Wanted! 100-year-old Swiss companies
The "Phoenix Award for long-term Swiss entrepreneurship" is entering its sixth year. The succession award from the Swiss Umbrella Association for Business Succession (CHDU) honors SMEs that have successfully secured their succession for at least 100 years. Swiss SMEs that are celebrating their 100th anniversary in 2025 or have been entered in the commercial register for 100 years can apply until May 31, 2025.
For the implementation and further development of the Phoenix Award, the CHDU has been able to Renaissance Investment Foundation as a supporting partner organization.
The "Phoenix Award for Long-Term Swiss Entrepreneurship" has been presented annually since 2020. With its succession award, the CHDU honors Swiss SMEs that have mastered their succession planning for at least a century. Companies that have existed for such a long time have already had to overcome several crises such as world wars and economic crises and rise anew like the "Phoenix from the ashes". The focus as potential award winners is therefore on Swiss SMEs that have been entered in the Swiss commercial register for 100 years or are 100 years old in the respective year.
An expert jury and a jury advisory board with representatives from science, entrepreneurship and the media select up to three Phoenix Award winners from these companies each year in a multi-stage process. The evaluation focuses on the companies' ability to innovate and disrupt, their team performance and their contribution to society and the economy.
Apply now
Swiss SMEs that meet the following criteria can register now up to and including May 31, 2025 on the Website apply for the "Phoenix Award 2025":
- Founded in 1925
- Registered in the Swiss commercial register in 1925
- Celebrates a milestone birthday over 100, e.g. 110th, 125th, 200th etc.
- Swiss SME
- Independent of the Group or privately managed
Strong partnership
From this year onwards, the CHDU can count on proactive support for its succession award. "Positive examples of long-term entrepreneurship, as embodied by the winners of the Phoenix Award, are the best motivation and inspiration for entrepreneurs to arrange their succession for the continued existence of their own company. We are therefore delighted to have the Renaissance Investment Foundation on board as a partner organization that is as competent as it is committed to Swiss SMEs. Together, we are committed to the continuity and ongoing development of our succession prize," summarizes CHDU President Hans Jürg Domenig.
Andreas Camenzind of the Renaissance Investment Foundation underlines this with the following statement: "We have been investing in Swiss SMEs for over 25 years, thereby ensuring their succession under the motto Swiss capital for Swiss SMEs, as we are financed exclusively by pension funds. Companies with a long tradition play a very important role for Renaissance and the Swiss economy. Renaissance has holdings in three companies that are more than 100 years old. We therefore identify with the Phoenix Award for long-term Swiss entrepreneurship in a natural way."
