Swiss Official Gazette of Commerce (SOGC)

The Swiss Official Gazette of Commerce (SOGC) is an official publication journal in Switzerland, first issued on January 6, 1883. Managed by the State Secretariat for Economic Affairs (SECO), it is a crucial tool for businesses and economic actors, providing essential legal and commercial information necessary for the country’s economic life.

Details of Publications in the Swiss Official Gazette of Commerce (SOGC)

Publication Frequency

The SOGC is published five times a week, ensuring almost daily updates of essential information for businesses and economic actors in Switzerland. This sustained frequency ensures that the information disseminated is always up-to-date and relevant for economic and legal decisions.

Volume and Nature of Published Notices

Each day, the SOGC publishes between 1,200 and 1,500 notices covering a wide range of fields. Here is a detailed overview of the types of announcements found:

Registrations and Changes in the Commercial Register:

– New Registrations: Swiss new companies and businesses must register in the commercial register, and these registrations are published in the SOGC. This includes information such as the company name, its headquarters, and the field of activity.

– Statutory changes: Any modifications to existing businesses (name change, change in share capital, relocation, etc.) must also be published. This information is crucial to ensure transparency and security in commercial transactions.

Bankruptcies:

– Bankruptcy Declarations: Bankruptcy announcements are published to inform creditors and the public. These announcements include details on the bankruptcy proceedings, appointed liquidators, and deadlines for filing claims.

– Liquidations: Announcements regarding the liquidation of assets of bankrupt companies. This allows creditors to track the progress of the liquidation and know their rights.

Debt Collections:

– Debt Collection Notices: Publication of debt collection proceedings against debtors for debt recovery. These notices are essential for creditors and debtors to follow legal procedures.

– Pledge Realizations: Announcements related to the realization of pledges for debt recovery. They contain information on the assets being sold and the conditions of realization.

Public Tenders:

– Public Contracts: Public entities publish tenders for various projects, ranging from infrastructure construction to service provision. These tenders are open to all qualified and interested companies.

– Tender Results: Announcements of awards and tender results, informing about the companies selected for the projects.

Legal Effects of Announcements

About 90% of the announcements published in the SOGC have immediate legal effects. This means that upon publication, these announcements are legally binding and must be taken into account by the concerned parties. Here are some examples of these legal effects:

– Opposability of Registrations: Commercial register entries become opposable to third parties upon their publication in the SOGC, ensuring legal security in transactions.

– Reaction Deadlines: Bankruptcy or debt collection announcements set precise deadlines for creditors to react or file their claims.

– Transparency and Information:  Announcements of tenders and their results ensure transparency in public markets, allowing all interested parties to know the decisions made.

The Swiss Official Gazette of Commerce plays an indispensable role in the Swiss economic and legal system. By regularly publishing critical information, it ensures transparency, security, and fluidity in commercial transactions and legal procedures. For businesses and professionals, following SOGC publications is essential to stay informed and compliant with legal obligations.

The Importance of the SOGC for Swiss Businesses

Tracking Legal and Commercial Developments

The Swiss Official Gazette of Commerce (SOGC) is an essential resource for Swiss businesses. It allows companies to track important legal and commercial developments in real-time. By publishing critical information such as changes in the commercial register, bankruptcy declarations, and public tenders, the SOGC plays a key role in the transparency and legal security of the Swiss market.

Information on Competitors

Businesses can use the SOGC to obtain valuable information about their competitors. Registrations and changes in the Swiss commercial register provide details about new companies and changes made to existing ones, such as management changes, capital increases, or headquarters relocations. This information allows companies to monitor the strategic moves of their competitors and adapt accordingly.

Market Opportunities

Public tenders published in the SOGC offer significant market opportunities for businesses. These tenders cover a variety of projects, ranging from construction and public services to the provision of various goods and services. By regularly monitoring these announcements, companies can identify growth opportunities and diversify their activities.

Risk Management and Commercial Relationships

Bankruptcy and debt collection announcements published in the SOGC are crucial for risk management and the security of commercial relationships. By being informed of the bankruptcy situations of their commercial partners, companies can take preventive measures to minimize negative impacts on their operations. Additionally, following debt collection procedures allows companies to manage their claims effectively and maintain the financial health of their client portfolios.

Informed Decision-Making

Access to up-to-date and reliable information via the SOGC helps businesses make informed decisions. Whether evaluating the solvency of a new business partner, responding to a public tender, or reacting to regulatory changes, the data published in the SOGC provides a solid basis for strategic and operational decision-making.

For Swiss businesses, the SOGC is an indispensable resource. By offering quick and regular access to critical information, it allows companies to stay informed, manage their risks effectively, and seize new market opportunities. The transparency and reliability of the published information make the SOGC an essential tool for business management and development in Switzerland.

Access and Use

The SOGC is accessible online via the website fosc.ch, which offers a user-friendly search platform and tools for consulting current and archived publications. This online service is particularly useful for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), which can quickly find the necessary information for their daily management and development strategy.

Impact and Audience

With approximately 70,000 daily users, the SOGC plays a central role in the transparency and fluidity of the Swiss market. Its audience includes businesses from various sectors, lawyers, Swiss Corporate Services Providers, consultants, and government authorities, all relying on its publications for precise and up-to-date information on commercial transactions and legal obligations.

The Swiss Official Gazette of Commerce is more than just an official journal; it is a pillar of the Swiss economic infrastructure, facilitating market transparency, legality, and competitiveness. Its importance to businesses and professionals makes it an essential institution in the Swiss economic landscape.

Services of My Swiss Company SA on the SOGC

My Swiss Company SA offers a comprehensive range of services related to the Swiss Official Gazette of Commerce (SOGC), designed to help businesses navigate the Swiss regulatory and commercial landscape efficiently. Their services include managing registrations and changes in the commercial register, ensuring that all legal information is correctly recorded and updated. They also handle the publication of creditor notices during Swiss company liquidations, ensuring that creditors and other stakeholders are timely informed.