Yet another chapter has been added to the success story of COSI: shortly after the start of the second quarter 2013, the outstanding volume of structured products using the unique COSI collateralization topped the 3-billion mark. COSI thus reached another milestone, after having passed the threshold of CHF 2 bn in March 2011.

A comprehensive review of the growth of COSI is given by Matthias Müller, Head COSI Product Management SIX Swiss Exchange, in an interview in the Schweizer Jahrbuch für Strukturierte Produkte (in German).

Constantly rising recognition

Since the launch in September 2009, seven active issuers have already launched more than 6'200 COSI products in fourteen different trading currencies and with over 1'200 different underlying assets. More detailed figures are available in the latest edition of the COSI Newsletter published by Scoach.

Protection against issuer default

Due to the collateral backing of the structured product's current value, the counterparty risk posed by the issuer is minimized to the greatest extent possible. This multiple award-winning service highlights the commitment of SIX Swiss Exchange to consistently promote and strengthen investor protection. More information about COSI can be found on our website.

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The Swiss Biotech Report 2013 focuses on how to turn know-how into products, services and innovation, with articles of relevant Swiss stakeholders in the biotech value chain covering topics such as the generation of know-how, the protection of inventions as well as the creation of a product and its successful introduction into the market. Once again, SIX Swiss Exchange also contributed to the report.

How to secure funding for basic research in Switzerland?

Together with Jürg Zürcher from Ernst & Young, Andrea von Bartenwerffer, Senior Relationship Manager Issuer Relations at SIX Swiss Exchange, moderates a panel discussion on "How to secure funding for basic research in Switzerland". Dr. Marc Gitzinger (BioVersys), Dr. Marjan Kraak (ETH transfer), Bob Pooler (valuationLAB), Harry Welten (Cytos) and Dr. Andreas Wicki (HBM Partners) talk about the outsourcing of basic research, the flexibility and freedom needed by young entrepreneurs and researchers and the generation of value-added products.

The leading biotechnology conference in Switzerland

The new report was presented at the Swiss Biotech Day, held today at the ConventionPoint in Zurich. The program of the event contained further highlights: keynotes on topics such as Ageing, Longevity and Preventive Medicine by Lord Howe, UK Department of Health, Christoph Nabholz, Swiss Re and Harald Borrmann, Roche Diagnostics (Switzerland) Ltd, respectively. The event also hosted the annual general assembly of the Swiss Biotech Association and brought together more than 200 senior executives from the biotech industry.

Europe's leading exchange for Life Sciences

SIX Swiss Exchange is Europe's leading exchange for Life Sciences companies and offers both Swiss and foreign companies an ideal environment for raising capital. To learn more about our advantages for equity issuers, you can watch our new film or read our publications.

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The new film shows the reasons for a listing on SIX Swiss Exchange and explains not only the advantages Switzerland as a financial center has to offer, but also the added value of such a listing.

The many advantages

With its globally networked, strongly capitalized and well functioning capital market, Switzerland has the ideal conditions for a listing. As a key pillar of the Swiss financial center, SIX Swiss Exchange gives companies access to international and financially strong investors. Moreover, the exchange makes work easier for issuers through first-class, needs-based services and a broad network. Newly listed companies benefit immediately from high liquidity and visibility since they are included in the SPI as of their second trading day, regardless of where they are domiciled.

Cooperative partnerships

Marco Estermann, Head Issuer Relations SIX Swiss Exchange, comments: "Thanks to the new film, we have an interesting way to show potential clients the advantages of the Swiss financial center and the added value of a listing on SIX Swiss Exchange. With our comprehensive and personal advisory services and industry-leading know-how, we can support issuers efficiently on their way to new growth opportunities."

Everything you need to know about a listing

A comprehensive overview and helpful information on all topics relevant to a listing on SIX Swiss Exchange can be found in the corresponding publications. Further information on our range of services for issuers can be found on our website.

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Only a few days after the 102nd International Women's Day, 80 women inaugurated the trading day on SIX Swiss Exchange by ringing the stock exchange bell. Introduced in 2011, the bell is only rung to mark special occasions. The event took place following an invitation by Corporate Women Directors International (CWDI), a non-profit organization based in Washington, D.C. with aim to connect women in leading positions in business from around the globe.

Martin Schönenberger, Head Member Relations SIX Swiss Exchange, accompanied the women through the opening ceremony and commented: "We are particularly pleased that this occasion allows us to welcome several representatives of companies listed on SIX Swiss Exchange. Besides underlining our broad international network, this event is a pleasant confirmation of the increasing numbers of women in positions of leadership."

CWDI already opened trading on several exchanges all around the world, gathering large numbers of specifically invited guests on each occasion. After Hong Kong, São Paulo, Warsaw, Barcelona, Istanbul, Madrid, Johannesburg and Toronto, SIX Swiss Exchange in Zurich is the ninth station since 2009 and has been deliberately selected to become the latest link in this chain of globally relevant exchanges.

See also the video contribution of the Swiss newspaper Tages-Anzeiger: "Der Beitrag der Schweizer Frauen sollte begrüsst werden" (in German).

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In keeping with the motto "Crisis? What Crisis?", Bank Vontobel and SIX Swiss Exchange conducted a roadshow from 31 January to 6 February 2013 in Düsseldorf, Hamburg, Munich, Stuttgart and Frankfurt as well as in Luxembourg. Over 100 representatives of the German asset management sector, amongst them delegates of the renowned institutions Oaklet and MPF, were filled in with details over the current market situation within the Eurozone and safe investment opportunities such as the Swiss safety standard Collateral Secured Instruments (COSI).

Matthias Müller, Head COSI Product Management SIX Swiss Exchange, presented the extraordinary advantages of COSI in regard of security and explained also how German investors can gain access to the Swiss-made service.

Protection against issuer default

Due to the securing of the structured product with a pledge, COSI means that investors may eliminate the issuer risk as best possible. This multiple award-winning service highlights the commitment of SIX Swiss Exchange to consistently promote and strengthen investor protection. More information about COSI can be found on our website.

