Managing the impact of the debt crisis and the strong Swiss franc

Joining forces in addressing the challenges arising from the Swiss franc's strength

Many Swiss businesses are suffering from the burden of the uncertainty about the development of the economy and the strong Swiss franc. As a result they need to take measures to remain competitive. To wait and see is not an option.

So far most companies have managed to deal with these challenges relatively well. But to remain competitive in the long term, industries and companies under threat will have to come up with other approaches and more thorough measures. The first step along the way is to identify the (currency) risks a company is exposed to. Once these risks have been established and concrete scenarios drawn up, the second step is to define specific financial, operative and strategic types of action.

Your benefits from our services related to the debt crisis and the strong Swiss franc

The cooling economy and the strong Swiss franc may have complex implications for your company. PwC provides support in many respects.

From a relationship with our team and from our know-how you can expect inter alia: 

• Rich expertise with regard to strategic, operative and financial options. 
• Long-standing experience in currency hedging (whether financial or natural). 
• Support in analysing and executing medium-term measures, such as outsourcing solutions or internationalising procurement. 
• Wide-ranging know-how in developing long-term solutions, such as internationalisation of the supply chain, portfolio streamlining and innovation management. 
• On-site representation geared towards expanding activities in growth countries such as Brazil, Russia, India and China.
• Support with regard to tax, legal or audit-specific issues arising from the strength of the Swiss franc. 
• Support with any human-resources issues, such as flexible working-time  models, shortened working hours, early retirement, talent and change management  or strategic workforce planning. 
• With "10 priorities in the  downturn" PwC has compiled, tried and tested approaches for companies to adopt  when crisis strikes.

Do not hesitate to contact us for an informal exchange of information.

PwC's approach to coping with the debt crisis and the strong Swiss franc

Your benefits from a clearly structured process:

• Scenario planning creates transparency with regard to your company's exposure to the debt crisis and the strength of the Swiss franc.
• Overview of available options (financial, operative, strategic) and their effectiveness. 
• Sound basis for decision-making and thus higher determination.

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