Rising Stars

Firms To Watch: Commercial, corporate and M&A

Chabrier Avocats saw significant growth in 2022, with Manuel Bianchi della Porta and Thomas Goossens joining from BianchiSchwald LLC.
Boutique law firm Quadra Attorneys at Law, founded in 2019, has already attracted a diverse range of high profile clients. Adrian Kammerer and Allegra Sosso co-lead.

Firms in the Spotlight Commercial, corporate and M&A

VISCHER

VISCHER logo

VISCHER is a leading Swiss law firm with over 120 fee earners. The firm provides solution-oriented support in all aspects of commercial, tax, and regulatory law. Their experts are organized in more than 20 practice teams, each led by experienced partners.

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VISCHER

VISCHER logo

VISCHER is one of the largest Swiss law firms, with more than 100 fee earners. The firm supports its clients in a solution oriented manner as regards all aspects of commercial, tax and regulatory law. Its professionals are organised into more than 20 practice teams, each of them under the direction of experienced partners.

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Commercial, corporate and M&A in Switzerland

Bär & Karrer Ltd.

Bär & Karrer Ltd. fields dedicated teams covering private M&A and private equity, public M&A, and corporate transactions and governance. The department is frequently active on complex multinational matters, and is praised for its ‘calm and focused’ manner and ‘out of the box solutions’. Senior partner Rolf Watter leads the practice, and has broad experience across M&A transactions, including defence mandates. Mariel Hoch and Dieter Dubs co-lead public M&A, Ralph Malacrida is team head for corporate transactions, and Christoph Neeracher leads the private M&A and private equity team, which includes Raphael Annasohn. Also key are Martin Anderson, who is head of M&A in Geneva, and Paolo Bottini, who leads in Lugano.

Practice head(s):

Rolf Watter


Testimonials

‘Within seconds they came up with out of the box solutions – not very typical for lawyers in my view.’

‘Every team member was on top of all the details and always available to assist.’

‘The M&A team under the leadership of Christoph Neeracher is exceptional in the Swiss markets. I have worked with most of the leading firms, but Bär & Karrer is second to none.’

‘They are just solution focused – full stop. No detours or anything. Deals with issues immediately.’

‘Bär & Karrer is the leading corporate and M&A practice in Switzerland, distinguishing themselves from others by an unprecedented level of high-quality AND hands-on support. Bär & Karrer provide a sound combination of intellectual thought leadership and the background of being involved with a significant portion of Switzerland’s top companies.’

‘Rolf Watter is a senior partner at Bär & Karrer whose advice is both rooted in his strong academic background (Rolf is a law professor at Zurich University) and the practical experience of working as external adviser to some of the most relevant Swiss companies.’

‘The team of Bär & Karrer is terrific in regard to quality, speed and efficiency of work provided. The team is great in providing innovative solutions paired with strong and positive negotiation skills.’

‘Christoph Neeracher: Christoph is an exceptional partner at B&K, very experienced, competent with strong negotiation skills. He is very powerful and solution-oriented as well as exceptional strong personality.’

Key clients

AC Immune SA


Advent


Alibaba


Allgeier


Allreal Holding AG


Altana AG


Appway AG


Armira


AS Equity Partners


Blackstone


Bregal Capital


Breitling AG


Brust-Zentrum Zurich


Capvis (C.I.) Limited


Castik Capital Partners


Cinven


Cohn Robbins Holdings Corp.


Coty Inc.


CVC


Deutsche Beteiligungs AG


Deutsche Börse


EGS Beteiligungen


EMZ Partners


EQT


Equistone


European Innovation Council


Firmenich


GENUI II GmbH & Co. KG


H2 Energy AG


IK Investment Partners


Jacobs Holding


KKR


Lear Corporation


Lonza Group AG


Migros-Genossenschafts-Bund


Mobiliar


Montana Capital Partners AG


Mubadala


Novartis AG


Quaestor Coach


Sage Group plc


SIX Group


Sterling Square


Swiss Re


Syngenta Group


Temasek Holdings


Triton


UBS Group AG


Ufenau


Valora


Verium


Vifor Pharma


Waterland Private Equity


Xebia


Work highlights


  • Acted as legal advisor to Vifor Pharma Ltd, after it received a tender offer for all shares from global biotechnology leader CSL Limited. The offer values Vifor Pharma at USD 11.7 / CHF 10.9 billion.
  • Acted as legal advisor to Firmenich, alongside Dutch law firm Stibbe, after DSM and Firmenich announced a cross-border merger-of-equals to unite the two companies into a leading creation and innovation partner in nutrition, beauty and well-being.
  • Acted as legal advisor to CVC and Breitling AG after CVC entered into an investment and share purchase agreement regarding the acquisition of a significant minority stake in Breitling.