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Today, the U.S. investment management company Vanguard Asset Management listed its first ETFs in Switzerland. The three new products replicate the FTSE Emerging Markets Index, the FTSE All-World Index and the S&P 500. As a result, the number of ETF issuers on SIX Swiss Exchange grows by another international provider to 19, whereas investors now can choose from an even broader ETF-range of 905 products. An overview of all new listings is available on our website.

In recent years, Vanguard was the fastest-growing ETF provider in the United States. Today it is one of the largest asset management companies in the world. In an interview, Jacques-Etienne Doerr, Managing Officer for Vanguard Investments Switzerland GmbH, describes Switzerland as an important market for Vanguard and explains why it has chosen SIX Swiss Exchange for a listing of its ETFs. Furthermore, he speaks about the advantages of ETFs for investors and about current trends.

Attractive growth potential

Alain Picard, Head Product Management at SIX Swiss Exchange, comments: "We warmly welcome our new ETF provider and wish Vanguard a lot of success on the Swiss market." SIX Swiss Exchange is one of Europe's major ETF marketplaces and offers issuers ideal conditions for long-term growth. For the latest market data and up-to-date information on turnover trends in the ETF segment of SIX Swiss Exchange, please consult our website.

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Switzerland offers international and domestic companies attractive locational advantages. SIX Swiss Exchange uses this superb starting position to offer the best possible conditions for successful IPOs to companies of any origin, size or sector that are seeking capital. This is emphasized by Christian Katz, CEO SIX Swiss Exchange, in his foreword of the "Switzerland Special" of the GoingPublic Magazin.

Building bridges for new growth

In his article, Christian Katz also points out the four key economic functions performed by SIX Swiss Exchange: admitting securities, operating a trading platform, monitoring trading and distributing market information.

In another article, Marco Estermann, Head Issuer Relations SIX Swiss Exchange, illustrates why Switzerland is among the world's leading financial centers and is also noted for its innovation, stability and security, as well as its vast asset pool of major Swiss and international investors.

Furthermore, experts from a whole range of sectors reveal in this special issue of the GoingPublic Magazin what makes the openly accessible Swiss financial centre and Swiss stock exchange so attractive for both listed companies and those seeking capital.

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This year's edition, held on 21 November 2012 in Zurich, once again offered interesting presentations on a large scope of topics to around 100 visitors. In the morning, the emphasis was put on regulation, while the afternoon saw the discussion of the future of listed companies and the presentation of current trends. All speeches can be watched as webcasts on our event page.

Representing common interests

The conference was opened by Christian Katz, CEO SIX Swiss Exchange. In his welcome address, he underlined the exchange's aim to link all of its customers to an even stronger network and to join efforts when addressing important challenges.

After Bernhard Schmid, president of the Swiss Society of Investor Relations Agencies (GIRAS), showed the results of a study on the use of social media in the context of investor relations, Ian Cornwall, Head Market Structure SIX Swiss Exchange, and Dr. Sandra Hedinger, Head Public & Regulatory Affairs SIX Management Ltd, shared their expert knowledge on current regulatory initiatives in the EU and in Switzerland and provided a picture of the challenges for the financial market infrastructure.

Presentations and workshops

After a networking lunch, Mark Dittli, editor in chief of Finanz und Wirtschaft, shared his views on shareholding before talking about the future of listed companies. Subsequently, Bill Jenks of Makinson Cowell presented the results from a global study on recent trends in shareholder activism.

The day was completed with four interesting workshops on the following topics: shareholders perspective on executive remuneration, regulatory trends in the field of corporate governance, SIX Swiss Exchange Index Families and the Swiss solution to fulfill CAJWG guidelines.

Successful partnership

Over the years, the Investor Relations Conference has grown to become a popular networking opportunity. SIX Swiss Exchange organized the event at the ConventionPoint together with its partners IR club, Swiss Financial Analysts Association (SFAA) and GIRAS. For further events, please visit our website.

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With the introduction of CONNEXOR® Reporting 3.0, SIX has taken another forward-looking step towards the complete harmonization of post-trading activities at a European level in line with the standards of the Corporate Action Joint Working Group (CAJWG). The aim of this working group is to define standards for the cross-sector and international management of reference data processes for corporate actions. This means market participants can benefit from simplified processes, cost savings and accurate reference data.

New message types

In addition to harmonizing the "Dividend" message types, the new Release contains a total of 17 additional CAJWG-compliant message types related to corporate actions in the areas of "Distribution", "Reorganization" and "Issuer reporting". The event data is sent directly to the SECOM system of SIX SIS Ltd, which then automatically triggers the relevant payment flows. In parallel, the reporting obligations under stock exchange legislation within the context of maintaining listing are sent directly to SIX Exchange Regulation .

Consistent straight-through processing

Since its introduction in 2009, the central CONNEXOR® Reporting platform has standardized and significantly improved administrative processes for issuers in relation to the transmission of financial instrument events and corporate actions. Thanks to the platform's straight-through electronic data processing, the need to enter information several times and manually check event data, two processes that are susceptible to error, has been largely eliminated. In addition, companies or their main paying agents that use CONNEXOR® Reporting have been able to significantly increase the efficiency of their transaction management processes.

Worldwide unique standard for reference data

With CONNEXOR, SIX meets the challenges related to the maintenance, processing and use of reference data during the entire life cycle of a financial instrument and affords all entities involved in the value chain increased efficiency, better quality and higher transparency.

CONNEXOR® comprises a variety of attractive services for issuers, data vendors and reference data users. Information and publications can be found on the CONNEXOR website.

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After SIX Swiss Exchange successfully introduced Market Quality Metrics® (MQM) in ETFs and ETPs and so made it possible to check pre-trade data, MQM is now being rolled out for bonds that are traded on SIX Swiss Exchange.

Thanks to MQM in bonds all market participants can now view and analyze the historical availability of quotes (i.e. the highest bid prices/lowest ask prices), the daily average spreads (bid/ask spreads) as well as the average size of offered rates on both sides of the order book.

Valuable tool for analyzing quotes and spreads

These data are freely available from the SIX Swiss Exchange website or all market participants and - in addition to market data and bond details, for example - are shown individually for each bond. Furthermore, the data can be downloaded retrospectively as an Excel file and analyzed.

