Consistent client focus leads to renewed growth

The year 2024 was characterised by economic uncertainty, a persistent shortage of skilled workers, and rising energy and raw material prices. The Swiss economy failed to grow at the expected rate, which had a noticeable impact on the economic momentum and competitiveness of many SMEs. Despite these challenges, BDO was able to successfully continue its growth trajectory. Key factors in achieving this were client proximity and the continuous development of the service portfolio. “For me, the most important thing is working closely with our clients as trusted partners. It is also the only way to enable targeted development of our service range and, in doing so, grow together,” explains CEO Thomas Studhalter. Another success factor is a strong corporate culture. With the introduction of six weeks’ annual leave for all employees from 1 January 2025 and recognition as a ‘Great Place to Work’, BDO underscores its commitment to providing an attractive working environment and a values-based corporate culture.

Focus on digitalisation and sustainability

Digitalisation is shaping our industry more than ever before. As part of this digital transformation, BDO made targeted investments in the development of AI-based tools to optimise processes and further increase the quality of services. At the same time, quality management has been enhanced, particularly in view of heightened data security and data protection requirements.

For the first time, BDO is publishing its sustainability report entirely in accordance with the GRI Standards. This is an important step towards greater transparency and responsible business. The company also uses its expertise to support clients on their journey towards comprehensive and compliant sustainability management.

Growth in business areas

With revenue up 4.8 percent to CHF 95.9 million, Audit was able to further strengthen its market position. This growth can be attributed to a broad service base and solid market presence. In response to increasing regulatory requirements as well as expectations around ethics and independence, the quality management system was expanded. Demand for assurance services in the area of ESG is growing but is somewhat curbed by uncertainty regarding future regulations.

Revenue in Business Solutions rose by 7.5 percent to CHF 89.6 million in 2024. Ongoing challenges include the shortage of skilled workers, growing compliance requirements, international regulations and mounting pressure to digitalise. Beyond this, the focus is on integrating modern technologies and pursuing targeted expansion of training and professional development programmes.

With year-on-year revenue growth of 8.4 percent to CHF 35 million, Tax & Legal also saw a positive performance. Key topics in the reporting year were implementation of the OECD minimum taxation in Switzerland, the partial revision of the VAT Act from 2025 and new pillar 3a tax planning options. As a result of these developments, companies and private individuals faced complex issues, leading to increased demand for in-depth tax and legal expertise.

Further services enjoyed stable development in the reporting year. Special mention should be made of the fact that BDO achieved platinum status for the first time as an official Abacus distribution partner. This is an important milestone that underscores BDO’s successful collaboration with strategic partners. Deal Advisory was impacted by cyclical market demand. It remains crucial to respond flexibly to changes and exploit market potential in a targeted manner.

Key performance indicators

* Real Estate, Abacus/IT, Financial Services, Deal Advisory, miscellaneous advisory services

Here you will find further information on business performance 2024 and the sustainability report.

Contact

Barbara Horak Lämmler
Media spokesperson
BDO AG
+ 41 44 444 38 78
media@bdo.ch

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BDO Ltd

BDO Ltd is one of the leading audit, business services and advisory firms in Switzerland. We offer services in our core areas of expertise: audit, financial services, business services and outsourcing, tax and legal advisory, and management consulting. With 42 offices in Switzerland, our firm’s network offers the most extensive coverage in the industry. For BDO’s people – around 1,800 professionals – close links and expertise are the key to successful and lasting relationships with our clients. Our first fully digital office enables SMEs to also automate simple and standardised processes. BDO Ltd audits and advises industrial and service sector companies, including SMEs, listed companies, public authorities and non-profit organisations.

For clients with an international focus, BDO draws on a global organisation spanning more than 160 countries. BDO Ltd has its head office in Zurich and is an independent, legally separate Swiss firm belonging to the international BDO network, whose head office is in Brussels (Belgium).