Max Lehner Takes Over Day-to-Day Operations at Frisag

Since 1963, Frisag has been synonymous with Swiss-made specialty chemicals for professional use. Its product line includes practical solutions for cleaning, disinfection, hygiene, facility management, commercial applications, industry, the food service industry, and public institutions. Effective July 1, 2026, Max Lehner AG will take over the operational business of Frisag AG in Neuheim and integrate the brand into its Swiss platform for the development, manufacturing, distribution, and sale of high-quality chemical and technical products.

Frisag will continue to operate as an independent brand—on an equal footing with the existing brands Maxolen and Carlack. Frisag’s established product line, formulations, expertise, customer relationships, and market position are to be specifically strengthened in the next phase of development.

Strategic Potential in the Swiss Market and Beyond

The acquisition follows a clear strategic logic: Frisag is deeply rooted in the Swiss market, and this is precisely where Max Lehner AG sees additional potential. The products are focused, professional, easy to understand, and application-oriented—qualities that will also make them attractive for export in the medium term.

Dersim Stein, owner and CEO of Max Lehner AG, comments on the transaction: «Right from our first contact, I felt a strong affinity for Urs Schildknecht, his entrepreneurial spirit, and his family’s life’s work. Frisag is not just any product line, but a well-established, authentic Swiss brand with its own history, its own close connection to customers, and its own product philosophy. I am drawn to the idea of uniting traditional brands on a shared entrepreneurial platform without diluting their identities.»

He goes on to explain: «With Maxolen, we are continuing to develop our established private label; with Carlack, we already have a B2C brand integrated into Max Lehner AG that specializes in classic, artisanal vehicle care products; and with Frisag, we are now adding an authentic Swiss brand in the field of specialty chemicals for professional use. Each brand has its own history, its own target audience, and its own unique value proposition. Our task is to preserve these strengths and build on them using our experience in development, manufacturing, procurement, sales, and international marketing.»

Family-Owned Business Hands Over the Reins with Respect for Its Heritage

Frisag was founded by Urs Schildknecht’s father and developed into a family business over many years. Schildknecht continued to lead the company as part of the second generation. For him, the search for a successor focused not only on the transfer of products and expertise, but also on the well-being of the employees.

Urs Schildknecht, owner of Frisag AG, comments: «In Max Lehner AG, I have found a Swiss company that understands the business, respects the brand, and wants to continue running Frisag with its own entrepreneurial drive. It was important to me that not only the products, the expertise, and the customer relationships end up in good hands, but also the employees who have stood by me and Frisag for many years. It’s nice to know that Frisag will be carried forward with respect for its heritage and with entrepreneurial drive.»

Gradual integration into existing structures

The integration is proceeding in an orderly and phased manner. Customer relationships, the sales structure, product data, formulas, communications, and operational processes are being transferred. At the same time, purchasing, production, back-office operations, administration, ERP, payroll, and reporting are being integrated into the existing structure of Max Lehner AG. The goal is to preserve what has proven successful, strengthen existing structures, and continue Frisag as an independent Swiss quality brand over the long term.

More information: www.maxolen.ch