What is changing at Bichsel and when will it happen?

Bichsel will close its drug production in Interlaken by end-2026 and refocus on higher-margin home care services. The company plans an orderly wind-down, with up to 170 jobs potentially affected. Investors should track phased decommissioning, supply transitions, and updates on staffing as management executes the plan over the next two years.

How big are the Galenica one-off costs from this move?

Management estimates CHF 35–40 million in one-off costs, including CHF 17–19 million in non-cash write-downs. The remainder likely reflects restructuring and closure expenses. These items will weigh on short-term earnings but are not expected to recur, so they should be analyzed separately from underlying operating performance.

What is the expected profit uplift and timing?

Galenica guides for about CHF 3 million in structural uplift to adjusted operating profit after the exit completes. The improvement should come from lower overhead and a richer service mix in home care. We expect clearer visibility in run-rate margins once production fully stops and home care scales further.

Why is Galenica Bichsel shifting to home care?

The shift targets higher-margin, service-based revenue with steadier cash generation. By exiting industrial production, Galenica Bichsel reduces fixed costs and complexity. The focus on home care should improve the margin mix and operating leverage, provided service capacity, pricing, and quality metrics continue to improve in Switzerland.

Global Market Insights

Galenica Today, February 24: Bichsel Closure, CHF40m Charge, Home Care Pivot

ByDanny Kontos February 24, 2026February 24, 2026

Galenica Bichsel is making a major shift that matters for Swiss investors. The group will close Bichsel’s drug production site in Interlaken by end-2026, refocus on higher-margin home care, and absorb CHF 35–40 million in one-off costs. Management guides for a structural uplift of about CHF 3 million to adjusted operating profit after the exit. We explain the timeline, charges, margin effects, and what this move could mean for patients, jobs, and investors in Switzerland today.