immo!nvest – Die Plattform für Standorte und Immobilien

Category: Company

  • New management accompanies establishment of multifunctional arena

    New management accompanies establishment of multifunctional arena

    According to a press release, since its opening in October 2025, the Pilatus Arena in the Mattenhof district of Kriens has already established itself as an efficient, multifunctional platform for indoor sports and events. At the end of the financial year, the two project initiators, Toni Bucher and Nick Christen, stepped down from their positions on the Board of Directors. Markus Mettler, Chairman of the Board of Directors of Schlieremer Halter AG and Pilatus Arena Sports & Events AG, replaced Bucher as the new Chairman of the Board of Directors of Pilatus Arena AG. Construction of the Pilatus Tower, located next to the arena, is also scheduled for completion in autumn 2026.

    “We would like to thank Toni Bucher and Nick Christen for their tremendous commitment to sport and Pilatus Arena AG,” Markus Mettler is quoted as saying in the announcement. “Both have been instrumental in driving the project forward since 2007.” The arena was developed and built by Halter and has been operated by Pilatus Arena Sports & Events AG since its opening. Halter AG is also the majority shareholder in Pilatus Arena AG, with a 70 per cent stake.

    Several sporting events have already taken place in the new arena in 2025. Highlights included the Swiss national handball team’s first international match, Swiss Central Basketball games in the National League B and the Final4 Mobiliar Handball Cup for men.

    “The anticipation for the first Final4 Cup in the new PILATUS ARENA was huge – and it was fulfilled in every respect,” said Andreas Campi, President of the Final4 Organising Committee. “The atmosphere was exhilarating, and the format was convincing.”

  • New investor focuses on continuity and long-term prospects

    New investor focuses on continuity and long-term prospects

    The Hotel Bernerhof Gstaad has new owners. According to a statement, Brigitte and Thomas Frei have sold their majority stake in Hotel Berner AG to asset manager RMG THE RISK MANAGEMENT GROUP (SUISSE) SA in Geneva and investment and holding company Holdingstone SA in Zug. The sale price has not been disclosed.

    Over three decades, the Frei couple developed the Bernerhof into a renowned luxury and gourmet hotel. It has 46 rooms and suites in various categories and four award-winning restaurants. “After all these years as owners and managers of the Bernerhof, we are happy to hand over this living legacy to a group that is driven by a positive and ambitious vision for the Bernerhof and for Gstaad,” the couple are quoted as saying. They are particularly pleased that François Grohens took over the operational management at the beginning of December.

    Grohens, 55, previously worked at the Bernerhof from 2002 to 2011 before moving to Park Gstaad. He has served as director there for the past six years. Stints in the USA and on cruise ships brought the Frenchman to Switzerland in 1997 and to Gstaad in 2000. According to reports, his focus is on “preserving the Bernerhof as a warm, familiar place for regular guests, while inspiring new guests with the quality of the service, the restaurants and the lively atmosphere”.

    Jean-Guillaume Pieyre, founder and CEO of RMG, thanks Brigitte and Thomas Frei “for the trust they have placed in us”. Together with Emmanuel Kilchenmann, Vice President of Holdingstone, he wants to promote a project “that treats Gstaad and the region with respect and shares the vision of a lively village centre all year round”.

  • Automated call triage relieves customer service centres during major events

    Automated call triage relieves customer service centres during major events

    Spitchand Adnovum– both based in Zurich – have launched an artificial intelligence (AI)-powered voicebot. According to a press release, the Berna programme is designed to simplify the claims process at Gebäudeversicherung Bern (GVB).

    The AI voicebot is designed to enable rapid customer service when triaging calls and recording claims. The programme is able to distinguish and recognise different Swiss dialects and convert the spoken text into standard German. Berna is also capable of handling several hundred calls at the same time, according to the press release. Upon request, the programme can also connect callers to a human specialist.

    The new solution can be particularly helpful in the event of major damage. For example, during the storm in August 2024 in the Bernese Oberland, more than 3,000 calls were received in a very short time. In addition to the damage that had already occurred, there were also very long waiting times in some cases. “It was crucial for us that, in the event of a major incident, those affected were not placed under additional strain when reporting their claims,” said Corinne Fleury, Innovation Manager at GVB, in the press release. “The aim was to relieve the burden on our customer centre and specialist departments and avoid waiting times, even during such major events, by means of an automated, flexibly scalable solution. The solution created by Spitch and Adnovum also makes it possible to automatically generate accurate claims files as a basis for further processing by specialists, through guided dialogues and the structured recording of customer information.”

  • Grid takeover brings new impetus to local energy supply

    Grid takeover brings new impetus to local energy supply

    According to a statement, Turgi is changing its electricity network operator. Regionalwerke AG Baden (RWB) will take over the electricity network in Turgi on 1 January 2026. This means that the previous operator, AEW Energie AG (AEW), will discontinue its electricity supply and customer service. The new point of contact for all matters relating to electricity supply will then be the regional electricity supplier RWB.

    The takeover of the water supply was able to be carried out earlier, as the municipality was responsible for this. The electricity grid, on the other hand, belongs to AEW and will become the responsibility of RWB at the beginning of 2026, as Adrian Fuchs, Head of Electricity Supply and member of the Executive Board at RWB, explains. With this step, RWB is underlining its “regional role” and offering a reliable, secure and sustainable electricity supply for the population. In addition, electricity costs for new customers are to be lower. Compared to the previous year, this will result in savings of 10 per cent for an average annual consumption of 4,500 kilowatt hours per household.

    The change of network operator is linked to planned renovations and an expansion of the electricity grid as part of the merger of Turgi with the city of Baden in early 2024. According to the announcement, 2,000 electricity meters will be replaced by smart metering systems from mid-2026. Medium-term plans envisage connecting the electricity grids of Baden and Turgi to strengthen security of supply.

  • Swiss deep tech at the CES 2026

    Swiss deep tech at the CES 2026

    BTRY presents a new class of ultra-thin solid-state lithium-ion batteries that have been developed for applications with extreme requirements in terms of height, safety and charging speed. The cells are available from a thickness of around 0.1 millimeters, can be fully charged in around one minute and function stably even at temperatures of up to around 150 degrees Celsius.

