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☆ Holcim eyes $30 billion valuation with North American business listing, picks new CEO
▼ + stars: | 2024-01-29 | by ( ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +3 min

Switzerland's Holcim will spin off 100% of its North American operations in a New York flotation which could value the business at $30 billion, the building materials giant said on Sunday, as it also named a new chief executive. The spin-off could value the new company at around $30 billion, Jenisch told reporters, with Holcim retaining no stake. Holcim North America was trading at only 7 times operating profit, far less than the 10 to 15 times multiple of peers. Holcim is the biggest cement maker in North America, where it employs 16,000 people across 850 sites. The remaining Holcim business will have sales of around 17 billion Swiss francs ($19.69 billion), and employ 48,000 people.

Persons: Switzerland's, Miljan Gutovic, Jan Jenisch, Lafarge, Jenisch, Zuercher, Martin Huesler, Carlisle, James Hardy Organizations: Holcim, New York Stock Exchange, Eagle Materials Locations: New York, Holcim, Swiss, U.S, Europe, Latin America, Africa, Asia, America, North America, Carlisle, The U.S

☆ Julius Baer lowers profit expectations as credit provisions rise
▼ + stars: | 2023-11-20 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: +2 min

The logo of Swiss private bank Julius Baer is seen at their headquarters in Zurich, Switzerland February 2, 2022. REUTERS/Arnd Wiegmann/File Photo Acquire Licensing RightsZURICH, Nov 20 (Reuters) - Julius Baer (BAER.S) on Monday dampened profit expectations after it booked valuation adjustments of 82 million Swiss francs ($92.6 million). The Swiss bank said that of the 82 million francs in valuation adjustments, 70 million francs were booked against the group's credit portfolio after Oct. 31, 2023. Analysts at Zuercher Kantonalbank had expected 15 billion francs, with Baer having already reported inflows of 7 billion francs for the first half of 2023. Assets under management rose 3% to 435 billion francs during the period, driven mainly by inflows and the strength of the global equity market.

Persons: Julius Baer, Arnd, Baer, Rene Benko, Andreas Venditti, Zuercher Kantonalbank, Noele, Miranda Murray, Christopher Cushing, David Goodman Organizations: REUTERS, Rights, Signa, Reuters, Analysts, Thomson Locations: Zurich, Switzerland, Swiss, Zuercher

☆ EFG shares jump 3% following record profitability
▼ + stars: | 2023-11-16 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: +2 min

The logo of EFG International bank is seen at its headquarters in Zurich, Switzerland February 28, 2018. The bank's share price has risen more than 11% this year, and hit a year-high of 10.98 Swiss francs on Nov. 1. This is on top of its existing commitment to repurchase up to 6 million shares by Sept. 11, 2024 . At 144.1 billion Swiss francs, assets under management were only slightly higher than the 143.1 billion francs at the end of 2022. According to EFG, the growth in net new assets was largely offset by negative currency effects.

Persons: Arnd, Giorgio Pradelli, Zuercher, Michael Klien, EFG, Noele Illien, Sharon Singleton Organizations: International, REUTERS, Rights, EFG, Thomson Locations: Zurich, Switzerland, Swiss

☆ Cartier owner Richemont sees growth easing as economic worries rise
▼ + stars: | 2023-11-10 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: +2 min

Richemont's constant currency sales growth eased from a 19% rate in the April to June period to a 5% rate in the following three months. The company posted a profit of 1.51 billion euros, worse than the 2.17 billion euros forecast by analysts in a consensus cited by Zuercher Kantonalbank. "Growth eased in the second quarter as inflationary pressure, slowing economic growth and geopolitical tensions began to affect customer sentiment, compounded by strong comparatives," said Chairman Johann Rupert in a statement. "Consequently, we have seen a broad-based normalisation of market growth expectations across the industry." While jewellery - traditionally more resilient to economic swings - continued to shine with constant currency sales up 9%, watch sales fell 4%.

