immo!nvest – Die Plattform für Standorte und Immobilien

Category: Company

  • Subscription model provides flexible set-up solutions for companies

    Subscription model provides flexible set-up solutions for companies

    Skollektiv GmbH offers its furnishing solution as a subscription model on the new Settility.ch website. Under this name, the Bern-based creative network provides pieces of furniture for temporary use that are consistently designed according to the principles of the circular economy, from design and use to the return and reuse of materials. “With Settility, companies and institutions can furnish places to a high standard, even though many industries lack a long-term planning horizon,” reads a press release.

    According to the statement, the Settility design allows for maximum design freedom, as all components are compatible with each other. In addition, all modules are mobile and multifunctional, so that a lobby can be transformed into an event venue, a work zone into a workshop space or a catering environment into an exhibition and sales area with little effort.

    The annual subscription costs are gradually reduced over the first five years. From the sixth year onwards, only a small annual usage fee is charged. “Our subscription model is also extremely flexible in terms of the period of use,” says co-founder Reto Waser, who is also responsible for the concept and realisation. “Anything from two days to many years is possible and makes economic sense.” In addition, customers receive scenographic advice every year. The technical maintenance of the modules is also included in the subscription costs.

    One of Skollektiv’s first customers was the Bluefactory in Freiburg, which rents out modularly customisable spaces to commercial and scientific players. Its Hospitality & Services Manager, Fabio Burri, explains why his company opted for a Settility facility: “The Bluefactory will continue to develop over the coming years. That’s why we appreciate the flexibility and service that Settility offers us.”

  • Double award recognises quality in property management

    Double award recognises quality in property management

    IAZI, Informations- und Ausbildungszentrum für Immobilien AG, presented this year’s IAZI Awards at the 21st IAZI Real Estate Investment Event in Zurich. According to a press release, the Rivora Collective Foundation, based in Winterthur, received the awards for Best Residential Properties 2026 and, for the first time, Best Pension Fund.

    “We are delighted to receive this double award, which is the result of a clear strategy and strong collaboration,” said Amet Bekiri, Managing Director of Rivora Collective Foundation, in the press release. “It confirms our ongoing commitment to responsible action and sustainable quality – for the benefit of our policyholders.”

    Rivora is a long-standing partner of Auwiesen Immobilien AG. The property company based in Winterthur supports Rivora in the portfolio management of direct investments in real estate. “Being honoured twice with the prestigious IAZI award is an extraordinary confirmation of our many years of joint work,” said Christof Schmid, Managing Director of Auwiesen Immobilien AG. “Together with the Rivora Collective Foundation, we develop an investment strategy tailored to their needs and are responsible for its implementation.”

    As a pension fund without vested interests, Rivora offers companies and their employees customised pension solutions. Auwiesen Immobilien AG manages property portfolios worth over CHF 4.5 billion, primarily in German-speaking Switzerland.

  • Renewable energies remain on course for growth despite difficult market conditions

    Renewable energies remain on course for growth despite difficult market conditions

    Aventron has announced its key financial figures for the 2025 financial year. In total, the producer of electricity from renewable energies generated around 1.3 billion kilowatt hours of electricity – around 15 per cent less than in the previous year (2024: 1.498 billion kilowatt hours). Aventron cites historically weak weather conditions and high price volatility, including negative electricity prices, as the reasons for this.

    Despite the decline in production, the result remains “solid” according to a statement. Net revenue amounted to 120.5 million Swiss francs (2024: 134.9 million Swiss francs), while the EBIT margin (earnings before interest and taxes) was around 21 per cent. Net profit after taxes reached CHF 10.3 million.

    In 2025, aventron continued its diversification strategy with solar, wind and hydro technologies and further developed its portfolio. In Switzerland, construction began on the Sedrun Solar (Grisons) and APV Sidenplangg (Uri) alpine photovoltaic projects. In Italy, realisation of the 25-megawatt Lazio 01 solar power plant began, while two wind farms are under construction in France and Germany. The company invested a total of CHF 67 million. At the end of the year, the portfolio comprised a consolidated total output of 819 megawatts (previous year: 797 MW) in operation or under construction.

    In the medium term, aventron intends to focus increasingly on successful electricity marketing and the expansion of data management and monitoring systems. The aim remains to build up a portfolio with a total output of 1000 megawatts. The Münchenstein-based company operates and develops power plants in the areas of hydro, solar and wind energy in Switzerland and selected European countries.

  • Regional butcher’s shop focuses on sustainability and short transport routes

    Regional butcher’s shop focuses on sustainability and short transport routes

    Metzgerhuus Stadt und Land AG in Füllinsdorf is working at almost full capacity. According to Managing Director Raffael Jenzer, the small regional butcher’s shop already processes around 30 cattle, 30 calves, 70 pigs and 20 sheep every week. The transport routes are short: the animals come from over 300 farms in the Basel region. The meat is used by 13 butchers in the region and over 125 direct-marketing farms.

    The Metzgerhuus, which opened in June 2025, also includes a self-service shop that is open every day. It offers 500 products from regional suppliers. In addition, the Metzgerstübli has already hosted around 80 events with over 1000 visitors. The first cookery courses have also been successfully launched.

    The Metzgerhuuse building itself is a power station. Thanks to its solar façade, solar modules on the roof, heat recovery and heavy insulation, it produces more energy than it consumes. It is therefore Minergie A-certified.

    The small regional butcher’s shop was founded by five butcher families from Baselland and Basel-Stadt, the Butchers’ Association of Basel and the Basel Butchers’ and Farmers’ Co-operative, who together raised CHF 4 million in capital. They no longer wanted to drive the region’s cattle to the Mittelland for slaughter.

    The two cantons of Basel supported the project with 2.5 million francs as part of the regional development project “Genuss aus Stadt und Land” (PRE). 120 lenders supported the Metzgerhuus with a total of almost 1 million francs. Anyone who still wants to support the Metzgerhuus financially today can buy so-called solar shopping vouchers: For 1,000 francs, interested parties can invest in solar modules; the proceeds are paid back in vouchers for meat.