Ueli Goldener, Head Fixed Income Product Management at SIX Swiss Exchange, commented: "With MQM in bonds, market participants gain a valuable tool that can be used to analyze quotes and spreads together with their availability. In particular, the analysis tool will further benefit order book trading via SIX Swiss Exchange."

Today, over 85% of all CHF bond transactions are already traded via the order books of SIX Swiss Exchange. This is mainly a result of the high availability of market maker quotes, which guarantee that prices can be set continually. The Bonds Quarterly Statistics report contains more information on the performance of the bond segment.

Reliable and neutral information

One of SIX Swiss Exchange's main objectives is to ensure an optimum level of transparency. In addition to Market Quality Metrics, the free-of-charge online tools ELM and Intraday Activity were launched; ELM provides an overview of liquidity levels in the entire investment universe of the SPI®, while Intraday Activity shows the development of intraday turnover on SIX Swiss Exchange and Scoach Suisse.

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With an opening price of CHF 46.00, trading in the newly listed shares of EFG Financial Products Holding AG (FPHN) started today. In total, 6'666'665 registered shares have been listed, while the market capitalization amounts to CHF 307 million. The company is listed in the Main Standard segment and will be included in the SPI®.

Marco Estermann, Head Issuer Relations SIX Swiss Exchange, is pleased to welcome EFG Financial Products on the Swiss exchange: "This IPO underlines the leading position of Switzerland in financial services. For companies in the Financials industry in particular, SIX Swiss Exchange offers an ideal environment for raising capital." After DKSH, one of the biggest IPOs globally in 2012, Swiss Finance & Property Investment and Zug Estates, today sees already the fourth new company joining SIX Swiss Exchange in the current year.

EFG Financial Products is an integrated structured investment service provider. Jan Schoch, CEO of EFG Financial Products, comments: "The initial public offering is a reflection of how far the business has come since we commenced operations in 2007. We are excited about the benefits of the IPO in terms of our future development."

Successful COSI pioneer

In 2009, EFG Financial Products was among the first to use COSI, the collateralization service for structured products developed by SIX. The company is currently by far the largest issuer of COSI products in Switzerland, with a part of 82.58% of its structured products portfolio (as of 28.09.2012). For the secondary listing of COSI products in Germany, EFG Financial Products has received a special award at the ZertifikateAwards 2011.

Efficient capital-raising thanks to excellent networking

Global coordinator and bookrunner of the IPO is Credit Suisse, with Bank Vontobel and Crédit Agricole CIB as co-lead managers. Rothschild is acting as independent advisor to EFG Financial Products, while SIX Securities Services administers the share register.

Numerous advantages for equity issuers

An extensive overview of the advantages and helpful information about all relevant topics concerning a listing on SIX Swiss Exchange is provided in the Going Public Guide. Further information about the offering of the Swiss Exchange is available on our website.

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The Swiss Medtech Report 2012 focuses on the Swiss medical technology industry along its highly aligned value chain: from invention to product development, manufacturing, marketing and market access, to regulation and last but not least funding & financing.

As in previous years, SIX Swiss Exchange contributed to the report. Together with Ernst &Young SIX Swiss Exchange focuses on the funding and financing landscape in the industry in the report. The article highlights the respective financing stages along the business development life cycle.

Funding and financing

Switzerland has one of the highest concentrations of medtech companies in the world. Medtech industries in Germany, the UK, the US and even Europe as a whole still fall second to the Swiss medtech industry's employment percentage, medtech exports, and percent contribution to GDP. With continued growth in the sector, the Swiss medtech industry is expected to maintain its reputation as a global hotspot for medtech production and innovation.

SIX Swiss Exchange - Focus on Medtech

At SIX Swiss Exchange, medtech companies benefit from outstanding visibility among investors, the media and analysts specializing in this sector with extensive expertise.

With its Going Public Guide, SIX Swiss Exchange offers issuers a practical publication containing all the information they need to know about a listing. Further information for equity issuers is available on our website.

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With numerous renowned representatives from the areas of finance, economy and regulation, the NZZ Capital Market Forum proved extremely appealing. Prestigious speakers and current topics contributed to a successful premiere of the event that took place on 3 and 4 September in the Kongresshaus in Zurich.

Experts of SIX Swiss Exchange share their knowledge

The forum was opened by Christian Katz, CEO SIX Swiss Exchange. In his speech he pointed out the loss of confidence that the finance industry is facing since the start of the crisis, as well as the gap that opened "between Wall Street and Main Street". He advocated the use of the forum to rebuild the bridge between finance and economy. By connecting companies and investors, he noted, the exchange is indeed also contributing to this effort.

Christian Katz - as well as Marco Estermann, Head Issuer Relations SIX Swiss Exchange - also took part in a workshop that was attended by a large audience. Furthermore, Peter Gomez, Chairman of the board of directors SIX Group, took part in a debate about the repositioning of the Swiss financial center. In an interview (in German), he pleaded for close collaboration between politics, industry and regulation.

SIX Swiss Exchange acted as Local Host of this new conference and informed attendees at its booth about its products and services for issuers and trading participants. To view further images and presentations, please visit the download section on the website of the event.

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To promote SIX Swiss Exchange as the listing venue of choice for Indian corporates, the exchange has chosen T&A Consulting Pvt Ltd as its official representative in the Indian market. T&A Consulting will increase outreach and develop India's links with the international investor community via SIX Swiss Exchange. It is also part of the Pool of Experts of Osec, the competence centre for Swiss foreign trade promotion.

Marco Estermann, Head Issuer Relations SIX Swiss Exchange, commented: "The Swiss financial marketplace enjoys outstanding status around the world. We have a well-funded base of investors, and because we are self-regulating we can offer a market-oriented environment." Gaining a local partner in India supports the internationalization of SIX Swiss Exchange. As part of its efforts to implement this strategy, SIX Swiss Exchange recently also launched a dedicated webpage in Russian for corporates from the Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS).

An ideal listing venue for international companies

SIX Swiss Exchange connects companies from around the world with an international investor base. In addition to operating the world's fastest trading platform, SIX Swiss Exchange facilitates the listing of a broad range of securities, including shares, bonds and global depositary receipts (GDRs). The inclusion into the main (benchmark) indices leads to high liquidity and increases visibility among financially potent international investors.

