PARIS — Swatch Group, the world’s biggest watchmaker, has acquired a 100 percent stake in high-end Swiss-based watch case manufacturer Simon Et Membrez SA for an undisclosed sum, a Swatch spokeswoman confirmed.
The firm, which has long-standing business ties with a number of Swatch Group brands, including Breguet and Blancpain, will continue to supply customers outside of the group.
The deal includes a 60 percent holding in related local case polishing specialist, Termiboîtes SA.
Simon Et Membrez SA, which is based in Delémont and counts around 200 employees, was founded in 1975 by René Simon and Etienne Membrez, the father of the firm’s current chief executive officer, Philippe Membrez, who will continue to head up business operations.
At the time of the Swatch acquisition, the father and son were the company’s main shareholders, along with Membrez’s brother, Etienne Membrez.
You May Also Like
In 2008, Simon Et Membrez SA inaugurated a high-tech manufacturing plant in Delémont, which was expanded in 2011 and measures about 86,000 square feet.
Swatch Group already owns a trio of watch casings companies: Comadur, Manufacture Ruedin and Lascor.