    Thanks to their all-solid-state architecture, they do not require liquid electrolytes, making them less of a fire hazard and allowing very fast charging without additional buffer capacitors. Target markets are small networked devices such as smart labels, wireless sensors, wearables and medical technology applications, where conventional batteries are often too bulky or too slow.

    Silent cooling for high-performance computers
    Ionic Wind is showcasing a Lenovo ThinkPad T14 at CES that is cooled using solid-state ionic wind technology rather than a fan. Instead of mechanical fans, electric fields generate a directed airflow that dissipates heat without moving parts and virtually silently.

    This technology turns air into an electrically controllable design parameter and opens up design scope for laptops, edge AI devices and compact electronics where conventional fans reach their limits. In addition to noise reduction, Ionic Wind promises greater reliability because it eliminates mechanical components that are prone to wear.

    Printed perovskite solar cells
    Perovskia Solar is continuing its presence at CES and showcasing inkjet-printed solar cells based on perovskite materials. The cells can be customized and integrated into a variety of electronic devices and sensors – such as small appliances, wearables or autonomous IoT sensors.

    Perovskite solar cells are characterized by high efficiency at low manufacturing costs and great design freedom. The company demonstrates how energy generation can be integrated directly into device surfaces, which reduces the load on batteries and enables new, energy-autonomous applications.

    Significance for Empa and Switzerland as a hardware location
    The joint presence of BTRY, Ionic Wind and Perovskia Solar at CES shows that Empa is not only conducting basic research, but is increasingly producing deep-tech start-ups that are scaling up in global markets. The projects address areas in which incremental improvements are reaching their limits, such as battery technology, electronic cooling and photovoltaics.

    Empa and Switzerland are thus distinguishing themselves as a location for hardware innovations that flow directly into industrial applications. The start-ups combine scientific excellence with international visibility, customer validation and global growth ambitions, shifting the focus from “research in the lab” to “products on the world stage”.

  • Mega merger with a signal effect

    Mega merger with a signal effect

    Glencore and Rio Tinto have confirmed that they are in preliminary discussions about a possible combination of “some or all” of their businesses. An all-share deal, structured as a court-sanctioned scheme of arrangement in which Rio Tinto acquires all of Glencore, is considered likely in the market

    Under UK takeover law, Rio Tinto has until February 5, 2026, 5 p.m. London time, to publish a “firm intention to make an offer” or terminate discussions. This is the classic “put up or shut up” deadline. Both companies expressly emphasize that there is no certainty that a formal offer or even a deal will be made

    Possible deal structure and strategic logic
    A mega-merger with a combined enterprise value of well over 200 billion US dollars is being discussed. It would create one of the largest mining and commodities groups in the world with over 200,000 employees. The spectrum ranges from a full takeover to partial transactions, for example with a focus on Glencore’s copper mines and other energy transition metals

    The sticking point is Glencore’s coal business and its extensive trading portfolio. Rio Tinto has exited the coal business and is unlikely to have much interest in a permanent return. Scenarios range from a temporary takeover followed by a spin-off to a deal in which only selected assets such as copper are integrated into Rio Tinto

    Copper as a driver
    Strategically, the focus is on access to raw materials for decarbonization and digitalization. Both groups have significant copper reserves. Together, they would become a dominant supplier of a metal that is indispensable for grid expansion, e-mobility, renewable energies and energy-intensive data centers

    Analysts point out that copper demand could increase by around 50 percent by 2040, while supply lags behind at times. An environment that rewards size, capital strength and pipeline depth. A merger would further drive consolidation in the global mining sector and strengthen the market power of a few heavyweights

    Significance for Zug and Switzerland as a commodities center
    Glencore, headquartered in Baar, is one of the most important commodities groups and taxpayers in Switzerland, with around 1000 employees working in the Zug area. In the event of a share deal, the group would probably be integrated into a global Rio Tinto structure, but details of the headquarters, listing, governance and functions in Zug are still open

  • Expansion of strategic management with Daniel Kuster

    Expansion of strategic management with Daniel Kuster

    With the planned election of Daniel Kuster, Property One is specifically strengthening the strategic management and long-term orientation of the Group. Together with the entire Board of Directors, Kuster will shape the further development of the Group and closely support the implementation of key strategic initiatives.

    The collaboration goes beyond a traditional Board of Directors mandate. In direct exchange with the Executive Board and the organization, he will contribute to the conceptual sharpening, organizational development and implementation of the growth agenda. The election is subject to the approval of FINMA.

    Experience along the real estate value chain
    Daniel Kuster brings with him over twenty years of management experience in executive positions, boards of directors and investment committees, including many years as CEO of Fundamenta Group (Schweiz) AG and as managing director of a real estate investment foundation. His career thus encompasses both operational management and institutional capital market experience in the real estate sector.

    Today, he acts as an independent board member, foundation board member and strategic sparring partner and advises companies on governance issues, strategy development and the structuring of business models. This combination of market knowledge, governance expertise and investor perspective fits in well with Property One’s growth-oriented positioning.

    Added value for further development
    The Group not only wants to further expand its platforms, products and projects, but also take them to the next level of development in terms of strategy and organization. Kuster’s experience in corporate management, governance and structuring business models should help to balance growth, professionalism and a values-based corporate culture.

    The close involvement in the Board of Directors and operational discussions creates the basis for translating strategic ambitions into robust structures, clear decision-making processes and scalable business models. This strengthens the company’s position as an entrepreneurial, long-term thinking real estate and investment group.

