Legal Risk Management
Risk - Legislation and regulation
HEXPOL’s principal markets are subject to extensive regulation. Amendments to the regulatory framework, customs regulations and other trade obstacles, competition regulations, price and currency controls, as well as other public legal guidelines, ordinances and restrictions in the countries in which HEXPOL is active could have an adverse impact on the Group’s operations.
Risk management
HEXPOL complies in all respects with the applicable laws, regulations and ordinances in each market and aims for quick adaptation to identified future changes in the area. HEXPOL trains managers and staff in business conduct guidelines, and senior managers and employees in purchasing and sales participate in training on international law relating to cartels and other unlawful business cooperation.
Risk - Tax risks
HEXPOL conducts its operations through subsidiaries in a number of countries. The Group’s interpretation of applicable laws, tax treaties, OECD guidelines and regulations may be challenged by local tax authorities. Rules and guidelines may be subject to future changes which can have an impact on the Group’s tax position.
Risk management
The business, including transactions between Group companies, is conducted in accordance with the Group’s interpretation of prevailing tax legislation, tax agreements, OECD guidelines and regulations. The Group has obtained advice on certain matters from independent tax advisers. Transactions between Group companies are normally conducted at arm’s length.
Risk - Intellectual property rights
HEXPOL sells its products under several well-known brands. It is of major commercial significance for the Group that these brands can be protected against unauthorized use by competitors and that the goodwill associated with the brands can be maintained.
Under a license agreement with Covestro AG, HEXPOL is entitled to use the Vulkollan brand and logo in connection with the manufacture and marketing of wheels produced by HEXPOL Wheels. The license agreement with Covestro AG extends for one-year periods and notice may be given three months prior to the end of the agreement. A termination of the
license agreement by Covestro would have a negative but limited impact.
Risk management
HEXPOL has an ongoing dialogue with the license owner
Risk - Health, safety and the environment
HEXPOL has operations in many countries with different permit requirements and environmental legislation. Legislative amendments and changes in government regulations resulting in more stringent requirements or revised terms and conditions pertaining to health, safety and the environment, or a trend toward stricter application of laws and regulations by
the authorities, may require additional investments and lead to increased costs. Legislative amendments and changes in government regulations could also impede or limit HEXPOL’s operations. The possibility of liabilities arising in conjunction with personal injuries or damage to property, as well as damage to air, water, land and biological processes may have a negative impact on the Group’s operations.
Risk management
HEXPOL’s assessment is that its operations, in all material respects, are conducted in accordance with the applicable
laws and regulations concerning health, safety and the environment. The Group continuously monitors anticipated
and implemented changes in legislation in the countries where the Group operates. Most of the companies within the Group conduct operations that are subject to permits or mandatory notification under applicable local environmental legislation. Accordingly, these operations are under the supervision of the appropriate authorities.
On an ongoing basis, HEXPOL ensures that it holds all of the necessary permits and that it fulfils all of the necessary applicable notification obligations. Most of the production units are certified in accordance with ISO 14001, and internal and external environmental audits are conducted regularly.
In the US, HEXPOL provides a health insurance system through which employees are offered reimbursement for health care. The Group’s expenses are maximized to a fixed amount per individual and year.