Homburger

Homburger brings ‘outstanding negotiation skills’ to the full spectrum of complex M&A transactions, including venture capital, public, and private M&A, private equity, joint ventures, and auctions. The department is active on behalf of domestic and international blue chip clients across a broad range of industries, including highly regulated sectors such as banking and insurance, life sciences, nutrition, and telecommunication. Dieter Gericke, who leads the department and has more than 25 years’ experience, has a broad practice which includes shareholder activism, equity capital markets, and corporate governance. Other core team members include Frank Gerhard, who specialises in the chemical and life sciences sectors, Daniel Hasler, who handles private equity and real estate transactions, and Daniel Daeniker, who has significant expertise in corporate governance. Andreas Müller, who made partner in 2020, is also noted.

Practice head(s):

Dieter Gericke


Testimonials

‘Homburger is hard to beat when it comes to legal competency combined with a sense for commercially useful pragmatism. Compared to other top-level firms, their diligence, work ethic and engagement for the client is outstanding.’

‘Excellent expertise, outstanding negotiation skills, and I particularly appreciate the comprehensive legal advice.’

Key clients

Roche Holding


Clariant


Dufry


Kering


CSL Limited


Bobst Group


Swiss Post


Axel Springer


wefox


KKR


Waterland


ASML


Gilde Buy-Out Partners


Astara (formerly Bergé Auto)


FNZ


Crown Holdings


Bosch Service Solutions


Twelve Capital Holding


Nitto


Metall Zug


Credit Suisse


UBS


ABB


Nestlé


RUAG


Liberty Global


Zurich Insurance Company


Work highlights


  • Advised Roche Holding on USD 20.7 bn repurchase of Novartis’ stake.
  • Advised CSL on USD 12.7 bn public takeover of Vifor Pharma.
  • Advising Dufry as transaction counsel on EUR 5.5 bn strategic combination with Autogrill.

Lenz & Staehelin

Lenz & Staehelin fields a ‘very efficient and very deal focused’ team, with a strong reputation in public takeovers, private transactions, private equity and venture capital as well as corporate governance. The department has broad sector coverage, with areas of expertise including financial services, chemical, life sciences, and TMT. The Zurich based Tino Gaberthüel co-leads the department with Andreas Rötheli, who heads the Geneva office. Matthias Wolf specialises in private equity transactions and the banking and financial sector, while Jacques Iffland is a key contact for capital markets. Simone Ehrsam made partner in January 2022. Hans-Jakob Diem departed to join Walder Wyss Ltd. in September 2023.

Testimonials

‘Lenz & Staehelin’s M&A Practice is clearly 1st tier, providing swift and first-class legal services at any time.’

‘Tino Gaberthüel; smart, swift, great negotiator, knows our preferences, great value for money. Simone Ehrsam; young partner, smart, to-the-point, resilient.’

‘Certain key team members are very sharp and have a pragmatic and business oriented approach.’

‘Tino Gaberthüel is a go-to M&A/corporate lawyers within the firm. He has extensive experience and in-depth knowledge of market trends, which allows for efficient and solution-oriented negotiations.’

‘Strong capabilities and competence in M&A and corporate law, pragmatic approach, used to work under tight deadlines.’

‘The team is very efficient and very deal focused. Always very appropriately staffed.’

‘Stephan Erni and Beat Kühni. Both are very efficient, smart, fun and 100% deal focused. They are deal makers.’

Key clients

ABB


Allegion


APG/SGA


Bain Capital


Baloise Insurance Holding


Bank Vontobel


Bank Pictet


Banque Lombard Odier


Bertelsmann (BMG)


BigPoint Holding AG (Martin Haefner)


BTG Pactual


Carlo Gavazzi Holding


The Carlyle Group


Cembra Money Bank


Chequers Capital


Cinven


Citadele


Climeworks


Cognizant


Compagnie Financière Richemont SA


Credit Suisse


Edizione (Autogrill)


Evonik


Garrett Motion


Geberit


Gonet & Cie SA


Gyrus Capital SA


Heubach


Hyundai


Insight Partners


Julius Baer


KKCG / Sazka / Allwyn


Logitech


Lonza


Maus Frères


Medartis


National Hockey League (NHL)


Nomad Foods


Novimmune


ObsEva


Octium Group


On Holding


Pfizer Inc.


