Counting a number of key players in the Swiss capital market in its client roster, Homburger is noted for its expertise advising clients on tax and regulatory aspects of capital markets transactions. Frank Gerhard and Benjamin Leisinger co-lead the practice, with the former possessing considerable expertise in IPO, private placements and innovative structures. Benedikt Maurenbrecher’s capabilities encompass regulatory capital instruments, debt, and asset-based and equity-linked transactions. Dieter Gericke and Daniel Daeniker are both particularly active within the life sciences sector, while René Bösch is routinely entrusted by clients to handle debt capital market transactions. Daniel Häusermann bolsters the practice with his broad practice, and Lee Saladino’s strengths lie in regulatory capital and other debt instruments.
Capital markets in Switzerland
Homburger
Practice head(s):
Frank Gerhard; Benjamin Leisinger
Other key lawyers:
Benedikt Maurenbrecher; Dieter Gericke; Daniel Daeniker; Rene Bosch; Daniel Hausermann; Lee Saladino; Stefan Kramer; Daniel Haeberli; Jürg Frick; Claude Lambert
Testimonials
‘I find Claude Lambert very responsive. He is a highly experienced lawyer and delivers solution focused advice specific to our business. He has a very good manner and approach with clients. I would highly recommend Claude as an expert in corporate governance, AGM practices, advising Boards and senior executive management.’
‘Claude Lambert’s spoken and written English is perfect which is extremely helpful when dealing with English speaking client. He delivers top class legal advice that is also practical. ’
‘Very good reputation in the market (they are the best in this field), strong recommendations, very good response times, meet quotes/budgets. Also very good value for money compared to other firms.’
‘They are experts in their field, they always have fast response times and answers as well as straightforward dealings. The team is solution-oriented and with a forward-looking view.’
‘Homburger supports us with a diverse team of hard-working subject matter experts, covering the whole range of capital markets (equity, debt, M&A). They are practical and pragmatic, and also clearly articulate the sometimes exotic Swiss law provisions. They come up with creative and compliant solutions.’
‘They are smart, creative, pragmatic, responsive and a pleasure to work with.’
‘Accurate, excellent co-operation, large track and relevant track record.’
‘An extremely reliable and highly committed team’
Key clients
UBS
Meyer Burger Technology
Dufry
Luzerner Kantonalbank
ADC Therapeutics
Santhera Pharmaceuticals Holding
MCH Group
VectivBio
Nice & Green
AMAG Leasing
Credit Suisse (Switzerland)
Pictet
Zürcher Kantonalbank
21Shares
Nestlé Holdings and Nestlé
Roche Holding
Raiffeisen Schweiz Genossenschaft
Commerzbank Aktiengesellschaft
Goldman Sachs
Bunge
Work highlights
Lenz & Staehelin
A team noted for its ‘long standing experience’, Lenz & Staehelin’s capital markets team maintains a broad offering and is well-equipped to handle a range of issues such as equity transactions, offerings of bonds and exchange offers, among others. Alongside this, the team demonstrates particular proficiency in relation to derivatives. ‘Outstanding’ Jacques Iffland spearheads the Geneva practice, with ‘well-connected’ Patrick Schleiffer and Tino Gaberthüel jointly leading the firm’s Zurich office. Marcel Tranchet bolsters the practice with his considerable expertise regarding financing matters, securities offering and regulatory matters. Ariel Ben Hattar and Patrick Schärli are also recommended.
Practice head(s):
Jacques Iffland; Patrick Schleiffer; Tino Gaberthüel
Other key lawyers:
Marcel Tranchet; Ariel Ben Hattar; Patrick Schärli
Testimonials
‘Strong team, great experience, always available and great to work with.’
‘Long standing experience and considerate advice.’
‘The team’s knowhow in the area of capital markets and in particular tokenized assets is outstanding as they perfectly understand how to bring together the relevant knowhow in the fields of IT, legal and business models.’
‘Lenz & Staehelin has been particularly crucial to further developing the ecosystem of tokenised securities in Switzerland and have played a vital part in setting standards for the industry.’
‘Jacques Iffland has played a key role in taking the capital markets in Switzerland to the next level. He not only supports his own clients, but also invests a great deal of time with his team in building a vibrant overall capital markets ecosystem in Switzerland.’
‘Jacques Iffland is well-known and respected in the Swiss capital markets community. He is one of the most outstanding lawyers I have ever worked with.’