  • Study shows high regional value creation by energy companies

    Study shows high regional value creation by energy companies

    Repower commissioned Hanser Consulting to analyse how much added value the Graubünden-based energy supplier generates compared to energy companies outside the canton. In its study, the consulting firm puts the additional added value of the Repower Group for the canton at around CHF 144 million for the year 2024. According to its press release, Repower presented the results to the Graubünden cantonal parliament at an information event on 23 April 2026.

    Hanser Consulting summarises the main findings as follows: Firstly, due to the Repower Group’s headquarters in Graubünden, more than twice the added value per kilowatt hour of electricity produced from Graubünden hydropower remains in Graubünden compared to companies outside the canton. Secondly, this would result in “many other advantages” for the Graubünden economy, particularly with regard to the diversity of the labour market, tax revenues for the canton and municipalities and the inclusion of local suppliers for headquarters activities.

    “Against the backdrop of the Graubünden hydropower strategy and the pending home cases in the coming years, the question of how the use of hydropower is organised in the long term and where the associated added value is generated is becoming increasingly important,” writes Repower. “The study aims to provide a factual basis for discussion.” As Repower emphasises, although the company paid for the study and provided the necessary basis, it had no influence on the methodology or results.

    Repower employs around 500 people in Graubünden and operates along the entire value chain, from production to the grid and supply to trading. The largest shareholders are Elektrizitätswerke des Kantons Zürich (38.49 per cent), the canton of Graubünden (27 per cent) and UBS’s Clean Energy Infrastructure Switzerland fund (23.04 per cent).

  • Lucerne knocks Zug off its throne

    Lucerne knocks Zug off its throne

    Lucerne is lowering its effective corporate tax rate from 11.91 to 11.66 per cent in 2026, overtaking Zug, which is now at 11.71 per cent. According to PwC, this makes Lucerne the canton with the lowest corporate tax rate in Switzerland for the first time.

    The difference is small, but the message is all the greater. In tax competition, it is not only the absolute amount that counts, but also the symbolic effect. Whoever is at the top sends a clear signal to mobile companies and investors.

    Switzerland keeps moving
    Eight cantons are lowering their corporate taxes slightly, while four are increasing them minimally. Overall, the 2026 tax comparison shows a country that remains active in international competition and does not simply manage its attractiveness.

    It is striking that the OECD minimum tax introduced in 2024 has hardly changed the cantonal tax rates so far. PwC speaks of a rather wait-and-see attitude towards the new global framework conditions. This is precisely why competition within Switzerland continues to gain in importance.

    Zurich and Bern are coming under pressure
    At the other end of the scale are Bern and Zurich. According to PwC, Berne has an effective rate of 20.54 per cent, while Zurich is still at 19.47 per cent despite a slight reduction. Both cantons therefore continue to be among the most expensive locations for companies in Switzerland in terms of taxes.

    This is tricky from a location perspective. After all, high economic quality, good accessibility and strong labour markets are not always enough if the fiscal difference is almost twice as high as in Lucerne. The tax factor remains a tough lever in the competition for new relocations and expansions.

    More than just a tax ranking
    According to PwC, Central Switzerland maintains its role as a particularly attractive business location. In an international comparison, Lucerne and Zug rank at the lower end of the tax burden; in the EU, only Hungary taxes companies more heavily than Lucerne.

    This makes it clear what is really at stake. It’s not just about a difference in figures between two cantons, but about the strategic positioning of entire economic areas. Lucerne has taken a small step towards the top. This is precisely what can make the difference in the competition between locations.

  • Zurich sharpens its innovation profile

    Zurich sharpens its innovation profile

    The canton of Zurich is one of the strongest economic regions in Europe. However, even a top location comes under pressure when there is a shortage of skilled labour, development costs rise and global competition becomes tougher.

    This is precisely where the cantonal government comes in. It does not want to boost the innovation centre with individual actions, but rather strengthen it with reliable framework conditions. This Zurich approach is intended to bring research, entrepreneurship and application closer together.

    Five fields with a leverage effect
    The cantonal government has defined five key areas for the years 2027 to 2030. Semiconductors, space, environmental technologies, health and venture capital. The selection is no coincidence. All five areas combine technological dynamism with real growth opportunities.

    At the same time, they show where Zurich is heading. Not in short-term trends, but in fields in which industrial strength, research expertise and new markets overlap. This makes the strategy relevant in terms of economic policy.

    From the laboratory to the market
    The focus on implementation is particularly interesting. Innovation should be applied more quickly. This is precisely where many strong research centres are losing pace.

    For semiconductors, it is about access to chip design, clean rooms and technology transfer. In aerospace, Zurich wants to facilitate the development and scaling of new applications. In the healthcare sector, digital solutions are to be tested, validated and transferred to facilities more quickly. The ambition is clear. Not only invent, but also apply.

    Sustainability is becoming a location factor
    The focus on environmental technologies is also exciting. Sustainable mobility and recyclable construction are not only seen as an ecological task, but also as an economic opportunity.

    That is an important signal. Thinking about security of supply, climate targets and location quality together shifts sustainability from a niche to the centre of location policy. For Zurich in particular, this can create a new profile with international appeal.

    Capital is crucial
    Innovative companies need more than just good ideas. In the growth phase, they need capital that enables scaling. This is why the strategy also focuses on venture capital.

    For the first stage, the Government Council is applying for a framework credit of CHF 23 million. This is not a huge amount. But it marks a political decision of direction. Zurich not only wants to manage its innovative strength, but also translate it into added value and jobs.

  • 2000 jobs are on the line in Wettingen

    2000 jobs are on the line in Wettingen

    Wettingen has moved to the centre of an economic policy decision. The Aargau cantonal council wants to amend the structure plan in the Tägerhardächer area and thus create the planning conditions for a possible Hitachi Energy campus.

    This is a big step. Because it is not just about a single building project. It is about the question of whether Aargau can retain and at the same time expand its industrial substance. In the best-case scenario, around 1000 existing jobs will remain in the canton and up to 2000 new jobs could be created.

    Why Tägerhardächer
    The location is no coincidence. Hitachi Energy is looking at several options for expanding its capacities and relocating current jobs. The Tägerhardächer area is one of the favoured options.

