20

Entities included in the company’s 
consolidated financial statements

Process for defining report content

Material aspects and topics

See the consolidated financial 
statements.

27

27

Description of boundary of material aspects 
within the organization

27, GRI Index

G4-21

Description of boundary of material aspects 
outside the organization

GRI Index

G4-22

Restatement of information provided in 
previous reports and reasons

G4-23

Changes in scope and aspect boundaries

Stakeholder engagement

G4-24

G4-25

G4-26

List of stakeholders

Basis for selection of stakeholders

Approach and frequency of stakeholder 
engagement

27

27

27

Only employees of consolidated subsidiaries are taken into 
account in the headcount. The number of employees working 
at non-consolidated subsidiaries is not significant.

Temporary workers are not included in the headcount.

This information is indicated after each key RHI Magnesita topic. 
The terms “internal” and “external” indicate whether a topic is 
material within or outside the company.

This information is indicated after each key RHI Magnesita topic. 
The terms “internal” and “external” indicate whether a topic is 
material within or outside the company.

No restatements.

Due to the merger, the scope of companies included in the 
consolidated financials statements has changed.

 
R H I   M A G N E S I TA

A N N U A L   R E P O R T   2 0 1 7

1 9 7

General Standard Disclosures

Page Annual Report / Location

Remarks / Omissions

G4-27

Key topics and concerns of stakeholders

Report profile

G4-28

G4-29

Reporting period

Date of the most recent previous report

27

26

G4-30

Reporting cycle

G4-31

G4-32

G4-33

Contact/imprint

Shareholder Information, Imprint

“In accordance” option, GRI Index

26

External audit of the report

Governance

This is the first report of RHI Magnesita. The Annual Report 
2016 of RHI was published in April 2017.

The Annual Report is published annually.

The GRI disclosures were not audited externally.

G4-34

G4-38

G4-39

G4-41

G4-42

G4-43

Governance structure of the organization

58-59, 64

Composition of the highest governance body 
and its committees

59-61, 62-64

Chair of the governance body

Avoidance of conflicts of interest

Role of the highest governance body in setting 
values, strategies, etc.

Measures to develop competencies of the 
governance body with respect to sustainability 
topics

G4-44

Performance evaluation of the highest 
governance body

G4-51

Remuneration policy

Ethics and integrity

G4-56

Values, principles, standards and norms of 
behavior

G4-58

Reporting mechanisms

59

61, 62

30, 59

31

62

73-81

30

30-31

Specific Standard Disclosures / Key RHI Magnesita Topics

Page Annual Report / Location

Remarks / Omissions

Sustainable profitable growth (internal and external)

GRI aspect: Economic Performance

DMA

Management approach

G4-EC1

Direct economic value generated and 
distributed

Innovation (internal and external)

DMA

RHIM

Management approach

Indicator: Priority patent applications

12-13

28, 39

47-48

47

Indicator was developed by RHI Magnesita.

Governance, business ethics and values (internal and external)

GRI aspects: Anti-corruption and Public Policy

DMA

Management approach

30, 58

G4-SO3 Operations with risks related to corruption

30

The risk assessment conducted as part of Risk & Opportunity 
Reporting is not structured by operational sites. In the 
framework of the Compliance Risk Assessment legal 
entities and locations are also assessed. In the year 2017, the 
Compliance Risk Assessment was updated to cover legal 
entities and sites of the combined company. The focus of the 
assessment was on anti-trust law. 

1 9 8

O T H E R   I N F O R M AT I O N

R H I   M A G N E S I TA

Global Reporting  
Initiative G4 Index
continued

Specific Standard Disclosures / Key RHI Magnesita Topics

Page Annual Report / Location

Remarks / Omissions

G4-SO4 Communication and trainings on corruption 

31

prevention

G4-SO5

Confirmed incidents of corruption and actions 
taken

G4-SO6

Political contributions

Communication (internal)

DMA

RHIM

Management approach

Indicator: share of employees reached via 
internal digital channels

31

31

38

38

Product responsibility and quality management (internal and external)

DMA

Management approach

41  
(IMS), 45 (Use of substitute 
materials), 49 (R&D)

G4-EN6

Reduction of energy consumption

G4-EN27 Measures to mitigate the environmental 

impacts of products and services

49

45, 49

G4-PR1

Products for which health and safety impacts 
are assessed

45

G4-PR3

Legally required information on products

Due to the merger, the focus of compliance training was on 
anti-trust and competition law. In the year 2018, an e-learning 
on the Code of Conduct is planned to be introduced and 
classroom trainings will be conducted. These training measures 
will cover the topic of corruption prevention.