‘Patrick Schleiffer and his team are well established in the market; they know the standards and advice in an effective manner.’
‘Patrick Schleiffer is an expert in his field. He is well-connected and also know the likely counterparts and how to deal with.’
Key clients
ABB E-mobility
Accelleron
Allwyn Entertainment
Bank of America
Bank of New Zealand
Banorte – Banco Mercantil de Norte S.A., Mexico
Blackrock
Bobst Group SA
Bundesverband Deutscher Banken (BBV)
Capital Martkets and Technology Association (CMTA)
Compagnie Financière Richemont
Credit Suisse, UBS
DB ETC plc
Deutsche Bank
Edizione (Benetton family)
Edmond de Rothschild
Geberit AG
International Swaps and Derivatives Association (ISDA)
Invesco
LafargeHolcim
Morgan Stanley, BofA Securities and Cowen Inc
National Australia Bank NAB
NJJ Holding (Xavier Niel)
ObsEva SA
On Holding AG
Pictet
Raiffeisen Schweiz Genossenschaft
Saudi National Bank
Sika
SoftwareONE
Stadler Rail
Swissquote
UBS
VTG Aktiengesellschaft
Westpac Banking Corporation
Wisdom Tree
Work highlights
- Advised ABB and Accelleron Industries Ltd. on the spin-off of Accelleron Industries Ltd, which operates ABB’s former turbocharger business, and initial listing of Accelleron on SIX Swiss Exchange.
- Advised ABB and ABB E-Mobility on a pre-IPO private placement. ABB E-mobility, a global leader in electric vehicle (EV) charging solutions, successfully completed a pre-IPO private placements in the total amount of approximately CHF 525m through issuance of new shares to new minority shareholders.
- Advised SCCF on the issuance of short-term tokenized notes (tokenised by using the CMTAT smart contract framework published by the Capital Markets and Technology Association).
Niederer Kraft Frey AG
Recommended for being ‘client-focused and commercial’, Niederer Kraft Frey AG’s breadth of expertise encompasses debt, equity and hybrid capital market products. The team routinely handles large-scale IPOs and public tender offers alongside a host of other complex transactions. The firm’s new Geneva office, which opened in January 2023, expands the team’s capabilities in this area. Daniel Bono, who assists clients with a diverse scope of issues from equity capital market transactions to finance transactions, and Thomas Brönnimann, who is particularly experienced in handling matters for listed entities and other large enterprises, are key contacts in the practice. Philipp Haas is entrusted by clients to handle equity and convertible debt transactions and market conduct rules, while Philippe Weber is geared to handle IPOs, rights offerings and asset-backed securities.
Other key lawyers:
Daniel Bono; Thomas Brönnimann; Philipp Haas; Philippe Weber; Marco Häusermann; Andrea Giger; Philip Spoerlé; Deirdre Ni Annrachain
Testimonials
‘Client-focused and commercial. Well reputed, respected and dynamic.’
‘Andrea Giger and Philip Spoerlé are very knowledgeable, client-focused and commercial. Deirdre Ni Annrachain has a broad experience across different sectors and is very good at prospectus drafting.’
‘Great team commitment, 24/7 availability.’
‘Philipp Haas is a great guy; he is fully committed, no matter how chaotic it may occasionally get.’
‘Great mix of different characters in partnership, with Thomas Brönnimann complementing Philipp Haas’s practice in certain areas perfectly.’
‘Accurate, excellent co-operation and a large track and relevant track record.’
Key clients
Axpo Holding AG
Bain and Cinven
Bank Julius Baer Ltd.
Banking syndicate consisting of Berenberg, Zürcher Kantonalbank and Commerzbank
Banking syndicate led by BofA Securities, SVB Leerink and Credit Suisse
Bell Food Group
China International Capital Corporation (UK) Limited
CLSA Limited
CoinShares
Credit Suisse AG
Digital Realty
Dr. Ing. H.c. F. Porsche AG
EQT, VFS Group
Fomento Económico Mexicano, S.A.B. de C.V.
Gategroup
Global Blue Group Holding AG
Goldman Sachs International
Gotion High-Tech Co., Ltd.
Helvetische Bank
Huatai Financial Holdings, Guotai Securities
Idorsia Ltd
Industry Standard Opinions for Repos and Securities Lending
ING Bank N.V. Singapore Branch
Joh. Berenberg, Gossler & Co KG, Commerzbank AG
Julius Baer Group Ltd.
