ATON GmbH

Management of the holdings  

In the sense of a financial holding, ATON supports its companies, but leaves the operative business to its local managers. The holdings are planned on a long-term basis. Companies are sold if a strategic investor would be in a better position than ATON to secure the long-term future of the company and its jobs. This has always been the case, for instance:
when HELIOS Kliniken GmbH was sold to Fresenius, GSD to Siemens, the DBA holding to Air Berlin, Beton und Monier to Alpine and Schmidt-Seeger GmbH to Bühler AG.
     

 

Transparency  

ATON is a family-run concern. Companies of this type tend to practise great discretion. We, however, look upon transparency as being an essential prerequisite for functioning markets. Only if all market participants are well informed can competition be fair, and then be the best process of discovery for a general increase in prosperity.

 

This is the reason why we communicate our business data. The companies managed by ATON are obliged to publish their annual reports in accordance with the laws applicable to incorporated companies. Further, we endeavour to compile quality and knowledge reports.

 

 

Terms of payment

Regarding deferred payments as a form of cheap credit may result in short-term benefits, but in the long run, it undermines general terms and conditions, and also damages one's own company.

 

All companies in which ATON holds the majority share pay within 14 days of delivery as per contract. If you are a supplier, and happen to know that this is not always the case, then please contact ATON's executive board immediately.

 

In return, we expect our customers to adhere to the agreed or statutory terms of payment. ATON will not hesitate to claim payment, not even from major groups and government authorities. The companies we manage are advised to do without customers who fail to meet payment deadlines in the future.

 

 

Sponsoring and invitations

We take the view that it is people, not institutions, who do good deeds. We do not hold with company sponsorship schemes, so no ATON company is allowed to sponsor.

 

Conversely, no member of staff is allowed to accept any service, gift or favour from customers, suppliers or service providers if it would exceed the value of a normal lunch.

 

Likewise, no member of ATON will grant a customer, supplier or service provider any favour which might possibly lead to a decision being made for inappropriate reasons. ATON's idea is impress by the strength of its performance.