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On 3 and 4 September 2012, the NZZ Capital Market Forum will be held for the first time. SIX Swiss Exchange acts as Local Host of this new conference with an international impact. At our booth, we will inform attendees about our products and services for issuers and trading participants. Furthermore, important representatives of SIX Swiss Exchange will share their expert knowledge with the audience.

Workshop on "Going & Being Public"

At the start of the two-day event, Christian Katz, CEO SIX Swiss Exchange, holds the opening speech. Later on during the first day of the conference, he participates in one of the several workshops, where solutions to current strategic challenges will be developed. Together with Marco Illy of Credit Suisse, Stephan Frischknecht of Schroders and representatives of two companies listed on SIX Swiss Exchange, Christian Katz will discuss the topic "Bank lending and capital markets - both on retreat?".

In addition, Marco Estermann, Head Issuer Relations SIX Swiss Exchange, will conduct a workshop on the topic of "Going & Being Public". Its focal points are "IPO Readiness - Preparation and Prerequisites", "Going Public the Swiss Way", "IPO Process - Challenges and Best Practices" and "Post-IPO - Disclosure Obligations and Other Requirements".

Valuable networking platforms

With the organization and the participation in numerous events, SIX Swiss Exchange encourages ongoing dialogue between relevant stakeholders. By actively bringing companies and investors together, we underline our goal to become the independent investment network of choice for our international client base.

On the website of the event you can find further information and register.

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In order to cater to the needs of its potential clients, SIX Swiss Exchange has created a dedicated webpage for corporates from the Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS). The new section in Russian aims to promote SIX Swiss Exchange as the listing venue of choice for Russian companies looking to access the European investor community.

Perfect symbiosis

Konstantin Dombrowski, Senior Relationship Manager SIX Swiss Exchange, commented: "With this new page we are demonstrating our strong customer focus and setting the basis for a perfect symbiosis. Switzerland offers Russian companies great know-how and experience, for example in the refinement of raw materials. The commodities trading is a another business field, where the links between Switzerland and Russia are already very strong."

An ideal listing location

Russia is the world's leading producer of oil and gas. As three-quarters of these commodities are traded via Geneva today, Russian companies already have certain structures in place in Switzerland. SIX Swiss Exchange is an ideal listing location for these companies, offering a well-funded base of investors and a market-oriented environment due to self-regulation.

Furthermore, newly listed companies benefit immediately from great liquidity and increased visibility, because they are accepted into the SPI on their second day of trading, regardless of where they are domiciled.

Three IPOs already

In 2012, SIX Swiss Exchange could already welcome three new companies, amongst which DKSH was the second biggest IPO in Europe so far. Our website provides further information for issuers. The process and the advantages of a listing on SIX Swiss Exchange are also described in the Going Public Guide.

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SIX Swiss Exchange is happy to welcome Zug Estates Holding AG (ZUGN) today. It is already the third new company joining in 2012. A total of 315'136 registered shares were listed under the regulatory standard for real estate companies. Trading of the new shares opened at CHF 1'191, which corresponds to a free float market capitalization of the registered shares of CHF 375 million. The company has been incorporated into the SPI and the SXI Real Estate indices.

Bank Vontobel Ltd acted as Zug Estates' listing agent during the IPO. The first two new companies listed on SIX Swiss Exchange in 2012, the trading group DKSH and Swiss Finance & Property Investment, had their IPOs in March and April, respectively.

"The second listing of a real estate company on SIX Swiss Exchange this year highlights two things: how attractive this sector is in the current market environment and the advantages of a listing with us, which can increase the visibility and liquidity of a company thanks to its incorporation in our real estate index family", explained Marco Estermann, Head Issuer Relations at SIX Swiss Exchange.

Separation of business areas

The newly listed company was previously the real estate-focused business area of the Metall Zug Ltd (METN) holding company. The separation of the business area and its direct listing as Zug Estates had been decided at the AGM held on 22 June 2012.

According to Zug Estates, CHF 75-100 million will be invested in 2012 and the real estate portfolio will continue to be expanded. This spin-off and separate listing should enable both business areas to more clearly position their respective business models for investors.

Numerous advantages for issuers

A listing on SIX Swiss Exchange offers companies access to a financially potent international circle of investors. Furthermore, the exchange supports its issuers with first-class client-focused services.

An extensive overview and helpful information about all relevant topics concerning a listing on SIX Swiss Exchange is provided in the Going Public Guide. Further information about the offering of the Swiss Exchange is available on our website.

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For the first time, the Swiss newspaper "Neue Zürcher Zeitung" will organize the NZZ Capital Market Forum. The two-day event conference with an international impact will focus on presentations by top speakers on economic developments, the challenges of the international capital markets and the Swiss financial centre.

The independent forum for first-hand insights into capital markets will take place on 3 and 4 September 2012 in the Kongresshaus in Zurich. Business challenges facing public companies in the global environment will be identified and placed within their competitive context by corporate leaders based on their first-hand experience.

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SIX Swiss Exchange is the best venue to trade Swiss securities with a wide range of attractive segments ranging from equities, bonds, Exchange Traded Funds, Exchange Traded Structured Funds, Exchange Traded Products, traditional investment funds, through to structured products (via Scoach Switzerland).

At the Capital Market Forum, we will be present with a booth and organize a workshop on the topic of "going & being public". Visit us and take the chance to benefit from the expert knowledge of our specialists.

On the website of the event you can find further information and register. Profit from an early-bird discount by booking until July, 15 2012.

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Issue 06/2012 of "GoingPublic" addresses the key issue of investor relations. In an article (in German), Natalie Schweigert from the Swiss Society of Investor Relations IR club sheds light on the cooperation with SIX Swiss Exchange.

Network Platforms for the Investor Relations Community

The article illustrates how SIX Swiss Exchange supports issuers during the going public process and subsequent listing. It also describes the benefits of close cooperation between the IR club and the Swiss exchange. These include information and networking platforms on which equity issuers are networked and provided with up-to-date information.

The most important event is the Investor Relations Conference organized by SIX Swiss Exchange. This year's edition will take place on November 21. Last year's event focused on management transactions, the regulation of issuers and social media. You will find further details and dates in our event calendar and on the IR club website.