Kernkraftwerk Leibstadt AG
Macquire Group Limited (MGL)
Meyer Burger Technology AG
Sportradar Group AG
Swiss Confederation
Swiss Finance & Property AG
Swiss Re, Glencore, JP Morgan, Citibank, BNP Paribas, Credit Suisse, Merrill Lynch International, Morgan Stanley, HSBC, Natwest, UBS Limited, Deutsche Bank, Standard Chartered
Swiss Steel Group AG
UBS AG
UBS Switzerland AG, Credit Suisse (Switzerland) Ltd., Deutsche Bank Luxembourg S.A., NATIXIS, Zürcher Kantonalbank
Zhejiang Huayou Cobalt Co., Ltd.
Work highlights
- Acted as Swiss counsel to Porsche on its international initial public offering and listing on Frankfurt Stock Exchange, being the largest IPO ever carried out in Europe in terms of the market capitalisation of around EUR 78bn.
- Advised the Swiss Confederation on the conclusion of a Loss Protection Agreement (LPA) with UBS Group AG. The loss protection guarantee governed by the LPA is a cornerstone element of the merger between UBS and Credit Suisse and became effective with the completion of the merger on 12 June 2023.
- Acted on each of the inaugural issuances of global depository receipts (GDRs) under the newly launched China-Switzerland Stock Connect programme, taking four Chinese companies public on SIX Swiss Exchange.
Advestra
The ‘super focused’ team at Advestra, while fielding a broad capital markets offering, is routinely engaged by clients to manage rights offerings, issuance of shares and a diverse multitude of other cross-border work. Thomas Reutter is reputed for his work involving innovative capital market instruments, while Annette Weber advises on a diverse range of equity and debt capital market transactions. Sandro Fehlmann bolsters the practice with his expertise in handling regulatory hybrid instruments. Alexander von Jeinsen advises issuers and banks on a variety of complex transactions.
Other key lawyers:
Thomas Reutter; Annette Weber; Sandro Fehlmann; Alexander von Jeinsen
Testimonials
‘Super focused team of a great size, always reachable.’
‘Strong partner attention is received, but the team also has solid and reliable grounds below partner level.’
‘Very knowledgeable, they can cover all sorts of products and areas of law.’
‘Alexander von Jeinsen, Sandro Feldmann, Annette Weber are all very strong and charismatic partners. Great pleasure to work with.
‘Hands-on like no other Swiss law firm. Highly experienced and quick – they deliver what is needed.’
‘They have the knowledge and the strong backbone to defend a client’s case in a highly diplomatic way.’
Key clients
Salt Mobile S.A:
Joincare Pharmaceutical Group Industry
BofA Securities
Goldman Sachs International
Credit Suisse
Jefferies
SIG Group
UBS AG
Ningbo Shanshan Co., Ltd
Lonza Group
ABN Amro
J.P. Morgan
Sunwoda Electronic Co., Ltd.
ZKB
Swiss Prime Site
Barclays
Deutsche Bank
Santander
Commerzbank
Ares Management Corporation
Zhejiang HangKE Technology Incorporated Company
Zhejiang Supcon Technlogoy
Work highlights
- Advised the Goldman Sachs, ABN AMRO and J.P. Morgan on the accelerated book building by DSM-Firmenich related to the buy-out of shares not tendered in the exchange offer to DSM shareholders.
- Advised real estate company Swiss Prime Site on the issuance of convertible loan notes in the aggregate amount of CHF 275m to ELM B.V., a repackaging vehicle.
- Advised on multiple listings on SIX Swiss Exchange of Global Depositary Receipts by PRC-domiciled issuers, including, most recently, Zhejiang Supcon Technology, Zhejiang HangKe Technology, and Sunwoda Electronic Co., Ltd.
Baker McKenzie Switzerland AG
Entrusted to assist clients with a range of domestic and international transactions, Baker McKenzie’s ‘responsive and pragmatic’ team is well-equipped to advise on matters pertaining to equity and debt transactions, derivatives, securitisation and structured finance. Practice head Matthias Courvoisier is especially knowledgeable in equity capital market transactions and equity linked debt, such as IPOs and public takeovers. Ansgar Schott specialises in structured products and investment funds, to name a few. Yves Mauchle, who has recently been promoted to partner, advises clients with complex mandates that involve IPOs, GDR offerings and high yield bonds. Tanja Schmid is another key figure to note in the practice.