    From a location promotion perspective, there are many arguments in favour of Wettingen. The site is located in the Zurich, Limmattal and Baden area, has good transport links and enables a coherent, expandable campus solution. It is also close to an existing cluster of companies from the energy sector. This increases the appeal of the location far beyond the municipal boundaries.

    The price of progress
    Wherever development becomes possible, conflicts arise. 10.7 hectares of settlement area would have to be designated for the project. The area is currently located in an agricultural area and is partially overlaid by a settlement separation belt.

    This is precisely where the criticism arises. In the consultation process, the loss of cultivated land, the reduction of crop rotation areas, encroachment on the settlement separation belt and traffic issues were criticised in particular. Nevertheless, the cantonal government maintains that the project is appropriate and spatially harmonised from a cantonal perspective. At the same time, attempts should be made to upgrade agricultural land elsewhere so that the loss remains limited.

    The region is thinking further ahead than the
    factory buildingThe    decisive factor now is whether growth and quality of life can go hand in hand. After all, a campus of this size not only has an impact on the labour market. It changes traffic flows, settlement areas and expectations of the infrastructure.

    That is why accessibility should not only work for cars. Public transport as well as pedestrian and cycle connections should be designed in such a way that the impact on neighbouring communities remains as low as possible. This is more than just background music. It is a prerequisite for economic dynamism to be accepted regionally.

    Nothing has been decided yet
    The political will is visible. Wettingen and Baden Regio also support the amendment to the structure plan. However, the company has yet to make a final decision on the location. If it decides against Wettingen, the corresponding resolutions will become null and void.

    This is the real message of this dossier. The future does not just fall from the sky. It must be planned, politically supported and regionally balanced. Wettingen now has the chance to prove just that.

  • The silent ascent south of the Gotthard

    The silent ascent south of the Gotthard

    The EU’s Regional Innovation Scoreboard 2025 confirms Ticino’s “Innovation Leader” status. Only Zurich performs better in Switzerland. There are measurable drivers behind the ranking. The USI and SUPSI universities form the academic backbone, complemented by institutes such as the IDSIA for artificial intelligence and the national supercomputing center. At the same time, SMEs in the canton invest above average in research and development.

    Three competence centers, one park
    The Switzerland Innovation Park Ticino pools forces at three locations. The Swiss Drone Base Camp at Riviera Airport tests drone technology in real airspace. In Lugano, the Lifestyle Tech Competence Center is driving forward the digitalization of fashion, food and wellness. In Bellinzona, the Life Sciences Competence Center conducts research into biomedicine and oncology. From 2032, the park will move to the Nuovo Quartiere Officine, a 120,000 square meter urban development area in the heart of the cantonal capital.

    Lugano relies on digital infrastructure
    The city of Lugano has gone its own way in the area of crypto. Over 400 businesses already accept digital means of payment, and more than 100 fintech and blockchain companies have set up shop. Phase II was launched in March 2026 in collaboration with the company Tether. Five million Swiss francs will flow into digital resilience, AI ecosystems and decentralized urban infrastructure by 2030. Lugano is thus positioning itself as Switzerland’s third-largest financial center with technological ambitions.

    cHF 60 million and a clear signal
    The Grand Council sent a clear signal at the end of 2023. A credit line of CHF 60 million will secure the promotion of innovation, research cooperation and regional economic policy until 2027. CHF 25 million will flow directly into innovation and research synergies. Fondazione Agire, the canton’s innovation agency for over 10 years, supports 20 startup ideas every year via its Boldbrain accelerator and coaches SMEs on digitalization.

    What the real estate sector needs to learn from this
    Location promotion only develops its full value when it grows beyond strategy papers. Ticino is faced with the task of developing land availability, process reliability and urban quality at the same pace as its innovation projects. For investors, this means a region on the move with high potential and a simultaneous need for patience. Anyone who has the south of Switzerland on their radar today will find a location that wants to deliver and has the means to do so.

  • Change of ownership to accelerate growth in the geothermal market

    Change of ownership to accelerate growth in the geothermal market

    The investment company Dundee AG has acquired Bohrfix Erdsonden AG, according to a press release. The company is one of the most established and successful independent providers of geothermal probe drilling in Switzerland, with around 240,000 meters drilled annually and 1150 boreholes worldwide.

    With the new owner, the drilling company will have a slightly different management structure. Effective immediately, Hans Rosenberger, Chairman of the Board of Directors of Dundee AG, is Chairman of the Board of Directors of Bohrfix Erdsonden AG. Sascha Jordi will continue to manage the company operationally. Jordi has been a drilling foreman since 1998 and has worked as a project manager at Bohrfix Erdsonden AG since June 2025. Vinzenz Schönenberger will remain Commercial Director and Delegate of the Board of Directors. Despite the change in management structure, all existing employees will be retained. Nothing will change operationally for customers and clients.

    “With the acquisition of Bohrfix Erdsonden AG, we are investing in a company with an excellent market position, an experienced team and great growth potential in the geothermal and renewable energy sector. We are looking forward to this exciting partnership,” Hans Rosenberger is quoted as saying.

    The background to the takeover is the decision by the previous owner Alban Berisha to concentrate fully on the further development of his investment and real estate portfolio. The new owner plans to further develop the market-leading position of Bohrfix Erdsonden AG and also to invest in growth, technology and personnel in the future.

  • Takeover strengthens position in the European energy market

    Takeover strengthens position in the European energy market

    In a press release, BKW announced the acquisition of the French energy company Volterres SAS. Volterres SAS operates a network of over 100 solar, wind and hydroelectric power plants and enables the tracking of electricity flows in real time. Volterres supplies more than 2 terawatt hours of electricity annually to companies and public organisations.

    The acquisition fits seamlessly into BKW’s existing strategy for France. The company had already previously expanded its activities in the country, including a contract to optimise 200 megawatts of battery capacity. BKW also markets numerous third-party wind, solar and battery projects in France and manages an annual renewable production of over 1 terawatt. With Volterres, BKW now covers the entire energy value chain.