For Issuers and Investment Professionals

GoingPublic magazine is the leading publication for IPOs in German-speaking Europe. It is published monthly and in 2012 is dealing with the topics of corporate finance and private equity, capital market law, clean technology and biotechnology in four special issues.

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SIX Swiss Exchange has made some improvements to CONNEXOR® Distribution and CONNEXOR® Listing. The unique service for entering and transmitting reference data for structured products can now additionally be used for complex and exotic structures. This allows the issuers to make their processes more efficient but also to offer high quality data to data users.

Based on these improvements, automated transmission of product events is now possible too. For issuers this is an efficiency gain; they have to no longer report official messages separately, so they save a process step.

Customer-oriented collaborationt

The improvements were developed and implemented with a focus on market developments and in conjunction with issuers. "Taking this approach allowed us to address our customers' needs precisely," explained Markus Gutzwiller, Head Issuer Services at SIX Swiss Exchange. "In the next phase, the processes for other asset classes such as ETFs and bonds will also be improved," he added.

Automated entry and transmission

CONNEXOR® Distribution and CONNEXOR® Listing were introduced back in 2009, giving issuers a web-based means of entering reference data on their financial instruments. These digitized, standardized data are then made available to various recipients - with no cross-media compatibility issues and no errors.

CONNEXOR® comprises a variety of attractive services for issuers, data vendors and reference data users. Information and publications can be found on the CONNEXOR website.

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Today, Swiss Finance & Property Investment AG (SFPN) has listed 1'200'233 registered shares in the real estate segment of SIX Swiss Exchange. Trading started at CHF 83.00. This corresponds to a market capitalization of the listed shares of CHF 99.6 million. In addition to the existing shares, the company plans to issue new registered shares. Trading of new subscriptions rights also started today and will end on 24 April 2012; trading of the new listed shares on SIX Swiss Exchange is scheduled to start on 30 April 2012.

The equity capital increase is estimated to raise CHF 68 million. "We plan to use the new liquidity to acquire further properties, for the ongoing development of existing properties and to finance our projects", Chairman Dr. Hans-Peter Bauer commented. Swiss Finance & Property Investment AG was founded in 2001 and is headquartered in Zurich.

Stock exchange bell opens trading day

The trading day was opened by Dr. Bauer who rang the stock exchange bell on this special occasion. With Swiss Finance & Property Investment, SIX Swiss Exchange welcomes a Swiss real estate company that focuses on the development and management of its real estate portfolio and the acquisition of new properties. Swiss Finance & Property Investment will be included in the indices SPI and SXI Real Estate, benefitting from instantly higher visibility among analysts and investors. UBS AG is the lead manager and sole bookrunner for both the listing and the capital increase.

After DKSH on 20 March 2012, Swiss Finance & Property Investment is the second company joining SIX Swiss Exchange so far this year. Marco Estermann, Head Issuer Relations, comments: "With Swiss Finance & Property Investment, we now have a dozen real estate companies listed on SIX Swiss Exchange, which shows the attractiveness of the sector in Switzerland, but also of our trading platform as we offer high visibility to companies listed here. Our aim is to provide issuers with an effective means of raising capital and therefore support their long-term growth. All listed companies benefit not only from the highly liquid and international market, but also from our comprehensive and personal customer care."

Furthermore, SIX Swiss Exchange offers existing and potential issuers comprehensive information in the Going Public Guide. Further information for issuers is available on our website.

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The Swiss Biotech Report 2012 focuses on key factors for the success of the Swiss biotech industry, which ranks among the leading biotech industries worldwide for many years. It presents the most important innovation drivers and highlights key numbers for the development of the Swiss biotech industry. As in previous years, SIX Swiss Exchange contributed to the report.

Financing innovation

Andrea von Bartenwerffer, Senior Relationship Manager Issuer Relations at SIX Swiss Exchange, is interviewing experts Jakob Dynnes Hansen (Evolva Holding SA), Dr. Peter Johann (NGN Capital LLC) and Simon Nebel (Aravis SA) about the challenges in financing biotech. The topics include changes in the IPO profile of biotech companies, what future business models could look like and what the success factors for attracting financing might be. The answers to these and other questions can be found in the contribution of SIX Swiss Exchange.

Swiss Biotech Day

The Swiss Biotech Report was presented at the NZZ Equity Biotech Day 2012, which took place in the ConventionPoint in Zurich today. Organized by NZZ, the Swiss Biotech Association and SIX Swiss Exchange, it is the leading get-together of the Swiss biotech community. It featured presentations by listed and privately held companies as well as expert views on current business and science trends. The Day's special topic focused on "Biotech in India" and several leading Indian biotech companies were present and participated in panels or acted as speakers.

SIX Swiss Exchange - Focus on Biotech

At SIX Swiss Exchange, biotech companies benefit from outstanding visibility among investors, the media and analysts specializing in this sector with extensive expertise. With its Going Public Guide SIX Swiss Exchange offers issuers a practical publication containing all the information they need to know about a listing. Further information for issuers is available on our website.

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SIX Swiss Exchange today welcomed trading group DKSH Holding Ltd (DKSH). At the start of the first day of trading, the price stood at CHF 51.00, which equates to a market capitalization of over CHF 3.2 billion. DKSH is included in the SPI® index and listed on the Main Standard segment. SIX Swiss Exchange CEO Christian Katz: "As an exchange, it fills us with pride that shares of DKSH, a Swiss firm with such an impressive track record, are being traded through us for the first time today."

Attracting strong interest

The first IPO of 2012 on SIX Swiss Exchange is attracting plenty of interest. In total, it has allowed DKSH's existing shareholders to place shares worth over CHF 872 million on the market. This makes DKSH the biggest flotation of the year so far in Europe. There has been strong demand from both private and institutional investors such as funds, pension schemes and insurers. This broad international investor base is a signature feature of the Swiss financial market.

Milestone for DKSH

DKSH described the IPO as a key step in the continuation of its growth story. President & CEO Jörg Wolle: "We see the flotation as an opportunity to raise awareness of DKSH among potential clients and producers in a sustainable way."

DKSH is a leading provider of services for companies wishing to expand into Asian markets. It posted record results for fiscal 2011. The company was created in 2002 by a merger between the venerable trading houses Diethelm, Keller and Siber-Hegner. More information is provided by DKSH's corporate video.