Practice head(s):
Matthias Courvoisier
Other key lawyers:
Ansgar Schott; Yves Mauchle; Tanja Schmid
Testimonials
‘Ansgar Schott can summarise even the most complex issues in the simplest way to enable senior management to make the necessary decisions. He is able to work under pressure, always keeps an overview and is available to provide advice and support in urgent cases.’
‘Ansgar Schott stands out for his ability to find solutions and negotiate contracts at the highest level, even on complex issues. He is also known for his pragmatic approach to finding solutions with high legal quality, and for always trying to get the best for his clients, be it in a contract negotiation or in a project.’
‘A very hands-on team, super responsive and pragmatic in their approach.’
Key clients
VT5 Acquisition Company AG
GEM Ltd
Cicor Technologies Ltd.
Artemis Holding AG
Implantica AG
Société Générale
Cosmo Pharmaceuticals N.V.
Varia US Properties AG
Zur Rose Group AG
SEBA Bank AG
Occlutech Holding AG
Intershop Holding AG
Comet Holding AG
Stifel Europe Bank AG
Investis Holding AG
PSP Swiss Property AG
Morgan Stanley
Basilea Pharmaceutica AG
Arbonia AG
Bank Vontobel
Feintool
Helveteq AG
Zürcher Kantonalbank
Credit Suisse AG
UBS
Skandinaviska Enskilda Banken
Highbridge Capital Management, LLC
Leonteq
CLSA Limited
Joincare Pharmaceutical
KSA Group
Meier Capital AG
Work highlights
- Acted as legal advisor on the successful offering and listings of Global Depositary Receipts (GDR) on SIX Swiss Exchange (SIX) of four Chinese companies — GEM Co., Ltd., Gotion High-tech Co., Ltd., Keda Industrial Group Co., Ltd. and Ningbo Shanshan Co., Ltd. The four companies are the first to issue GDR in the Swiss capital market through the China-Switzerland Stock Connect, after China Securities Regulatory Commission reformed the Stock Connect scheme and the Swiss regulators recently finalized the revised SIX listing rules in late July 2022.
- Advised Cicor Technologies Ltd on the exercise of its option to reopen its issuance of mandatory convertible bonds due 2027 in an amount corresponding to CHF 40m and to sell those bonds to One Equity Partners (“OEP”).
- Advised Feintool International Holding AG (“Feintool”) on its capital increase by approximately CHF 202m via a rights offering.
Bär & Karrer Ltd.
Spearheaded by ‘outstanding’ Rolf Watter, Ralph Malacrida, Lukas Roesler and Urs Kägi, Bär & Karrer Ltd. is sought out by clients for its expertise in the issuance of bonds and notes, as well as in relation to equity-linked and regulatory capital instruments. The team possesses vast experience in the banking, industrials, technology and healthcare fields. Frédéric Bétrisey is the key contact for capital markets in the firm’s Geneva office, whereas Paolo Bottini is the key contact in the Lugano office.
Practice head(s):
Rolf Watter; Ralph Malacrida; Lukas Roesler; Urs Kägi
Other key lawyers:
Frédéric Bétrisey; Paolo Bottini; Dieter Dubs
Testimonials
‘High-value advice, to the point and delivered quickly.’
‘Practical approach to solutions.’
‘Rolf Watter is an outstanding resource for corporate legal, Corporate Finance and governance subject matters. He is extremely responsive, quick to understand issues, quick to deliver legal support and very pragmatic in his approach. ’
‘The firm has a network and lawyers specialised in the relevant laws in all areas, both nationally and internationally.’
‘The employees are competent and quickly find a solution. Urs Kägi has been serving us for years and in many complex issues he was able to find a solution quickly, precisely and efficiently.’
Key clients
Firmenich / DSM
Lonza Group AG
Cohn Robbins Holdings Corp.
Highlight Event and Entertainment AG
Perfect Holding SA
Liechtensteinische Landesbank
Tyco Electronics Group S.A.
Interogo Holding
Syngenta Finance AG
Cavotec SA
Global InterConnection Group
Disruptive Capital Acquisition Company Ltd.
