Roche Group

Swiss pharmaceutical giant Roche operates across a broad spectrum of drug treatment areas, with particular strength in oncology, immunology and neurology. Its diagnostics division, which provides tests, instruments and digital tools for healthcare and medical researchers, accounts for around a quarter of revenues. The group was founded in 1896 by Fritz Hoffman-La Roche, whose descendants still have a controlling stake. Roche originally sold consumer-focused medicines like cough syrup, vitamins and Valium, and launched cosmetics business Pantene before selling it to Procter & Gamble. In the 21st century it has focused sharply on R&D, notably acquiring Japan’s Chugai in 2002 and U.S. biotech pioneer Genentech in 2009. Roche is headquartered in Basel, Switzerland.