The largest Swiss companies

This text was duly revised and updated 15.02.2025

Due to its political and economic stability, transparency, and equality, Switzerland is one of the best countries in the world for running a business. It was ranked the second-most trustworthy country, so it is no wonder that many large multinational companies by market cap decided to set up their headquarters in Switzerland.

This country's legal system provides those interested in running a business with a great variety of legal structures. Switzerland offers many benefits as a business location for companies:

1. The strong economy ensures a stable currency.
2. Infrastructure and management work productively and superbly.
3. The quality of education is high, the country spends much money on the development of innovation.
4. This country is politically stable, it provides a high level of legal security and consequently a high quality of life in the country

Local banks are ready to offer a safe haven for assets from around the world. In many areas, the local financial institutions are among the leaders in the world market. Swiss banks contribute to the creation of value and the well-being of the country.

Established in 1886, the company is multinational food and drink producer. It is headquartered in Vevey (Switzerland). Nestle is producing baby food, pet foods, medical food, breakfast cereals, etc. More than 25 of the company's brands have annual sales of over 1.1 billion dollars, including Kit Kat, Nespresso, Nescafé, etc. It employs more than 280,000 people around the world and operates in over 185 countries. The market capitalization of this company 312 billion dollars.

Novartis is one of the largest pharmaceutical company by market capitalization (more than 193 billion dollars). It was formed in 1996 and headquartered in Basel. Novartis is engaged in the research, development, and manufacturing a wide range of healthcare products. It includes generic drugs, vaccines, pharmaceuticals, etc. The company employs more than 125,000 people around the world.

UBS is one of the largest financial services companies in the world. It was founded in 1862 and headquartered in Zurich. UBS employes over 60,000 people worldwide. The company delivers asset management as well as investment banking services for private clients and companies. The market capitalization of this company is more than 35 billion dollars.

Established in 1872, Zurich Insurance Group is a Swiss insurance company, based in Zurich. The company is organized into several core segments: General Insurance, Farmers, Global Life (life insurance, investing solutions, etc.) Zurich Insurance Group employs more than 53,000 people worldwide. The market capitalization of it is more than 43 billion dollars.

Roche is a multinational healthcare company, based in Basel. It is operating under two divisions: Pharmaceuticals and Diagnostics. The company was founded in 1896. Roche employs over 94,000 people. Roche is the leading biotech company. It is specialized in oncology, neuroscience, immunology, and infectious diseases. The market capitalization of Roche more than 304 billion dollars.

Headquartered in Zurich, Credit Suisse Groupe is a financial services company and investment bank. It was formed in 1856. The company is operating offices in the largest financial centers worldwide. It employs more than 47,800 people. They are providing a wide range of technical expertise, enabling the company to develop innovative solutions and progress ahead. The market capitalization of the Credit Suisse Group is more than 19,200 billion dollars.

Formed in 1983, Swiss Re is a large reinsurance company with a headquarter in Zurich, Switzerland. It is operating in more than 25 countries and employs 14,000 people. The company consists of the following 3 business units: reinsurance, life capital, and corporate solutions. The market capitalization of this Swiss company is about 37 billion dollars.

Established in 1988, ABB is operating mostly in the robotics sector, automation technology, and power fields. This company is located in Zurich. It is operating in over 100 countries. ABB employs over 135, 000 worldwide. The market capitalization of this company is over 45 billion dollars.

ACE Limited is operating in the insurance and reinsurance sector, it offers services to commercial and individual customers. The company was established in 1985 and its market cap is more than 36 billion dollars. It is based in Zurich. The company is operating in over 54 countries and employs over 31,000 people.

Glencore is a Switzerland-based company that is specialized in producing and marketing commodities. It was established in 1974, the company has four headquarters, including Baar (Switzerland). Glencore operates through three business segments:

1. Metals and minerals segment.
2. Energy products segment.
3. Agricultural products segment.

Glencore employs over 160,000 people worldwide and operates in more than 50 countries. The market cap of Glencore is about 24 billion dollars.

Vitol is a major European oil trader with headquarters in Geneva and Rotterdam. It was founded in 1966. Vitol is specialized in physical trading, logistics, distribution, power generation, refining, etc. Vitol ships over 350 million tonnes of crude oil annually. On average Vitol handles about 7 million barrels a day of crude oil and products. The turnover of this company is 225 billion dollars.

Established in 1993, this company is one of the biggest independent oil and petroleum products traders. It has headquarters in Geneva and Singapore. The company employs more than 4,000 people. Trafigura is cooperating with oil producers, mining firms, refiners and smelters. It is investing in logistics in order to raise market access for its suppliers.

Based in Geneva, Cargill distributes and trades food and energy products, including gas, coal, petroleum. It was founded in 1956, the company employs over 160,000 people in more than 70 countries. The company has partnerships with the world's major consumer goods to make innovative products. Cargill's value is nearly 55 billion dollars. Cargill partners with farmers, manufacturers, and governments to fulfill the goal of nourishing the world in a responsible and secure way. Established in 1988, ABB is operating mostly in the robotics sector, automation technology, and power fields. This company is located in Zurich. It is operating in over 100 countries. ABB employs over 135, 000 worldwide. The market capitalization of this company is over 45 billion dollars.

Founded in 2014, Mercuria Energy is an international commodity trading company, headquartered in Geneva. It trades energy products, crude oil, base metal, and other commodities from business hubs in different countries, including Switzerland, England, China. People are the basic capital of Mercuria, it offers great employment opportunities to more than 1,000 workers. The market capitalization of this company is about 95 million dollars