Watches of Switzerland weighs privatization bids

The company’s shares have climbed 55% this year, trading at approximately £7.20, buoyed by consistent demand for high-end horology brands like Rolex and Cartier. This recovery follows a difficult 2023, during which shares dipped after Rolex acquired rival retailer Bucherer, sparking investor concerns over supply chain security. Despite the recent rally, the stock remains well below its 2022 peak, a reflection of broader cooling trends within the European luxury market.

Internal discussions indicate that the board is looking for a premium, with one source suggesting a target price significantly exceeding £7.50 per share. Management has remained tight-lipped, adhering to a policy of not commenting on market speculation, while stakeholders await the full-year results scheduled for Tuesday. A successful privatization would mark another departure for a UK-based firm from the London Stock Exchange, continuing a trend of foreign acquisitions that has reshaped the local market throughout the year.