Switzerland is a small but prosperous country with a diverse economy, and several sectors play a significant role in the country’s economy. Some of the biggest business sectors in Switzerland include:
- Banking and finance: Switzerland is known for its banking and finance sector, which is a significant contributor to the country’s economy. The sector includes private banking, asset management, insurance, and other financial services.
- Pharmaceuticals and biotech: Switzerland is home to several major pharmaceutical and biotech companies, with a focus on research and development of innovative drugs and therapies.
- Machinery and precision instruments: Switzerland is known for its precision manufacturing and engineering expertise, particularly in the production of high-tech machinery and equipment. This sector includes the production of watches, medical devices, and other precision instruments.
- Tourism: Switzerland is a popular tourist destination, known for its scenic landscapes, ski resorts, and cultural attractions. The tourism sector is an important contributor to the Swiss economy, particularly in regions such as Zurich, Geneva, and the Alps.
- International trade: Switzerland is a global hub for international trade, with several multinational companies based in the country. The country’s favorable business environment, political stability, and strategic location make it an attractive location for businesses seeking to expand their global reach.
We will explore some of the largest capitalized companies operating in Switzerland in Q1 2023.
NESTLE
Nestlé is a multinational food and beverage company headquartered in Vevey, Switzerland. It is one of the largest food companies in the world and operates in various segments, including powdered and liquid beverages, dairy products, cereals, confectionery, frozen food, and pet care.
Nestlé’s diverse product portfolio includes well-known brands such as Nescafé, KitKat, Maggi, Nestea, Purina, and many more.
ROCHE
Roche, officially known as F. Hoffmann-La Roche Ltd., is a Swiss multinational healthcare company specializing in pharmaceuticals and diagnostics.
Founded in 1896, Roche has become one of the largest pharmaceutical companies globally and is headquartered in Basel, Switzerland.
NOVARTIS
Novartis is a Swiss multinational pharmaceutical company headquartered in Basel, Switzerland.
Founded in 1996, Novartis has grown to become one of the largest pharmaceutical companies in the world, with a strong presence in both branded and generic pharmaceuticals.
RICHEMONT
Richemont is a Swiss luxury goods holding company that specializes in the design, manufacturing, and distribution of luxury products.
Founded in 1988, Richemont has grown to become one of the world’s leading luxury goods companies, with a portfolio of prestigious brands across various sectors.
ZURICH INSURANCE
Zurich Insurance Group, commonly known as Zurich, is a leading Swiss multinational insurance company headquartered in Zurich, Switzerland. Founded in 1872, Zurich has grown to become one of the world’s largest insurance companies, operating in over 200 countries and territories.
These are just a few examples of the biggest business sectors in Switzerland, each playing a significant role in the country’s economy. Here are some of the big businesses in Switzerland:
Health Services : Aevis, SHL Telemedicine
Finance : Realunit Schweiz, Zurich Insurance, Ubs Group, Swiss Re, Partners Group, Swiss Life Holding, Julius Baer, Bc Vaud, Helvetia Holding, Baloise, Swiss Prime Site, Psp, Vontobel, Luzerner, Vz Holding, St Galler, Cs Group, Swissquote, Efg International, Allreal, Zuger, Bekb / Bcbe, Cembra Money Bank, Liecht Landbk, Mobimo, Walliser, Valiant, Bc Geneve, Hbm, Vaudoise Assu, Investis, Graub, Intershop, Cie Fin, Zug Estates Holding, Leonteq, Hiag Immobilien, Epic, Plazza, Vpb Vaduz, Baselland, Warteck, Fundamenta Real Estate, Thurgauer, Snb, Varia Us Properties, Orascom Development, Bellevue Group, Glarner, Basler, Hypo Lenzb, Novavest Real Estate, Sf Urban Properties, Peach Property, Ina Invest, Private Equity, Bc Jura, Senioresidenz, Gam, Zueblin, Castle Private, Valartis, One Swiss Bank, Talenthouse, Swiss Estates, Arundel, Ci Com, Haute Capital Partners, Esgti.
Consumer Durables : Richemont, Swatch Group, Forbo, V-zug.
Retail Trade : Dufry, Aryzta, Bystronic, Mobilezone, O Fuessli.
Electronic Technology : Logitech, Inficon, Lem, Meyer Burger, Dormakaba, Kardex, Sensirion, Huber+suhner, Ams-osram, Montana, U-blox, Ascom, Gavazzi, Schaffner, Cicor Tech, Datacolor, Wisekey.
Process Industries : Sika, Ems-chemie, Clariant, Dottikon, Oc Oerlikon, Vetropack, Cph, Gurit, Aluflexpack, Gmsa.
Consumer Services : Tx Group, Lastminute.com, Titl Bn Berg, Asmallworld, Kursaal Bern.
Communications : Swisscom.
Miscellaneous : Bb Biotech , Alpine Select.
Producer Manufacturing : Abb, Schindler, Geberit, Vat Group, Sig Group, Belimo, Georg Fischer, Sfs Group, Daetwyler, Bucher, Stadler Rail, Interroll, Sulzer, Landis+gyr, Accelleron, Burckhardt, Bossard, Komax, Schweiter, Zehnder, Arbonia, Autoneum, Rieter, Phoenix, Feintool, Von Roll, Leclanche, Mikron, Klingelnberg, Tornos.
Technology Services : Temenos, Kudelski, Crealogix, Achiko.
Utilities : Bkw, Energiedienst, Romande Energie.
Health Technology : Roche, Novartis, Lonza, Alcon, Straumann, Sonova, Bachem, Tecan Group, Siegfried, Ypsomed, Medacta Group, Skan, Comet, Idorsia, Cosmo Pharm, Medartis, Polypeptide, Metall Zug, Medmix, Basilea, Coltene, Ivf Hartmann, Molecular Partners, Relief Therapeutics, Newron Pharma, Santhera, Kuros, Spexis, Addex, Kinarus, Obseva.
Non-energy Minerals : Holcim, Swiss Steel Holding.
Distribution Services : Dksh, Galenica, Also, Softwareone, Meier Tobler, Zur Rose Group.
Transportation : Kuehne+nagel, Flughafen Zuerich, Jungfraubahn, Bvz.
Consumer Non-durables : Nestle, Givaudan, Lindt, Barry Callebaut, Emmi, Bell Food Group, Orior, Calida, Lalique Group, Evolva, Hochdorf.
Commercial Services : Sgs, Adecco, Pierer Mobility, Apg Sga, Xlife Sciences, Mch Group, Igea Pharma.
Industrial Services : Burkhalter, Implenia.
Data taken in may 2023.
