There is a merger in the Swiss erotica business: Magic X Retail AG has taken over all Erotic Markt stores, as the companies announced in a press release. From May 2023, eight Erotic Markt stores will complement the existing 26 Magic X branches. This makes Magic X the largest retail company for “sexual health” in Switzerland.
Erotic Markt is the life work of Patrik Stöckli (65). He retires and says he’s happy to find an heir to his legacy at Magic X.
All employees taken over
Magic X is also happy with the acquisition. “Erotic Market’s network of branches ideally complements Magic X’s locations,” writes Magic X.
The takeover and departure of Patrik Stöckli apparently caused mixed feelings among employees. When asked by Blick, Patrik Stöckli explained that he was disappointed with the resignation of many of his employees. He has probably underestimated how much his name and personality are connected to the company and its employees. Still, Stöckli says that employees are of course happy that the stores will continue to exist and that they can keep their jobs.
Magic X as a sensible buyer
Magic X has previously stated that it is interested in the takeover. Therefore, it made sense for Stöckli to allow his life’s business to continue through such an acquisition. “Magic X and Erotic Markt are two traditional companies in Switzerland that are very well established and more than 30 years old, with high quality standards,” writes Magic X.
Given the erotic industry, the consolidation is not surprising: sex toys are increasingly being ordered online today. For example, in Switzerland, all 15 branches of the Libosan erotic chain have been closed in recent years.
With the sale to Magic X, Stöckli is finally withdrawing from the adult market business. In the future, he will concentrate his activities on his erotic club “Cruising World”. There are six of them distributed throughout Switzerland.