The merger is the last logical step to bundle the strengths of both companies even more efficiently, according to a statement from Goldbach Interactive. The decision to merge is a reaction to the merging of the two companies' business units, which has been observed for some time and which were already managed by a joint management team and merged in terms of location a year ago. The new organization provides a structural basis for the cooperation already practiced today.

For Frank Lang, Managing Director of Goldbach Interactive and the former Goldbach Mobile, this is a logical decision: "Today, mobile is an integral part of communication strategies and measures, which is why our customers want the complete orchestration of all digital channels. With the full integration of our mobile specialists into the existing campaign team, the synergies are brought together in a meaningful way. This enables us to offer efficient, innovative and technologically savvy solutions from a single source."

From the customer's point of view, the dividing line between the two companies was hardly noticeable, the statement continues. The merger, in turn, allows a significant sharpening of the agency profile and a corresponding expansion of the service portfolio. In the future, interdisciplinary teams will work on the various projects and campaigns without barriers and across the board. The merger is thus a further step in the consistent expansion of Goldbach Interactive's Zurich agency location.

But Goldbach Interactive (Switzerland) will continue to rely on two locations in the future: Zurich Wollishofen for comprehensive communication solutions, Biel for digital presences. After completion and registration of the merger, however, the legal headquarters will move from Biel to Zurich. Close cooperation between Biel and Zurich will continue to characterize the agency culture across locations.

Hannes Schmid's first major survey exhibition, currently on view at the Bern Art Museum, is an impressive testimony to his creative output: "Real Stories" shows over 150 works created since the 1970s. A curated part of the exhibition is currently also on view at Zurich Airport.

With the smartphone app "Hannes Schmid Exhibition 2013" developed by Goldbach Mobile, interested parties can scan the QR codes placed at the exhibition venues - and thus access additional information about the works on display online. The current app is designed for the exhibition at the Kunstmuseum Bern and Zurich Airport; adaptations for other locations such as Beijing are planned, according to a statement.

The app "Hannes Schmid - Real Stories HD" for iPhone and iPad is more than just a digital exhibition companion. With lots of background knowledge, additional images and videos, it is a virtual exhibition per se, a museum in 3D - especially one that can be visited outside opening hours. The combination of classical art and digital application, which seems contradictory at first glance, turns out to be highly exciting, Goldbach writes. It is thanks to the artist's openness and commitment that visitors can experience his "Real Stories" everywhere via smartphone and tablet.

The iPhone and iPad app "Hannes Schmid - Real Stories HD" and the smartphone app "Hannes Schmid Exhibition 2013" (iPhone and Android) are available free of charge. All content has been translated into eight languages and is available in English, French, German, Italian, Spanish, Japanese, Chinese and Russian.

Responsible at Goldbach Mobile: Frank Lang (overall responsibility), Andrea Dätwiler (project management and consulting), Ramona Vincenti, Roland Michelberger, Albrik Dürsteler, Marco Wettstein (implementation), Fabian Bürgy (design).

The apps developed by Goldbach Mobile are now available free of charge in the App Store. Readers of "Nordwestschweiz" thus have access to the latest news from all over the world, right down to their own adjustable municipality of residence - and the option of sending all articles via social media or mail. In addition, existing print subscribers get access to the complete, electronic edition of the regular daily newspaper; other interested readers can take out a subscription directly in the app to use this service.

The following regional editions are available:

AZ Aargauer Newspaper
BZ Basel
BZ Basellandschaftliche Zeitung
AZ Grenchner Tagblatt
AZ Limmattaler Newspaper
AZ Solothurn Newspaper

The apps are already optimized for iPhone 5 and require iOS 4.3. Versions for Android will follow in spring 2013.

Responsible at Die Nordwestschweiz: Rüdi Steiner (overall responsibility), André Zeiger (Head of Online). Responsible at Goldbach Mobile: Frank Lang (overall responsibility), Fabian Bürgy, R.A. Rebetez (creative direction/consulting), Helmut Lasser, Albrik Dürsteler, Roland Michelberger, Ramona Vincenti, Marco Wettstein (technology).