Swiss luxury watchmaker Audemars Piguet has acquired a majority stake in Inhotec SA, a Swiss company known for its expertise in micromechanics and precision machining.
Audemars Piguet’s Chief Industrial Officer, Lucas Raggi
The move aims to strengthen the Swiss watchmaking industrial ecosystem and support Audemars Piguet’s long-term industrial independence.
Inhotec SA has been a trusted supplier to Audemars Piguet for many years. The investment builds on the longstanding relationship between the two firms and reflects a shared vision for sustainable industrial growth. It is intended to reinforce Inhotec’s role within the Swiss watchmaking supply chain and to secure its long-term development.
Audemars Piguet’s Chief Industrial Officer, Lucas Raggi (pictured), said the investment is rooted in shared values, particularly the consolidation of strategic skills and the safeguarding of specialised expertise. He stressed that these capabilities are essential for the future of high-end watchmaking and benefit not only Audemars Piguet but the wider industry.
Despite the change in ownership structure, Inhotec SA will continue to operate autonomously under its own name. The company will maintain its existing client base, which includes various watch brands, and will be open to future collaborations. Founder and Chief Executive Alexandre Eme will retain a significant minority shareholding and will continue as CEO and Chairman of the Board. His ongoing leadership is expected to ensure operational continuity and alignment with the company’s strategic objectives.
Eme described the acquisition as an important milestone for Inhotec, noting that the investment represents a strong vote of confidence in the firm’s expertise and potential. He said the partnership creates conditions for continued innovation and service to the watchmaking industry as a whole.
Audemars Piguet has stated that the deal underlines its commitment to fostering diversity and independence within its supply chain. Raggi said the investment secures the future of precision expertise vital to Swiss haute horlogerie and supports the continued vitality of the sector as a whole.
