Swiss Stocks Extend Gains; Galderma Agrees $1.5 Billion Purchase of US Skincare Brand

11:54 AM EDT, 10/14/2026 (MT Newswires) -- The Swiss Market Index rose for a fourth consecutive session, ending 1.45% higher on Wednesday, as investors gauged the latest third-quarter updates and a major deal in the skincare industry amid a quiet day for local economic news. Galderma Group (GALD.SW) agreed to buy US-based skincare brand ZO Skin Health for an enterprise value of $1.5 billion from its shareholders, including Blackstone Tactical Opportunities-managed funds and the Obagi family. Closing of the all-cash deal is expected in the fourth quarter of 2026 or early 2027. "We see Galderma's acquisition of ZO Skin Health as a sensible bolt-on that strengthens its Dermatological Skincare portfolio in the physician-dispensed channel. The deal implies a high-teens LTM EBITDA multiple, in line with premium HPC players like L'Oreal and a discount to Galderma's own c.32x 2026E multiple. We expect the deal to take Galderma to pro forma 2026 leverage of c.1.7x. Given current cash generation and strong operating leverage on Nemluvio, we expect M&A to be a strategic growth driver for Galderma over the mid-term," RBC Capital Markets said in a quick-take note, with a positive sentiment. The dermatology company gained 2.69%. In earnings news, Bossard Holding (BOSN.SW) jumped 2.33% after reporting year-over-year growth in third-quarter net sales to 296.1 million francs from 264.4 million francs. For full-year 2026, the industrial fastening and assembly technology group estimates sales of 1.14 billion francs to 1.16 billion francs. "Bossard delivered impressive Q3 sales growth of 11.2% in local currencies, led by Asia and semiconductor demand. FY26 sales guidance of CHF 1.14-1.16bn is 1.6% above consensus at the midpoint, alongside an EBIT margin above 12%. We expect margins near H1's 12.7%, supported by volumes and a favourable mix, leaving further earnings upside," said AlphaValue/Baader Europe, which has a reduce rating on the stock. Meanwhile, Lonza Group (LONN.SW) reiterated its 2026 forecast of 11% to 12% sales growth at constant exchange rates after performing in line with expectations across all business platforms in the third quarter. The healthcare-focused contract development and manufacturing organization climbed 3.35% at close. On the geopolitical front, Iran-aligned Houthis claimed responsibility for a strike on oil major Saudi Aramco's headquarters in Dhahran, Saudi Arabia, heightening concerns over regional energy security. The group vowed to continue targeting Saudi airports and oil facilities, while attacks on vessels in the Strait of Hormuz added to concerns over supply disruptions and helped push oil prices higher.