Qualcomm


Rakuten Medical


Rivean Capital (Gilde Buy Out Partners)


SABIC


Sika


SK Capital


SoftwareOne


Strateo


Straumann


Sunrise


Swiss Prime Site


Swissquote


Taro Pharmaceutical Industries


Tetra Laval


TVS Motor Company


Unilever


Vail Resorts


Vaudoise Assurance Holding


Water Street


Work highlights


  • Advised SK Capital and the Heubach Group in the CHF 855 million acquisition of Clariant’s pigment business.
  • Advised Edizione, majority shareholder of Autogrill, on the merger of Autogrill and Dufry.
  • Advised the Roche Family Pool in connection with Roche’s purchase of Novartis’ 33% stake of Roche for a consideration of approx. CHF 19 billion.

Niederer Kraft Frey AG

Niederer Kraft Frey AG acts in a diverse range of high profile and multinational transactions, with notable sector expertise in the pharmaceutical and life sciences, financial services, and high-tech industries. Practice head Philipp Haas focuses on cross border transactions for listed and privately held companies. Core names include M&A and corporate finance specialist, Adrian Koller, as well as Moritz Maurer and Patrik Peyer, both of whom have expertise in private equity and venture capital. Also key to the team are capital markets experts, Till Spillmann and Thomas Brönnimann, and Philippe Weber who handles governance and compliance matters.

Practice head(s):

Philipp Haas


Testimonials

‘The team is for each task / transaction always perfectly staffed (diverse, not too many, not too few). Each team member takes ownership (on his/her level) and always thinks one step ahead.’

‘Moritz Maurer is my go-to M&A lawyer. He makes the deal happen. He is extremely quick, 24/7 on top of things, a brilliant negotiator and 100% reliable. Moritz is the perfect M&A lawyer with the right business mindset. And, on top, he is fun to be around.

‘They are massively responsive to the needs of their clients, a real “class act”.’

‘Dr Philippe Weber, one of the hardest working lawyers I have ever worked with.’

‘Thomas Brönnimann, one of the brightest lawyers I have worked with – never misses a point.’

‘Moritz Maurer: always available even under pressure, actively develops leads, which is not done by many competitors.’

‘Philipp Haas really stands out. Excellent advice and a great communication style.’

‘Customer needs are totally addressed. The customer is totally in the focus.’

Key clients

A.P. Møller Holding


BRUSA HyPower


Fomento Económico Mexicano, S.A.B. de C.V. (FEMSA)


EQT Private Equity


Investindustrial


Sportradar


ICI / Corden Pharma


SFS Group


Akara Group


Storskogen Group AG


Partners Group


Ardian’s portfolio company Frulact Serviços Partilhados SA


Swiss Bankers Prepaid Services AG


INA Invest Holding AG


Fidelidade Companhia de Seguros, S.A.


Coop


Vantage Education Group


HCL Technologies


responsAbility Investment AG


Veristat


Work highlights


  • Acted as Swiss counsel to A.P. Møller Holding A/S on the acquisition of Unilabs from funds advised by Apax Partners LLP.
  • Advised in its capacity as lead counsel EQT Private Equity on the sale of a majority stake in VFS Global, the leading visa outsourcing services provider, to Blackstone.
  • Acted as Swiss counsel to leading Latin American retailer FEMSA on the acquisition of Valora Holding AG by way of public tender cash offer.

Baker McKenzie Switzerland AG

Baker McKenzie Switzerland AG‘s Swiss corporate and M&A practice provides full-service support to clients, and has notable strength in matters with cross border elements, owing to the firm’s international network of offices. The team has particular strength in the financial, private equity and industrial sectors. Alexander Fischer, who has expertise in cross-border and domestic M&A, co-leads the department alongside Jingjin Guo, whose practice includes corporate restructurings, financings, and investments. Martin Frey and Alexander Blaeser are also key names.

Practice head(s):

Alexander Fischer; Jingjin Guo


Testimonials

‘We were always more than impressed by Alexander Fischer’s comprehensive level of expertise, the speed of implementation and all the viable solutions that he suggested when faced with difficult questions.’

‘High involvement on partner level throughout engagement, taking over ownership and driving the legal work.’

‘Alexander Fischer: Practical approach, creative solutions and overall negotiation experience and drive. Proactively anticipates issues and is highly involved in driving transactions.’

Key clients

Vontobel


UBS


Datwyler


A group of individual sellers in (sale of Trivadis Group to Accenture)


Patrimonium


Salesforce


Swiss Post


Wolverine Worldwide


Aeris Cleantech AG


Mérieux Equity Partners


Conzzeta AG (today: Bystronic AG)


South Pole Holding AG


Neue Zürcher Zeitung and Architonic ArchDaily AG


Chord Therapeutics SA


International Schools Partnership


Sensonor


Numab Therapeutics


Viasat


RUAG International Holding


Wagram Equity Partners B.V.


