What does “arrangement moratorium” mean in the context of Bally?

In Switzerland, the arrangement moratorium is a procedure provided for by the Code of Obligations (CO) that allows a company in financial difficulty to negotiate with creditors to avoid bankruptcy. An external body (concordat holder) manages the search for solutions, such as the sale of the operational activity or a restructuring. In the case of Bally, Transliq AG was tasked with managing this procedure and looking for a buyer for the Caslano plant, with the aim of resuming production and safeguarding jobs.

What rights do Bally employees have in the event of a collective dismissal?

Collective redundancies (≥10 employees in 30 days) in Switzerland must follow specific procedures: the company must give at least 30 days' written notice, consult the employees concerned (possibly through trade unions), and notify the SECO and the cantonal authorities. Employees are entitled to unemployment benefit (AD/AC, up to 150 days), job search support from the canton, and access to retraining courses. The canton of Ticino can offer additional forms of support.

What is Bally's current financial situation?

In 2023, Bally reported a positive EBITDA of CHF 43.5 million. In 2024, the result plummeted to -60.5 million CHF. In 2025, losses reduced to CHF -27.7 million, but operating cash flow remains negative at CHF -16.45 million. These data show that the brand continues to suffer from structural difficulties despite staff cuts. Production activity in Caslano has been at a standstill for months.

How can Bally employees find new job opportunities?

Dismissed employees should first register with the Ticino cantonal unemployment office to access AD allowance and support services. The canton of Ticino and SECO offer professional advice, retraining courses and scholarships for continuing education. Job listings in Ticino and surrounding areas are available through official portals. It is advisable to contact the Ticino Regional Placement Office for personalised advice on redevelopment.

Bally, in Caslano the umpteenth cut of staff (cross-border guide)

Di Redazione Frontaliere Ticino · Published on 4 September 2026

View of Lake Lugano and Ticino landscape at Caslano, site of the struggling Bally manufacturing facility

Regent LP cuts 25 administrative posts at Bally Caslano. Employees drop from ~100 to 54. Agreed in progress, 60.5M losses in 2024.

Context

In brief

Regent LP cuts 25 administrative jobs at Bally Caslano
Employees from ~100 (June 2024) to 54 today, activity halted for months
Losses: -60.5M (2024), -27.7M (2025); buyer search ongoing

Key facts

What: Collective dismissal of 25 administrative employees
When: Announced by Transliq AG (ongoing moratorium procedure)
Where: Caslano, Bally plant in Ticino
Who: Regent LP (owner since August 2024), Transliq AG (moratorium manager)
Employees: 100 in June 2024 → 54 today at the plant
Net loss 2024: -60.5 million CHF (Ebitda)
Activity: Production halted for months; sale process ongoing

Regent LP, the American fund that acquired Bally in August 2024, continues to downsize the workforce of the historic luxury shoe brand. Transliq AG, in charge of the moratorium procedure, has announced a new possible collective dismissal involving 25 administrative employees in Caslano. A procedure that may not be the last: in less than two years, Bally has recorded collective dismissals, store closures, and two failed attempts to acquire the brand.

The workforce reduction has been drastic. From the approximately 100 employees present in June 2024, today there are 54 at the plant. A dozen still work in Swiss stores. Before Regent LP's arrival, Bally employed a total of 169 people in Switzerland, with 122 in Caslano, the heart of Ticino production.

The financial situation

The numbers reflect a deep crisis. In 2023, Bally reported a positive Ebitda of 43.5 million francs. In 2024, the result plummeted to -60.5 million. In 2025, losses were reduced to -27.7 million, but the operating cash flow remained negative at 16.45 million francs. These figures show that the brand continues to burn resources despite continuous workforce cuts.

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Operational details

The implications for the Swiss labor market

The Bally crisis reflects a broader challenge for the Swiss labor market: the vulnerability of traditional companies in the face of global changes in the luxury and manufacturing sectors. With 54 employees remaining at the Caslano plant and another 25 potentially at risk, the dispute directly affects unemployment in the Ticino canton and the employment basin of the Lugano area.