  • Sunrise streamlines structures

    Sunrise streamlines structures

    The planned reduction is part of an “organizational development” with which Sunrise intends to reduce hierarchical levels, shorten decision-making paths and make processes more efficient through the use of new technologies. Numerous management functions in particular would be affected. Store employees with direct customer contact and trainees are to be largely spared.

    in the event of unavoidable redundancies, a social plan will come into effect that takes into account age and years of service, provides for a new placement program and includes a fund for individual bridging and qualification measures. Employees aged 58 and over receive fixed-term contracts until 62, and from 62 Sunrise supports early retirement. Younger employees are to be reintegrated into the labor market as quickly as possible.

    repeated cuts hit staff hard
    The news comes as another shock for employees. Sunrise already cut 166 jobs in 2024 as part of the integration of UPC following a consultation process.

    in the ongoing consultation process, the Syndicom trade union is calling for alternatives to be seriously examined and for the company to refrain from further job cuts. The decision on the actual redundancies is expected once the process has been completed. They are likely to be announced in February and March 2026.

    price war forces efficiency
    The Swiss telecoms market is highly competitive and numerous new providers have entered the market since liberalization, while there has been no market consolidation. At the same time, customers are becoming increasingly price-sensitive, discount campaigns and promotions are squeezing margins and forcing consistent cost discipline.

    in this environment, providers are trying to distinguish themselves with low tariffs, package offers and service quality, while at the same time investing heavily in networks, fiber optics and 5G. Structural programs such as Sunrise’s are therefore not just business manoeuvres, but an expression of a market in which efficiency is becoming a question of survival.

  • Innovative energy technology combines summer surplus with winter warmth

    Innovative energy technology combines summer surplus with winter warmth

    According to a press release, Matica AG from Wagenhausen and Lucerne University of Applied Sciences and Arts have founded SeasON Energy AG. The aim is to industrialise and commercialise the SeasON sorption heat pump technology, which was jointly developed by the two partners over the past three years. It stores surplus renewable energy in summer using a thermochemical process and provides heating energy in winter with almost no additional electricity.

    “The founding of the spin-off SeasON Energy AG marks another important step in the further development of this pioneering technology and its market launch,” said Matica CEO Marc Lüthi. He will take over the operational management of the Zurich-based green tech start-up.

    “The first pilot plant, which has been in operation for a year at the animal carcass collection point in Frauenfeld, has proven that the technology works,” explains Benjamin Fumey, member of the board of directors of SeasON Energy and head of the CC Thermal Energy Systems and Process Engineering research group at the Institute of Mechanical and Energy Engineering at the Lucerne University of Applied Sciences and Arts – Technology & Architecture.

    A second pilot plant is located at the postal delivery point in Kaltenbach TG and a third in a residential building in the German state of North Rhine-Westphalia. SeasON Energy plans to implement around a dozen further pilot projects over the next 12 to 18 months. The aim is to demonstrate the performance and economic efficiency of the technology.

    In 2025, the SeasON project was awarded the Prix Watt d’OR and the Greenovation Award. SeasON was also one of the three finalists in the Industry Innovation category ofthe Swiss Technology Award.

  • Digital brokerage platform expands offering in the skilled trades market

    Digital brokerage platform expands offering in the skilled trades market

    QuinStreet will integrate HomeBuddy into its offering. The California-based company has announced that it intends to use the SIREN GROUP’s brokerage platform from the canton of Schwyz to add “an important new product line” to its Modernise Home Services platform. The aim is to enable trades companies to achieve “predictable, sustainable business growth”.

    QuinStreet also believes that this acquisition will result in an increase in adjusted EBITDA of an estimated £30 million or more in the first twelve months. After that, “already identified synergies” are expected to come into play and lead to “significant growth”. According to the information provided, HomeBuddy generated revenue of approximately $141 million in the twelve months to 30 September 2025.

    To achieve the targeted growth, QuinStreet will pay SIREN GROUP $115 million in cash upon closing and an additional $75 million over a four-year period under a share purchase agreement. Further details of the transaction will be provided with the financial results for the first two quarters of 2026, according to the information provided.

    QuinStreet expects HomeBuddy to expand its network with new repair and renovation professionals and increase its customer base to more than 2,000 businesses and regional professionals from 30 demanding industries. In addition, HomeBuddy is expected to further strengthen QuinStreet’s foundation for delivering new products and services, most notably the 360 Finance marketplace for financing home renovations.

  • Majority stake drives growth in the Peruvian market

    Majority stake drives growth in the Peruvian market

    The Zug-based building materials company Holcim has announced the acquisition of a majority stake in the Peruvian building materials company CementosPacasmayo. With this transaction, Holcim is strengthening its presence in the growth market of Latin America and pursuing its NextGen Growth Strategy 2030, according to the press release.

    Cementos Pacasmayo is forecasting net sales of USD 630 million and an EBITDA margin of 28 per cent in 2025. The transaction volume of USD 1.5 billion thus corresponds to 8.8 times the EBITDA forecast for 2025. The acquisition is expected to have a positive impact on earnings per share (EPS) and free cash flow in the first year and on return on investment (ROIC) in the third year.

    “The synergetic acquisition of Cementos Pacasmayo is in line with our ‘NextGen Growth 2030’ strategy to accelerate growth in the attractive Latin America region,” Holcim CEO Miljan Gutovic is quoted as saying. “This is an opportunity to continue the exceptional legacy of Cementos Pacasmayo, based on a strong performance culture, a deep commitment to its employees and a highly recognised brand in Peru. The company is highly cash-generative and has a complementary portfolio of building materials and construction solutions. I look forward to welcoming Pacasmayo’s 2,000 employees to Holcim and continuing to grow together.”

    The approximately 300 points of sale of Cementos Pacasmayo will complement Holcim’s presence in Latin America. Holcim had already entered the Peruvian building materials market last year with the acquisitions of Comacsa, Mixercon and Compañía Minera Luren.

    The transaction, which is expected to close in the first half of 2026, is in line with Holcim’s growth-oriented capital allocation and is subject to customary regulatory approvals.

  • Online network promotes knowledge transfer and expansion in the property sector

    Online network promotes knowledge transfer and expansion in the property sector

    Zuger Makler Service AG has launched Real Estate Talk Arabia, a free digital education and networking platform for property professionals and investors. The platform is designed to help companies in the European property industry expand into international markets and connect them with the Middle Eastern property market, particularly Dubai. According to an announcement via Business Insider, the platform is available immediately and can be accessed through the official channels of Makler Service.