Helvetica Capital AG


Graubündner Kantonalbank


Work highlights


  • Advised global investment house Vontobel in the acquisition of UBS Swiss Financial Advisers AG, a Zurich-based subsidiary of UBS AG.
  • Advised Datwyler in its USD 625m acquisition of the US company QSR Inc (QSR) from Q Holding and its private equity owner, 3i.
  • Advised a group of individual sellers in connection with the sale of Trivadis Group to Accenture.

MLL Legal

‘Amazingly responsive, pragmatic and easy to work with‘ firm MLL Legal was formed in 2021 from the merger of Meyerlustenberger Lachenal and Froriep. The department has a focus on high-tech, regulated and innovative industries and is led by Alexander Vogel, whose focus is advising on and implementing investments, acquisitions, and multi-tier financing structures, alongside Andrea Sieber, who has expertise in national and international M&A, private equity, and capital market transactions. Venture capital, private equity and corporate governance expert, Mona Stephenson , and financing transactions advisor, Daniel Schoch, are also key.

Testimonials

‘We used MLL Legal for an acquisition in Switzerland and were impressed. Quick responses, commercial advice and a very practical and pragmatic approach.’

‘MLL is a very forward-looking law firm. In our field, the firm is characterized by an absolute client centredness and a very focused and constructive approach, even in difficult negotiations and with difficult counterparties. At the same time, one has immediate access to the best experts in all fields of law as soon as they are needed.’

‘Amazingly responsive, pragmatic and easy to work with.’

‘True stars who understands business and commercial needs and provides practical, useful legal advice.’

‘Attentiveness and passion. Generally easy to work with.’

‘Strategic thinking. Business understanding.’

‘Stand-out partner: Hubert Orso Gilliéron (strategist, business thinker, clear and convincing).’

Key clients

3M Schweiz


Allegis, UK


Amphenol Corporation


Authenta AG


Banque Privée BCP (Suisse) SA


BFW Holding AG


Bigtincan Holdings Limited


Calida Holding AG


Capital Transmission SA


Central Real Estate Holding AG and Central Real Estate Basel AG


Chocolats et Cacaos Favarger SA


Clinical Research Ventures


Crypto Finance AG


Dassault Aviation


DentaCore AG


Deutsche Private Equity


Dufour Aerospace AG


Earthworm Foundation


EuroChem Group AG


FTX Trading Ltd.


Global-e


Goebel Capital LLC


Group of private sellers of Elpto Group AG


Group of private investors, represented by Sven Hansen, regarding NextWind Capital


H&H Group


IGP 3T SA


Invenda Group AG


Julius Baer Group AG


Labster Group APS


Lakeward real estate group


Les Bains de Lavey SA


Lenze SE


Martello Technologies Corporation


Merz Pharma


Meyer Burger Technology AG


Mövenpick Group


Müller-Steinag Holding AG


Nature’s Way Brands


NBC Global AG


Nexira SAS


Perrigo Company plc


Piscai AG


Price (f)X AG


Private sellers of ancosys GmbH


Raiffeisen Informatik


rHocesa Holing AG


Semtech (International) AG


Shareholders of i-surance AG


Shinsegae International


SIC Group AG


Swiss KMU Partners AG (representing a group of strategic and financial investors)


Swisscom Ventures


The Capital Markets Company Sàrl


Trifork Holding AG


TVS Motor Company


TX Group AG


Utopia Music AG


WEPA SE, Germany


WhatRocks Foundation


Wienerberger AG


XPRIZE Foundation


Zalando SE


Work highlights


  • Advised global clothing group CALIDA on its acquisition of erlich textile, a European manufacturer of top-quality underwear made from organic and renewable materials.
  • Advised the internationally based private sellers of German ancosys GmbH, a global provider of chemical analysis and metrology solutions for advanced semiconductor manufacturing on the sale of the company to Nasdaq and TASE listed Nova Ltd, Tel Aviv, Israel.
  • Assisted leading cryptocurrency exchange FTX Trading Ltd. in its acquisition of Digital Assets DA AG, an issuer of structured financial products.