Strong financial center with a unique network

SIX Swiss Exchange is the gateway for both Swiss and foreign companies to the international capital market and offers issuers many advantages. Marco Estermann, Head Issuer Relations, comments: "Our team is there to advise issuers of the many upsides of SIX Swiss Exchange and provide any assistance they may require before and after listing. Furthermore, we provide up-to-date information on the trading and liquidity of their securities and give issuers access to our unique network of contacts."

Several partners were involved in the preparation of the IPO: UBS and Deutsche Bank acted as Joint Global Coordinators, Berenberg Bank and Credit Suisse as Joint Bookrunners; acting as Co-Lead Managers, Crédit Agricole Corporate and Investment Bank and Zürcher Kantonalbank were also part of the consortium.

With its Going Public Guide SIX Swiss Exchange offers issuers a practical publication containing all the information they need to know about a listing. Further information for issuers is available on our website.

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At this year's FONDS financial fair (1-3 February), SIX Swiss Exchange once again contributed to the FinanzFITamine education initiative. A workshop under the title "Börse warum?" (Stock exchange: why?) began with Dagmar Schönig, Curator of the Wertpapierwelt (museum of historical shares and bonds), discussing the history of listed companies and marketplaces. Then Lidia Pititto of Issuer Relations at SIX Swiss Exchange spoke about Switzerland's current stock-exchange setup.

In her presentation (in German), she outlined the tasks and economic functions that SIX Swiss Exchange performs as the operator of a reference market - regulation, trading, listing and market information - before explaining the reasons why companies decide to go public. In particular, she shed some light on the advantages that SIX Swiss Exchange offers its issuers, including innovation, quality, high visibility and liquidity.

One-to-one advice

As every year, SIX Swiss Exchange had a stand of its own at FONDS'12, offering open dialogue with investors and providing them with impartial information on all stock-exchange matters, notably Exchange Traded Funds. Furthermore, Alain Picard, Head Product Management at SIX Swiss Exchange, took part in a media roundtable organized by Tages-Anzeiger on the topic of ETFs, bringing his expertise to bear in the discussion on whether they are harmless or dangerous for the financial system.

Attended by some 10'000 people, FONDS is the largest financial fair in Switzerland. This year's partners in the FinanzFITamine education initiative, which SIX Swiss Exchange helped to launch successfully in 2010, were the Swiss Funds Association SFA, the Swiss National Bank (SNB) with its iconomix education offering and the banking college Fachschule für Bankwirtschaft.

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The Investor Relations Conference, organized for the fifth time, took place on 24 November 2011. SIX Swiss Exchange held the event at ConventionPoint in partnership with the IR club, the Swiss Financial Analysts Association (SFAA) and the Swiss Society of Investor Relations Agencies (GIRAS).

Networking event

Overall, around 80 representatives from the Swiss Investor Relations community convened at the event to share their views and discuss current topics. An excellent set of presentations helped stimulating a lively debate. The morning session was devoted to regulation: Jörg von Felten (Disclosure Office) and Stefan Lüchinger (Head Listing & Enforcement) from SIX Exchange Regulation shared their insights and expertise on management transactions and issuer regulation.

Following a networking lunch, the afternoon was dedicated to social media, featuring two presentations by Professor Stephan Weichert (Macromedia University for Media and Communication) and Thorsten Greiten (NetFederation GmbH), as well as a roundtable discussion chaired by Martin Meier-Pfister (IRF Communications).

The full set of presentations and the panel discussion are available as webcasts.

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By publishing a new handbook, SIX Swiss Exchange provides potential issuers with a guide containing all the information they need to know to "go public". This comprehensive compendium about the Swiss financial center with a focus on listings was created together with various companies and institutions.

A clear overview

The publication "Going Public on SIX Swiss Exchange" provides step-by-step information on the entire process of a listing, from the evaluation, through the preparation phase to the marketing and finally the aftermarket. From one milestone to the next, not only future issuers, but also many other involved parties will benefit from first-hand information from proven capital market experts on everything you need to know about going public.

Valuable support

A listing continues to be one of the most important sources of equity financing for companies looking to secure independent growth for the future. With its globally networked, financially powerful and efficient capital market, Switzerland offers ideal conditions for a listing. Andrea von Bartenwerffer, Senior Relationship Manager, comments: "As a key pillar of the Swiss financial center, SIX Swiss Exchange assists potential issuers with comprehensive personal support and accompanies them every step of the way towards new opportunities for growth with its leading industrial know-how."

The Issuer Relations Team is there to advise you of the numerous advantages of SIX Swiss Exchange and provide any assistance you may require before and after your listing.

SIX Swiss Exchange is one of the most international exchanges: many companies listed here are operating globally and industry-leading in sectors such as life sciences, consumer goods and financial services. Considering these preconditions, the effects of global crises on the Swiss capital market are analyzed by Christian Katz in an interview (in German only) in the November edition of the specialized publication "GoingPublic", which is focusing on the subject "The Swiss capital market: the better Europe?".

Furthermore, the CEO of the Swiss exchange expresses his opinions about the advantages and strengths of the Swiss economy compared to the rest of Europe and talks about the outlook for different trading segments and marketplaces.

Solid as a rock

With the outstanding stability and performance of its trading platform, SIX Swiss Exchange guarantees secure and continuous trading even in times of massive turbulences in the markets, such as in August 2011, when trading volumes increased massively. By doing so, it underlines its role as a key pillar of the financial infrastructure and increases confidence in the entire Swiss financial market.

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From today, listing applications for derivatives can be submitted electronically. SIX Swiss Exchange's enhancement of CONNEXOR® Listing adds significant value for financial market players. By offering a choice of three upload options, ranging from manual to fully automated, the Swiss exchange allows all issuers to find a solution that suits their needs.

This electronic procedure will result in massive improvements. Instead of having to submit hard copies of the application documents by post for each product to be traded on Scoach Switzerland, as has been the case up to now, issuers can now submit their applications electronically via CONNEXOR® Listing. This removes the final media disruption from the otherwise all-electronic listing procedure.