Persons: Regis, Cartier, Vacheron Constantin, LVMH, Zuercher Kantonalbank, Johann Rupert, Kepler, Jon Cox, John Revill, Mimosa, Miranda Murray, Shri Navaratnam, Tomasz Janowski Organizations: Cartier, Vendome, REUTERS, Rights, IWC, Thomson Locations: Paris, France, Swiss, United States, Europe, China

Logos of Swiss banks Credit Suisse and UBS are seen before a news conference in Zurich Switzerland, August 30, 2023. The analyst said higher deposit rates were potentially being used to limit outflows at Credit Suisse and had been weighing on the bank's ability to bolster revenue. Credit Suisse reported net asset outflows of 39 billion francs in the second quarter. However, UBS said the outflows had slowed down and reversed in June, with Credit Suisse reporting net deposit inflows of $18 billion in the second quarter. UBS's Chief Executive Sergio Ermotti has said he aims to get back the Credit Suisse assets.

Persons: Denis Balibouse, Kian Abouhossein, Abouhossein, Sergio Ermotti, Ermotti, Noele Illien, Stefania Spezzati, Oliver Hirt, Elisa Martinuzzi, Mark Potter Organizations: Credit Suisse, UBS, REUTERS, Rights, Suisse, JPMorgan, UBS's, Thomson Locations: Zurich Switzerland, Raiffeisen, Switzerland

☆ UBS expects to seal Credit Suisse takeover as early as June 12
▼ + stars: | 2023-06-05 | by ( John Revill | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +5 min

"UBS expects to complete the acquisition of Credit Suisse as early as 12 June 2023. At that time, Credit Suisse Group AG will be merged into UBS Group AG," it said. UBS shares were indicated 1.1% higher in premarket activity in Switzerland, while Credit Suisse shares were up 0.7%. SIX said in a separate statement Credit Suisse shares would be delisted on June 13 at the earliest. Under the all-share takeover, Credit Suisse shareholders will receive one UBS share for every 22.48 shares they held.

Persons: Zuercher, Michael Klien, Sergio Ermotti, Ermotti, John Revill, Noele, Tomasz Janowski Organizations: Suisse, UBS, Credit Suisse, U.S . Securities, Exchange Commission, Credit Suisse Group AG, UBS Group AG, Reuters, Swiss, SIX Swiss Exchange, New York Stock Exchange, SIX, Financial Times, Thomson Locations: premarket ZURICH, Swiss, Switzerland, Credit

☆ UBS says Credit Suisse CEO Ulrich Koerner will join its board
▼ + stars: | 2023-05-09 | by ( ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +4 min

Besides Körner, who spent over a decade at UBS before returning to Credit Suisse in 2021, UBS CEO Sergio Ermotti largely leaned on UBS executives in pulling together his new team. Some media had speculated that a number of Credit Suisse bankers would take up senior roles at the new group. Credit Suisse executive board members will report to both their relevant UBS executive board member and Körner. “This is a pivotal moment for UBS, Credit Suisse and the entire banking industry,” Ermotti said in the statement Tuesday. Zuercher Kantonalbank said this meant there would be initially no big changes for the current Credit Suisse management.

☆ Swiss regulator says two banks' crisis plans are insufficient
▼ + stars: | 2023-04-26 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: +1 min

ZURICH, April 26 (Reuters) - Swiss financial regulator FINMA has labelled the recovery and resolution plans of two of Switzerland's five systematically important banks as insufficient, it said on Wednesday. FINMA questioned the ability of Zuercher Kantonalbank (ZKB)[RIC:RIC:ZKB.UL] and PostFinance [RIC:RIC:PFAG.UL] to continue functioning in case they experienced a crisis. The assessment released by FINMA gauged the emergency plans of Switzerland's main banks as they stood at the end of 2022. It does not therefore take into account Credit Suisse's (CSGN.S) merger with UBS (UBSG.S). "It is clear that there are important lessons to be learned from the Credit Suisse crisis for future crisis preparations," FINMA'S Chief Executive Urban Angehrn said.