    Strategically, the acquisition is an important step within Solutions 2030, according to the press release. With this focus, BKW is concentrating on the Energy Solutions, Power Grid and Infrastructure & Buildings business areas and positioning itself along the entire value chain of the energy transition. The aim is to achieve EBIT (earnings before interest and taxes) of over CHF 1 billion by 2030. France plays a key role in this.

    “France is a strategically important market for us. With the integration of Volterres, we are strengthening our position not only there, but in the entire European market and are further developing our portfolio of flexible energy solutions,” said Stefan Sewckow, Executive Vice President Energy Markets.

    BKW, based in Bern, is an internationally active energy and infrastructure company. Its range of services extends from engineering and consulting to building technology and the construction and operation of energy and supply grids.

  • New branch strengthens presence in Central Asia

    New branch strengthens presence in Central Asia

    Sika is expanding its presence in Central Asia with a new subsidiary in Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan. According to a press release, the aim of the new branch is to increase customer proximity in the region and improve regional market access for the company.

    One of the reasons for the expansion into Kyrgyzstan is the positive economic outlook for the former Soviet republic. Forecasts predict annual growth in gross domestic product of up to 7 per cent until 2030, according to the press release. Growth drivers in the construction sector include large-scale industrial construction projects as well as infrastructure and energy investments, which further emphasise the strategic importance of Central Asia for Sika.

    “The local organisation in Kyrgyzstan complements our existing activities in Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan and strengthens our regional network in Central Asia. This creates a basis for the targeted further development of our market position in the region and for further growth,” Christoph Ganz, Regional Head EMEA at Sika, is quoted as saying.

    The construction chemicals group Sika focuses on the development and production of systems and products for bonding, sealing, damping, reinforcing and protecting in construction and industry. With the opening of the Kyrgyz site, the company is expanding its global network to 103 national subsidiaries. The company generated sales of CHF 11.20 billion in 2025.

  • Investments strengthen production capacities in the medical technology sector

    Investments strengthen production capacities in the medical technology sector

    The Burgdorf-based medtech company Ypsomed has invested 25 million Swiss francs in the remodelling and construction of a new machine tool park in Solothurn. In order to meet the growing global demand for injection systems and offer customers the highest quality, Ypsomed intends to significantly expand its position and capacity in the production of injection moulds, according to a press release. At the Solothurn site, the company intends to concentrate on the design and manufacture of plastic injection moulds for pens and autoinjectors.

    The commissioning of the mould construction facility marks the start of the implementation of a 200 million Swiss franc investment package to develop the site. Two new high-volume assembly systems with associated injection moulding systems for autoinjectors are to be opened in the coming months. The company has also announced plans to build a fully automated high-bay warehouse at the Solothurn site by the end of 2027. At the same time, a conference centre (Ypsomed Forum) is to be built there with space for around 300 guests. “The investment in the new toolmaking facility in Solothurn is a clear commitment to the development of our sites in Switzerland,” said Simon Michel, CEO of Ypsomed.

    The company also wants to continue to grow internationally in order to consolidate its position in the medical technology market and meet the increasing demand for injection systems for self-medication. in 2025, Ypsomed opened its first own plant in Changzhou, China, and started the expansion of its production site in Schwerin, Germany. A new site is currently under construction in Holly Springs in the US state of North Carolina.

    The investment also serves to double the number of staff in this area. The current number of 35 employees plus trainees is set to grow to 100 employees and apprentices.

  • Award recognises strong performance in the mortgage business

    Award recognises strong performance in the mortgage business

    Swisschange Financial Services AG, a financial boutique regulated by the Swiss Financial Market Supervisory Authority (FINMA), has won the Baloise Broker Award 2026. The prize, awarded by Baloise Bank AG from Solothurn, is based on the parameters of submitted applications, completion rate, financing volume and mortgage portfolio.

    Four out of five mortgage applications submitted by Swisschange lead to a successful conclusion. According to the press release, the mortgage broker achieves this high success rate through careful dossier preparation. Swisschange begins long before the first bank offer with a structured analysis of the financing situation and the selection of a suitable financing partner.

    “This award confirms what we have been practising for years: Genuine buyer representation pays off measurably – for our customers and in a market comparison,” Lester Steinger, CEO and founder of Swisschange, is quoted as saying.

    Swisschange sees itself as a pioneer of independent buyer representation in the Swiss property market. The company has been assisting private clients and entrepreneurs with property, financing and asset decisions since 2003.

  • Zurich bundles economic development in one law

    Zurich bundles economic development in one law

    The road was long. The Department of Economic Affairs has been developing the legal basis since 2020, the consultation process began in 2022 and the Cantonal Council approved it by 114 votes to 59 in the fall of 2025. On April 30, 2026, the cantonal government put the Location Promotion and Business Relief Act into force on July 1, 2026. What was previously piecemeal now has a clear legal home.

    What the law bundles together
    The law brings together six central areas of responsibility under one roof: location development, strengthening innovative capacity, supporting established companies, attracting new businesses, location promotion and external economic relations. At the same time, the previous law on administrative relief will be repealed and fully integrated. This will put an end to a double-track race between two separate sets of regulations.

    The pressure behind it
    Energy shortages, a lack of skilled workers, the OECD minimum tax and the unresolved relationship with the EU are putting pressure on Zurich as a business location. Legally enshrined location promotion should increase the canton’s ability to react and ensure that measures can be implemented quickly and in a targeted manner. The law also provides a basis for the canton to quickly participate in federal crisis support programs.

    Business relief as the centerpiece
    The previous coordination office will be upgraded to a specialist office for business relief. In future, it will systematically examine all new and amended cantonal laws and ordinances for their impact on companies. The so-called regulatory impact assessment has a clear objective: business-friendly regulations and digitally processed enforcement that saves time and effort.

    Zurich as a role model
    Zurich is thus positioning itself as a canton that does not leave economic competitiveness to chance. Carmen Walker Späh, Director of Economic Affairs, played a key role in shaping the law, which is one of the last major projects of her twelve years in office. It will be launched on July 1, 2026, when Walker Späh is already completing her year as President of the Government.

