SCHNEIDER ELECTRIC : was ranked in the Top 100 World’s Most Ethical Companies by Ethisphere Institute for its ethical leadership across continents and industries

Rueil-Malmaison (France), March 19, 2012 - Schneider Electric, the global specialist in energy management, was ranked for the second year in a row in the Top 100 World's Most Ethical Companies. This designation awarded by Ethisphere Institute recognizes the Group's efforts to promote the highest standard of ethical behaviour in business.

For Schneider Electric, this designation comes as a reward for the several years of work to implement and maintain upright business practices and initiatives that participate in the Group's success and raise the bar for ethical standards within the industry.

"We are convinced that the stability & performance of a company reside in responsible values & practices both in the management of people and in the relationship with customers & suppliers, said Jean-Pascal Tricoire, President & CEO of Schneider Electric. This nomination recognizes our progress and encourages us to do even better."

To face issues such as environmental concerns, ensure responsible management behaviours (and avoid harassment or discrimination) and avoid violations of business ethics (such as bribery, fraud, or conflicts of interest), Schneider Electric set up several frameworks over the years.

With its "Principles of Responsibility", a set of guidelines first published in 2002 and updated in 2009, Schneider Electric gave all its employees a common reference point for responsible behaviours, and complete by sectorial policies (purchasing, quality, environment, etc.). In 2010, Schneider Electric deployed new processes and organizations, including the Responsibility & Ethical Dynamics programme, to ensure employees are aware of the decided guidelines, and that there is support for them should they face an ethical dilemma. In 2010, 15,000 employees completed the e-learning about this "Principles of Responsibility".In 2012, Schneider Electric Executive Committee members signed an individual letter of compliance with the Principles. An audit conducted in 2011 revealed that 75% of Schneider Electric employees think that such responsibility and ethical practices are a competitive advantage for the Group.

In 2011, Schneider Electric was one of the two French companies which got ranked among Ethisphere's list of the 100 World's Most Ethical Companies.

About Schneider Electric
As a global specialist in energy management with operations in more than 100 countries, Schneider Electric offers integrated solutions across multiple market segments, including leadership positions in Utilities & Infrastructures, Industries & Machine Manufacturers, Non-residential Buildings, Data Centres & Networks and in Residential. Focused on making energy safe, reliable, efficient, productive and green, the Group's 130,000 plus employees achieved sales of 22.4 billion euros in 2011, through an active commitment to help individuals and organizations make the most of their energy.
www.schneider-electric.com

Ethisphere® Institute is a leading international think-tank dedicated to the creation, advancement and sharing of best practices in business ethics, corporate social responsibility, anti-corruption and sustainability. For the sixth year in a row, Ethisphere reviewed hundreds of companies and evaluated a record number of applications utilizing its propriety methodology through in-depth research and multi-step analysis, naming the companies that surpassed their industry peers to this year's World's Most Ethical Companies list.