Generation change at Herzog & de Meuron
The founders of the renowned Basel-based architecture firm have sold the company to key employees, thereby arranging their succession.
Architects Jacques Herzog and Pierre de Meuron are selling their architecture firm: As the business magazine "Balance" first reported, a shareholders' agreement has been concluded with 15 partners of the company. This will regulate how the well-known architecture firm will be sold step by step from the two founders to the key employees. Adrian Keller will remain responsible for operations as Chief Executive Officer, according to the report.
"This concrete and binding plan gives all other employees and our customers a clear perspective and commitment," the paper quotes founder Pierre de Meuron as saying.
Jacques Herzog and Pierre de Meuron founded their office in 1978 and converted it into a stock corporation in 1997. In addition to its headquarters in Basel, the company has offices in Hong Kong, Berlin, Munich, London, New York and San Francisco and employs around 600 people. As "Bilanz" further reports, industry experts estimate the market value of the company at well over CHF 100 million.
The architects' best-known projects include the Tate Gallery in London, the Elbe Philharmonic Hall in Hamburg and the Olympic Stadium in Beijing. But they are also making their mark in their hometown of Basel, where they are responsible for projects such as the Bau 1 high-rise of the Roche pharmaceutical group, the Helvetia Campus, and the Meret Oppenheim high-rise of SBB Immobilien. Five years ago, they won the study commission with their concept for a spectacular overbuilding of the Dreispitz site. In Zurich, the office is currently planning, among other things, the Conversion of the UBS building on Paradeplatz, In addition, it is working with the project developer Senn a residential quarter in Altstetten and a sustainable office building in Allschwil. (ah)
