The Legal 500

‘An efficient, user-friendly and commercial choice’, Baker & McKenzie provides ‘more practical solutions than some of its competitors’. Its strong position in the Swiss market is evidenced by a broad deal sheet that spans rights offerings, IPOs and bond offerings. Co-led by Martin Anderson in Geneva, and Theodor Härtsch and Matthias Courvoisier in Zurich, the practice is excellent in both cities. In 2012, the firm advised Fundamenta Real Estate on a CHF30m rights offering. Other clients include Yorkville Advisors and Weatherford International.

Bär & Karrer AG’s ‘business-oriented, supportive and co-operative’ group has ‘a very deep bench of highly experienced practitioners’. In a major headline deal, the firm recently advised DKSH Holding on its CHF900m IPO on the SIX Swiss Exchange. Practice head Thomas Reutter is ‘attentive and highly commercial’, Rolf Watter is ‘very experienced and well known in Switzerland’, Ralph Malacrida is ‘a hands-on and no-nonsense capital market specialist’, and Eric Stupp is ‘very intelligent with a broad scope of corporate and banking skills’.

‘Industry leader’ Homburger provides ‘simply outstanding service that always exceeds expectations’, and provides clients with ‘a very precise and safe landing on business points without compromising on the legal side of advice’. In 2012, the firm advised Credit Suisse on the CHF3.8bn issuance of subordinated mandatory and contingent convertible securities. Practice head René Bösch is ‘a triple-A lawyer and extremely well connected’, Daniel Daeniker has ‘the highest reputation in M&A and capital markets law’, and Frank Gerhard is ‘an outstanding capital markets lawyer’.

Lenz & Staehelin’s ‘very thorough team’ has ‘good knowledge of transactions and the industry’. Recent highlights include advising the Hellenic Republic on the restructuring of its CHF650m Swiss-law governed bond, which is listed on the SIX Swiss Exchange. François Rayroux is ‘knowledgeable in derivatives and capital market transactions, both locally and cross-border’. Additionally, Patrick Schleiffer ‘knows the market inside out’, and Jacques Iffland is also recommended.

Niederer Kraft & Frey AG has ‘extremely good knowledge of the rules and precedents of the Swiss market’, and gives ‘innovative, clear and robust advice’. Its lawyers have ‘strong experience of acting on deals for both issuers and syndicate banks, allowing an informed view of the other side’s expectations’. Among recent transactions, the team advised Qatar Holding on its participation in Credit Suisse’s CHF3.8bn capital raising. Practice head François Bianchi is ‘always clear and practical and unequivocal’, and Philippe Weber is ‘commercial, provides very clear advice and is extremely hardworking’.

Walder Wyss Ltd has ‘in-house expertise across all fields required for securitisation’, and recently ‘developed an in-depth knowledge of a new and unique segment’. The practice’s lawyers are highly regarded for their ‘practical knowledge of how to get things done in Switzerland’, with the ‘technically robust’ Johannes Bürgi and the ‘extremely responsive and knowledgeable’ Francis Nordmann being singled out. The team is advising JPMorgan Chase and UBS on a capital increase by a SIX-listed company and also advised the Klöckner Group on a large private placement bonds issuance.

Clients appreciate Meyerlustenberger Lachenal’s ‘experience in equity capital markets, especially real estate work’, and praise the team as being ‘supportive, pragmatic, fast, and single-minded’. The practice advises banks, issuers and investors on the full spread of equity and debt work, and Christoph Heiz is recommended.

Pestalozzi has a strong structured finance practice and excels at debt capital markets work. The practice, which has ‘extensive cross-border and international experience’, regularly advises Rabobank International on regulatory matters relating to the offering of structured products. Urs Klöti is ‘highly responsive and always to the point’, and Oliver Widmer has ‘an excellent reputation in the area of banking and financial issues’.

Schellenberg Wittmer advised Swiss-based Schlatter Holding on its CHF19.3m share capital increase through the issuance of 133,333 new registered shares. Other clients include Züblin Immobilien and Raiffeisen Switzerland Cooperative. Martin Lanz is ‘pragmatic and co-operative’, Philippe Borens is ‘experienced and accurate’, and Jean-Yves De Both is also recommended.

Vischer’s ‘very practical and solution-driven’ team continues to advise Bank Julius Baer on securities and derivatives matters including stock exchange regulation. Practice head Markus Guggenbühl is ‘highly experienced’ and provides ‘even greater quality levels than some top-tier firms’.

Although better known for its equity practice, Wenger & Vieli has handled a significant amount of debt work over the past year and is advising a major Swiss company on its private placement of notes. Wolfgang Zürcher is ‘a responsive and knowledgeable lawyer’.

Bratschi Wiederkehr & Buob advised ADECCO on several of its recent capital markets transactions, and also has an active regulatory practice. Christian Stambach heads the team.

Jürg Guggisberg heads the capital markets team at CMS, which acted on several Swiss franc denominated bond issues during 2012. It is also regularly instructed on collective investment schemes and international capital markets transactions.

Froriep Renggli impresses with its ‘depth of know-how across all related areas’, and for ‘not watching the clock for every enquiry you have’. The team advised Bank of Tokyo Mitsubishi on a bond issuance by the Brazilian Development Bank.

GHR Rechtsanwälte’s ‘very balanced team fields the right level of experienced partners and associates’. The team recently advised the government of a Swiss Canton as issuer of state bonds worth several multimillion Swiss francs.

Python & Peter has experience in IPOs, trade sales and structured finance. Jacques Python and Nicolas de Gottrau are the key figures.

Mark-Oliver Baumgarten heads Staiger, Schwald & Partner’s team, which has advised on several regulatory issues and complex debt transactions recently.

Thouvenin Rechtsanwälte’s strength in litigation provides it with a valuable niche advising on insider trading allegations and other contentious capital markets matters. The firm also advises on capital markets transactions including IPOs and private placements.

Wyss Wiesli Rechtsanwälte has a focus on regulatory issues and equity capital markets work. Ralph Wyss is the key contact.

Kellerhals Attorneys at Law has a solid track record in both debt and equity work, particularly in the pharmaceuticals and manufacturing sectors.

Klein Attorneys Ltd advises on IPOs, public placements and trade sales. Thomas Klein, Carl Stadelhofer and Gerrit Straub are the main contacts.