Pestalozzi

Pestalozzi offers clients advice in the areas of M&A, private equity and venture capital, corporate reorganisations and capital markets, with expertise at the national and international level. Christoph G Lang, whose practice includes corporate governance, M&A, and antitrust law, co-leads alongside transactions, contracts and regulatory expert, Sébastien Roy. Franz Schubiger handles life sciences clients, while Severin Roelli specialises in acquisition finance. ‘Extremely responsive and dedicated’ practitioners Petra Hanselmann and Pascal Richard joined from Baker McKenzie Switzerland AG in June 2022. Associate Florian Schnyder is noted.

Practice head(s):

Christoph G Lang; Sébastien Roy


Testimonials

‘The firm is extremely responsive, and I always have full confidence that the legal advice will be required in the required timescale. Unlike other firms, I have never had to chase Pestalozzi’

‘Franz Schubiger is friendly, professional and extremely responsive without exception.’

‘Extraordinary availability of the consultants.’

‘Unique M&A experience in the retail sector.’

‘Well organized, captures the entire range of legal topics with in-depth knowledge.’

‘The M&A team that recently moved from Baker & McKenzie Zurich are great. High skilled negotiators, commercially savvy and a safe pair of hands when working on deals. Extremely responsive and dedicated lawyers.’

‘Pascal Richard is a fantastic lawyer to have on your side. He is sharp, a great negotiator and quick to spot the issues.

‘Petra Hanselmann is a highly skilled lawyer. Extremely dedicated, smart and a pleasure to work with.’

Key clients

3i Group (LSE: III)


Achiko AG (SIX: ACHI)


Agile Sports Technologies, Inc.


AIA Insurance


AIG


AL-KO Vehicle Technology Group GmbH


AmTrust Financial


AON (NYSE: AON)


APAX Partners


AXA Climate


AXA XL


Barry Callebaut (SWX: BARN)


BMW (Xetra: BMW)


Bolttech/the Pacific Century Group


BP Europa SE


Brookfield Asset Management


Celgene (NasdaqGS: CELG)


CH Media


China Resources (Holding) Co


Coca Cola (NYSE: KO)


Concentra Analytics


Coop


Corza Medical


Dantherm / Procuritas


Development Partners International


DexKo Global Inc


Dow Chemical (NYSE: DOW)


EKZ Renewables AG


Fiat Chrysler


Fortissimo Capital


Froneri International


FSN Capital


General Electric (NYSE: GE)


Glencore (LSE: GLEN.L)


Global Capital Management


Goldman Sachs Private Capital (NYSE: GS)


GTCR / Corza Medical


H.B. Fuller Company


Helix Acquisition Corp. (NASDAQ: HLXA)


Intrum AB (publ.)


iQ International AG (FSE: IQL)


Johnson & Johnson (NYSE: JNJ)


KHS GmbH


Lars Larsen Group (Jysk)


Leclanché SA (SWX: LECN.SW)


Lindab


Microsoft (NasdaqGS: MSFT)


Nefab (the Wallenberg group)


Nexo Group


Opel


Pactiv Evergreen Inc.


Peugeot


Polygon (Matic) Matic Network (15th largest cryptocurrency)


Process Insights Holdings


Prudential Financial & The Prudential Insurance Company of America (NYSE: PUK)


Ringier


Robert Bosch


Royal Bank of Canada (NYSE: RY)


RUAG International Holding AG


Sony (NYSE: SNE)


South Pole Holding AG


Stellantis (Fiat Chrysler Automobiles)


Susquehanna Private Capital


Swiss Life /SWX: SLHN)


Swiss Post


Triple Lift


Triton Investment Partners


Union Park Capital


Vista Equity Partners


Wainwright & Co


Zimmer Biomet (NYSE: ZBH, SWX: ZBH)


Work highlights


  • Advised BP, a global leader in the oil and gas industry, on the sale of its retail business in Switzerland, including more than 300 service stations and interests in its supply and terminal business.
  • Advising Ringier in connection with the Joint Venture for Online Marketplaces with Mobiliar, TX Group and General Atlantic.
  • Advised Helix Acquisition Corp (HLXA), a Nasdaq-listed SPAC, in the IPO of MoonLake Immunotherapeutics AG at NASDAQ, through one of the few Swiss de-SPAC transactions.

Schellenberg Wittmer Ltd

Schellenberg Wittmer Ltd provides ‘superlative and seamless support’ across a broad range of sectors, including financial services, construction, logistics, and pharmaceuticals. The department has expertise advising both new and developing clients on venture capital related matters, and providing guidance for major multinationals such as Bouygues Construction and KPS Capital. The highly experienced Lorenzo Olgiati co-leads alongside Jean Jacques Ah Choon, with the former heading the team in Zurich, and the latter based in Geneva. Senior partners Martin Weber, who handles a broad range of corporate transactions, and Oliver Triebold are also key. Marcel Jakob, who made partner in January 2022, is also noted.

