SIX Swiss Exchange eyes Indian firms for listing

The independent exchange is eyeing companies with focus on lifesciences and specialty chemicals

SIX Swiss Exchange, an independent exchange in Europe with over $1.2 trillion of free float market capitalisation, is targeting Indian corporate companies across sectors, with major focus on lifesciences and specialty chemicals, for their potential listings on its platform.

“For Indian companies looking to raise money in Europe, SIX provides access to an experienced pool of Swiss and international investors, and enables them to gain visibility and trading liquidity," Urs Widmer, management committee member of SIX Swiss Exchange, told mediapersons on Thursday.

Stating that the exchange gives listing companies wanting to diversify their investor base the advantage of access to the huge Swiss capital market, Widmer said of the $5.6 trillion assets under management in Switzerland, around $2.2 trillion were allocated to shares. There are over 2,000 pension schemes active in Switzerland, managing around $800 billion.

According him, the cross-border wealth management sector in Switzerland manages $2.4 trillion, making the country the global leader in cross-border wealth management with a market share of 25%.

“The origin of the assets is geographically very diversified and they seek to invest in businesses they know, denominated in a strong currency like the CHF (Swiss Franc)," 

Widmer said, adding that SIX Swiss Exchange allows confidential filing and a maximum four-week documentation review process, thereby facilitated a quick listing.