2004
Confectioner Läderach AG acquires 41 Merkur speciality shops. Läderach AG is known beyond Switzerland’s borders for its exquisite chocolate and confectionery specialities, which are largely still made by hand with a wealth of attention to detail. Läderach’s freshly made, superior-quality pralines and its famous fresh chocolate products enter Merkur’s assortment for the first time.

The acquisition by Läderach gives Merkur’s speciality shops division unrivalled access to confectionery skills and expertise, and prompts a revamp of the look. The company’s new name «Merkur Chocolaterie – la chocolaterie du coeur» is an allusion to the craft of its specialists and to the superior quality of its output. Merkur shops are known for their capacity to surprise and delight, and for the tangible freshness and delectableness of their wares.

1985
Merkur enters the vending industry, dispensing food and drink from machines. In the ensuing years, Merkur systematically continues to pursue a strategy of entering new lines of business that provide a good fit with existing activities. In 1990 it acquires Kiosk AG, thereby becoming Switzerland’s leading kiosk vendor.

1984
Merkur dips its toe into international waters by acquiring the richly traditional Café Kranzler on the Kurfürstendamm, one of Berlin’s most famous avenues. Over the ensuing years, the company continues on the acquisition trail in Germany, France and Sweden.

1919
Merkur already possesses 137 shops. The global economic crisis and the Second World War slow the company’s growth for the next two decades. After the war, however, growth picks up again unabated and, come 1955, Merkur has no fewer than 173 shops. 1959 sees the opening of the first Merkur restaurant, located by the famous Zytglogge clock tower in Bern. Many more are due to follow.
Following the trend that has swept the US, Merkur opens the first self-service supermarket in 1965, again in Bern. The company undergoes restructuring at the end of the 1960s and emerges sporting four divisions: speciality shops, supermarkets, restaurants and Merkur coffee.