In order to increase profitability over a sustained period, Clariant implements measures designed to improve the Group’s performance. The aim of these efforts is to increase the Group’s operating result and to reduce net working capital. The changes made to the processes and structures result in a reduction of headcount across the Group.

Restructuring. In 2017, Clariant recorded expenses for restructuring in the amount of CHF 37 million (2016: CHF 53 million). This concerned restructuring measures mainly in Germany, France, Switzerland and Morocco.

Impairment. The impairment loss recorded in 2017 as well as in 2016 concerned mainly site closures in China.

Transaction-related costs comprise expenses incurred in connection with acquisition or disposal projects and also costs incurred in connection with the implementation of internal reorganizational measures.

The total amount of CHF 180 million of Restructuring, impairment and transaction-related costs (2016: CHF 107 million) is reported in the income statement as follows: CHF 10 million in Costs of goods sold (2016: CHF 28 million), CHF 158 million in Selling, general and administrative costs (2016: CHF 73 million), CHF 8 million in Research & Development costs (2016: CHF 7 million) and CHF 4 million in Income from associates and joint ventures (2016: CHF 1 million income).