Three North American companies active in the fields of medical and information technology have decided to set up offices in towns in canton Berne, creating 40 new jobs.

The United States company, IXYS, which makes electrical semiconductors and spares, has chosen the town of Brügg, near the bilingual town of Biel, as the location of its international office.

Twenty jobs are expected to be created there in the medium term.

Two Canadian companies have chosen the federal capital itself for their offices. International Medical Innovation (IMI), which markets medical diagnostic equipment, is setting up its Swiss branch in the city of Berne.

Ten people will be employed by IMI to oversee marketing, sales and distribution to Europe and Asia.

The other company is Partner Canada International, active in the field of technology transfers, which is setting up its European headquarters in Berne. It said the proximity to some of the biggest pharmaceutical companies had played a role in its choice of location.

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