
Swiss speciality chemicals drive expansion in the sealant market
Sika plans to acquire Turkish adhesive and sealant manufacturer Akkim. The Zug-based specialty chemicals company wants to expand its supply chains in the adhesive and sealant trade. The additional distribution channels will also be used to expand its online

Defect rights and builders’ liens – important changes
On 1st January 2026, a partial revision of warranty law in the Swiss Code of Obligations (CO) will come into force, strengthening the rights of builders and property buyers. At the same time, the building contractor's lien will be clarified in the Swiss Civil Code



Housing promotion at federal level
The National Council's Economic Affairs Committee wants to continue the federal government's tried-and-tested housing subsidy programme. The Fonds de Roulement and contingent liabilities are to be extended and slightly strengthened, but the new cost-rent model remains




Growth strategy in the building technology market continues
The Burkhalter Group has acquired Enplan AG, a building services engineering company based in Herisau, Appenzell Ausserrhoden, and Elektro Gasser AG, an electrical and telecommunications company based in Lalden, Valais. These two acquisitions will enable the Group to expand its market share in

Technology fund supports AI-based energy optimisation
The technology fund has provided a guarantee for the Zurich-based start-up Scandens. The spin-off from the Swiss Federal Institute of Technology Zurich offers software solutions for energy-related property analyses. These show which renovations are worthwhile in terms of returns and the

Swiss companies start the year on a more optimistic note
The business situation in the Swiss private sector improved noticeably at the start of 2026. Companies are more confident about the coming months than they were at the beginning of 2025. The upturn is being driven primarily by the manufacturing industry, but the construction, financial, retail and

Lucerne invests 300 million in its location
With a package of measures worth CHF 300 million a year, the Cantonal Council wants to secure the quality of the location, cushion the consequences of the OECD minimum taxation and at the same time strengthen the population and companies. The focus is on innovation, availability of space and tax

Densification of housing stock is unpopular with the population
According to a survey by Comparis, almost two-thirds of people in Switzerland feel the housing shortage. Experts believe that taller buildings in cities could provide a solution. However, women in particular reject this idea. Overall, 68 per cent are against increasing the density of the housing


Chief Financial Officer temporarily takes over operational management
Urs Neuhauser stepped down from his position as CEO of Griesser, a brand active in the sun protection sector, on 12 January 2026. Stefan Leitner, previously CFO of the Griesser Group, has taken over as interim CEO. The search for a new CEO has

Antitrust law with scope for cooperation
During its 2025 winter session, Parliament passed the revision of the Cartel Act. The aim is to protect competition, but economically sensible cooperation should no longer be subject to general suspicion. For planning offices and the construction industry, the amendment brings greater legal



Reorganisation of leadership in the kitchen and ventilation market
Gregory Oswald will return as CEO for the DACH market at Franke Home Solutions on 1 February 2026. He previously headed this division of the Aargau-based Franke Group from 2022 to 2024. He then served as CEO of WESCO AG in Wettingen, which was acquired by Franke in

Air transport between growth and climate costs
Civil aviation in Switzerland generated direct added value of CHF 9.8 billion in 2024. Total added value amounts to CHF 24.8 billion. Zurich is the most accessible region in Europe. This is according to a report by INFRAS commissioned by the Federal Office of Civil

Infrastructure investment gains momentum in Europe
Implenia has won new contracts in Germany and Norway for three bridges and an inner-city motorway tunnel. The total contract volume amounts to around €350 million. The projects are in line with the Group's strategic focus on large, challenging mobility and energy supply

New balance of power in modular room solutions
The Condecta Group is acquiring the entire Swiss FAGSI fleet of rental containers from the ALHO Group. The FAGSI site in Wikon is being expanded into a centre for high-quality mobile space solutions. This will enable Condecta to realise larger and more complex projects in the

Building technology grows beyond regional boundaries
The Burkhalter Group is acquiring BZ-Dépannage Sàrl in Lonay, a company specialising in sanitary facilities, heating, maintenance and repairs, with effect from 15 January 2026. With this acquisition, the Group is entering the building technology market in western

Platform strategy strengthens construction and environmental expertise
TIC Holding Switzerland AG has acquired HSE Conseils. With this acquisition, the company aims to expand its portfolio in the industrial, building materials, construction, environmental and occupational safety sectors. HSE Managing Director Marc Dutoit will remain in his

Senior citizens sell their homes late and downsize only slightly after moving out
The Zurich Cantonal Bank's real estate barometer has analysed voluntary moves out of owner-occupied homes. It is striking that moves usually involve couples, do not involve a change of location, and become more frequent from the age of 85 onwards. After moving out, the number of rooms per person

Pension funds focus on sustainable living
Vertina Investment Foundation has successfully completed a capital increase. Its Vertina Wohnen investment group exceeded its target volume of CHF 50 million, raising CHF 74.3 million. The proceeds from the issue will be used to finance and realise two residential projects in

Sustainable commercial real estate in the focus of institutional investors
Swiss Life Asset Managers plans to launch a listed Swiss real estate fund focusing on commercial properties. The fund, which is based on an integrated ESG strategy, holds real estate in direct ownership and offers investors high income