☆ Swiss lender ZKB held takeover talks with GAM Holding, Financial Times reports
▼ + stars: | 2023-04-22 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: +1 min

April 22 (Reuters) - Swiss lender Zuercher Kantonalbank, known locally as ZKB, has held takeover talks with GAM Holding AG (GAMH.S), the Financial Times reported on Saturday, citing people familiar with the matter. London-listed Liontrust Asset Management (LIO.L) said earlier this week it was discussing a potential merger of its investment management unit with GAM. In an emailed statement, ZKB declined to comment on whether takeover talks had taken place with GAM, but said the company was "constantly examining opportunities within its business development strategy". According to the Financial Times report, Z Capital Group, a New York-based investment firm, is also interested in buying GAM. GAM and Z Capital did not immediately respond to requests for comment.

☆ VIEW Sergio Ermotti makes surprise comeback to lead UBS into new era
▼ + stars: | 2023-03-29 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: +1 min

STORIES: read moreANDREAS VENDITTI, HEAD OF BANKS RESEARCH, BANK VONTOBEL"We welcome the appointment of Sergio Ermotti and believe that he is right person for the challenging task, given his experience of successfully transforming UBS after the Global Financial Crisis." In addition, UBS is already facing significant political pressure due to its large size and importance for the country. MICHAEL KLIEN, ANALYST, ZUERCHER KANTONALBANK"With this change of leadership, the bank is sending a clear signal that its focus is on the successful integration of Credit Suisse. With Ermotti, UBS is bringing on board a proven expert on the bank and an effective enforcer for the successful merger of the two banks. JERRY DEL MISSIER, CHIEF INVESTMENT OFFICER AT COPPER STREET CAPITAL AND FORMER CHIEF OPERATING OFFICER AT BARCLAYS"They needed to strengthen management.

☆ Sergio Ermotti makes surprise comeback to lead UBS into new era
▼ + stars: | 2023-03-29 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: +2 min

STORIES: read moreASHLEY PITTARD, HEAD OF GLOBAL EQUITIES, PENDAL, SYDNEY: (A SHAREHOLDER)"Without a doubt, he is the right person for the job. "Sergio was in the trenches during and post the global financial crisis when UBS was in a lot of trouble. VICTORIA SCHOLAR, HEAD OF INVESTMENT, INTERACTIVE INVESTOR, LONDON"Having steered UBS through the aftermath of the 2008 GFC and a rogue-trading scandal, Ermotti is a dab hand at crisis management. He also helped UBS to navigate through the onset of the pandemic and the corresponding market volatility during most of 2020. With Ermotti, UBS is bringing on board a proven expert on the bank and an effective enforcer for the successful merger of the two banks.

☆ Zurich bank looks to capitalise on Credit Suisse's demise
▼ + stars: | 2023-03-27 | by ( Noele Illien | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +3 min

"There is a chance that the situation might accelerate our existing plans," he added, and suggested the bank would be open to looking into purchasing businesses from Credit Suisse, should they become available. "We want to grow and we have stated that we are open to looking at external growth as well, regardless of the situation of Credit Suisse," Baumann said. The Canton of Zurich is liable under the state guarantee for any ZKB liabilities which the bank cannot cover in the event of trouble. Deposits in Swiss bank accounts are usually only protected up to 100,000 Swiss francs. ($1 = 0.9190 Swiss francs)($1 = 0.9168 Swiss francs)($1 = 0.9160 Swiss francs)($1 = 0.9164 Swiss francs)Reporting by Noele IllienOur Standards: The Thomson Reuters Trust Principles.