Internal communication was rated material as part of the 
materiality analysis in the year 2015.

Indicator was developed by RHI Magnesita. The previously 
used indicator, namely the number of intranet news items, was 
replaced by a new indicator, since the use of internal digital 
channels is getting more and more importance.

GRI aspects: Energy, Products and Services, Customer Health 
and Safety, Product and Service Labeling

Safety data sheets provide information on safe storage, 
transport, use and disposal of the products.

G4-PR5

Surveys measuring customer satisfaction

No surveys were conducted in the year 2017.

Raw materials and mining (internal and external)

GRI aspects: Materials, Biodiversity

DMA

Management approach

G4-EN1

Materials used

G4-EN13 Habitats protected or restored

41-42

41

42

Environmental protection and emissions (internal and external)

GRI aspects: Water, Emissions, Transport, Overall

DMA

Management approach

G4-EN8

Total water withdrawal by source

G4-EN15 Direct GHG emissions

G4-EN16 Indirect energy-related GHG emissions

G4-EN19 Reduction of GHG emissions

G4-EN21 Nox, Sox and other significant air emissions

G4-EN30 Significant environmental impacts of 

transporting products

40

44

42, 43

42, 43

42

44

45

G4-EN31

Total environmental protection expenditures

40-41

Qualitative description of sustainable transport concepts.

Recycling and waste management (internal and external)

GRI aspects: Effluents and Waste, Products and Services

DMA

Management approach

42, 44

G4-EN2

Percentage of materials used that are recycled 
input materials

This indicator cannot be reported for the year 2017 and for the 
combined company. RHI Magnesita will work on compiling 
reliable data for the next reporting cycle.

R H I   M A G N E S I TA

A N N U A L   R E P O R T   2 0 1 7

1 9 9

Specific Standard Disclosures / Key RHI Magnesita Topics

Page Annual Report / Location

Remarks / Omissions

G4-EN23 Total weight of waste by type and disposal 

44, 45

method

G4-EN27 Measures to mitigate the environmental 

42-43, 44

impacts of products and services

G4-EN28 Products and packaging materials that are 

reclaimed

Energy efficiency (internal)

DMA

Management approach

G4-EN3

Energy consumption within the organization

G4-EN6

Reduction of energy consumption

Responsible employer (internal)

DMA

Management approach

G4-EC3

Coverage of defined benefit plan obligations

G4-EC6

Proportion of senior management hired from 
local community

43

43

43

32-37

21

34

G4-LA1

New employee hires and employee turnover

33

G4-LA2

Benefits provided to full-time employees

G4-LA3

Return to work after parental leave

37

37

G4-LA5 Workforce represented in formal joint 

36

management-worker health and safety 
committees

G4-LA6

Injuries, occupational diseases, lost days, 
absenteeism, fatalities

36, 37

G4-LA7 Workers with high incidence or risk of diseases 

37

related to their occupation

G4-LA8

G4-LA9

Health and safety topics covered in formal 
agreements with trade unions

37

Average hours of training per year per 
employee

G4-LA10 Programs for skills management and lifelong 

34-36

learning

This indicator cannot be reported for the year 2017 and for the 
combined company. RHI Magnesita will work on compiling 
reliable data for the next reporting cycle.

GRI aspect: Energy

GRI aspects: Economic Performance, Market Presence, 
Employment, Occupational Health and Safety, Training 
and Education, Diversity and Equal Opportunities, Equal 
Remuneration for Women and Men 

Exits of employees in Brazil due to short term fixed contracts in 
sales services are not included in the turnover rate. 

In the year 2018 a unified database will be developed at RHI 
Magnesita to ensure reliable data for the combined company.

No global data can be reported, as regulations vary from 
country to country. In Austria, 48 persons were on parental 
leave in the reporting year, i.e. began their parental leave, 
terminated it or both in 2017 or were on parental leave during 
the whole year.

The Indian subsidiary Orient Refractories Ltd. is planned to be 
included as of the year 2018.

In accordance with an international company agreement, 
accidents are not reported by gender.