Improved transparency

This also lightens the workload of SIX Exchange Regulation by eliminating the time-consuming process of manually recording and filing listing applications, some 3,500 of which are received each month on average. Furthermore, sending listing prospectuses electronically makes it easier to publish them on the SIX Exchange Regulation website at a later date and thus make them available to investors in one central location. This makes for a considerable improvement in transparency.

CONNEXOR is the central interface between issuers, data vendors and investors and helps them to achieve greater efficiency, first-class reference data quality and comparability. Please refer to the CONNEXOR website for more information.

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Swiss Equity - Neue Zürcher Zeitung's platform for successful companies - organizes a series of high-quality specialist conferences that give companies an opportunity to present themselves to investors, asset managers, analysts and various industry experts. Furthermore, these events provide ideal platforms for networking. As a long-standing partner, SIX Swiss Exchange helps exponents of the Swiss business and finance worlds to efficiently get in touch with relevant contacts.

A first in the Year of Chemistry

On 26 October of this year - proclaimed by the UN as the International Year of Chemistry - Swiss Equity is launching the new "Swiss Equity science industries day", which will be held at the ConventionPoint in Zurich. The half-day conference is aimed at investors, CEOs, CFOs and experts from the chemical and related industries. As well as an opportunity to exchange views with industry specialists, the event offers topical talks, company presentations, a panel discussion and one-to-ones.

Red carpet for sustainability

For the third time, Swiss Equity is organizing a sustainability conference: the "Swiss Equity cleantech day" on November 1st, 2011 - also at the ConventionPoint - offers Swiss companies active in the field of sustainability an opportunity to present themselves to investors and analysts in a neutral environment. After the welcome address by SIX Swiss Exchange CEO Christian Katz, the event features a highlight with the keynote speech by Federal Councillor Doris Leuthard on the operating conditions for cleantech in Switzerland.

Two-day real estate forum

The "Swiss Equity real estate days" were first held in 2007. For its fifth edition, the leading specialist conference for direct and indirect real estate investment continues to offer real estate firms, investment funds and REITS from Switzerland and Germany an opportunity to present themselves and their activities to a specialist audience, with the program rounded out by interesting talks and panel discussions. The event takes place in Zurich on 23 and 24 November 2011.

An overview of all Swiss Equity events can be found online. More events from and with SIX Swiss Exchange are displayed on our website.

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With a large advance, Switzerland takes the first place in the "Innovation Indicator 2011". With 76 of 100 possible points, it outranks Singapore (63 points) and Sweden (61 points). The study is available online. It comprises 38 single indicators with direct and indirect influence on the innovative performance. Both research and development processes in industrial enterprises, as well as indicators of implementation, demand or of the political and legal framework conditions were considered.

Switzerland: a successful model

Examining the individual indicators, Switzerland occupies a leading position for all of them. According to the study, this is due to a very well coordinated and holistically functioning innovation system. It identifies interaction of all relevant factors as Switzerland's secret of success, while it's particularly due to the strength of its economy that Switzerland's first place is undisputed. Already in previous editions of the study, Switzerland had clinched the top spot.

Besides its innovation performance, Switzerland owes its attractiveness as a business location also to a first-rate infrastructure. Part of this infrastructure is a well functioning financial market place, to which SIX Swiss Exchange contributes in a significant way. As one of the leading regulated exchanges in Europe, it supports both domestic and foreign companies seeking to raise capital with efficient, uncomplicated admission procedures as well as competent and personal accompaniment. Further information about the Swiss financial marketplace is available on our website.

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Switzerland has continuously worked its way up the Global Innovation Index. Following 7th place in 2009 and 4th place in 2010, it came in at the top this year, replacing the previous leader Iceland, which has fallen to 11th place. As in 2010, Sweden came in 2nd place, followed by Singapore, which was 7th in 2010.

The study by INSEAD eLab ranks a total of 125 countries and economies. It was carried out this year for the fourth time, and can be downloaded from a dedicated website.

"The results of the study confirm that Switzerland is an attractive business location. The country thus offers companies an excellent environment in which to operate - including SIX Swiss Exchange, which acts as a gateway to the international capital markets, enabling companies to finance their growth", commented Marco Estermann, Head Issuer Relations at SIX Swiss Exchange.

Top positions in all areas

Switzerland topped the ranking this year thanks to its consistently good ratings in all areas: the Global Innovation Index comprises the Output and Input sub-indexes, which take the results of and prerequisites for innovation into account.

In terms of input, factors within the institutional framework such as political stability, legal certainty or the conditions for establishing new companies are assessed. Quality and investment in education, research & development and infrastructure are also factored in. The Output category includes inventions, scientific findings and their propagation.

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The IR club was founded 1992 in Zurich. It consists of companies listed on the Swiss stock exchange. All investor relations employees of the member companies are eligible to participate in the club's activities. The IR club currently has 56 member companies - including 90% of the companies listed in the SMI - accounting for some 140 investor relations professionals.

Best practice is the key to success…

Today the IR club is an interactive forum for the exchange of ideas, the discussion of current IR issues and the development of practical solutions. The club also aims to establish and promote contacts between club members and investors, asset managers and financial analysts both in Switzerland and abroad, as well as to promote the interests of investor relations professionals among listed companies.

Regular events

To achieve these goals, the IR club hosts four events a year to which all IR professionals of the members companies are invited. Specific themes are presented by selected speakers, followed by an open discussion. Providing an environment to build a network of IR contacts and exchange ideas in an informal setting is another essential feature of these events. In addition, the club regularly undertakes member surveys on IR issues of interest to the member companies.

If you wish to contact the IR club you can find the contact details on its website.

After Autoneum was listed on 13 May 2011, another company has joined SIX Swiss Exchange: shares in Hochdorf Holding AG (HOCN) started trading today at CHF 113.00. This corresponds to a stock market capitalization of CHF 101.7 million.

The foodstuff company is domiciled in Hochdorf in the canton of Lucerne and sells its products in 80 countries throughout the world. Hochdorf is listed in the Domestic Standard segment and is included in the SPI® and SPI EXTRA® indices.

Trading opened to the sound of the stock exchange bell

The stock exchange bell was put to use once again for this special occasion. Hans-Rudolf Schurter, Chairman of the board of Hochdorf Holding AG, and Damian Henzi, CEO of Hochdorf Holding AG rang the bell to start the trading day.