The ongoing concordat procedure is a tool provided by the Swiss Code of Obligations that allows a company to negotiate a solution to avoid bankruptcy. In this case, Transliq AG acts as the curator of the moratorium, seeking a buyer willing to take over the operational activity. This means that, theoretically, jobs could be saved if the sale is successful. However, the fact that the brand is not included in the operation creates uncertainty: a buyer might only take over the production of shoes for third parties, without the prestige and added value of the historic Bally brand.

What does this mean for the employees?

For the current 54 employees of the plant, the situation is precarious. An additional collective dismissal of 25 people would involve specific procedures according to Swiss federal law: at least 30 days' notice, consultation with employees, and notification to the competent authority (SECO). Dismissed employees would be entitled to unemployment benefits according to the Unemployment Insurance (AD/AC), up to the 150 days provided by federal law.

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Key points

Rights and resources for employees

Employees of Bally involved in collective dismissals have specific rights according to Swiss law. First, they must receive written notice of at least 30 days for ordinary dismissals (or the contractual duration if higher). In the case of collective dismissal (affecting ≥10 people within 30 days), the company must notify the Employment Service of the Canton of Ticino and consult the affected employees, possibly through their union representatives.

Once the employment relationship ends, employees can apply for unemployment benefits at the cantonal unemployment office in Ticino. Unemployment Insurance (AD) generally covers up to 150 days of benefits (extendable for employees over 55 years old). The amount of the benefit varies based on the previous salary and provides fundamental protection during the occupational transition.

Additionally, the Canton of Ticino and SECO offer concrete support for active job searching: professional counseling, retraining courses, support in CV writing and job applications. Employees of Caslano should contact the regional employment office in Ticino promptly to access these services and begin the process of finding new opportunities.

Relocation prospects

The luxury footwear sector in Switzerland is limited and specialized. However, the 54-79 affected employees have transferable skills: quality craftsmanship, production management, administration, logistics, and quality control. The job market in the Ticino regions remains dynamic in other sectors: hospitality, healthcare, construction, small retail, and services. Consult available job listings to explore concrete opportunities in your canton.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What does “arrangement moratorium” mean in the context of Bally?: In Switzerland, the arrangement moratorium is a procedure provided for by the Code of Obligations (CO) that allows a company in financial difficulty to negotiate with creditors to avoid bankruptcy. An external body (concordat holder) manages the search for solutions, such as the sale of the operational activity or a restructuring. In the case of Bally, Transliq AG was tasked with managing this procedure and looking for a buyer for the Caslano plant, with the aim of resuming production and safegu
What rights do Bally employees have in the event of a collective dismissal?: Collective redundancies (≥10 employees in 30 days) in Switzerland must follow specific procedures: the company must give at least 30 days' written notice, consult the employees concerned (possibly through trade unions), and notify the SECO and the cantonal authorities. Employees are entitled to unemployment benefit (AD/AC, up to 150 days), job search support from the canton, and access to retraining courses. The canton of Ticino can offer additional forms of support.
What is Bally's current financial situation?: In 2023, Bally reported a positive EBITDA of CHF 43.5 million. In 2024, the result plummeted to -60.5 million CHF. In 2025, losses reduced to CHF -27.7 million, but operating cash flow remains negative at CHF -16.45 million. These data show that the brand continues to suffer from structural difficulties despite staff cuts. Production activity in Caslano has been at a standstill for months.
How can Bally employees find new job opportunities?: Dismissed employees should first register with the Ticino cantonal unemployment office to access AD allowance and support services. The canton of Ticino and SECO offer professional advice, retraining courses and scholarships for continuing education. Job listings in Ticino and surrounding areas are available through official portals. It is advisable to contact the Ticino Regional Placement Office for personalised advice on redevelopment.