Company takeovers Council of States in principle in favor of reviewing foreign investments
The Council of States wants to impose stricter controls on takeovers of Swiss companies by foreign investors. It voted in favor of a corresponding bill on Monday. It will not decide on the details until later.
17.03.2025, 18:08
SDA
The small chamber reached its decision by 16 votes to 29, with no abstentions. It thus followed the minority of its Committee for Economic Affairs and Taxation (WAK-S). The National Council had spoken out in favor of the bill in the autumn session.
The Council of States will only discuss the Investment Audit Act in detail at a later date. First of all, the pre-advisory committee will take another in-depth look at the bill.
The legislative project is based on a motion by Beat Rieder, a member of the Council of States from the canton of Valais. Although foreign investments would remain permitted in principle under the Investment Control Act, they would now be subject to approval. The state could intervene in the event of security concerns.
The National Council tightened up the draft law last September. Specifically, it decided at the time that the investment review should also apply to non-state investors. In addition to public order and security, the supply of essential goods and services is explicitly mentioned as worthy of protection.