Hans-Rudolf Schurter expects to see improved access to the capital market as a result of the listing. "Hochdorf is a very traditional Swiss company. Listing on SIX Swiss Exchange is therefore an obvious move. Our baby food business has the potential to grow enormously and we will require additional financing to do so."

High level of attention from investors

As a stock exchange with a strong international orientation, SIX Swiss Exchange offers Hochdorf a high level of visibility and with it the best conditions to grow beyond Switzerland's borders. Furthermore, its proactive support makes the Swiss stock exchange a reliable partner for all listed companies.

"In the same way that Hochdorf focuses on its clients and consumers, the needs of our issuers are the top priority for us. Their satisfaction with the service we provide is the measure of our accomplishment and efficiency", said Christian Katz, CEO of SIX Swiss Exchange.

Group of consultant banks expanded

The Neue Helvetische Bank was founded in January 2011 and is a participant on the Swiss stock exchange since 28 February. As it celebrates its debut as a Lead Manager with the listing of Hochdorf, this young company, which offers asset management, financial consulting, corporate finance and research, expands the group of consultant banks supporting new admissions to SIX Swiss Exchange.

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Today, Autoneum Holding AG (AUTN) was listed on SIX Swiss Exchange as an independent company. Formerly the division Automotive Systems of Rieter, Autoneum is a sector-focused company that supplies the world's leading vehicle manufacturers in Europe, North and South America, and Asia (excluding Japan) with acoustic comfort and heat protection products.

At the beginning of the first day's trading, its share price was CHF 110.50, which corresponds to a stock market capitalization of CHF 516 million. Autoneum Holding AG is part of the SPI® and SPI EXTRA® indices and is listed in the "Main Standard", which is aimed at international investors with respect to accounting standards and transparency criteria.

Historic change of strategy

The company's listing comes one month after the 120th general meeting of Rieter Holding AG, at which shareholders voted to spin off the Automotive Systems division. The aim is to make Autoneum more flexible in terms of strategy and enable it to position itself more clearly in its markets, thus fully utilizing its growth potential.

SIX Swiss Exchange: Gateway to the capital market

By being listing on SIX Swiss Exchange, Autoneum Holding AG gains access to an experienced and financially strong group of international investors. "As a proactive partner, we support our issuers by carrying out various additional services on their behalf, for example providing individual assistance with investor relations," commented Marco Estermann, Head of Issuer Relations at SIX Swiss Exchange. "We also provide up-to-date information on the trading and liquidity of their securities and give issuers access to SIX Swiss Exchange's unique network of contacts."

For more information on the range of services offered by SIX Swiss Exchange to issuers, please visit our website.

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The current edition of the Swiss Biotech Report analyses the reasons for this sector's impressive track record. It particularly highlights how the intensive ongoing research forms the basis for successful innovation. The authors have compiled a benchmark of the industry over a period of ten years and provided a multidimensional evaluation of its development.

The new Swiss Biotech Report reveals the ways in which innovation has advanced and how the Swiss Confederation has supported it through its programs, providing clear "takeaways" on how industrial and financial markets have used the steady influx of ideas and capital to foster new economic growth.

Contribution of SIX Swiss Exchange

The Swiss Biotech Report is published annually by a steering committee comprised of representatives from industry, commerce and the federal government. SIX Swiss Exchange contributed an article providing a 10-year retrospective on a strong hub for life sciences.

The author Andrea von Bartenwerffer, Senior Relationship Manager of Issuer Relations, presents how Switzerland has positioned itself among European countries as the home-base of choice for life sciences companies, with the highest per capita concentration of biotech companies on a global scale.

Have a look at the article and the complete Swiss Biotech Report 2011.

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With a whole series of strong location factors in place, Switzerland offers optimal overall conditions for cleantech companies. This is emphasized by a study of the World Energy Council in which Switzerland was ranked first in a comparison of countries in regard to their energy and climate policies: when it comes to sustainable practices, Switzerland is top notch. The sensitivity of its population to the notions of sustainability and environmental awareness are illustrated in the country's high standard of living, environmental quality and low levels of pollution.

Leading innovation power

Moreover, Switzerland counts among the world's leading nations with regard to innovation power and infrastructure. As regards global competitiveness Switzerland is ranked among the top countries each year, according to the World Economic Forum's Global Competitiveness Report 2010-2011. A key factor is the long tradition of Swiss scientists and engineers in technologies relevant to the environment. Furthermore, Switzerland is an ideal location for international cleantech businesses because of its innovation-driven economy and its openness toward the rest of the world.

Gateway to the capital market

The Swiss financial center is very attractive for companies in search of capital both in Switzerland and abroad. It is well structured, closely interconnected and yet geared to international standards. Domestic banks are known to have strong funding and placing power.
Through its products and services, SIX Swiss Exchange makes a significant contribution to a healthy financial center by providing an efficient, well-functioning capital market. It is the gateway for both Swiss and foreign companies to the international and domestic capital market, where each listed firm benefits from a high degree of visibility. A public offering and listing of securities on SIX Swiss Exchange affords a company access to a highly experienced and financially potent circle of international investors. Based on the Swiss economic structure the cleantech sector enjoys a high level of attention in the investing community, and Swiss investors have been among the pioneers in this sector.

First-ever Swiss Cleantech Report

More information can be found in the first-ever Swiss Cleantech Report: SIX Swiss Exchange has joined forces with a wide array of prominent institutions from the fields of research, commerce and public service to compile and publish this comprehensive report that sheds light on all aspects of Switzerland's cleantech sector from various vantage points.

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For the first time since the introduction of electronic trading in 1995, the trading day was opened to the sound of a stock exchange bell, in this case a classical cow bell representing the exchange's Swiss roots and values. By doing so, SIX Swiss Exchange responds to repeated requests it received from its clients.

For special opening ceremonies

The new stock exchange bell will not be used every day, but only on special occasions. This time was to mark the tenth anniversary of the non-profit organization "100 Women in Hedge Funds", which in 2011 is being celebrated at a number of different stock exchanges around the world.

As part of the event, Dr. Peter Gomez, Chairman of the Board of Directors of SIX Group, spoke about the potential opportunities and threats faced by stock exchanges. The webcast provides an insight into future trends.

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