Swiss companies Rieter and Swiss Steel face restructuring amid losses

Several Swiss companies are facing significant restructuring and leadership changes. At the textile group Rieter, CEO Thomas Oetterli has departed following heavy losses. Reports indicate that despite a 250 million injection from major shareholders Peter Spuhler and Martin Haefner in 2025, the company's capital has been depleted. Oetterli's departure is viewed as a precursor to harsh restructuring, particularly regarding the integration of Barmag.

Swiss Steel has also announced further restructuring due to substantial financial losses. The steel group reported a loss of 311 million Swiss francs for 2025, an increase of 115 million compared to the previous year, alongside shrinking revenues. CEO Frank Koch stated that the restructuring will involve job cuts at locations in Germany, with a goal to return to operational profitability by 2028.

In the institutional sector, Axa CEO Thomas Buberl has resigned from the board of trustees of the World Economic Forum (WEF). Buberl stated the decision was made to allow him to focus more intensely on his responsibilities at Axa. The search for a new WEF president remains ongoing.