    Real Estate Talk Arabia combines education with communication and community on a freely accessible platform. Users benefit from monthly live streams, structured online courses and a Facebook community. There, they receive practical insights into international markets, customer communication and sales strategies from property developers and experts. “Real Estate Talk Arabia reflects our philosophy – progress through networking,” explains Makler Service AG. “We are convinced that professional development should never be limited by payment barriers or geographical restrictions.”

    Makler Service AG was founded in 2020 during the pandemic and has developed into a leading training provider for property professionals in the DACH region within five years. The new initiative now aims to connect continents and strengthen the company’s international presence.

  • Realignment of management strengthens agility and specialisation

    Realignment of management strengthens agility and specialisation

    The Winterthur-based property and trust company Müller Schuhmacher is reorganising its management. According to a press release, the new management structure is intended to create more agility and strengthen the focus on the company’s special competences.

    The new Managing Director is Dominic Schuhmacher. Daniela Steiner will take over as head of property management. Michael Zeugin is in charge of property sales and now also acts as Chairman of the Board of Directors. Finance, human resources, communication and projects will be bundled in the newly created Corporate Centre. This will be managed by Christine Müller. Christian Furrer will continue to be responsible for the Fiduciary division.

    “The new structure makes us more agile, creates clear responsibilities and strengthens our specialisation,” Michael Zeugin is quoted as saying. “This allows us to remain efficient and an attractive employer.” In an internal discussion with some of the new management team, Dominic Schuhmacher points out that staff turnover is around four times lower than the industry average and that the new organisation creates clear development prospects within the company. “At the same time, it gives us the structural flexibility to examine succession solutions or targeted acquisitions without jeopardising our culture and values.”

    Parallel to the reorganisation of the management structure, Müller Schuhmacher has also further developed its brand identity. According to Christian Furrer in the interview, it reflects the company’s proven values as well as its growth and current reality. It also “works excellently in digital communication”.

  • Strategic takeover strengthens mortar business in Northern Europe

    Strategic takeover strengthens mortar business in Northern Europe


    Sika is acquiring Finja Betong, a manufacturer of dry mortars, floor levelling compounds and façade systems based in Finja, Sweden. Together with the recently completed acquisition of the Danish mortar manufacturer Marlon, Sika thus achieves comprehensive coverage of the mortar segment in the Northern European countries, according to a press release.

    This will open up new cross-selling potential for Sika in the future, as the product portfolios and customer bases of the two companies complement each other. As Finja has recently invested in increasing the efficiency and capacity of production at its two sites, Sika will benefit from this expansion and aims to offer its Northern European customers a broader range of locally manufactured solutions. Finja’s expertise in low CO2 mortars, cold climate solutions and state-of-the-art digital product selection tools will strengthen the combined offering and provide Sika with a solid base for expansion across different market segments.

    “The acquisition of Finja provides us with excellent opportunities to strengthen our presence in the Northern European construction markets,” said Christoph Ganz, Regional Manager EMEA at Sika. “With our global expertise and strong organisation, we can leverage Finja’s extensive product range, broad distribution network and innovative digital tools to unlock significant cross-selling potential and generate customer benefits. We look forward to warmly welcoming the Finja team to the Sika family and developing our business together in the future.”

    The transaction is subject to customary regulatory approvals and is expected to close in the first quarter of 2026.

    Sika is a speciality chemicals company focused on systems and products for bonding, sealing, damping, reinforcing and protecting in construction and industry. Sika has a global presence with over 400 factories in 102 countries and employs more than 34,000 people.

  • Merger strengthens care and living in old age

    Merger strengthens care and living in old age

    The Dübendorf-based Tertianum Group has acquired the Senevita Group, which previously belonged to the French care group Emeis from Puteaux. According to a press release, the transaction has already been approved by the Competition Commission(COMCO). The parties have agreed not to disclose the takeover price.

    The merger of the two care groups is intended to improve the entire area of nursing and residential care for the elderly in German-speaking Switzerland. Both companies combine high quality standards, regional roots and a clear commitment to social responsibility in the care sector, according to the press release.

    “I would like to warmly welcome the employees of the Senevita Group to our joint company. They complement the Tertianum Group perfectly – with their expertise, commitment and professionalism. We are proud to be working with them under one roof in the future to become even better together,” Luca Stäger, CEO of Tertianum Group, is quoted as saying in the press release. “The merger also complements our geographical presence, enables numerous synergies in operational excellence through mutual learning and creates new perspectives for all employees.”

    The now joint company will provide needs-based care for 10,000 guests. The Tertianum Group now has a total of 6,400 care beds and 4,300 age-appropriate apartments at 140 locations throughout Switzerland. In order to secure the next generation of nursing staff, 800 apprentices are being trained.

  • New sales concept focuses on experience and encounters

    New sales concept focuses on experience and encounters

    Rohner is redesigning its sales area in Balgach. According to a statement from CEO Hermann Lion, the site will be expanded to include a new sales area and is set to open in September 2026. The aim is “a space that connects brands and people. A space that inspires, surprises and shows that modern retail is far more than just sales.”

    The traditional company, founded in 1873, is thus responding to its perception that “people are once again shopping more consciously and looking for real contact – after years in which much has become digital,” says Lion on request. “Brick-and-mortar retail has a future if it offers more than just a transaction.” This is why the textile company is “investing specifically in a concept that combines experience, quality and encounters. It is a statement for the strength of physical retail – and for our region”.

    The new sales area is being designed by Zurich-based Susanne Fritz Architekten: “Clear lines. Natural materials. Light that tells stories,” says Lion. Susanne Fritz has already renovated and extended the entire building complex in Balgach and put it to a new use. The entire brand identity of Rohner AG was modernized and also architecturally redesigned, including the existing store space. “Despite a lower density of racks, it was possible to increase sales per square meter,” according to a presentation of the work.

    According to Lion, something is now being created in the new sales area “that we have never seen before in our region”. Various brands are to be visible together at this location. Shop-in-shop concepts for other textile brands are planned, as well as for accessories, lifestyle products, outdoor and design brands. “It is important to us that the partners can tell a story and fit into the overall experience, whether they are local manufacturers or international brands with a clear attitude.”

