Banking & Fintech

Gucci buys Swiss watchmaker

This content was published on Dec 11, 2000 No financial details of the transaction were released but there will be no job losses. “Each of the parties is very enthusiastic about the future and we are very happy that our paths have come together,” said Christian Bédat, president of the watch company. Founded in 1996, the Bédat company has developed rapidly, particularly in…

Leica adds US firm to growing list of acquisitions

This content was published on Dec 11, 2000 The deal, announced on Monday, is valued at $23.3 million (SFr39.6 million). It will be financed with cash and is expected to close in early January. A statement from Leica Geosystems headquarters in Heerbrugg said the acquisition would allow the company to establish a strong position in high-precision 3D guidance and automated machine control systems…

Saia-Burgess ups stake in US market

This content was published on Dec 11, 2000 The acquisition, which will become effective at the end of the year, is valued at $56 million (SFr95.2 million). In North America, the Ledex and Dormeyer companies are the leading supplier of actuators (linear and rotary solenoids) and subsystems, with a market share of 36 per cent. A statement said the acquisition would push Saia-Burgess’…

Business outlook

This content was published on Dec 10, 2000 One exception is the manufacturer of semiconductor assembly systems, Esec, which is due to publish third quarter figures on Thursday. Analysts expect an increase in net profit of around 25 per cent. Esec has managed to turn itself around after a tough couple of years and is now partially integrated into Unaxis. With the economic…

Switzerland backs global ban of organic pollutants

This content was published on Dec 10, 2000 The Swiss government has agreed to an accord in Johannesburg, which bans the worldwide use of persistent organic pollutants (POPs). The Swiss delegation reported that a breakthrough at the 122 nations conference was made on Sunday. Switzerland’s five-member delegation spent just under a week in the South African city to try to bring the negotiations…

Swissair gives all-clear to grounded Airbuses

This content was published on Dec 9, 2000 Swissair spokesman, Urs Peter Näf, said on Saturday that the nine planes which had been checked would be free to fly again. The Swiss carrier cancelled several long-haul flights on Friday after French authorities grounded various production series of the Airbus A330 plane powered by Pratt & Whitney engines. Passengers scheduled to fly Swissair from…

Farmers’ union wants end to live animal imports

This content was published on Dec 9, 2000 The measures suggested by the union are to be set up bearing in mind the situation in Britain, France and Germany in mind. “The steps taken in these countries against mad cow disease will take time before becoming effective,” the president of the union, Melchior Ehrler said. He added: “The measures we’re suggesting will help…

Protests by shop staff pay off

This content was published on Dec 9, 2000 The supermarket chain, Migros, made its intentions clear in several newspaper advertisements: by next year around 700 staff earning less than SFr3, 000 gross will have their wages topped up. The advertisements went on to say that by 2003 there will be a minimum wage of SFr3,300 at the store. Saturday’s announcement follows a round…

The week in business

This content was published on Dec 9, 2000 The four licences went for only SFr205 million ($120 million), just SFr5 million above the minimum price set by the government. The sale was originally meant to take place in November but was postponed after many of the bidders dropped out. In the end just four companies were left competing for the same number of…

Museum splashes out on Titanic bear

This content was published on Dec 9, 2000 Christie’s auction house in London said on Thursday the Titanic bear – which fetched $131,937 (SFr223,000) – was a sought-after item and in excellent condition. It had been languishing in a cupboard after its owner had grown out of it, teddy expert Daniel Agnew told swissinfo. Christie’s had put a reserve price of $22,000 on…

Banking & Fintech

Popular Stories

Most Discussed

Banking & Fintech

More

Gucci buys Swiss watchmaker

More

Leica adds US firm to growing list of acquisitions

More

Saia-Burgess ups stake in US market

More

Business outlook

More

Switzerland backs global ban of organic pollutants

More

Swissair gives all-clear to grounded Airbuses

More

Farmers’ union wants end to live animal imports

More

Protests by shop staff pay off

More

The week in business

More

Museum splashes out on Titanic bear

Popular Stories

Most Discussed