The Swatch Group Ltd. in Biel/Bienne acquires 100 per cent of the shares of the US company HW Holdings Inc., owner of Harry Winston Inc., 718 Fifth Avenue, New York 0019 (NY).

The Swatch Group Ltd. acquires the brand and all the activities related to jewellery and watches, including the 535 employees worldwide and the production company in Geneva (Switzerland). The acquisition sum amounts to US$ 750 million plus the assumption of up to US$ 250 million of pro forma net debt. The transaction does not include the mining activities of Harry Winston Diamond Corporation (TSX: HW, NYSE: HWD) – new: Dominion Diamond Corporation, in Toronto (Canada).

Robert A. Gannicott – Chairman of the Board and Chief Executive Officer of Harry Winston Diamond Corporation commented: “The Harry Winston brand now has a new home that can provide the skills and support that it deserves to realise its true potential.”.

And Nayla Hayek, Chairwoman of The Swatch Group Ltd., says “Harry Winston does brilliantly complement the prestige segment of the Group. We are proud and happy to welcome Harry Winston to the Swatch Group family – diamonds are still a girl’s best friend”.

The transaction is subject to the approval of the different regulatory authorities.