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investment strategy

Long-term investment
in Swiss companies

Building on the philosophy of renowned Swiss entrepreneur, inventor and investor Ernst Göhner, Ernst Göhner Beteiligungen AG (EGSB) invests in the sustainable, success-oriented development of leading established Swiss companies with an annual turnover of at least 50 million CHF.

Since 2022, the EGSB has also been participating in late-stage start-ups (Growth): The focus is on companies that already generate significant sales and are growing by more than 20% annually. As a long-term partner with an ethical compass of values, EGSB actively supports corporate governance and, for this purpose, requires participation on the Board of Directors.

INVESTMENT PHILOSOPHY

We take on corporate responsibility

Sustainable profit orientation

In our opinion, financial success is reflected in a sustained increase in company value and/or a continuous dividend policy. This reflects our philosophy of long-term and value-oriented investing, which is independent of traditional fund terms and focuses on long-term, stable corporate development.

Successful development

Long-term success requires a clear strategic understanding, strong innovative strength, agility in implementation and consistent persistence. We value entrepreneurs who share these values, can put them into practice, can lead and are willing to continuously develop themselves and their organizations. We are convinced that managers make a significant contribution to success as co-owners of their company and promote this form of participation.

Own capital
focused invests

EGSB invests its own capital in a far-sighted manner and with a focus on Switzerland. Our independence from external financiers gives us exceptional financial stability and flexibility. In doing so, we offer companies extensive entrepreneurial and time opportunities. Because real entrepreneurship goes beyond defined investment cycles.

value compass and
Good Governance

It is important to us that the strategic objectives, investment horizon and value system of all shareholders as well as a balanced shareholder commitment agreement are important to us. Our commitments are based on partnership-based thinking and action. With our extensive network of entrepreneurs and experts, we offer managers of our holdings valuable advice and the opportunity to exchange experiences.
ESG topics

We comply with environmental, social and governance criteria in all our investments

Commitment to ESG criteria

The ESG criteria Environment, Social and Governance form the framework for our portfolio companies and EGSB themselves. We implement the nine subject areas in line with three ESG guidelines.

  • 01
    We incorporate ESG aspects into investment analyses and decision-making processes.
  • 02
    We are active owners and promote the implementation and disclosure of ESG criteria in our investments.
  • 03
    We report on initiatives and progress in implementing ESG principles in our portfolio companies.
INVESTMENT AREAS & CRITERIA

EGSB invests in two categories of companies

Established companies
Late-stage start-ups
buyout
Growth

Investment criteria for established companies

Direct majority or qualified minority interests (10% to 49%) in private companies and investments as anchor shareholders in listed companies (target holding 8% to 12%) with headquarters or significant added value in Switzerland.

01
Key figures
Annual turnover of at least 50 million CHF, positive cash flow
02
Amount per investment
50 to 200 million CHF, on average 50 million CHF per investment
03
Management
Impressive with a solid track record and represents values that are in line with those of the Foundation
04
market position
Market leader or potential to do so, worldwide or in important national/regional markets
05
sector
EGSB invests primarily in private companies in the industrial, IT and medical technology sectors
06
ESG
Long-term sustainability in all three dimensions: environmental, social and governance

Investment criteria - late stage start-ups

Our focus is on the next market leaders and hidden champions with strong Swiss ties, product-market fit and an entrepreneurial management team.

01
Key figures
Minimum turnover of 4 million CHF, break-even in 1 to 2 years
02
Financing round
Late Stage
03
Amount per investment
Tickets from 5 to 15 million CHF
04
growth
financing for scaling and commercialization, growth rates >20%
05
Investment areas
Industrial Tech, Enterprise Tech, Consumer Tech, Health Tech, and Deep Tech
06
ESG
Strong positioning with regard to environmental, social and governance dimensions

What else might be of interest

More about the Ernst Göhner Foundation
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More about the portfolio
Learn more