Hoffmann
Commerzbank AG
Work highlights
- Advising Firmenich in its Merger with DSM. On 31 May 2022, DSM and Firmenich announced a cross-border merger-of-equals which unites two iconic companies into a leading creation and innovation partner in nutrition, beauty and well-being. The new parent company will be located in Switzerland and listed on Euronext Amsterdam.
Kellerhals Carrard
A ‘pragmatic, solution-oriented and efficient’ team, Kellerhals Carrard routinely operates for banks and large companies, with particular expertise in asset management and financial services, as well as digital capital markets. Transaction expert Beat Brechbühl and Dominik Oberholzer steer the team, with the latter being particularly active in the field of asset management and listed financial products. Luca Bianchi is often engaged in the regulation of financial services, institutions and infrastructures, while Jean-Luc Chenaux’s expertise encompasses IPO and capital market transactions.
Practice head(s):
Beat Brechbuehl; Dominik Oberholzer
Other key lawyers:
Luca Bianchi; Jean-Luc Chenaux; Christian Witschi
Testimonials
‘The team is pragmatic, solution-oriented and efficient. Besides that, they understand entrepreneurship from the bottom, take new roads and find innovative solutions.’
‘Beat Brechbühl is highly efficient, a very strong negotiator and quick in analysis; he is very business oriented and fun to work with. The whole team is recommended.’
‘High personal commitment and partner attention.’
‘Beat Brechbühl is highly experienced. He is a good leader (not only an advisor), hands-on, very efficient and pragmatic and comes up with creative solutions. Especially worth mentioning his proximity to his clients and his complete understanding of their needs.’
‘Luca Bianchi is very quick and smart, thorough but pragmatic, highly efficient and very nice and good advice.’
‘They follow an “embedded lawyers” concept in which one or several specialists dedicates his time for the project or the case only and is ready to be on site.’
‘They use technology tools (such as data processing in DD) but in a smart way: we as the clients don’t see it, but we profit with respect to efficiency and billing.’
‘Beat Brechbühl is precise, fast and pragmatic.’
Key clients
Bank Vontobel
BKW AG
BV Holding/Skan
Dätwyler Holding Inc.
Deutsche Bank
Disruptive Issuance PCC Ltd
Edisun Power Europe AG
Franklin Templeton
Galenica
Kursaal Bern AG
Macquarie
MoonLake Immunotherapeutics AG
Neur.on
RealUnit Schweiz AG
STILLE AB
Sygnum Bank
UBS AG
Vaudoise Assurances Holding SA
Vifor Pharma
Work highlights
- Advised BKW AG as borrower of its CHF 1.5bn syndicated multicurrency revolving credit facility. The transaction is BKW’s largest debt funding transaction of all time.
- Advised Galenica on their successful placement of a bond of over CHF 240m.
- Advised Dätwyler Holding Inc. (SIX: DAE) on their successful placement of a CHF 240m fixed rate bond.
MLL Legal
Capable of handling international cross-border mandates, MLL Legal demonstrates notable expertise in IPOs, private placements, rights and debts offerings as well as exchange offers. Praised by clients for its ‘excellent cooperation’, the practice is regularly entrusted to assist issuers and investment banks on complex transactions. Wolfgang Müller and Catrina Luchsinger Gähwiler jointly helm the team, with the latter focusing on structuring investment products. Christoph Heiz has recently handled bond restructurings and capital market regulatory matters, while Andrea Sieber is notably active in regulated industries, as well as the entertainment, retail and luxury field. Mark Montanari and Daniel Schoch are other key names to note.
Practice head(s):
Wolfgang Müller; Catrina Luchsinger Gähwiler
Other key lawyers:
Christoph Heiz; Andrea Sieber; Mark Montanari; Daniel Schoch
Testimonials
‘Collaboration works well. Work is not duplicated, but efficiently divided between work product creation and review.’
‘Wolfgang Müller is very responsive, has a great deal of expertise and can communicate the results of work in an understandable and concise manner.’
‘The team covers all of our needs, has a high level of competence and is responsive.’
‘Wolfgang Müller has been incredibly supportive to our company through difficult periods where other people/firms may have given up on the company. He has a very strong knowledge across corporate law, litigation, personnel matters and general business.’