In the case of ten occupational accidents the employees were 
still on sick leave at the time of data collection (end of January 
2018), these occupational accidents were not included in the 
calculation of the lost day rate.

These data are not reported for the year 2017. Due to merger 
preparation measures, employees were mainly trained by 
means of on-the-job development measures.

2 0 0

O T H E R   I N F O R M AT I O N

R H I   M A G N E S I TA

Global Reporting  
Initiative G4 Index
continued

Specific Standard Disclosures / Key RHI Magnesita Topics

Page Annual Report / Location

Remarks / Omissions

G4-LA11

Performance and career development reviews 36

G4-LA12 Diversity of employees and governance bodies 33, 48, 61

Data for Austria and Germany cover all employees. Worldwide 
data cover employees from professional level to managers and 
directors.

G4-LA13

Ratio of salary by gender

Human rights (internal and external)

DMA

Management approach

G4-HR2

Employee training on aspects of human rights

34

31

31

31

G4-HR3

G4-HR4

Incidents of discrimination and corrective 
actions taken

Risk of violation of the right to exercise freedom 
of association and collective bargaining

30, 31

G4-HR5 Operations and suppliers having risk of child 

30, 31

labor

G4-HR6 Operations and suppliers having risk of forced 

30, 31

labor

G4-HR7

Training of security personnel

G4-HR8

Number of incidents of violations involving 
rights of indigenous peoples

G4-HR9 Operations that have been subject to human 

rights reviews

G4-HR11

Significant actual and potential negative 
human rights impacts in the supply chain

G4-HR12 Grievances about human rights impacts filed

31

Due to the merger, the focus of compliance training was on 
anti-trust and competition law. In the year 2018, an e-learning 
on the Code of Conduct is planned to be introduced and 
classroom trainings will be conducted. These training measures 
will cover aspects of human rights.

The right to exercise freedom of association and collective 
bargaining is covered in the Code of Conduct and the Supplier 
Code of Conduct. In the year 2017 no incidents were known to 
RHI Magnesita.

The prohibition of child labor is covered in the Code of Conduct 
and the Supplier Code of Conduct. In the year 2017 no 
incidents were known to RHI Magnesita.

The prohibition of forced labor is covered in the Code of 
Conduct and the Supplier Code of Conduct. In the year 2017 
no incidents were known to RHI Magnesita.

Not relevant

In the year 2017 no such incidents were known to RHI 
Magnesita.

In the framework of regular internal audits human rights aspects 
are also taken into account.

In the year 2017 no incidents were known to RHI Magnesita.

Good Corporate Citizenship (internal and external)

GRI aspect: Local Communities

DMA

Management approach

39

G4-SO1

Development programs for local communities 39

Disclosures on the Management Approach (DMA), indicators developed by RHI Magnesita as well as certain General Standard 
Disclosures are not highlighted directly in the text but can be found on the page indicated.

The pages referred to regarding DMA disclosures cover narrative information on the materiality of the key CSR topics as well 
as on their management.

Our Code of Conduct can be found on the Investor Relations website at:  
https://ir.rhimagnesita.com/corporate-governance/code-of-conduct/

Shareholder Information

RHI Magnesita N.V. is a public company with limited liability 
under Dutch law and was incorporated on June 20, 2017. 
It has its corporate seat in Arnhem, the Netherlands, its 
administrative seat in Vienna, Austria and its registered 
office at Wienerbergstrasse 9, 1100 Vienna, Austria. 
The telephone number of the Issuer is +43 50 2136200. 

Ticker symbol: RHIM 
ISIN Code: NL0012650360 

Share’s price can be obtained on the Company’s website: 
rhimagnesita.com

Investor Relations Department contacts: 
22a St James’s Square
London
SW1Y 4JH
United Kingdom
T: +44 (0) 203 823 3661
Email: investor.relations@rhimagnesita.com

The shares of RHI Magnesita N.V. are listed on the 
Premium Segment of the Official List on the Main 
Market of the London Stock Exchange.

Company registrars
Enquiries on the following administrative matters can be 
addressed to the Company’s registrars at:

Computershare Investor Services PLC
The Pavilions, Bridgwater Road
Bristol, BS99 6ZZ
United Kingdom
Website: https://www-uk.computershare.com
Telephone: 0370 707 1402

 
RHI Magnesita
Headquarters
Wienerbergstraße 9
1100 Wien
Austria
www.rhimagnesita.com

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