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The Rationale Behind the Foundation Model

The fundamental idea of a foundation is to pursue a defined purpose more effectively, purposefully and sustainably through ownerless assets than would be possible if those assets remained tied to the fate of the founder and their legal successors. Ludwig Szinicz implemented this core principle when establishing the TGW Future Private Foundation in 2004.

His aim was to preserve TGW Logistics and its assets in the long term, create better workplaces, and support people both within and beyond the TGW World.

By interposing the private foundation, the intention was to prevent TGW Logistics from being sold or broken up in the future due to diverging interests – for example, family disputes in subsequent generations. The foundation thus became a stable, long-term core shareholder, with the Foundation Board acting as its governing body. The legal basis of this model is the foundation declaration, consisting of the publicly accessible Foundation Deed and the non-public Supplementary Foundation Deed, which also enshrines the ten guidelines of the foundation philosophy.

Today, the TGW Future Private Foundation is the owner of TGW Logistics and, within the non-profit division TGW Future Wings, founder of the private foundations Future Wings and Schule Morgen, as well as owner of CAP.future GmbH.

The 10 Guidlines

Download Supplementary Foundation Deed
1

In case of doubt, the sustainable continuation of TGW Logistics shall be given preference over the provision and support of the beneficiaries.

.

2

TGW Logistics is a foundation-owned company that is sustained and carried forward in the spirit of its founder.

3

TGW Logistics is a “loan” to the employees. The substance of the company is inviolable.

4

Promote learning and personal growth, and upholding exemplary entrepreneurship.

5

TGW Logistics is like a cow that must be cared for diligently in order to give good milk and raise calves.

6

A meaningful life includes fulfilment through work.

7

Good framework conditions must be created that enables a meaningful balance between professional and private life.

8

TGW is a purpose-oriented community of values that facilitates personal and professional growth as well as entrepreneurial success.

9

TGW Future Wings receives at least 30% of the distribution from TGW Logistics to the TGW Future Private Foundation for holistic educational programmes supporting the development of young people.

10

Key people within the TGW World must identify with the foundation philosophy: “Focusing on people – learning and growing.”

The Cow

A key element of the foundation philosophy “Focusing on people – learning and growing” is the TGW Logistics cow, illustrated in guideline 5. It symbolises stability in ownership, the assumption of responsibility, and employee participation in the company’s success. The dual employee participation model was derived from this metaphor and was articulated by founder Ludwig Szinicz in his Christmas speech in 2016.

“TGW is a cow. TGW is a beautiful cow! She is a unique cow. She is inviolable. No one has the right to sell this cow. No one should get the crazy idea of slicing a cutlet out of this beautiful cow. She must be looked after lovingly and with great care and must be nurtured, so that she can produce lots of good milk and rear healthy calves. The milk from this TGW cow must be shared fairly and wisely, taking into consideration the contributions made to her care and growth, and special care must be taken to ensure that she is left plenty of milk for rearing her calves.”

“She must be looked after lovingly and with great care and must be nurtured, so that she can produce lots of good milk and rear healthy calves.”
That is why all employees contribute, with a strong sense of entrepreneurial responsibility, to caring for the cow – so that TGW Logistics can thrive and achieve strong results.

“No one should get the crazy idea of slicing a cutlet out of this beautiful cow.”
Parts may therefore only be sold if this is strategically necessary. Profit remains within the company and is invested in growth and innovation.

“TGW is a beautiful cow! She is a unique cow. She is inviolable. No one has the right to sell this cow.”
TGW Logistics must therefore not be sold. To ensure this, it requires the fullest commitment from everyone.

“Special care must be taken to ensure that she is left plenty of milk for rearing her calves.”
Two-thirds of the profit therefore remain within the company.

“The milk from this TGW cow must be shared fairly and wisely, taking into consideration the contributions made to her care and growth.”
Employees are therefore entitled to fair participation – based on their contribution.

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