Key clients
Allreal Holding AG
Burkhalter Holding AG
Calida Holding AG
DOTTIKON ES HOLDING AG
HIAG Immobilien Holding AG
Iconic Funds BTC ETN GmbH
Liontrust Asset Management PLC
Meyer Burger Technology AG
Nova Property Fund Management AG
Novavest Real Estate AG
Schlatter Industries AG
Senioresidenz AG
Talenthouse AG
Trifork Holding AG
VanEck
Work highlights
- Advising UK-based Liontrust Asset Management PLC in its widely observed public exchange offer for all shares of SIX-listed GAM Holding AG; the offer prospectus was published on 13 June 2023.
- Advised Burkhalter Holding AG in the merger and takeover of SIX-listed poenina holding ag and the listing of the new Burkhalter shares on SIX Swiss Exchange thereby creating a company with a market cap exceeded CHF 750m based on the closing share price of 29 June 2022.
- Advised Allreal Holding AG in the issue of a 5-year green bond at 3% p.a., issue price 100.057%, in the amount of CHF 150m in April 2023. Zürcher Kantonalbank, Credit Suisse and UBS acted as joint bookrunners.
Pestalozzi
While possessing particular expertise in debt capital market transactions and listings, among others, Pestalozzi’s capabilities extend from high yield bond issues and structured product programmes to a diverse range of innovative transactions. Christian Leuenberger and ‘outstanding’ Oliver Widmer steer the practice, with the former specialising in equity capital market transactions and public takeovers, while the latter counts a diverse array of clients, from banks to high net worth individuals, in his roster. Urs Klöti is recommended for his expertise in regulatory and compliance matters and Beat Schwarz is noted for his expertise in debt capital markets work. Severin Roelli is also recommended.
Practice head(s):
Christian Leuenberger; Oliver Widmer
Other key lawyers:
Urs Klöti; Beat Schwarz; Severin Roelli; Franz Schubiger; Sébastien Roy; Andrea Huber
Testimonials
‘Quick to grasp situations and knowledgeable in operational and organisational aspects of financial services.’
‘Concise drafters in English and German. Practical advice, can also provide client form proposals and text blocks.’
‘Not risk averse but they shine a clear light on risk and risk assessment factors.’
‘Great, diversified team.’
‘Oliver Widmer is our long term main coverage partner. Outstanding professional, has deep sector know how.’
‘Oliver Widmer is hard working and a very skilled lawyer.’
Key clients
Achiko AG
Bank of America Merrill Lynch
Citigroup
Coca Cola HCB
Credit Suisse
Deutsche Bank
Glencore
Goldman Sachs
H.C. Wainwright & Co
Helix Acquisition Corp
Instimatch
J.P. Morgan
L1 Capital
Leclanché
Mettler2Invest
Noble
RiverRock European Capital Partners LLP
Schlumberger
STX Fixed Income
SVB Leerink
Swisscom
Vicenda
Work highlights
- Advised Coca Cola Hellenic Bottling on the renewal of the bond programme in the amount of CHF 5bn and several issuances in the amount of more than CHF 1bn under such programme.
- Advised Leclanché on the implementation of the CHF 350m carve-out of its eTransport business into a separate entity effective as of 1 January 2022 including post-closing implementation. Also advised Leclanché in connection with a CHF 66m private placement (2023).
- Advised Noble Corporation and its Swiss financing companies in its re-financing of USD 1.3bn and acted as co-ordinator for the transaction.
Schellenberg Wittmer Ltd
Noted for its ‘tailor-made advice and deep knowledge of the market’, Schellenberg Wittmer Ltd is well versed in mandates arising from financial services, industrial and energy sectors, among others. The team, which is led by Philippe Borens and Tarek Houdrouge, is capable of advising an array of clients on public takeovers and exchange traded products. Borens excels in the area of equity and debt capital markets and Houdroudge strengthens the team with his knowledge in cross-border trade receivables securitisation and derivative transactions. Olivier Favre’s client base encompasses financial institutions, buy-side firms and issuers. Pascal Hubli and Lorenzo Olgiati are also recommended. In December 2022, Martin Lanz retired from the practice.
Testimonials
‘Up-to-date expertise on derivatives documentation and exceptional client servicing.’
‘Very knowledgeable individuals; they are up to speed and very precise. ’
‘Philippe Borens and his team are extremely accurate and available at any time. ’
‘Strong availability and very responsive, which was very helpful during the project.’
‘Tailor-made advice and deep knowledge of the market to support our company, which helped to deliver on time.’
