A person performs a split between two moving Volvo trucks on an empty road at sunset, with the parallel trucks in a dramatic shot created by Swedish visual effects studio SWISS. Frame from Stash Magazine article.

Haymaker VFX acquires Swedish Visual Effects Studio SWISS

From the release:

Haymaker VFX has acquired Swedish visual effects studio SWISS, bringing together two long-established names in high-end VFX to strengthen Haymaker’s creative and production presence in Stockholm. The acquisition forms part of Haymaker VFX’s wider growth strategy as the studio expands its capacity and international reach across advertising, entertainment, and immersive experiences.

Founded by Alex Hansson, Haymaker VFX has built a strong position across high-end advertising and entertainment, with operations in Gothenburg and Los Angeles and now an expanding presence in Stockholm. Its North American operation, led by Leslie Sorrentino, provides a local base for the studio’s growing relationships with agencies, production companies and entertainment clients across the market.

Haymaker VFX has recorded three consecutive years of growth, with revenue increasing by approximately 57% between 2024 and 2025, as its international client base and project work have expanded. Recent work includes Amazon Prime’s Fallout – Season 2 and The Wizard of Oz at Sphere.

SWISS, established in 2002, has built an exceptional reputation in visual effects and animation, working with leading directors, agencies, production companies and brands internationally. Particularly well known for its work in high-end advertising, its work includes Volvo Trucks’ The Epic Split, winner of two Grand Prix at Cannes Lions. Their artists and creative talent now join Haymaker VFX, adding significant creative depth and capacity to its Stockholm operation.

The SWISS brand will remain, preserving more than two decades of creative heritage and industry recognition. The two companies also share a strong cultural fit, with a common focus on craft, creative ambition and close collaboration.

Alongside its creative capabilities, Haymaker VFX has invested extensively in technology and pipeline development, integrating new tools – including AI – where they can improve creative and production workflows.

“SWISS has built an internationally respected brand, body of work, and team over more than twenty years. We share the same passion for craft, creative ambition and close collaboration, which makes this a very natural fit. Bringing our strengths together gives Haymaker VFX greater creative depth and capacity at a time when we are ready to accelerate our international growth and take on more of the world’s most demanding projects, while staying true to the boutique model that defines us.” – Alex Hansson, Founder and CEO, Haymaker VFX

“North America remains a major growth market for Haymaker VFX. Clients increasingly want partners that can stay close and responsive while still having the depth to handle larger, more complex scopes. The addition of SWISS strengthens what we can offer those clients without changing the way we work with them.” – Leslie Sorrentino, President, North America, Haymaker VFX

“SWISS has always been about craft, creative ambition and the people behind the work. Joining Haymaker VFX gives our team the opportunity to build on that heritage as part of a broader international platform with the same creative values.” – Erik Holmedal, SWISS