  • Energy cooperative strengthens its brand and increases investment

    Energy cooperative strengthens its brand and increases investment

    The transition from EBM to Primeo Energie is now complete: at their annual general meeting on 15 April 2026, the delegates approved the change of name from EBM to Primeo Energie Genossenschaft. The company has been operating under the Primeo Energie brand since 2019. According to a press release, the name change is intended to ensure that the umbrella brand is also visible in the cooperative’s name in future and to avoid misunderstandings.

    Prior to this, the delegates had approved the annual accounts and the management report of the Primeo Energie Group. Operating profit (EBIT) rose to CHF 127 million in 2025. In the previous year, it had stood at CHF 124 million. Profit grew from CHF 91 million to CHF 109 million over the same period. In total, Primeo Energie invested CHF 187 million in energy infrastructure. This figure is set to rise to CHF 220 million in the current year.

    The contribution to the energy fund was doubled from CHF 2 million to CHF 4 million. CHF 3.1 million from the fund was allocated to grant applications, primarily for connections to district heating networks. Support is now also being provided for the conversion of photovoltaic systems with direct feed-in to self-consumption. The co-operatively organised company therefore expects an increase in applications. A further CHF 500,000 was made available for grants to charitable institutions.

    Gilbert Fuchs and Carmen Gerber-Balmelli were re-elected to the Board of Directors for a further term until 2030. Thomas Ernst was newly elected to the board. Long-standing Vice-President Urs Grütter stepped down.

  • Condominiums remain in demand even with record supply

    Condominiums remain in demand even with record supply

    The latest Online Home Market Analysis by ImmoScout24, in collaboration with the Swiss Homeowners Association and the Swiss Real Estate Institute, analyses the advertisements for condominiums in 2025. According to a press release, a new high has been reached with around 101,000 advertised properties – the highest since the survey began in 2016. At the same time, the growth in supply has slowed significantly. At the same time, the average advertising period has been reduced by eight days to 84 days, which indicates that demand for condominiums is increasing again compared to the previous year.

    The study cites the changed interest rate environment in particular as a reason for this: falling financing costs and easier mortgage lending in some cases are making home ownership more attractive than rental properties. In addition, the need for a secure long-term living situation is becoming more important again.

    “The fact that condominiums are selling more quickly again despite the large supply is a clear sign. Swiss people want to live within their own four walls. Fortunately, the dream of home ownership is still realisable for many people,” Markus Meier, Director of the Swiss Homeowners’ Association, is quoted as saying.

    There is also a uniform regional trend: In all major regions, the insertion period is shorter than in 2024, with condominiums continuing to sell particularly quickly in Central Switzerland (61 days), Zurich (64 days) and the Geneva region (65 days). A particularly dynamic development in demand can be seen in Ticino, where the time it takes to place an advertisement has been significantly reduced by 22 per cent despite a sharp increase in the number of listings (10 per cent).

    ImmoScout24 is an online property marketplace operated by the SMG Swiss Marketplace Group. SMG Swiss Marketplace Group AG combines the digital marketplaces of TX Group, Ringier and Mobiliar.

  • From the construction group to the top of the railway

    From the construction group to the top of the railway

    After twelve years on the Board of Directors, ten of them as Chairwoman, Monika Ribar leaves behind an institution that has changed. The term limit ended her commitment, not her will. Together with her, Vice-Chairman Pierre-Alain Urech, Georg Kasperkovitz and Clara Millard Dereudre are leaving the Board.

    A lateral entrant with a system
    André Wyss was born in 1967, completed an apprenticeship as a chemical technician, studied economics part-time and furthered his education at Harvard Business School. Before joining Implenia as CEO in 2018, he was responsible for around 40,000 employees at Novartis. He brings 40 years of management experience in the construction, property and pharmaceutical industries to his new role. He has already been a member of the SBB Board of Directors since August 2024, so the handover went smoothly.

    Construction meets rail
    What seems like an unusual career move at first glance makes sense on closer inspection. SBB is not only a railway operator, it is also one of the largest property owners in Switzerland. Wyss has first-hand knowledge of complex infrastructure projects, sustainable construction and the political framework conditions in Switzerland. This is precisely why the Federal Council saw him as the right candidate.

    Stable course, new impetus
    Wyss has clearly communicated what he wants: to further develop SBB as the modern and sustainable backbone of Switzerland, focussing on stability and innovation. For its part, SBB is pursuing the goal of being climate-neutral by 2030. This is precisely where Wyss and the new composition of the Board of Directors come in.

    Four new members strengthen the Board
    Four new members were elected to the Board of Directors at the same time as Wyss: Anna Barbara Remund, Dino Cauzza, Dominique Pierre Locher and Maria-Antonella Bino. They are intended to complement the Board professionally and bring new impetus without changing course. The Board of Directors was constituted directly after the Annual General Meeting in Berne.

  • Hybrid is the new normal

    Hybrid is the new normal

    77% of Swiss companies now rely on hybrid working models. That is more than twice as many as before the pandemic. In Germany, 79% of companies offer hybrid working, while the proportion of employees working from home remains stable at between 23% and 24%. At the same time, the analysis of job advertisements, a reliable seismograph for medium-term corporate decisions, shows that hybrid working has been consistently communicated as a working model in around 20% of German and 15% of Swiss job advertisements since 2023.

    Recalibration, not capitulation
    Yes, the average time spent working from home has fallen slightly. In Switzerland from 1.36 to 1.15 days per week, in Germany from 1.0 to 0.85 days. Anyone who sees this as the end of flexibilization is misreading the data. Only 4 to 5 percent of German companies are considering doing away with the home office completely. 74 percent plan to retain hybrid models, while 11 percent even want to increase flexibility. Adjusting entrepreneurial thinking, not turning back.

    Rethinking the office
    The real question is not how many days someone spends in the office. It is why someone should come to the office. 75 percent of employees see the office as a better place for social interaction, 58 percent for networking and career development, 49 percent for creative interaction. The office is changing from an obligatory place to a meeting point for things that don’t work remotely. CBRE speaks of the “office as an attractor”, a place that must offer tangible added value in order to justify the journey. Globally, office occupancy has now recovered to 53%, the highest level since March 2020.