  • Zug promotes sustainability and innovation

    Zug promotes sustainability and innovation

    On November 30, 2025, the Zug electorate clearly approved the Site Development Act. The cantonal government has now passed the implementation ordinance, meaning that the law and ordinance will come into force on January 1, 2026. The canton is investing the expected annual net additional revenue of around CHF 200 million from the OECD minimum tax in three areas. In social measures such as childcare, education and housing, infrastructure and innovative projects, such as blockchain and ETH collaborations or energy projects, as well as targeted subsidies to companies for sustainability and innovation.

    Impact-oriented sustainability promotion
    The central element of SEVO is impact-oriented promotion of climate protection in companies. Support is provided for projects that substantially reduce greenhouse gas emissions in the supply chain. The prerequisite is a saving of at least 50,000 tons of CO₂ equivalents; 30 francs are paid per ton saved. In this way, the canton rewards measurable, verifiable emission reductions instead of purely declarative climate promises and provides a clear incentive for large decarbonization projects.

    Stimulus for research and development
    In addition to sustainability, the program specifically addresses the innovative strength of Zug’s economy. The expenditure-based innovation promotion supports research and development activities with a contribution rate of 25% on qualifying personnel expenses, supplemented by a flat-rate infrastructure supplement of 35%. Funding is also provided for clinical studies conducted in Switzerland. In this way, the canton of Zug is strengthening both technology-oriented companies and research-intensive sectors such as pharma, medtech and deeptech.

    Flexible system in the shadow of the minimum tax
    The ordinance is deliberately designed to be flexible in order to be able to react to a dynamic international tax environment. The background to this is the OECD minimum tax, which affects around 400 companies in the canton. The new support system is intended to compensate for impending locational disadvantages and ensure Zug’s attractiveness as an international business location. Companies can submit applications for the first time from March 1, 2026, based on the figures for the 2024 financial year. The Directorate of Finance is responsible for implementation. The aim is an unbureaucratic, efficient system that rewards clearly measurable achievements in sustainability and innovation and positions Zug in global competition in the long term.

  • Location policy in transition

    Location policy in transition

    Basel-Stadt has responded to international developments in the area of tax and location promotion with a revision of the Location Promotion Act, which was clearly approved by the Grand Council and the electorate in 2025. At the heart of Basel’s location package are two funds into which the cantonal government can pay between CHF 150 and 500 million annually, depending on the canton’s financial situation. 80 percent of the funds will flow into the promotion of innovation and 20 percent into the areas of society and the environment. A maximum of 300 million Swiss francs will already be allocated in the current year.

    Social added value through parental leave
    One component is support for voluntary parental leave that goes beyond the legal requirements. Companies that voluntarily grant their employees parental leave that goes beyond the statutory provisions can be reimbursed for up to three weeks of additional salary costs for mothers and fathers. This regulation strengthens the compatibility of work and family life and promotes a modern, inclusive work culture. A factor that is becoming increasingly important in the international competition between locations.

    Energy transition as a locational advantage
    The environmental section of the programme supports companies in Basel City that make targeted investments in decarbonization and energy efficiency in the canton and in Switzerland. Contributions are granted based on CO² savings achieved or energy saved. The canton can cover up to 40 percent of the investment costs of implemented measures. The reduction of the emission intensity of direct greenhouse gas emissions worldwide is also eligible for funding. The Basel location package complements and reinforces the other measures of the cantonal climate protection strategy with the goal of net zero by 2037. Basel-Stadt is thus setting standards throughout Switzerland for a practice-oriented climate policy that combines responsibility with economic rationality.

    Innovative strength from Basel for Switzerland
    The most important part of the Basel location package is the area of innovation. Here, the Canton of Basel-Stadt contributes to the personnel expenses of Basel-based companies for research and development. Depending on their size, companies benefit from graduated subsidy rates of up to 28% and additional contributions for depreciation on equipment for research and development and high-tech production. The canton also supports companies’ expenditure on clinical trials in Switzerland. This strengthens the canton’s profile as a leading innovation location and life sciences hub in Europe.

    A new balance between business and society
    The Basel location package is more than just a funding program. It is a strategic course-setting exercise to harmonize competitiveness, sustainability and social responsibility. The close involvement of business and politics has created a model that radiates beyond Basel – as an example of modern, future-oriented location promotion.

  • Strategic acquisition focuses on specialized commercial areas

    Strategic acquisition focuses on specialized commercial areas

    Swiss Life Asset Managers aims to strengthen its position in the life sciences sector with the acquisition of Schlieremer Gewerbe- und Handelszentrum AG(GHZ), as detailed in a press release. GHZ has developed the Wagi site that belongs to it. A total of around 250 companies and organizations from the life sciences sector are now based there on a rental area of 143,000 square meters, providing more than 2,400 jobs. The Bio-Technopark Schlieren is also located on the site.

    The GHZ site will be retained, the employees will be kept on and GHZ Managing Director Walter Krummenacher will continue to act as a contact person for the tenants and develop the site with his employees. “We are very happy to have found a reliable partner in Swiss Life Asset Managers that shares our values and our long-term commitment to real estate and life science as a contribution to society. In this way, the vision of our founder Leo Krummenacher will be carried into the future”, Walter Krummenacher is quoted as saying in the press release.

    With the acquisition of the “dynamic and fast-growing center with long-term value creation potential”, Swiss Life Asset Managers wants to underline its focus on investments in the Living, Logistics, Light Industrial and Life Science and Tech (“4L”) sectors. “We are delighted to continue the impressive development of the site with the experienced team at GHZ. Swiss Life Asset Managers is convinced of the attractiveness and future strength of life science real estate, as it is of great importance for our economy as well as for our society,” says Paolo Di Stefano, Head of Real Estate Switzerland at Swiss Life Asset Managers.