☆ Lindt & Spruengli proposes dividend hike as 2022 profit climb
▼ + stars: | 2023-03-07 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: +2 min

ZURICH, March 7 (Reuters) - Lindt & Spruengli (LISN.S) said its 2022 profit rose and the Swiss chocolate maker also proposed a higher dividend payout on Tuesday, despite a challenging year that saw inflationary price hikes dampen consumer sentiment in key markets. Net income rose to 569.7 million Swiss francs ($612.78 million), beating the 566 million francs forecast by analysts at Zuercher Kantonalbank. It proposed a dividend of 1,300 francs per registered share, up from the 1,200 francs last year. Chocolate Gold Bunnys are seen during the annual news conference of Swiss chocolatier Lindt & Spruengli in Kilchberg, Switzerland March 8, 2022. With cost pressures continuing to pose a challenge, Lindt said it is likely to do the same this year.

☆ Swiss private bank EFG profit dips as it settles Taiwan dispute
▼ + stars: | 2023-02-22 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: +1 min

ZURICH, Feb 22 (Reuters) - EFG International's (EFGN.S) net profit fell 1.7% to 202.4 million Swiss francs ($218.50 million) last year, the Swiss private bank said on Wednesday, as it settled legal proceedings related to a client relationship with a Taiwanese insurance company. EFG said it had paid 40.6 million francs in legal costs and increased provisions to resolve the dispute, with all proceedings against the bank now ended. On an underlying basis, which removes these costs as well as other items like gains from its legacy life insurance business, EFG's net profit increased to 248.7 million francs from 167.8 million francs a year earlier. The bank said along with the market correction, the decline in assets the Swiss bank manages reflects the disposal of the Spanish private bank A&G. In 2021 EFG reported 8.8 billion francs.

☆ UBS flags uncertain year ahead after profit beats forecasts
▼ + stars: | 2023-01-31 | by ( Noele Illien | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +4 min

[1/2] The logo of Swiss bank UBS is seen at an office building in Zurich, Switzerland, Oct. 25, 2022. REUTERS/Arnd WiegmannZURICH, Jan 31 (Reuters) - UBS (UBSG.S), Switzerland's biggest bank, forecast an uncertain year ahead due to the war in Ukraine and sagging client confidence on Tuesday, despite trumping expectations for 2022 with a $7.6 billion net profit. Zuercher Kantonalbank analyst Michael Klien said UBS had benefited from one-offs, including a lower than expected tax rate. SLOWDOWNUBS said it gained $23.3 billion in net new fee generating assets in wealth management, with a strong Swiss performance. UBS announced plans to buy back more than $5 billion worth of shares this year after repurchasing $5.5 billion in 2022.

☆ Swatch positive on recovery in luxury demand from China
▼ + stars: | 2023-01-24 | by ( John Revill | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +3 min

SummarySummary Companies Says January sales have exceeded January 2022Company now expects record sales for 2023Stock hits highest level since July 2021ZURICH, Jan 24 (Reuters) - Swatch Group (UHR.S) shares hit their highest level in nearly two-and-a-half years on Tuesday after the world's biggest watchmaker said it expected a recovery in luxury demand from China. The sales growth in January in China reinforces the Group's expectation to aim for a record year in 2023." The outlook sent Swatch's shares to their highest level since July 2021, and was the latest positive signal for the luxury sector at the start of the Chinese Year of the Rabbit. "To reach the record sales number of 2014 Swatch Group would need to have growth of 16% in 2023," said Patrik Schwendimann of Zuercher Kantonalbank. Europe's luxury sector($1 = 0.9192 Swiss francs)Reporting by John Revill; editing by Kirsten Donovan and Jason NeelyOur Standards: The Thomson Reuters Trust Principles.