    What companies need to do now
    The data is clear, as are the areas for action. 72% of the companies surveyed have set themselves the goal of improving office space utilization. 66 percent want to sustainably improve the office experience. In other words, spaces that enable collaboration instead of hindering it. Concepts that make team days meaningful and a corporate culture that makes presence attractive rather than enforcing it. Anyone who views the office as a mere cost problem is missing the real strategic question. What value does it create for people and the organization?

    Flexibility as a competitive factor
    Hybrid working has long been more than just an HR issue. It is a factor in the battle for skilled workers. Companies that credibly embrace flexibility have a measurable advantage in recruiting. The ISG study on the future of the Swiss workplace shows that employee experience has become a key lever, from collaboration and onboarding to the availability of space. Hybrid working is the new normal and those who strategically shape it now will position themselves as employers of the future.

  • Zurich reinvents itself

    Zurich reinvents itself

    Government Councillor Carmen Walker Späh openly stated that many good ideas never make it to the market. It is not a lack of creativity, but a lack of the right support at the right time. The canton of Zurich has therefore taken the step this year of joining the international “MIT REAP” program. The aim is to channel funding in a more targeted manner, network players more closely and systematically promote scaling. Zurich has already established itself as a hotspot in the fields of AI, robotics, life sciences and the new space economy. The task now is to secure this lead.

    Nothing works without people
    Markus Müller, Co-Head of Location Promotion, put it in a nutshell with a quote from medtech entrepreneur Andy Rihs: “Nothing works without people.” Capital alone does not build a future. What makes Zurich strong is the ability to bring together new ideas with the right know-how and the right capacities. Zurich should take on a leading role in the new space economy. According to Müller, innovation is what turns “good” into “leading” in the long term.

    You can’t think about the future alone
    Futurologist Martina Kühne gave the guests three ideas to take away with them. Think beyond tomorrow, develop visions of the future in the majority and shape the future together. Every vision of the future is like a piece of gymnastics equipment on which you can let your mind run wild. Anyone who does this can develop ideas for a possible and desirable future. Because, according to Kühne, the future doesn’t just happen.

    Collaboration as a catalyst
    The ETH spin-off Sevensense shows how this theory translates into practice. in 2021, the young start-up impressed ABB with its 3D vision technology for autonomous robots. Today, around 80 percent of the autonomous robots sold by ABB come from Sevensense. Proof of how effective the combination of established capital and fresh inventive spirit can be.

    Organs in space, muscles in the lab
    Prometheus Life Technologies is even more daring. The start-up uses weightlessness in space to grow organs in three dimensions. This was made possible by a parabolic flight program at the Innovation Park, in close collaboration with the Center for Space and Aviation at the University of Zurich. No less ambitious is Muvon, which is working with the ZHAW on an automated method for muscle regeneration using the body’s own cells. If it can be scaled up, it could be used to treat stress incontinence, which affects a significant proportion of women over 40 in Europe.

    A platform that innovates itself
    Samuel Mösle, Co-Head of Location Promotion, drew a clear line in the final discussion. The three start-ups presented are at the limits of the imaginable future. The innovation platform will become more interactive and networked in future with the support of artificial intelligence. After five years, the initiative has reached the end of its own start-up phase. Samuel Mösle sums it up precisely: “It doesn’t just say innovation on it, it also has innovation in it.”

  • More AI does not solve data problems

    More AI does not solve data problems

    The mistake begins with the investment
    It’s a familiar pattern: a company recognizes the potential of artificial intelligence, looks at solutions, chooses a tool – and gets started. The expectation is that the new technology will somehow solve existing data problems. The reality: It doesn’t. It makes them more visible.

    This is no coincidence. It is the consequence of a wrong sequence.

    Data is collected – but not made usable
    Data is available in most real estate companies. Property data, tenant data, operating figures, maintenance histories – they exist. The problem is not its absence, but its condition. They are scattered across systems, inconsistently maintained, inconsistently defined or simply cannot be linked to one another. There are sometimes three different versions of the same key figure – in three different systems.

    Anyone who sets up an AI model under these conditions will not get any answers. What you get is output that reinforces existing uncertainties – automatically and at high speed. AI recognizes patterns in data. If the data is inconsistent, the model learns from the inconsistency. If it is incomplete, it operates on an incomplete basis.

    A new layer of complexity
    What is created in practice is not a gain in efficiency. It is a new layer of complexity: AI outputs that nobody trusts. Departments that manually check results. Projects that come to a standstill. A lot of effort, little effect, growing frustration.

    The fatal thing is that many companies react to this with the next tool upgrade. The cycle starts all over again.

    A data hub is not a tool – it is a structure
    The solution does not lie in better models. It lies in a structural decision: the creation of a common, harmonized database. A data hub is not another system that is added to the existing IT landscape. It is the opposite – it replaces fragmentation with central availability. It integrates distributed data sources, breaks down silos and inconsistencies and creates the basis for scalable AI applications and automated reporting.

    The decisive factor is not where the data is stored. What matters is how it can be used: uniformly defined, quality-assured, accessible for different use cases. Only on this basis can AI deliver what it promises.

    Data quality is not preliminary work – it is an ongoing task
    Even with a data hub, a central challenge remains: Data quality is not a one-off cleansing project before go-live. It is a continuous process. Anyone who sees data quality as a preliminary project will realize after the launch that the real problem is only just beginning.

    The database is supplemented by a data catalog: It transparently documents which data exists, where it comes from and how reliable it is. It creates a common language that connects specialist departments and technology – and gives control back to the organization.

    In the webinar: From the database to scalable AI
    In our free webinar “The optimal AI architecture: How data hub, data quality and data catalog make the difference”, we show how real estate companies can tackle this transformation in concrete terms – from data architecture and quality assurance to the productive use of AI. With practical insights, concrete solutions and time for your questions.