  • PV flexibility becomes a new source of income

    PV flexibility becomes a new source of income

    Switzerland is pursuing ambitious solar targets and is planning to increase PV electricity production fivefold. On sunny days, however, surpluses overload the grids, which is why the 3% rule allows distribution grid operators to throttle systems by up to 30 percent of their output without compensation. sun2wheel and convoltas are reversing this principle. They bundle PV systems into a virtual power plant and market the flexibility in Swissgrid’s balancing energy market. Instead of suffering losses, operators receive premiums for targeted feed-in reductions.

    20 percent increase in yield
    In the current Swissgrid pilot project PV4Balancing, the system has been delivering impressive figures since June 2025. Operators generate around CHF 10 in additional income per installed kilowatt, which corresponds to a 20% increase in yield. Throttling only takes place for 4 to 8 hours a month, mostly at weekends or in changeable weather conditions. “Our customers earn more with flexibility than with pure feed-in,” emphasizes Fabian Gloor. More than 100 large-scale systems have already been contracted.

    AI-controlled virtual power plant
    The companies are the first providers to offer PV flexibility outside of the pilot on the balancing energy market. AI-based software recognizes surplus times, controls systems in minutes and integrates medium-sized systems without expensive sensors. “We network PV systems, storage systems and e-charging stations to create a flexible energy system,” explains CEO Sandro Schopfer. In future, small systems for single-family homes will also be included.

    Grid stability meets solar yield
    The solution supports the 3% rule by automatically diverting production peaks to storage systems or e-vehicles. Grid operators receive stability, PV operators additional income and solar production grows without grid overloads. The “profit-plus” model shows how technological innovation and market mechanisms are driving the energy transition forward. Flexibility is becoming the new currency that makes solar systems more economical and grid-friendly.

  • New event and work space opened in the former printing house

    New event and work space opened in the former printing house

    FlexOffice has opened its new location in Schlieren. The event venue in the JED, the former NZZ printing house, offers a wide range of possibilities in the area of office work, according to a message from the office rental company on LinkedIn.

    The flexible space can be organised for events from 80 to 150 people. It can be booked by users of individual workstations, workshop organisers and even larger meetings with theatre-style seating.

    The room is designed for “workshops, keynotes, team offsites, launches or networking nights”, according to the press release. Najat El Harat is responsible for event management and looking after the guests. An after-work programme with sport, relaxation and gastronomy is also planned. Bookings can be made now at FlexOffice, with early bookers receiving a 25 per cent discount for events in 2026.

  • Business award recognises industrial expertise and regional roots in Thurgau

    Business award recognises industrial expertise and regional roots in Thurgau

    GLATZ AG from Frauenfeld has secured the Thurgau Business Award 2026, which is presented annually by the Thurgau Chamber of Commerce and Industry, the Thurgau Trade Association, the Thurgau Cantonal Bank and the Department of Home Affairs and Economic Affairs.

    According to a press release, the family business impressed the jury with its combination of cross-generational business activities, international competitiveness and regional loyalty. With its patented sunshade frames, a high level of vertical integration, an in-house sewing workshop and uncompromising quality standards, GLATZ AG is a trendsetter in shade solutions – at a time when the international low-cost market is squeezing out many competitors. The large sunshades from Frauenfeld, which can withstand wind speeds of up to 115 kilometres per hour, are exported from Thurgau to over 50 countries.

    “The company has been firmly rooted in Thurgau for over 130 years – and at the same time carries the quality and innovative spirit of Thurgau as a centre of industry out into the world,” says Thomas Koller, jury president of the Thurgau Business Award.

    The move to the new headquarters on Langfeldstrasse in Frauenfeld in 2024 shows that GLATZ AG will remain rooted in Thurgau in the future. The new building, which combines research and development, production, administration and a modern training centre under one roof, was also built with a focus on sustainability. Photovoltaic systems, energy-efficient heating and cooling systems and shorter transport routes reduce the CO2 footprint.

    The award ceremony will take place on 15 April 2026 at GLATZ AG in Frauenfeld.

  • Generational change strengthens the direction of an established electrical supplier

    Generational change strengthens the direction of an established electrical supplier

    Elektro Meier AG has completed a change in management and a change of name. According to a statement from Eglin Holding AG in Baden, the Würenlingen-based company will be operating under the new management of Marc Wey and under the new name Eglin Elektro AG Würenlingen as of 1 December.

    According to the press release, Marc Wey is a “management personality from the company’s own ranks”. Marc Wey has been with the company since his apprenticeship as an electrician (2009 to 2013 at the former Ing. W. Eglin AG). After years as a service fitter, Wey took over responsibility as Junior Project Manager at Elektro Meier AG Würenlingen in 2018. Most recently, he had been Project Manager in E-Service since 2020. The move marks the completion of the integration into the Eglin Group, which began in 2002. “This makes the affiliation with the Eglin Group transparent to the outside world and creates a clear, future-oriented identity,” the press release explains.

    The family-run company Elektro Meier AG can look back on almost 100 years of company history. Originating from the Eglin electrician company founded in 1931 in Ennetbaden AG, the company is now active in the planning, manufacture and sale of electrical systems and equipment. It specialises in solutions and services in the fields of electrical installation, ICT and building automation.

  • New standard turns buildings into tradable CO₂ sinks

    New standard turns buildings into tradable CO₂ sinks

    The Global Construction C-Sink Standard from the Frick-based company Carbon Standards International has been the basis for issuing CO2 certificates for a biogenic building for the first time. They were issued by OPENLY, according to a press release. The Widnau-based pioneer for biogenic building construction and CO2 sinks in buildings offers these CO2 certificates together with the climate protection organisation myclimate.

    As a result, the first Global Construction C-Sink was registered in the publicly accessible Global C-Sink Registry. This means that the standard has an immediate effect, as the carbon is considered to have been stored from day one. The sink is precisely localised in the building and can be traded globally. “Certifying buildings as carbon sinks creates a measurable climate benefit, promotes sustainable construction and paves the way for tradable carbon credits that drive change in the construction industry,” OPENLY CEO Andy Keel is quoted as saying.

