Milestones in the History of the Migros Group
The history of the Migros Group begins with the history of Migros in 1925. Here are just a few of the key events that have shaped the company's history.
1925
Migros is established
Migros AG is established with seed capital of CHF 100'000.
1941: Founding of the Federation of Migros Cooperatives (FMC).
1931
Delicatessen from Jowa
The Migros bakery (until 1955, Jonatal AG, Wald) starts operation, initially to produce chocolate.
1935
Travelling with Hotelplan
With its holiday offers at low, flat-rate prices, Hotelplan invigorates the Swiss travel sector. In 1981 the cooperative is converted into a joint-stock company.
1941
FMC is established
The Federation of Migros Cooperatives (FMC) is established in 1941, now in the legal form of a cooperative.
1944
Establishment of the Club School
Huge demand for good and affordable adult education means that Migros Club School is a success from the very start.
1945
Acquisition of BINA
Boycotts force Migros to expand its own production: the retailer acquires the Bischoffszell tin factory (BINA).
1950
Participation in Ex Libris
Migros participates in the Ex Libris book club, thereby supporting lower book prices.
Takeover of Chocolat Frey
Migros takes over the equity capital of Chocolat Frey AG, which gives the company a fresh boost.
1954
Full tanks with Migrol
To counteract the monopoly of the heating oil sector, Migrol is established. As a result, heating oil prices drop 20% and petrol prices soon follow suit.
Many things in one: DELICA
The history of DELICA begins in 1954. Established as Migros Lagerhaus Genossenschaft (MLG), Migros Zentralpackerei AG (MZP) is established on the same premises in 1964. In 1987 MZP and MLG merge to create Migros Betriebe Birsfelden AG (MBB). In 2007 MBB changes its name to Delica AG and the packaging unit is outsourced.
1956
Establishment of ELSA
Initially, Conserves Estavayer SA (CESA) fills tins; the production of dairy products starts in 1960. The change of name to Estavayer Lait SA (ELSA) takes place in 1998.
Eurocentres is established
With the new language school, languages are now learned from where they come.
1957
Opening of Migros Bank
After the war, Migros assumes an increasing number of financial tasks. As a result, the first Migros Bank branch is opened with attractive interest rates and favourable loans.
1958
Showcase business Micarna
Migros responds to the increasing demand for meat by building a state-of-the-art meat products factory (production starts in 1960).
Acquisition of Aproz
After several years of cooperation with Seba Aproz AZ as a supplier, Migros takes over 90% of Aproz' equity capital.
1960
Beauty by Mibelle
Mibelle AG is established, based at Gifa in Basel. Cosmetics factory Mibelle AG in Buchs/AG starts operations in 1962. In 1967 Mibelle relocates from Basel to Buchs/AG. Mibelle starts selling Candida toothpaste in 1967. In 1969 Mibelle gains access to cosmetics care with JANA.
1962
GDI foundations laid
Shortly before his death, Gottlieb Duttweiler lays the foundations for an international education and research institute. The Gottlieb Duttweiler Institute (GDI) is opened in 1963.
1964
Establishment of Mifroma
Initially, Mifroma SA serves as a cheese cellar to refine Gruyère. In 1969 the packaging centre is launched.
1977
First Fitnesspark
Migros gets a foothold in the fitness sector by opening its first Fitnesspark in Lucerne. Fitnessparks were also opened in Lausanne and Thun/Oberhofen in the same year.
1981
Micasa furniture concept starts; in 1986 Micasa AG is established to promote home ownership.
Migros decides to offer high quality at favourable prices in the residential sector too and establishes Micasa SA.
1989
Acquisition of Interhome
Hotelplan takes over Interhome, the world's biggest provider of holiday homes.
1995
Establishment of Golf Courses
Migros enters the sport of golf and opens its first golf course in Holzhäusern (canton Zug) under the motto Luxury for the Masses.
1997
Acquisition of the Globus Group
The retailer expands and diversifies its range by acquiring the majority of shares in the Globus department store group.
2003
Participation in LeShop
Migros enters into a strategic alliance with the online supermarket LeShop SA and offers its products online for the first time. In 2006 the Federation of Migros Cooperatives takes over 80% of LeShop's equity capital.
2007
Acquisition of 70% of Denner
To prevent an acquisition of Denner by foreign discounters, Migros takes over 70% of Denner AG's equity capital. At the end of 2009, the Federation of Migros Cooperatives becomes 100% owner of Denner.
2008
Establishing/renaming migrolino
After «avec»’s exit, Migros opens the migrolino shops at railway and petrol stations, known for their high-quality products at affordable prices.
2010
I do it m-way
m-way, the new platform for electromobility, is established as a company unit of Migrol AG.
2012
30% stake in digitec
Migros acquires a 30% share in digitec/Galaxus AG, strengthening its position as the number one in e-commerce. Digitec is Switzerland's largest online retailer for information technology, consumer electronics and telecommunications.
Opening of the Oranger Garten
For the 50th anniversary of Gottlieb Duttweiler's death, the Oranger Garten opens in Rüschlikon with a pavilion where the public can experience important footage from the Migros company archive with state-of-the-art interactive technology.