Testimonials

‘Excellent law firm who provide superlative and seamless support, dovetailing with advice from other firms on multi-jurisdictional transactions.’

‘User friendliness, ease of use and immediately grasping the context of what is required and in what form. They are not lawyers who obstruct or over-lawyer: they integrate and are team players.’

‘Top notch legal firm with hands-on approach and great business acumen.’

‘They understand and embrace our approach, our business as well as what we need. On top of that, they are extremely solution focused and hands-on.’

‘I appreciate their high level of technical mastery, competence, understanding of our businesses, organization and corporate structure as well as their availability.’

‘Marcel Jakob – knowledgeable and approachable, available at all times and extremely supportive throughout the whole transaction.’

Key clients

AddLife


Alpian SA


ams AG


Axpo


BASF Schweiz AG


BNP Paribas (Paris, France)


Bouygues Construction


Brera Partners Switzerland AG


Cardinal Health


Carify


Caynova


Cigna/Ascent Health


Conforama Suisse SA


CSS Health Insurance


EFG International


GCA Corporation


Helvetia Schweizerische Versicherungsgesellschaft


HighSage Ventures


Hugo Fund Services


Implenia


Julius Bär


Lennox International


Leonardo S.p. A


Lufthansa Group


Lantal Textiles AG


MoneyPark AG


OC Oerlikon Corporation Pfäffikon


Open Mineral


Oxford Finance


Panalpina Welttransport Holding AG


Philip Morris International / Philip Morris Equity Partners


RAM Active Investments


Rothschild & Co Bank AG


Santhera Pharmaceuticals


Schroder & Co Bank


SET Ventures (Amsterdam, the Netherlands)


Shire International GmbH


SIX Group


TE Connectivity


Standard Chartered Bank / Standard Chartered Ventures (Singapore)


ZKB Zürcher Kantonalbank / Swisscanto Holding


Work highlights


  • Advised TE Connectivity (NYSE: TEL), a world leader in connectivity and sensors, on the acquisition of family-owned ERNI Group AG, a leading firm in electronic connectivity for factory automation and automotive.
  • Advised Julius Baer Group Ltd, a top-tier Swiss private banking group, on the acquisition of an 83% stake in Kuoni Mueller und Partner Holding AG, a leading integrated real estate service provider based in Zurich.
  • Advised KPS Capital Partners, with respect to all Swiss law aspects of its acquisition from Crown Holding Inc. of the food, aerosol and promotional packaging business in EMEA, an enterprise valued at approx. $2.7 billion, whereby Crown will be retaining a 20% ownership stake in the business.

VISCHER

VISCHER is highly active in domestic and international M&A and private equity transactions. The department has a strong reputation in the Swiss venture capital ecosystem, and advises investors and businesses in the full start-up life cycle. Co-heading the group are Jürg Luginbühl, based in Zurich, Robert Bernet, in Basel, and Damien Conus, who leads in Geneva. Matthias Staehelin has life sciences expertise, while Gian-Andrea Caprez specialises in the technology sector.

Testimonials

‘I have primarily worked with Gian-Andrea Caprez. Gian combines flawless technical know-how with highly commercial deal-making skills. He is highly responsive, resourceful and overall very pleasant to work with.’

‘It is a very flexible law firm from the standpoint of client management. Likewise, they are highly precise and thorough, and are particularly well suited for complex assignments in the M&A area.’

‘I have worked with Gian-Andrea Caprez in the M&A area, and I must say that he is one of the best lawyers in the field in Switzerland. He is particularly attentive, precise, thorough, has great respect and sensitivity with clients, and was able to assist me in negotiating with very demanding counterparties assisted by the best European and global law firms.’

‘Very knowledgeable and dedicated team for M&A and private equity transactions. They know the market very well and are always available when we need them.’

‘Gian-Andrea Caprez has great expertise in Swiss private equity transactions, in particular in the technology sector. He is very responsive and solution-oriented and has strong dealmaking skills.’

‘This team is very dedicated to continuing to establish themselves in the market and therefore work very hard for their clients. They know the law and can give advice for various clients from VC to PE from start-up to well established.’

‘Gian-Andrea Caprez is a young partner that has established a name for himself. He has a diverse set of clients – who all enjoy working with him, he knows the Swiss M&A market very well but can equally do a great job with cross-border M&A.’

‘Very responsive, very knowledgable in corporate and M&A law, easy to work with.’

Key clients

Maxburg Capital Partners GmbH


Borromin Capital Management GmbH


FairCap GmbH


Bid Equity GmbH


Nautilus Inc.