☆ Luxury eyes focused on China after Richemont's Q3 sales miss
▼ + stars: | 2023-01-18 | by ( John Revill | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +3 min

SummarySummary Companies Q3 sales rise by 8% but miss market forecastsMainland China sales drop 24%Company says customer demand in China now picking upAll eyes on China for luxury sector, say analystsZURICH, Jan 18 (Reuters) - Cartier jewellery maker Richemont (CFR.S) missed market forecasts during its latest quarter as the resurgence of COVID-19 in China hit sales there, highlighting the country's importance for the luxury sector. Richemont, whose other brands include Swiss watchmakers IWC and Jaeger-LeCoultre, has been seeing strong sales growth in Europe, the Middle East and Japan, particularly for jewellery. But the mainland Chinese market - which accounts for about a fifth of the group's sales, according to Zuercher Kantonalbank estimates - struggled with sales down 24% in constant currency terms. The prospect of a pickup in Chinese sales meant analysts were not too worried by Richemont's quarterly miss. "The catch-up from Chinese consumers will come as strong as sales decelerated in 3Q, as they were able to save money during the lockdowns."

☆ Luxury group Richemont's sales miss forecasts after China sales plunge
▼ + stars: | 2023-01-18 | by ( John Revill | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +2 min

Overall, Richemont's sales rose 8% to 5.4 billion euros ($5.82 billion) in the three months to the end of December, up from 4.98 billion euros a year earlier. The figure missed the 5.67 billion euros forecast by analysts. When currency movements were excluded, the company's sales increased by 5%. In Japan, sales increased by 30% during the quarter, aided by "solid" domestic sales and a gradual return of tourism. In Europe sales increased by 17% helped by strong local demand and returning tourists, particularly from the Middle East and the United States.

LONDON/ZURICH, Jan 18 (Reuters) - Luxury retailers Richemont (CFR.S) and Burberry (BRBY.L) said they were optimistic that consumers in China would start spending again, helping offset three years of upheaval from the government's strict COVID-19 lockdowns and soaring infections. Richemont (CFR.S), whose brands include Cartier jewellery and Swiss watches IWC and Jaeger-LeCoultre, also said it expected a strong rebound in China. The European luxury sector is among the largest expected winners as China loosens COVID-19 restrictions that kept shoppers out of stores for months. Richemont missed market estimates after sales in China plunged by a quarter, as customer traffic dwindled and staff were not available, leading to a reduction of boutique hours, or temporary closures of sales points, the company said. Mainland China is currently 25% of Burberry sales, down from about 40% pre-pandemic.

☆ ZKB not poaching Credit Suisse clients - CEO in paper
▼ + stars: | 2022-12-17 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: +1 min

[1/2] The logo of Zuercher Kantonalbank (ZKB) bank is seen at its headquarters in Zurich, Switzerland September 24, 2020. REUTERS/Arnd WiegmannZURICH, Dec 17 (Reuters) - Zuercher Kantonalbank (ZKB.UL) is not trying to poach clients from embattled Credit Suisse (CSGN.S), the state-backed cantonal bank's chief executive said in a newspaper interview published on Saturday. Amid a social media storm that sparked unfounded speculation about its stability, Credit Suisse reported sharp outflows in October as wealthy clients moved assets elsewhere, although its chairman has said the situation has since stabilised. ZKB CEO Urs Baumann told the Neue Zuercher Zeitung his bank was not actively approaching Credit Suisse clients and said ZKB was not using its state backing as a marketing tool amid such market jitters. Asked would it mean for the Swiss banking sector and for ZKB if problems at Credit Suisse intensified, he said:"We want a strong CS.

During the three months to the end of September, Geberit sales fell 7.5% to 790.7 million Swiss francs ($788.33 million). The company, seen as a proxy for the broader construction sector, also said it now expected a full-year core operating profit margin of around 27%, down from its August view of 28%. It also tweaked its sales outlook lower, now expecting growth in the mid to high single-digit percentage range, down from its previous outlook for a high single-digit increase. "This prudent outlook is shaped by the prevailing high macroeconomic uncertainties," Geberit said. ($1 = 1.0037 Swiss francs)Reporting by Noele Illien; editing by John Revill and Kim CoghillOur Standards: The Thomson Reuters Trust Principles.

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