UP! Event AG becomes part of Attisholz Betriebs AG

With Halter AG’s acquisition of UP! Event AG, the Events, Services and Operations functions at the Attisholz site will be brought together in a single company. Since the beginning of October 2026, the company has been led by Michael Kern and will operate under the name Attisholz Betriebs AG.

The Attisholz site in Riedholz has an industrial history spanning around 130 years. Where cellulose was once produced, a diverse place to live and work is now taking shape, bringing together industrial heritage, culture, events and future uses. Numerous cultural events as well as public and corporate functions already make the site a lively meeting place in the canton of Solothurn. As the site continues to develop and the planned residential and commercial uses take shape, the professional management and coordination of the various offerings are becoming increasingly important.

A long-standing partnership brought together in Attisholz Betriebs AG
On 7 October 2026, the sale of UP! Event AG, founded in 2018, to Halter AG, headquartered in Schlieren, was officially completed. Halter AG is the owner, building leaseholder and developer of the Attisholz site. As part of the acquisition, the company will be renamed Attisholz Betriebs AG. This will bring the Events, Services and Operations functions together in an effective organisation and create optimal operational conditions for the site’s further development.

Harri Kunz, CEO of the former UP! Event AG, arranged his succession at an early stage, thereby ensuring the company’s continuity. He will remain with the company as a member of its Board of Directors and will take on strategic responsibilities and special projects in the future.

“I am delighted with this step. It also ensures that the work I have carried out over many years will continue. However, I will not be leaving the company altogether. As a member of the Board of Directors, I will continue to take on responsibilities in the future,” says Harri Kunz.

For Andreas Campi, Managing Director, Developments at Halter AG, the acquisition is a logical step: “At Attisholz Betriebs AG, we are bringing together the Events, Services and Operations functions. We are also consolidating our established partnership with UP! Event AG into a strong, unified organisation for the future.”

Michael Kern takes over as Operations Manager
Michael Kern has been leading Attisholz Betriebs AG since the beginning of October. He holds an EMBA in General Management and brings many years of experience in operations and leadership. Most recently, he worked as an Area Manager at Aldi Suisse, where he was responsible for developing and implementing real estate projects covering property, acquisitions and construction.

As Operations Manager, he assumes overall operational responsibility for Attisholz Betriebs AG. His main responsibilities include site and facility management, the marketing and letting of the planned residential and commercial spaces, and event management.

“The Attisholz site is a unique place with an extraordinary history and enormous potential. I want to preserve what has proven successful while enabling new, contemporary ideas for how the site is used. Operations should run smoothly, professionally and economically, with a clear view to the future,” says Michael Kern.

A vibrant place for work, living, leisure and culture
The further development of the Attisholz site places high demands on ongoing operations and collaboration among the various stakeholders. Alongside the existing event infrastructure, the planned buildings and new uses should help establish the site over the long term as an attractive place for different target groups.

The events programme remains an important part of the site’s identity. At the same time, operational processes must be aligned with future requirements and attractive conditions created for companies, event organisers, tenants and residents.

“It is not only about using buildings and spaces, but about creating a place for people and their needs over the long term. Work, living, leisure, gastronomy and culture should come together to establish the Attisholz site sustainably as a vibrant place to live and work on the River Aare,” explains Michael Kern.

A collaborative partnership with the municipality of Riedholz, tenants, future residents, event organisers and those responsible for the site’s development provides an important basis for this. Together with his team, Michael Kern will tackle the next stages of development and consistently align Attisholz Betriebs AG with the site’s future needs.

 

Photo caption: From left: Harri Kunz and Michael Kern, the new Operations Manager of Attisholz Betriebs AG.

 

Media contacts
Michael Kern
079 475 88 87, michael.kern@halter.ch

Harri Kunz
079 251 24 35, harrikunz@bluewin.ch