immo!nvest – Die Plattform für Standorte und Immobilien

Tag: Vergleich

  • Wave of bankruptcies continues in 2024

    Wave of bankruptcies continues in 2024

    In 2024, 23 companies had to file for bankruptcy every day. That’s around 5500 by August. Forecasts predict more than 8,000 insolvencies by the end of the year, which corresponds to an increase of over 12 per cent compared to previous years. What is particularly striking is that the bankruptcy figures are almost a third higher than in the pre-corona years of 2018 and 2019. However, it is not only the official insolvencies that are causing concern, but also cases in which claims are written off without bankruptcy proceedings being initiated.

    Abusive bankruptcies and challenges
    The statistics also reveal abusive bankruptcies in which controlling bodies such as boards of directors evade their responsibilities or deliberately bring about insolvency in order to secure unlawfully generated profits. In addition, the prospect of a bankruptcy dividend remains sobering for creditors. In 58 per cent of cases, there are insufficient assets, while 40 per cent of proceedings are concluded summarily.

    Affected sectors and prominent cases
    The mechanical engineering and metal industries are particularly hard hit. Traditional companies such as the Kreuzlingen-based metal construction company Neuweiler and Marton AG from Flawil had to file for insolvency in 2024. The reasons include high energy prices, material shortages and weakening demand in international markets. The bankruptcies not only cause financial damage, but also social damage, as many employees lose their jobs.

    Credit checks as a protective measure
    In view of the ongoing uncertainties, it is advisable to check the creditworthiness of business partners, including existing customers, every time a business transaction is concluded. Tools offer quick insights to minimise risks and, in case of doubt, to opt for advance payment. Although losses can never be completely avoided, a solid credit check can make them calculable.

    Start-up boom and young companies at risk
    In parallel to the wave of bankruptcies, there is a start-up boom. In 2024, around 53,000 new companies were entered in the commercial register. However, young companies are particularly susceptible to insolvency in the first five years. Covid-19 after-effects in particular, such as outstanding bridging loans, increase the risk for many of these companies.

    Difficult framework conditions
    Recession fears among trading partners such as Germany and Austria, the strong Swiss franc and geopolitical conflicts are further complicating matters. In Switzerland, overregulation and outstanding government debt are a burden for many companies. However, the introduction of mandatory bankruptcy proceedings for state claims from January 2025 could lead to a market shakeout by weeding out so-called zombie companies.

  • Environment, costs and aesthetics: a comparison of concrete and wood

    Environment, costs and aesthetics: a comparison of concrete and wood

    Pro wood: the sustainability and warmth of wood
    Wood, a natural and regenerative material, has been used in construction for thousands of years and is currently experiencing a revival in modern architecture, particularly in the area of sustainability and environmental protection. As it grows, wood binds CO2, which can help to reduce carbon dioxide emissions and thus counteract climate change. In addition, wood offers a warm and inviting aesthetic that is appreciated in many design concepts.

    Pro concrete: robustness and durability
    Concrete, a mixture of cement, water, sand and rock, is characterized by its remarkable strength and durability. It is highly resistant to fire, water and pests, making it a popular building material for a wide variety of structures such as high-rise buildings and bridges. In addition, concrete has excellent sound-absorbing properties and can be shaped into any desired form, which underlines its versatility.

    Contra wood: Wood used in construction is more susceptible to fire, pests and moisture. Special measures are therefore required to protect and maintain it.

    Contra concrete : The production of concrete is very energy intensive and results in a significant amount of CO2 emissions, which raises concerns about its environmental impact.

    The decision between concrete and wood depends on several factors, including the specific requirements of the project, environmental impact, cost and desired aesthetics. Concrete is prized for its strength and durability, while timber offers benefits in terms of sustainability, carbon footprint and natural beauty. Careful consideration of these characteristics is critical to making an informed decision that meets both the short-term needs of the project and the long-term goals of sustainability and environmental protection.

  • Supply rents rise

    Supply rents rise

    The monthly rental index compiled by the digital real estate marketplace Homegate in cooperation with Zürcher Kantonalbank closed at 122.4 points in July. Compared to the previous month, the index increased by 0.6 points or 0.5 percent, SMG Swiss Marketplace Group AG informed in a press release. Compared to the previous year, asking rents rose by 4 per cent across Switzerland. There is a pause in the increase in the canton and city of Zurich. However, both show increases compared to the previous year.

    In July, asking rents rose the most in the cantons of Basel-Stadt, St.Gallen and Vaud, by 0.8 per cent each. There was no increase of more than 1 per cent in any canton. Asking rents in the canton of Zurich were below the national figure with an increase of 0.2 per cent.

    Only six cantons showed a decrease in asking rents, led by the cantons of Schwyz (1.9 per cent) and Graubünden (1.3 per cent). Compared to the previous year, however, asking rents have risen across the board, including in Zurich by 6.1 per cent. And the canton of Schwyz also shows a clear increase over the last year (6.4 per cent).

    The Swiss cities surveyed show that asking rents for the city of Zurich did not change in July. Nevertheless, they have risen significantly by 10.1 per cent compared to the previous year. The other cities also show increases in asking rents of between 2.2 per cent in Lucerne and 7.8 per cent in Lugano compared to July 2022. In July, asking rents rose everywhere except in the city of Zurich, with the largest increases in Lucerne (1.7 per cent) and St.Gallen (1.2 per cent).

    The next Homegate rent index is expected to be published on 14 September.

  • Daetwyler relies on solar power

    Daetwyler relies on solar power

    Nine of Daetwyler ‘s 27 production sites already cover their electricity needs entirely from renewable energy sources, the Uri-based industrial group says in a statement. Most of the energy is sourced from local electricity suppliers. However, Daetwyler also produces its own solar power for self-consumption at six locations.

    A start was made in 2021 on the roofs of the Indian plant in Kesurdi. Some 8000 square metres of solar panels installed there will reduce the Group’s CO2 emissions by 1500 tonnes annually, Daetwyler writes. Last year, another five production sites in Switzerland, Italy and Germany were equipped with photovoltaic systems. In total, the systems at the six sites are expected to supply around 4.4 gigawatt hours of solar power annually for Daetwyler’s own consumption.

    The switch to electricity from renewable sources, combined with measures to improve energy efficiency, has led to a 4.7 percent reduction in CO2 emissions in 2022 compared with the previous year. Daetwyler aims to achieve climate-neutral production worldwide by 2030. To this end, the Group is currently examining further projects, such as the installation of solar cells on the façade of the plant in Schattdorf UR. Daetwyler also intends to increase the share of electricity from renewable sources at the sites of Xinhui and QSR, acquired in 2022.

  • Valuu extends to personal loans

    Valuu extends to personal loans

    Valuu is now also offering digital comparison options for personal loans, informs the owner of the comparison platform, PostFinance , in a message . The corresponding process was developed together with customers and lenders, it says there. Testing and lending are initially the responsibility of Migros Bank, BANK-now, Cembra Money Bank, eny Finance and good finance.

    "As a pioneer in the Swiss market, Valuu offers its customers an independent direct comparison for personal loans", Thomas Jakob, Chief Business Unit Officer Platform Business at PostFinance, is quoted in the press release. "As is already known from the mortgage business, customers can transparently compare individual offers and then apply for them directly online – thus saving time and money."

    PostFinance will continue to optimize Valuu in the future and incorporate new lenders for mortgages and personal loans, according to the announcement. In the long term, the company is pursuing the goal of developing Valuu "into the leading Swiss comparison and conclusion platform in the areas of finance, insurance and provision".