    The Global Construction C-Sink Standard verifies buildings and structures that contain biomass-derived and carbon-storing materials. This biomass, which includes hemp, straw, wood and biochar, represents carbon sinks. Each verified building can be registered in the Global C-Sink Registry. It is recognised by the Geneva-based International Carbon Reduction and Offset Alliance ( ICROA).

    According to Carbon Standards International, Swiss Re, Shopify, Atlassian, Banque Pictet, Woolgate Exchange Unit Trust, Celonis, Arup Group, Storebrand and Zooplus are among the first companies to use C-Sink credits based on the Carbon Standards of Carbon Standards International. In addition, the operator of the CO2 sink register is currently holding internal discussions about possible partnerships and collaborations.

  • Sustainable office property strengthens real estate portfolio

    Sustainable office property strengthens real estate portfolio

    Swiss Prime Site has acquired a new office property on Pfingstweidstrasse in Zurich-West, as detailed in a press release. The property, which has a rental area of 19,000 square meters and a net yield of 3.8 percent, is already fully let to the stock exchange operator SIX Group Services AG.

    The acquisition marks the last major investment of the CHF 300 million capital increase for growth investments from last February. In April and August, Swiss Prime Site had already used the funds to acquire office properties in Geneva and Lausanne. All new acquisitions generate yields that are significantly higher than the portfolio yield and increase the net asset value (NAV) per share as well as the funds from operations (FFO) per share.

    Swiss Prime Site and the private seller have agreed not to disclose the purchase price of the property. Due to the recent year of construction, the sustainable construction method and the office building’s district heating connection, Swiss Prime Site expects a BREEAM sustainability rating of “very good”.

    “The transaction underscores our focus on first-class, centrally located office properties and shows how agile we are in deploying fresh capital for sustainable growth. It is particularly pleasing that we were able to acquire this prestigious property – used by the Swiss stock exchange as our country’s central infrastructure – as part of an exclusive purchase review and thanks to the trusting cooperation with the seller”, René Zahnd, CEO of Swiss Prime Site, is quoted in the press release.

    With the three acquisitions made and a reduction in the planned property sales as part of capital recycling, Swiss Prime Site expects an increase in rental income of CHF 20 million from 2026. The transaction was completed on December 1, 2025.

  • Expansion of the recycling of building materials in Europe

    Expansion of the recycling of building materials in Europe

    Zug-based Holcim AG intends to significantly expand its portfolio in the recycling of building materials in Europe. According to a press release, the international building materials company has acquired two demolition companies in England and Germany and is preparing to take over a third in north-west France. These three companies currently recycle 1.3 million tons of construction waste annually.

    The new acquisitions include Thames Materials from West London and A&S Recycling GmbH from Hanover. The company, which operates in north-west France, has not yet been named by Holcim. With Thames Materials, Holcim is now operating in the Greater London area. Holcim had already acquired the logistics company Sivyer Logistics in East London in 2023. A&S Recyling processes demolition materials in northern Germany with three locations in the German state of Lower Saxony. With the takeover of the French company, Holcim is increasing the number of recyclers it manages in the country to 28.

    “The acquisitions of Thames Materials, A&S Recycling GmbH and a recycling company in northwest France will further strengthen our leading position in circular construction and contribute to our NextGen Growth 2030 target of recycling more than 20 million tons of construction demolition materials annually,” Milan Gutovic, CEO of Holcim, is quoted as saying in the press release.

  • A new giant reorganizes the insurance market

    A new giant reorganizes the insurance market

    Since December 5, 2025, it has been clear that Helvetia and Baloise will only operate together as Helvetia Baloise Holding Ltd, listed on the SIX and with the abbreviation HBAN. Baloise has been legally merged into Helvetia, but the new brand is deliberately presented as a joint project with two strong roots. The last day of trading in Baloise shares marked a historic cut. Just three days later, the new Helvetia Baloise shares were traded for the first time.

    The merger will create an insurer that will change the industry through its sheer size. With over 22,000 employees, a gross premium volume of around CHF 20 billion and more than two million customers in Switzerland alone, Helvetia Baloise is the largest all-lines insurer in the country. A market share of around 20 percent is a clear statement: this group wants to play an active role in shaping the rules of the game in the Swiss insurance market.

    Power, markets and billions
    There is a clear rationale behind the merger: bundling synergies, reducing duplication and increasing clout. Helvetia Baloise is announcing annual cost synergies of around CHF 350 million, in addition to existing efficiency programs. For the capital markets, the message is as clear as it is attractive. Dividend capacity is set to increase by around 20 percent by 2029.

    For the market, this means a new pole of stability and competition. Such a large player can invest in technology, digitalization and new products in a way that smaller providers find more difficult. At the same time, there is growing pressure on other insurers to follow suit, forge alliances or occupy niches. The merger is therefore more than just a corporate deal. It is a signal of an imminent reorganization in the Swiss insurance market.

    Between new beginnings and job cuts
    The flip side of the synergies is the announced job cuts. Over the next three years, 2,000 to 2,600 jobs are to be cut, primarily in areas where duplicate structures currently exist, in administration, IT and the back office. The Group is emphasizing that the reduction will be as socially responsible as possible, with natural fluctuation, early retirement and internal transfers. For many employees, the merger means uncertainty, reorientation or parting.

    At the same time, Helvetia Baloise is making a clear commitment to Basel as a location. The Group remains anchored in the city on the Rhine and is positioning itself as an important employer and economic anchor in the region. Which locations will be strengthened, merged or scaled back will be communicated step by step, a long integration process that will be felt for years to come.

    What will change for customers
    Many things will remain stable for customers for the time being. Existing insurance contracts will continue to run under the agreed conditions, and the merger does not give rise to an extraordinary right of termination. In legal terms, rights and obligations will automatically be transferred to Helvetia Baloise. Initially, this should hardly be noticeable in everyday life.

    In the medium term, however, the picture is likely to change. Product ranges will be harmonized, duplicate offers will be eliminated and the more attractive or more efficient offer will be continued. The aim is to create leaner, more comprehensible product lines and a broader, standardized offering from a single source. From household contents to motor vehicle and buildings insurance. The Group intends to outline exactly what this new modular product system will look like as part of further integration communication and at an investor day in April 2026.