    Register now for free

  • Acquisition makes interior fit-out projects more efficient and regionally focused

    Acquisition makes interior fit-out projects more efficient and regionally focused

    Obrist interior AG, based in Lucerne, has announced in a press release that it has acquired the American company Display Craft Manufacturing Co. of Baltimore, Maryland. The acquisition will increase production capacity for the North American market.

    Local manufacturing will make project execution more sustainable and efficient, according to the company, which specialises in high-end shopfitting and interior design. This means fewer transport and freight routes, simpler logistics and packaging, and shorter project lead times. The expansion of market activity in the US is a response to the high demand from luxury and premium brands, which have a strong presence there, for short delivery times, rapid response times and close collaboration with local production partners.

    Corrado Tona, CEO of Obrist Interior America Inc., will take charge of operational management: “We are gaining a strong local team, expanding our manufacturing expertise and getting even closer to our customers. This strengthens our competitiveness and enables us to serve the US market, which we have actively developed in recent years, in an even more targeted manner,” he is quoted as saying. According to owner Stefan Slamanig, the existing presence in the US will be deepened and the Obrist brand strengthened across the entire value chain.

    Display Craft Manufacturing Co. has been a supplier of retail displays and solutions for shopfitting and interior design for more than 75 years. The manufacturing company has 40 employees, who will be integrated “into the values and quality standards of Obrist interior”.

    The acquisition is accompanied by an expansion of capacity, combined with reduced reliance on external suppliers, greater flexibility, cost optimisation and increased strategic resilience. Solutions for customers and projects can be implemented in a more economically and environmentally efficient manner. The new production site also offers opportunities for employees at the Swiss locations.

  • CEO becomes a partner in assembly group

    CEO becomes a partner in assembly group

    The ERNE Group is taking on its CEO Giuseppe Santagada as a shareholder. The CEO, who has been in office since the beginning of 2024, is also joining the Laufenburg-based construction and property group as a minority shareholder, the ERNE Group announced in a press release. The family business is held by the fourth generation of the founding family.

    “The collaboration with Giuseppe Santagada has been based on partnership, commitment and equality since day one,” Daniel and Christoph Erne, Chairman and Vice-Chairman of the Board of Directors, are quoted as saying in the press release. Mr Santagada, who holds a doctorate in economics, contributes to the strategic development of the Group with his entrepreneurial vision and management experience. “Becoming a minority shareholder is an expression of our mutual trust and our responsibility towards our employees, customers, partners and family.”

    The companies of the ERNE Group specialise in the entire construction industry, from the extraction of raw materials to the planning and implementation of projects through to dismantling, disposal and recycling. In addition to its headquarters in Laufenburg, the company has further locations in Switzerland and Germany and is active in Switzerland, Germany and Luxembourg.

  • New strategy pays off – more profit and green share of sales increases

    New strategy pays off – more profit and green share of sales increases

    Holcim achieved half-year sales of 7.87 billion Swiss francs, an increase of 1.8 per cent in local currency. In a press release, the company reported a disproportionately high increase in its recurring EBIT (recurring operating profit) of 10.8 per cent in local currency and 3 per cent in Swiss francs to CHF 1.44 billion. The recurring EBIT margin thus improved by 90 basis points to 18.3 per cent. Earnings per share also rose by 7.4 per cent year-on-year to CHF 1.57 before impairments and disposals.

    The building materials company also reported increased demand for sustainable solutions. ECOPact low-CO2 concrete accounted for 31 per cent of total sales of ready-mix concrete in the first half of the year, compared to 25 per cent in the previous year. Sustainable ECOPlanet cement accounted for 35 per cent of cement sales, compared to 32 per cent a year ago.

    “I would like to thank all of our 48,000 employees around the world for their contribution to our excellent half-year results. Holcim is the leading partner for sustainable construction and we are unlocking significant business opportunities through our new strategy ‘NextGen Growth 2030’ – which lays the foundation for a new era of growth and value creation,” CEO Miljan Gutovic is quoted as saying.

    For the full year, Holcim is forecasting 3 to 5 percent sales growth in local currency, 6 to 10 percent growth in recurring EBIT in local currency, a recurring EBIT margin of more than 18 percent, free cash flow before leases of around CHF 2 billion and over 20 percent growth in recycled construction and demolition materials.

  • Strong franc weighs on quarterly results despite gains in market share

    Strong franc weighs on quarterly results despite gains in market share

    The construction chemicals group Sika has announced its financial results for the first quarter of 2026 in a press release. The group recorded sales of CHF 2.49 billion in the first quarter, representing sales growth of 0.9 per cent in local currencies and a decline of 7 per cent in Swiss francs. The decline in Swiss francs is attributable to the strength of the Swiss franc against Asian currencies and the US dollar, according to the company.

    The main drivers of growth in local currencies were market share gains across all regions, despite a subdued global construction market. In the EMEA region (Europe, Middle East, Africa), Sika recorded a 3.6 per cent increase in revenue in local currencies in the first quarter (previous year: 0.7 per cent) In the Americas region, Sika recorded a slight decline in sales of 0.8 per cent in local currencies. Whilst economic uncertainties weighed on construction activity in the US, demand in the data centre sector grew at double-digit rates, Sika reports. Canada performed well and Latin America also continued the recovery in construction markets. In the Asia/Pacific region, sales in local currencies fell by 2.2 per cent. The continued weakness of the Chinese construction sector, with double-digit declines, had a particularly negative impact. Positive contributions came primarily from India, South-East Asia and the Automotive & Industry segment.

    The completed acquisition of mortar manufacturer Finja (Sweden) and the announcement of the acquisition of adhesives manufacturer Akkim (Turkey) contributed to the increase in market share in the first quarter. Sika is also strengthening its production capacities with new plants in the USA, Tanzania, Argentina, Colombia and Bangladesh.

    Sika confirmed its strategic direction and expects revenue growth of 1 to 4 per cent in local currencies for the full year 2026, as well as an EBITDA margin of 19.5 to 20 per cent.

  • Building Services Group boosts profits and continues to grow

    Building Services Group boosts profits and continues to grow

    According to a press release, the Burkhalter Group has closed the 2025 financial year with “excellent results”. All relevant key performance indicators have once again improved compared with the previous year. The building services provider recorded revenue growth of 1.8 per cent to CHF 1.2 billion, as well as a 6 per cent increase in EBIT (earnings before interest and taxes) to CHF 73.8 million and a consolidated profit of CHF 61.3 million (previous year: CHF 57.2 million, up 7.3 per cent). Earnings per share rose to CHF 5.78, representing an increase of 7.2 per cent on the previous year. As a result of this positive performance, the Board of Directors is proposing an increased dividend of CHF 5.20 per share to the Annual General Meeting.

    The drivers of growth are sustained high demand for building services engineering and efficiency gains from optimised and digitalised processes. Targeted acquisitions also contributed to the positive performance. In 2025, the Group acquired Mathieu Ingenieure AG in Visp (VS) and Gattiker Elektro GmbH in Uster (ZH). Four further acquisitions followed at the start of 2026: BZ-Dépannage Sàrl in Lonay, Vaud; Enplan AG in Herisau, Appenzell Ausserrhoden; Elektro Gasser AG in Lalden, Valais; and Caotec SA in Brusio, Graubünden. According to the company, this strengthens the Burkhalter Group’s regional presence, expands its expertise and increases its market share. The acquisition strategy remains a central component of growth.

    The company is confident about the 2026 financial year. Driven by government support programmes and continued high levels of construction activity, demand for energy-efficient building services solutions remains strong. The Group expects to be able to achieve a moderate increase in earnings per share for the 2026 financial year as well.

  • PropTech start-up is driving the digitalisation of property management

    PropTech start-up is driving the digitalisation of property management

    According to a press release, Bewy has received 150,000 Swiss francs in funding from Venture Kick. The Zurich-based proptech start-up is developing an artificial intelligence (AI)-powered software solution for property management that streamlines processes and offers a better service to both landlords and tenants.

    The background to this is widespread inefficiency in property management across the DACH region, as stated in the press release. Poor communication, neglected maintenance, unexpected costs and inadequate tenant services frequently lead to dissatisfaction among owners and tenants. Bewy addresses this through automated internal processes, improved communication and real-time transparency. This is expected to reduce management costs by up to 30 per cent and significantly improve the user experience. The fresh funding is intended to drive the further development of the platform and its scaling within Switzerland. In its expansion, Bewy is pursuing an M&A (Merger & Acquisition) strategy aimed at acquiring small and medium-sized property management firms without a succession plan.

    “As Switzerland’s leading start-up programme, Venture Kick is a significant accelerator for Bewy. The funding process is streamlined and efficient, yet simultaneously opens up access to a valuable network and boosts credibility,” co-founder Luca Serratore is quoted as saying in the press release.

    Bowy currently operates in Zug, Zurich, Aargau and Lucerne and serves a double-digit number of clients, including private individuals, single-family offices and property companies such as Swiss Prime Site. The founding team comprising Luca Serratore, Marcandrea Hunkeler, Gilles Baumann and Katrin Leuppi brings together experience from the fields of start-ups, consultancy and the property sector. The start-up accelerator Venture Kick is an initiative of the Kick Foundation for Innovation & Entrepreneurship and is supported by a private-sector consortium.

  • Modernization of operations center secures long-term capacity

    Modernization of operations center secures long-term capacity

    Migros Eastern Switzerland has begun the renovation and modernisation of its operations centre in Gossau. According to a press release, the management of Migros Eastern Switzerland intends to make the building fit “for operation and expansion over the next 40 years” with the reconstruction, as Sandro Feltscher, Head of the Logistics and IT Directorate at Migros Eastern Switzerland, is quoted as saying.

    The work will mainly be carried out on Building C of the operations centre. This has been used since 1979 for the production and distribution of meat and charcuterie products as well as for the commissioning and dispatch of chilled food. In the first construction phase, an extension will be built on the southern side with additional docking points for delivery vehicles. In the coming year, parking spaces for trailers and car parks for employees will be renovated. In 2028 and 2029, new, modern rooms for employees will be built. Parallel to the overall construction measures, the refrigerated lines for order picking are to be replaced with modern ones. Construction work is expected to be completed in 2030.

    “The biggest challenge in the construction project is replacing the systems and modernising production without interrupting operations. Even during the replacement, our supermarkets and restaurants need daily deliveries of dairy products, meat and other chilled goods,” says Feltscher.

  • Energy provider reports declining results alongside rising investments

    Energy provider reports declining results alongside rising investments

    According to a press release,Repower achieved a total operating performance of CHF 1986 million in 2025. This was 20 per cent less than in the previous year. The operating result before interest and taxes fell by 24 per cent to CHF 133 million, while Group profit fell by 27 per cent to CHF 101 million. According to the press release, the international energy trading business made the largest contribution to earnings. At the same time, the Graubünden-based energy supplier increased its investments by 80 per cent to 142 million. The equity ratio rose from 53 to 59 per cent.

    The low rainfall in spring 2025 in particular had a negative impact on Repower’s result. The wind farms in Italy and Germany also recorded a slight decline. The Teverola gas-fired combined-cycle power plant was out of operation for an extended period. Only solar production increased significantly in 2025. According to the press release, Repower produced a total of 2147 gigawatt hours of electricity in 2025. In the previous year, this figure was 2639 gigawatt hours.

    Repower achieved a very strong result of CHF 371 million and a profit of CHF 300 million in 2023. However, the company also reported a very good annual result for 2025. This was above the long-term average. The company also expects a good result for 2026.

  • New head of department to drive strategic development in the economy and labour market

    New head of department to drive strategic development in the economy and labour market

    According to a press release, the government of the Canton of St. Gallen has appointed Daniel Müller as the new head of the Office for Economic Affairs and Labour, effective 1 May. He succeeds Karin Jung, who has led the office since 2018 and announced her resignation at the start of the year. Müller is currently carrying out her duties on an interim basis.

    The 50-year-old has been working for the canton since 2018. Until now, he was head of business development. A qualified audio and video electronics technician and IT specialist, he studied business administration at OST– the University of Applied Sciences of Eastern Switzerland. Before joining the Department of Economic Affairs, he worked for the University of St. Gallen, amongst other roles.