‘The team is proactive, responsive and is well aware of what is market practice, which makes the overall process very efficient and the negotiation very smooth.’
‘Christoph Vonlanthen is very experienced, has a very pragmatic approach and is solution orientated. This makes the overall process very efficient and the negotiation very smooth ’
‘I worked a lot with Christoph Vonlanthen and his team. They are very professional, always available to exchange and brainstorm and they have very good knowledge of the market as they are involved in a lot of transactions.’
Key clients
BNP Paribas (various entities in UK, Ireland, France, Germany and Switzerland)
Bank Reichmuth
AXA Life Ltd
Barclays Bank PLC
First Quantum Minerals
Schroder & Co Bank
Ams-OSRAM AG
Bank Vontobel
Raiffeisen Switzerland
Spice Private Equity Ltd (formerly APEN / AIG Private Equity Ltd)
Deutsche Bank
Zurich Kantonalbank, Zurich
Credit Suisse AG
UBS AG
InRoll AG
International Swaps and Derivatives Association (ISDA)
Futures Industry Association (FIA)
Swiss Bankers Association (SBA)
China Construction Bank
Leonteq Securities AG
Standard Chartered
Helvetische Bank AG
Bauwerk Boen AG
Reuss Private Group AG
Mirabaud Asset Management
REYL & Cie SA
PIERER Mobility AG
Technogroup IT Services AG
OC Oerlikon Corporation Pfäffikon
Conforama Suisse SA
Brera Partners Switzerland AG
CAT Financial Products Ltd.
Work highlights
- Acted as counsel to BNP Paribas (Suisse) SA as lead manager in the issuances by e.on SE of CHF 155m senior fixed notes due 2025 and CHF 145m senior fixed notes due 2029, both listed and admitted to trading on SIX Swiss Exchange.
- Acted as Swiss to several Canadian banks as issuers of CF notes and CHF covered bonds, all listed and admitted to trading on SIX Swiss Exhange. The notes and bonds were issued under the banks’ programmes for the issuance of debt instruments.
- Acted as counsel to Leonteq Securities AG (Leonteq) for the annual renewal and update of its FinSA Programme for the issuance of structured products, warrants and other debt instruments, which was approved by the SIX Exchange Regulation on 22 September 2021. Advised Leonteq on the drafting of such Programme and its approval by the SIX Exchange Regulation in view of compliance with the FinSA.
VISCHER
Praised for its ‘responsiveness and in-depth knowledge of the market’, VISCHER’s capabilities include the listing of domestic and international equity, debt and issuance programmes, among others. The team also possesses substantial expertise in managing an extensive variety of bond issues. Leading the practice is Adrian Dörig, who demonstrates strengths in structured finance transactions, alongside various regulatory and contractual issues. Markus Guggenbühl bolsters the practice with his considerable experience advising on debt, equity and hybrid financial instruments. Robert Bernet fields a strong practice in the corporate sphere, and Jana Essebier possesses a wealth of experience in assisting clients with derivatives, structured products and other financial instruments.
Practice head(s):
Adrian Dörig
Other key lawyers:
Markus Guggenbühl; Robert Bernet; Jana Essebier; Matthias Staehelin; Stefan Grieder
Testimonials
‘I love working with the team because of their responsiveness and in-depth knowledge of the market.’
‘Jana Essebier shows a a true interest in their clients and thoroughly know what moves them.’
‘They are very hands on and responsive.’
‘Vischer’s team is pragmatic, intellectually rigorous and strategic. Their no nonsense approach is value added in court proceedings in Switzerland and highly appreciated by clients and courts alike.’
Key clients
Elliott Advisors (UK) Limited
RELIEF THERAPEUTICS Holding SA
Elementum Metals Securities plc
PricewaterhouseCoopers AG acting as liquidator of Lehman Brothers in Switzerland
Kuros Biosciences AG
Spexis AG (formerly Polyphor AG)
Forty51 Advisors AG
Work highlights
- Acting as Swiss legal advisor to legendary hedge fund Elliott in relation to various matters with Swiss ends or involvements.
- Advised Relief Therapeutics Holding SA in essentially all its major (capital markets) transactions and on compliance with capital markets and stock exchange rules.
- Advising regarding listing at the SIX Swiss Exchange of, and investment in, global depository receipts (GDRs) of Chinese issuers representing their A shares listed at the Shanghai or Shenzhen Stock Exchange.