Luware Holding AG


Flowable Holding AG


E3 Holding AG


Groupe Mutuel Holding SA


Wipro Limited


Trustar Capital


Eleven Sports Network Limited


Steele Compliance Solutions


Mainova


e-hoi


Tokai Cobex


Snyk Ltd.


AFINUM


Equistone Partners Europe


PDS Pathology Data Systems AG


Polyphor Ltd.


Bregal Unternehmerkapital GmbH


Migros-Genossenschafts-Bund


Orell Füessli Thalia AG


deepCDR Biologics AG


Cliniqe Matignon SA


Advanz Pharma


MCM Fashion Group


Deichmann Shoes


Bregal Unternehmerkapital GmbH


Rigeto Unternehmerkapital GmbH


Invision Private Equity


Helvetica Capital


Joh. Berenbrg, Gossler & Co. KG


Medartis Holdings AG (SIX listed)


Oculis SA


Swisscom AG (SIX listed)


Syngenta


Swisspower Renewables AG


Kuros Biosciences Ltd (SIX listed)


Jacobs Holding AG


Sonnet BioTherapeutics, Inc. (NASDAQ listed)


Work highlights


  • Advised AFINUM Management on the move by one of its funds to acquire GS Swiss PCB AG.
  • Advised ADVANZ PHARMA, a specialty pharmaceutical company headquartered in London, on all Swiss legal aspects of its USD 450 million acquisition of the ex-US business of Intercept Pharmaceuticals, spanning from due diligence to transactional document advice.

Walder Wyss Ltd.

The ‘highly qualified and experienced’ Walder Wyss Ltd. team has expertise in both domestic and multi-jurisdictional private and public M&A transactions, supported by significant capital markets proficiency. Alex Nikitine, whose practice covers M&A transactions, public tender offers, IPOs and venture capital, co-leads the department with Stefan Knobloch, who has additional experience in public takeovers, debt financing, and corporate governance matters. Urs Gnos heads the transactions team, while Markus Vischer and Luc Defferrard focus on private equity and venture capital. Hans-Jakob Diem joined from Lenz & Staehelin in September 2023.

Testimonials

‘Hands-on approach, very service-oriented. Broad practice covering all relevant areas of law.’

‘Urs Gnos, super knowledgeable and responsive corporate and M&A professional. Markus Vischer, one of the senior M&A guys with lots of experience.’

‘The Walder Wyss M&A team was very efficient, had in a short time a perfect overview about the work to be done and was brilliant in all matters (meaning the personal contact with us, the customer, with the authorities, with the counterparty, in oral and written).’

‘All our contacts at Walder Wyss were outstanding! Friendly, comprehensive, engaged, giving their best even if time was short. In the matter of the case, they worked til midnight to keep the time schedule, patient and still persisting if documents were missing, and had an overall commitment which can be described by just a first class performance.’

‘Prof. Stefan Knobloch, very skilled and helpful, extremely responsible, good and fast grasp of economic effects of decisions; deep understanding of the M&A industry, good negotiator, even in very difficult settings.’

‘Urs Schenker: very agile, to the point and fast. Urs Gnos: very high level technical skills and absolutely reliable. Markus Vischer: extremely experienced & collaborative.’

‘We bet on people and like to work with them since they know us well and are highly experienced.’

‘Highly qualified and experienced M&A lawyers, high commitment, sector expertise, constant availability.’

Key clients

Nestlé SA


Warburg Pincus International


Sulzer AG


NovImmune


NVT AG


Helm AG


Boehringer Ingelheim


HOCHDORF


Viseca Holding AG


Apax


Ringier


Tamedia (TX Group)


Glarner Kantonalbank


Montana Tech Components


Bio Energy Group


DSM


Komax Holding AG


Work highlights


  • Advised DSM in connection with a business combination agreement with Firmenich to establish the leading creation and innovation partner in nutrition.
  • Advised TX Group on its Joint Venture with Ringier, La Mobilière and General Atlantic to create a leading digital marketplace group in Switzerland.
  • Advised Komax in connection with the merger with Schleuniger, a subsidiary of the listed company Metall Zug. Deal value: Approx. CHF 300 million.

Advestra

Recently established firm Advestra are active on a range of M&A transactions, with areas of expertise including real estate, private equity, and TMT. Thomas Reutter, who until 2020 worked within Bär & Karrer Ltd., handles a range of M&A matters and issues related to corporate governance. Also key are Daniel Raun, whose practice includes private equity, joint ventures, and carve-out transactions, and Beda Kaufmann, who provides guidance on corporate law and general commercial law. Andreas Hinsen was a new arrival in early 2023 from Loyens & Loeff.

