Majority shareholder
Pursuant to the Swiss Federal Telecommunication Enterprises Act (“Telekommunikationsunternehmungsgesetz, TUG”), the Swiss Confederation (“the Confederation”) is obligated to hold a majority of the share capital and voting rights of Swisscom. On 31 December 2013, the Confederation as majority shareholder held 51.2% (prior year: 56.8%) of the issued shares of Swisscom Ltd. Any reduction of the Confederation’s holding below a majority would require a change in law which would need to be voted upon the Federal Assembly, which would also be subject to a facultative referendum by Swiss voters. As the majority shareholder, the Swiss Confederation has the power to control the decisions of the general meetings of shareholders which are taken by the absolute majority of effectively cast votes. This relates primarily to the approval of dividend distributions and the election of the members of the Board of Directors. Swisscom supplies telecommunication services to and in addition, procures services from the Confederation, the majority shareholder in Swisscom. The Confederation comprises the various departments and administrative bodies of the Confederation and the other companies controlled by the Confederation (primarily the Post, Swiss Federal Railways, RUAG as well as Skyguide). All transactions are conducted on the basis of normal relationships with customers and suppliers and on conditions applicable to unrelated third parties. In addition, financing transactions were entered into with the Swiss Post on normal commercial terms.
Associates
Services provided to/from associates are based upon market prices. The associates are listed in Note 41.
Minority shareholders
PubliGroupe and Swisscom Directories are the main related parties amongst minority shareholders. Services provided to/from these related parties are based upon market prices.
Post-employment benefits funds
Transactions between Swisscom and the various pension funds are detailed in Note 10.
Transactions and balances
Transactions and year-end balances with related parties in 2012 and 2013 are as follows: