Public Statement & Notification
Dated: 1 June 2022
MECi Group International (“MECi”) wishes to provide clarity regarding its organisational structure and legal status to ensure transparency for our clients, partners, and stakeholders.
Since its establishment in 2008, MECi has operated as an non-registered member-benefit association under Swiss law, supporting and coordinating projects initiated by its members without engaging in direct commercial activities. Operating as an non-registered association is fully compliant with Swiss law and allows MECi to focus on its core mission without the administrative burdens associated with formal registration.
MECi operated for a short period as a registered Swiss Verein (association). However, after careful evaluation, the members concluded that maintaining formal registration no longer provided sufficient added value relative to the administrative and financial costs involved.
Accordingly, the members have agreed to initiate the deregistration of MECi as a registered association. Under Swiss law, deregistration requires a formal liquidation process as stipulated in Articles 79 and 80 of the Swiss Civil Code (SR 210). This legal and administrative process ensures an orderly winding up of the registered entity’s affairs and full compliance with all obligations.
The liquidation process is anticipated to commence in the fourth quarter of 2022, following the engagement of legal counsel, with completion expected by mid-2025.
Following deregistration, MECi will continue to operate as an non-registered member-benefit association, fully compliant under Swiss law, focusing on its core mission of supporting member projects without engaging directly in commercial transactions.
Since inception, recognising the need to separate commercial activities from the member-benefit association, MECi’s members have established suitable commercial entities close to or related to their operational regions. These companies handle invoicing, contract management, and all commercial transactions related to member projects, thereby maintaining MECi’s member-focused status.
MECi remains committed to transparency, legal compliance, and delivering exceptional value to clients and partners worldwide.
For any questions regarding our structure or operations, please contact us via our Contact page.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Why did MECi decide to deregister as a Swiss association?
MECi operated for a short period as a registered association but found that the administrative and financial burdens of registration outweighed the benefits. To streamline operations and reduce costs, the members decided to initiate deregistration.
2. What does the deregistration process involve?
Deregistration of a registered association in Switzerland requires a formal liquidation process under Articles 79 and 80 of the Swiss Civil Code (SR 210). This process ensures that all outstanding obligations are settled and the entity is properly wound up in compliance with Swiss law.
3. Is MECi still operating after deregistration?
Yes. MECi continues to operate as an non-registered member-benefit association under Swiss law, focusing on supporting and coordinating projects initiated by its members without engaging directly in commercial activities.
4. How does MECi handle commercial activities now?
Commercial activities, including invoicing and contract management, are conducted by separate commercial entities established for these purposes. Such entities operate in or near the relevant regions to efficiently manage business transactions. This separation allows MECi to maintain its member-benefit focus while these commercial companies handle the operational aspects of member projects.
5. What is the legal basis for MECi’s deregistration and liquidation?
The deregistration and liquidation process follows the Swiss Civil Code, specifically Articles 79 and 80, which regulate the winding up of registered associations. This ensures orderly closure and compliance with all legal and financial obligations.
6. How long does the liquidation process take?
The duration of the liquidation process depends on the complexity of the association’s affairs and the requirements of Swiss administrative procedures. MECi anticipates that the process will take several years to complete. The liquidation is scheduled to commence in the fourth quarter of 2022, following the engagement and briefing of legal counsel, with an expected completion date by mid-2025. Throughout this period, MECi will ensure that all legal and financial obligations are fully met prior to final deregistration.
7. Who is responsible for member projects?
Since inception in 2008, our members have always retained full legal and financial responsibility for their individual projects. MECi provides support and coordination, while commercial entities facilitate most commercial execution activities until separate entities are spun off from the original project activities.
8. How can I contact MECi for more information?
For any questions regarding MECi’s structure or operations, please contact us via our Contact page.
Update 6 May 2025
De-registering has been completed! See our social media post here for more details.
A special thank you to our legal team and other dedicated members for the perseverance and persistence demonstrated to see this significant administrative event come to a close.
We now continue as an organisation arranged under Swiss law, specifically a non-registered member-benefit association, fully compliant under all applicable regulations of Switzerland.