The Roche story
Fritz Hoffmann-La Roche founded his company in Basel in 1896 to make medicines on an industrial scale. Roche grew into a pioneer in vitamins and later in medicines such as Valium. Its acquisition of Genentech, completed in 2009, made it a leader in biotechnology.
What makes Roche powerful
Roche is a world leader in cancer medicines and the largest in-vitro diagnostics business. Its combination of pharmaceuticals and diagnostics lets it link tests to treatments, an approach known as personalised healthcare. Its research centres in Basel and South San Francisco are among the largest in the industry.
Roche today
Roche Holding AG is listed in Switzerland, and the Hoffmann and Oeri families hold a controlling share of the voting rights. Thomas Schinecker has led the company since 2023. Roche invests a large share of its sales in research and development.
What comes next for Roche
Roche's road ahead is about building new treatments in areas such as obesity and neuroscience, and growing its diagnostics business.
Why Roche ranks #49
Product, Innovation & Delivery (78.0) and Sustainability, Governance & ESG (72.0) carry Roche's Power Score of 69.88.
Brand Positioning & Recall at 62.0. What would move it: Sharper, more consistent brand communication and wider unaided recall outside its home markets.
Pillar profile
Versus its nearest rivals
3 Healthcare & Pharma brands are in the Europe 100. Roche is #2 in its sector.
Questions people ask
What rank is Roche in WCRC's Europe's Most Powerful 100 Brands 2026?
Roche ranks #49 of 100 in Europe's Most Powerful 100 Brands 2026, with a WCRC Power Score of 69.88 out of 100.
When was Roche founded and who founded it?
Roche was founded in 1896. Founder(s): Fritz Hoffmann-La Roche.
What is Roche's weakest area?
In the 2026 assessment, Roche's lowest pillar is Brand Positioning & Recall at 62.0 out of 100.
Who leads Roche today?
Thomas Schinecker, CEO. The brand is owned by Roche Holding AG.
Where is Roche headquartered?
Roche is based in Basel, Switzerland. Its country of origin is Switzerland.
What is Roche's revenue?
CHF 61.5bn group sales (FY2025, +7% at CER, +2% in CHF), according to the company's published results.
What is a signature fact about Roche?
Roche is the world's largest maker of in-vitro diagnostics.
Key facts
| Brand | Roche |
|---|---|
| Company / owner | Roche Holding AG |
| Headquarters | Basel, Switzerland |
| Founded | 1896 |
| Founder(s) | Fritz Hoffmann-La Roche |
| Leadership | Thomas Schinecker, CEO |
| Latest revenue | CHF 61.5bn group sales (FY2025, +7% at CER, +2% in CHF) Source |
| Sector | Healthcare & Pharma |
| Country of origin | Switzerland |
| Signature fact | Roche is the world's largest maker of in-vitro diagnostics. |
| Official website | roche.com |
Roche is ranked #49 in WCRC's Europe's Most Powerful 100 Brands 2026 (Power Score 69.88).