Forvis Mazars to acquire PwC Switzerland’s EQUAL‑SALARY certification practice and team, effective 1st October 2025

Forvis Mazars Group, the international leader in audit and assurance, tax and advisory services announces the acquisition of PwC Switzerland’s EQUAL-SALARY certification activities, including its specialist team, effective 1st October 2025. Since 2017, PwC Switzerland has carried out assessments for more than 150 companies covering over 500’000 employees globally. These services have enabled its clients to closely assess their pay equity and equality practices against the EQUAL-SALARY Foundation’s measurable standards, and then to demonstrate to their stakeholders and employees that they’re meeting these standards. Pay inequality remains a persistent challenge at around 20 % globally, according to the UN. 

The acquisition enhances Forvis Mazars’ ability to conduct non-audit assurance services, assess organisations in regard to the EQUAL-SALARY standard, and provide robust evaluations of their pay equity practices worldwide. “Integrating PwC Switzerland’s EQUAL‑SALARY team strengthens our independent assurance capability and global reach. Together, we’ll help more organisations verify equal pay and opportunity with a transparent, trusted standard”, says Angelo Accardi, CEO, Forvis Mazars Switzerland. PwC Switzerland will continue to support its clients in their journey toward equitable pay through consulting services. Forvis Mazars will continue collaborating with PwC Switzerland, supporting a shared commitment to fairness and transparency. 

The acquisition strengthens Forvis Mazars’ position as the main audit partner of the EQUAL-SALARY Foundation globally, helping organisations foster equality and fairness in the workplace. The expanded team ensures a seamless transition for clients and reaffirms the firm’s commitment to making tangible progress on workplace equality, fully aligned with its core values.  “We believe Forvis Mazars in Switzerland are uniquely positioned to further develop and expand this important activity, ensuring its continued growth and impact in advancing workplace equality”, says Joop Smits, Partner, Workforce and Sustainability, PwC Switzerland.

As the main audit partner of the EQUAL-SALARY Foundation, Forvis Mazars is proud to lead the way in certifying both equal pay and equal opportunity — two pillars of sustainable success. “This transfer reinforces EQUAL-SALARY’s rigorous and independent certification as the benchmark for equal pay and equal opportunity. Together with Forvis Mazars, we expand our reach, strengthen continuity and trust, and affirm that fairness at work is the foundation of sustainable success for all”, says Simonetta Sommaruga, President of the board of the EQUAL-SALARY Foundation.

About Forvis Mazars

Forvis Mazars Group SC is an independent member of Forvis Mazars Global, a leading professional services network. Operating as an internationally integrated partnership in over 100 countries and territories, Forvis Mazars Group specialises in audit, tax and advisory services. The partnership draws on the expertise and cultural understanding of over 40,000 professionals across the globe to assist clients of all sizes at every stage in their development. In Switzerland, Forvis Mazars relies on over 400 professionals in ten offices.

About EQUAL-SALARY Foundation

EQUAL-SALARY is a non-profit foundation established in 2010. It offers certification procedures based on a transparent and robust methodology comparable to an ISO standard for salaries and processes. The development of the EQUAL-SALARY certification has been financially supported by the Federal Office for Gender Equality (FOGE), and its methodology, developed in collaboration with the University of Geneva, has been recognised by the Swiss Federal Court. EQUAL-SALARY is also a member of EPIC - the International Coalition for Equal Pay, the United Nations Global Compact and, the Alliance for Pay Transparency. To date, the EQUAL-SALARY Foundation has certified over 150 companies in 90 countries, involving half a million employees. Several certified companies have renewed their commitment up to six times, demonstrating a strong desire to promote fairness and strengthen the trust and respect of their employees, customers and partners. As an EQUAL-SALARY employer, an organisation is in an excellent position to attract and retain talent and to prove that it respects the rules of good governance. 

About PwC

PwC Switzerland is the leading audit and advisory company in Switzerland. At PwC, we help clients build trust and reinvent so they can turn complexity into competitive advantage. We’re a tech-forward, people-empowered network with more than 370,000 people in 149 countries. Across audit and assurance, tax and legal, deals and consulting we help clients build, accelerate and sustain momentum. PwC Switzerland has around 3,800 employees and partners in 13 locations in Switzerland and one in the Principality of Liechtenstein.