Recent Swiss Investments in North America

More than 700 Swiss firms have invested about $124 billion in North America where they employ in excess of 500,000 people. Here are some recent examples.

Geneva-based WISeKey, a provider of identification and cryptography solutions, has established offices in the Syracuse region of New York. Employment will reach 500 over the next two years as the company implements its digital identification backbone for the DestiNY USA R&D Park

Lenzburg-based Hero Group has acquired baby-food manufacturer Beech-Nut Nutrition Corporation to become the number 2 player in the U.S. baby-food market. The 100% acquisition is subject to approval from the U.S. anti-trust authorities.

Zurich Financial Services opened its Management Solutions Group regional office in Dallas.

Medical device manufacturer Straumann, with its US headquarters in Massachusetts, has opened its first U.S. manufacturing plant in the Bay State. The $50 million investment is projected to add as many as 300 new jobs in manufacturing high-precision implants for tooth replacement.

Swiss inspection and certification firm SGS purchased Petroleum Services Corporation of Baton Rouge to complement its services in the oil, gas, chemical, and minerals industries.

Zurich-based Micronas Holding acquired U.S. high definition TV producer Linx Electronics. The acquisition broadens the Micronas' presence in the digital television space.

Swiss agribusiness Syngenta has moved its GMO research operations in the U.K. to Research Triangle Park area of North Carolina. In addition, the Basel-based company acquired 90 percent of the Gold-Harvest Group.

Swiss machine-tool manufacturer Saia-Burgess of Murten entered the U.S. market with the acquisition of a division of the Buhler Motor Group, which produces transformers and motors for automobile air-conditioning systems.

Computer mouse and accessory maker Logitech purchased Canadian remote control maker Intrigue Technologies. The transaction widens the Swiss company's Canadian presence.

Novartis increased its presence in Canada with the purchase of generic-drugs maker Sabex Holdings Ltd. based in Boucherville, Quebec.

Viventia Biotech Inc., Toronto, and ESBATech AG, Zurich, are collaborating to investigate whether ESBATech's antibody stabilization and expression technology can enhance the characteristics of certain antibodies discovered through Viventia's propriety antibody discovery and screening platforms.

Roche Holding of Switzerland is providing $15 million to ArQule Inc., Woburn, MA, for the continued research and development of several promising cancer drugs.orth American Investments in Switzerland.