    A new beginning withan open outcome
    The merger of Helvetia and Baloise is more than just a balance sheet transaction, it is a new beginning with an open outcome. For Switzerland as an insurance center, the new giant brings strength, speed and investment power. For employees, it means both opportunities in a larger organization and the risk of losing their jobs. And for customers, it promises a more focused, modern offering in the long term if the Group succeeds in translating its size into tangible added value.

  • Master builders and trade unions agree on new national collective agreement

    Master builders and trade unions agree on new national collective agreement

    In the tenth round of negotiations, the delegations from SBC, Unia and Syna reached a negotiation result on December 12, 2025 for a new national collective agreement that will apply from 2026. The previous collective labor agreement for around 80,000 construction workers expires at the end of the year and therefore had to be revised. Both sides emphasize that they have come together on key points in order to ensure planning security and competitive working conditions.

    Six-year term and new working time models
    The new LMV is designed for six years and will apply from the beginning of 2026 to the end of 2031 – an unusually long horizon that should bring stability to an industry characterized by a shortage of skilled workers and economic uncertainties. New working time planning will be introduced from January 1, 2027. Companies can now choose a model with constant daily working hours and accept more overtime and reduced hours in return. In addition, overtime regulations will be simplified and it will be possible to build up a long-term vacation account, allowing employees to save up overtime and take it later as extended time off.

    Travel time, bonuses and inflation
    A key point of the agreement concerns travel time, which plays a major role on construction sites throughout the country. In future, the regulations are to be structured in such a way that they can be declared generally binding. Above a certain level, travel time will be counted as overtime. In addition, there is a wage package with substantial increases in bonuses and allowances in underground mining, where the workload is particularly high. There are also plans to cover inflation so that the real wages of construction workers are not eroded in an environment of rising living costs.

    Focus on the attractiveness of the construction industry
    With the new agreement, the social partners are pursuing the common goal of strengthening the construction industry as an employer. For current employees as well as for future skilled workers. More modern working time models, clearer rules on travel time and improved bonuses are intended to improve conditions in a physically demanding occupational field. At the same time, companies will receive a reliable framework for planning projects, retaining staff and making long-term investments.

    Decision still pending
    The outcome of the negotiations is an important breakthrough, but not yet the final point. On the part of the Federation of Master Builders, an extraordinary delegates’ meeting on December 17, 2025 will decide on final acceptance. For the Unia and Syna trade unions, the professional conferences will make the decision in January 2026. Only if both sides agree will the new national collective agreement come into force and set the guidelines for the world of work in the construction industry until 2031.

  • Swiss premiere in building automation

    Swiss premiere in building automation

    Today’s modern buildings are highly complex systems. They combine heating, cooling, ventilation, lighting, security, photovoltaics and storage solutions to form an integrated whole. Building automation ensures that these components work together optimally, with less energy consumption, more stable operation and greater comfort. In the context of the Energy Strategy 2050 and the decarbonization of the building stock, the need for specialists who understand both technology and data and system logic is growing rapidly. The state recognition of the Building Automation HF course takes this need into account and creates a clearly defined, quality-assured career path

    First state-recognized Building Automation HF in Switzerland
    sfb in Dietikon is the first university of applied sciences in Switzerland to successfully pass the recognition procedure of the State Secretariat for Education, Research and Innovation for its Building Automation HF course. The degree is thus federally recognized and embedded in the formal education system. According to the school management, this guarantees training that is geared towards the current requirements of the industry, standards and regulation and remains compatible in the long term. At the same time, the recognition strengthens the visibility of the profession vis-à-vis building owners, planning offices, energy suppliers and the real estate industry

    Practical profile from energy efficiency to building informatics
    In terms of content, the course has a clear practical focus. It teaches specialist skills in energy efficiency, building IT, networked systems and modern automation solutions. From sensor and control technology to data analysis and optimization in operation. The aim is to train specialists who can support the entire life cycle of smart buildings, from planning and design, project management, commissioning, operation, maintenance and ongoing optimization. This broad qualification creates the basis for sustainable, economical building solutions and enables companies to reduce operating costs, emissions and failure risks

    Specialists for the digital transformation in the building sector
    Building automation specialists HF work at the interface between technology, IT and operations. They understand building technology systems as well as data rooms, interfaces and security requirements. For companies in the fields of building technology, energy, facility management and real estate development, this means a tangible competitive advantage. They gain access to specialists who are proficient in the latest technologies and can also actively drive forward the digital transformation of buildings. According to sfb, it is precisely this profile that is in demand when it comes to putting smart building and net zero strategies into practice

    Course structure and target groups
    The recognized course is aimed at specialists with relevant basic vocational training in the electrical, HVAC, building or IT professions. In six semesters, the course leads to the final thesis and the protected title of “Certified Building Automation Technician HF”.

  • Training offensive for networked building technology

    Training offensive for networked building technology

    The sfb is the first university of applied sciences in Switzerland whose Building Automation HF course has successfully completed the recognition procedure of the State Secretariat for Education, Research and Innovation (SERI). “This guarantees the highest quality, state-recognized qualifications and training that meets the current requirements of the industry,” said sfb Director Dorothea Tiefenauer in a press release. The demands placed on modern buildings are constantly increasing, it continues. The sfb – College of Technology and Management can now respond even better to the great demand for qualified specialists thanks to the recognition of the course.

    According to the description, the course content is consistently geared towards practice. Knowledge of energy efficiency, building IT, networked systems and modern automation solutions is taught. The aim is to qualify students for the planning and implementation, but also the operation and maintenance of complex, smart networked buildings. According to sfb, this range creates the basis for sustainable and long-term economical building solutions. For companies, this development of expertise means a decisive competitive advantage, it says. Graduates are specialists who are not only proficient in current technologies, but can also actively shape the digital transformation.

    The course takes students who have completed relevant vocational training to complete their thesis in six semesters. Graduates are ultimately awarded the title of qualified building automation technician HF. The sfb organizes information events to provide an insight into the content and structure of the course. Both individuals and companies are invited to attend.