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New businesses demonstrate fitness for survival

This content was published on Jul 20, 2000 The study followed the fortunes of more than 7,000 companies set up in the period 1996-1997. Four out of five were still in business 12 months later. But their chances of survival depend largely on which sector of the economy they belong to. In the construction industry, 91 per cent of new companies survived compared…

Swiss heavyweights reveal healthy figures

This content was published on Jul 20, 2000 Clariant, one of the world’s biggest specialty chemicals firms, saw sales rise by 17 per cent to SFr5.295 billion. In a statement, Clariant said it expected first half operating profits to be significantly higher than last year. These are due to be released on August 29. It also said sales should remain stable for the…

Swiss New Market blows out first candle

This content was published on Jul 20, 2000 After a slow start in the face of some strong European competition, 14 companies are now listed on the index, with a total market capitalisation of around SFr13 billion. By comparison, Frankfurt’s equivalent index has just 12 members after the same time frame. The New Market Index has been buffeted by strong price fluctuations over…

Zurich business cuts cost of designer lifestyle

This content was published on Jul 20, 2000 In Switzerland’s biggest city, Zurich, traditional Swiss chalet-type furniture is definitely out. What the style-conscious Zurich resident wants these days is cutting-edge design. But young design lovers seldom have the cash to pay designer prices, and that’s where Design Recycling has stepped in to fill a gap in the market. Fifteen months ago, Marcus Cella…

EFTA aims for trade deal with Mexico

This content was published on Jul 19, 2000 The announcement on Wednesday comes two weeks after the talks began, and follows similar negotiations between Mexico and the European Union. Making the announcement at a press conference in Mexico City, the Swiss ambassador, Marcus Keiser, said he hoped relations between the EFTA and Mexico would be strengthened by the arrival of the new Mexican…

Métraux expands presence in vehicle navigation market

This content was published on Jul 19, 2000 Financial details of the deal were not disclosed which also means that Métraux will become the main importer of products from Alpine Electronics from Japan. Under the deal, Alpine Switzerland’s activities are to be incorporated into Métraux’s automotive division. The acquisition comes a month after Métraux listed on the Swiss stock exchange. Métraux is by…

Swatch plans huge investment

This content was published on Jul 19, 2000 In an interview with the French-language Radio Suisse Romande on Wednesday, Hayek said the investment programme would be one of the biggest in Swiss commercial history. The investments are to focus on production centres for watches and watch components, jewellery and accessories as well as on wholesale and retail distribution. The construction of a second…

Web surfing on mobile phones gets off to slow start

This content was published on Jul 18, 2000 Wap (Wireless Application Protocol) is meant to revolutionise the way people use the Internet but providers are admitting that take-up has so far been slow. The three main providers (Swisscom, Orange and Diax) estimate that in total about 50,000 users can now access the Internet through their mobile phones. This is a tiny figure compared…

UBS launches share operations via the WAP phone

This content was published on Jul 18, 2000 A limited number of customers, subscribers to the UBS on-line service, will be able to buy and sell shares via the WAP (Wireless Application Protocol) as well as check their accounts, under a pilot project starting on Tuesday. Only one type of mobile phone can be used for the time being to ensure data protection.…

State pension fails to inspire public confidence

This content was published on Jul 18, 2000 The study of 1,031 people suggests that Switzerland’s politicians will have to work hard to convince voters that the state pension will continue to provide a safety net. The results come as the debate over pensions has been hotting up, with parliamentarians from all sides calling for action to prop up the pension scheme. On…

Cluster: Archive

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Cluster: Archive

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New businesses demonstrate fitness for survival

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Swiss heavyweights reveal healthy figures

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Swiss New Market blows out first candle

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Zurich business cuts cost of designer lifestyle

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EFTA aims for trade deal with Mexico

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Métraux expands presence in vehicle navigation market

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Swatch plans huge investment

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Web surfing on mobile phones gets off to slow start

More

UBS launches share operations via the WAP phone

More

State pension fails to inspire public confidence

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