SWISS M&A MARKET IN 2024: CHALLENGES AND OPPORTUNITIES FOR SMALL-CAP PE PLAYERS 

The Swiss mergers and acquisitions (M&A) market in 2024 has been marked by sharp contrasts, offering mixed signals for investors. After a strong start with a series of high-profile transactions, the pace slowed dramatically in the third quarter. However, the year-end outlook remains optimistic, thanks to a rebound in activity during the fourth quarter, including some landmark deals. 

A Promising Start to 2024 

The first quarter of 2024 set the stage for an active M&A market in Switzerland, with four billion-euro deals completed. The largest transaction was Swisscom’s €8 billion acquisition of Vodafone Italia, a strategic move to strengthen its presence in the Italian market. 

By the end of the first half, the Swiss M&A market recorded three additional billion-euro transactions, including Novartis’s acquisition of Mariana Oncology for $1 billion, with further earn-outs of $750 million. These deals highlighted the strong appetite for cross-border acquisitions in high-growth sectors such as technology and healthcare. 

A Surprising Lull in Q3 

Despite the promising start, the third quarter saw a significant drop in M&A activity. Only two transactions during the summer months made it into the top ten deals of the year. This slowdown mirrored a broader European trend, where economic uncertainties and rising geopolitical tensions caused many investors to pause their dealmaking. 

The slowdown was further evidenced by a 31% decline in transaction volume during the first nine months of 2024 compared to 2023, as reported by BCG. Total deal values also lagged behind previous years. For context, aggregate M&A transaction values in Switzerland stood at CHF 71.5 billion in 2023, already a drop from CHF 108.6 billion in 2022. To match last year’s total, a flurry of billion-euro deals would need to close before year-end. 

A Strong Fourth Quarter Rebound 

The fourth quarter began with a major transaction: Partners Group’s sale of Techem Group for €6.7 billion to TPG and Singapore’s sovereign wealth fund GIC. This deal ranked as the second-largest of the year, highlighting the attractiveness of businesses focused on energy efficiency and digital solutions within the building sector. 

Strategic acquisitions also dominated the deal landscape, with Swiss firms like Swisscom, Novartis, and Emmi targeting international markets. However, large-scale outbound transactions by Swiss companies remained limited, reflecting a more cautious approach to foreign expansions. 

Insights on the Largest Deals 

The largest transactions of 2024 reveal key trends: 

• Strategic Focus: Most deals involved strategic buyers rather than private equity buyouts, emphasizing long-term value creation. 

• Cross-Border Activity: Swiss buyers targeted assets in Italy, France, and the U.S., demonstrating continued interest in international growth. 

• Private Equity Exits: While there were no major buyouts, private equity firms successfully exited investments, including Partners Group’s Techem deal. 

Fabian Kroeher, Managing Partner at Winterberg Group, noted: “The Swiss M&A market’s dynamics this year reflect a pivot towards strategic, value-driven acquisitions. For private equity players, this creates a great environment for exits, because strategic buyers see more value in companies that fit their core businesses well.”

Winterberg Group’s Contributions to the Swiss M&A Landscape in 2024 

Winterberg Group, through its Healthcare Holding Schweiz AG, played a significant role in shaping the Swiss M&A landscape this year. The group executed several strategic acquisitions that expanded its medtech services and distribution portfolio, cementing its position as a leader in the Swiss healthcare sector. 

April 2024: Acquisition of MCM Medsys AG
Healthcare Holding Schweiz AG acquired MCM Medsys AG, a Solothurn-based distributor of medical devices and supplies specializing in interventional therapy, surgery, nephrology, and oncology. With a diverse catalog of over 900 products and strong relationships with 20 exclusive suppliers, MCM Medsys AG brought significant depth to Healthcare Holding’s offerings. 

“With the acquisition of MCM, we are expanding our product portfolio to include high-class medical devices and establishing a stronger presence in Canton Solothurn,” said Fabian Kroeher. “This strategic move marks a milestone for our group and underscores our commitment to delivering innovative solutions for the Swiss healthcare market.” 

July 2024: Acquisition of Naropa Reha AG
In July, Healthcare Holding completed its acquisition of Naropa Reha AG, a company specializing in rehabilitation and care products, including active wheelchairs. This acquisition provided the group with a foothold in the Swiss rehabilitation market and enhanced its ability to serve individuals with disabilities. 

“Naropa’s expertise in rehabilitation complements our portfolio perfectly,” Kroeher noted. “This move aligns with our vision to broaden our reach while maintaining high standards of care and service.” 

October 2024: Acquisition of MVB Medizintechnik AG
Healthcare Holding added MVB Medizintechnik AG to its portfolio in October, gaining access to specialized expertise in cardiotocography for gynecology and obstetrics, as well as innovative shock wave therapy products. The acquisition bolstered the group’s offerings in women’s health and therapeutic devices. 

“The addition of MVB Medizintechnik AG strengthens our market position in women’s health and therapeutic solutions,” said Kroeher. “Their innovative products and expertise will significantly contribute to our growth strategy.” 

Looking Ahead for Winterberg Group

Winterberg’s acquisitions in 2024 showcase the group’s strategic acumen and focus on long-term value creation. By targeting niche markets and leveraging synergies across its portfolio, Winterberg is well-positioned to drive sustained growth in the evolving Swiss healthcare landscape. 

As the M&A market gains momentum in Q4, Winterberg remains committed to identifying high-potential opportunities that align with its disciplined investment philosophy and strategic goals and aims to still close one or two deals this year.