CMS von Erlach Partners Ltd.
Led by Matthias Kuert, CMS von Erlach Partners Ltd.’s capital markets practice counts a consortium of clients, from global listed companies to industrial enterprises, in its roster. The team covers a variety of matters in the remit of capital markets, including fintech, proxy fights and an array of compliance issues. Kuert advises clients in general contract, commercial and financial law matters, while Tina Balzli is routinely engaged by leading Swiss and foreign financial institutions to handle a broad scope of matters.
Practice head(s):
Matthias Kuert
Other key lawyers:
Tina Balzli
Testimonials
‘The whole CMS team is very harmonious. Our enquiries are passed on very promptly to the respective colleagues according to their expertise.’
‘Our direct contact person, Matthias Kürt, remains informed and keeps an eye on our concerns as a whole.’
‘Matthias Kürt has so far advised us very competently, quickly and purposefully on matters relating to capital market law (Swiss IPOs), share tokenisation and employee share ownership. Compared to other law firms and lawyers, it stands out that Matthias Kürt always responds very promptly.’
‘We feel that we are in very good hands, both professionally and personally.’
Key clients
Talenthouse AG
Aequitec AG
Wockhardt Bio AG
Work highlights
- Advising the board of Talenthouse AG on various private placements to investors and investments by the company.
- Advising Wockhardt Bio AG on the voluntary de-listing of its shares from BX Swiss Exchange AG.
- Advising Aequitec on its innovative share registry services offering, which Aequitec also provides to public companies.
GHR Rechtsanwälte
Acting for a range of clients extending from privately owned and listed companies to private individuals, boutique firm GHR Rechtsanwälte maintains a broad offering that encompasses IPOs, rights offerings and bond issuances, among others. Practice head Marc Gruninger bolsters the practice with his expertise in corporate governance, compliance and shareholder relations. Stefan Hofer is another name to note in the practice.
Practice head(s):
Marc Grüninger
Other key lawyers:
Stefan Hofer
Key clients
CEMEX, S.A.B. de C.V.
Koa Switzerland AG, KOA Impact Ghana Ltd
Work highlights
- Acted for CEMEX, S.A.B. de C.V. (NYSE: CX) in connection with its new €500m 3-year unsecured sustainability-linked Term Loan.
- Advised Koa Switzerland & Ghana on the Establishment of Senior Loan Facilities in February 2022.
Prager Dreifuss AG
Prager Dreifuss AG principally covers the planning and implementation of IPOs and stock exchange regulation for clients that include listed companies and banks. Urs Bertschinger spearheads the practice, contributing his considerable experience in financial market regulation and financial products. Andreas Moll is geared to handle domestic and cross-border transactions.
Practice head(s):
Urs Bertschinger
Other key lawyers:
Andreas Moll
Work highlights
Wenger Vieli Ltd
Providing clients with ‘tailored expertise’, Wenger Vieli Ltd fields a broad offering that covers equity and debt capital market matters, as well as advising clients on digitisation and tokenisation. Pascal Honold helms the practice, strengthening the team with his wealth of experience in handling public takeover bids, disclosure requirements and debt instruments, among others. ‘Proactive’ Beat Speck and Wolfgang Zürcher are also recommended.
Other key lawyers:
Beat Speck; Wolfgang Zürcher
Testimonials
‘Deep understanding of local and global markets ensures solutions tailored to any client’s needs.’
‘Personalised advice and a genuine understanding of the business.’
Comprehensive skills across all capital market transactions, delivered efficiently.’
‘The team provides transparent billing that include client-friendly models with clear breakdowns.’
‘A blend of backgrounds, which enhances their problem-solving.’
‘Wenger Vieli stands out in the crowded legal sector with their tailored expertise and innovative practices.’
‘Beat Speck is proactive with excellent analytical skills; he brings a personal touch and vast industry network.
Key clients
Sygnum Bank
NLS Pharmaceutics
Burckhardt Compression Holding
Vontobel Holding
Züblin Immobilien Holding
Turnqey
Alegra Capital
Daimler
Swiss Property
Private Equity Holding
u-blox Holding
Crealogix Holding
Work highlights
- Advised NLS Pharmaceutics on PIPE transaction.
- Advised NLS Pharmaceutics on its private placement and conversion of existing short-term notes