Other key lawyers:

Thomas Reutter; Daniel Raun; Beda Kaufmann; Anna Capaul; Annina Hammer; Andreas Hinsen


Testimonials

‘A very young and dynamic team.’

‘Beda Kaufmann is extremely professional, responsive, strong in negotiations while always being pragmatic and solution-oriented.’

‘The team works highly efficiently, is business oriented, and has a very attractive cost-benefit ratio.’

Key clients

One Equity Partners


Zurich Insurance Company


H.I.G. Capital


ABB


CBRE Investment Management


Outbrain Inc.


XP Inc.


Mubadala Investment Company/Falcon Private AG


Unifiedpost Group


Swiss Re


Work highlights


  • Advised Swiss Re on its sale of Elips Life to Swiss Life.
  • Advised GBL on the acquisition of a majority stake in Sanoptis.
  • Advised Andermatt Swiss Alps on investment by Vail Resorts.

Bratschi Ltd

Bratschi Ltd‘s team, which provides clients with ‘good availability and excellent expertise‘, is popular with middle and upper middle market clients, and in increasingly active in international and multi-jurisdictional transactions. Thomas Peter leads the team, and has expertise in M&A and private equity transactions. Christian Stambach and Marco Rizzi are core team members, while Kevin Kengelbacher and Annina Grob made partner in June 2022.

Practice head(s):

Thomas Peter


Testimonials

‘All involved individuals of the law firm Bratschi are very responsive, even outside the normal course of business.’

‘The partner Thomas Peter is available 24/7. Thomas Peter quickly familiarizes himself with complicated legal structures. The communication style is always professional and appropriate in both languages German and English.’

‘Efficient, knowledgeable and always available.’

‘Very experienced team, being able to cover a very broad range of topics.’

‘Great ability to adapt to different situations, as well as strong flexibility and availability, also outside of usual working hours.’

‘Bratschi’s team consistently delivers the right legal expertise at the right cost across all types of matters, making it a true business partner and the best ally for in-house counsels.’

‘Uncomplicated and fast support in all corporate matters as well as notarial services for good rates.’

‘Good availability and excellent expertise. Very fast response times.’

Key clients

Post CH AG


Adecco Group AG


Pappas Holding GmbH


Cremo SA


Otto Group


VRMotion AG


Work highlights


  • Acted as Swiss legal counsel to the Adecco Group and to Modis International, in a transaction where the Adecco Group acquired a majority stake in AKKA Technologies and combined the business with that of its group company Modis.
  • Advised Swiss Post in their acquisition of Dialog Verwaltungs-Data AG (target), which provides IT-related services.
  • Advised the international trading and services group Otto Group, based in Hamburg, Germany, in the acquisition of a majority shareholding in Medgate Holding AG, based in Basel.

CMS von Erlach Partners Ltd.

CMS von Erlach Partners Ltd. offers both domestic and global advice, thanks to its strong international network. The department covers a broad range of areas, including energy, financial services, life sciences and healthcare, and real estate. Co-leading the team are Stefan Brunnschweiler and Daniel Jenny, who are based in Zurich, and Pascal Favre and Jérôme Levrat, who work from Geneva. Alain Raemy, who focuses on private M&A and private equity transactions, is also key.

Other key lawyers:

Alain Raemy; Stephan Werlen


Testimonials

‘The knowledge of the team, their availability and reactivity.’

‘Great corporate culture with very humble team members. Experts in every field/area.’

‘Alain Raemy (together with his team) has a very entrepreneurial mindset, looking for unconventional solutions, something we rarely see with lawyers.’

‘Very committed team and very complementary, even during holiday periods. High quality level.’

‘Alain Raemy and his team were able to find very good solutions to our transactions. They have been part of our success in gaining deals.’

Key clients

ISS


HEB Swiss Investment


Vivalto Santé Group


INAIT SA


FundRock Switzerland SA (formerly ARM Swiss Representatives)


Swiss Q Consulting


Nano Dimension


eModrom


Guess?


Vista Klinik


CINVEN


Lifestage Solutions


Shareholders of Alpora


Renaissance (bb trading)


CIC Capital


Renaissance KMU Schweizerische Anlagestiftung


Halder


Entreprises Chirurgicales Holding (formerly, MV SANTE)


FRVR


SERCAB GROUP


Work highlights


  • Advised GENUI on the acquisition of a majority stake in Magnolia.
  • Advised Vivalto Santé Investissement on the Swiss law aspects of its cross-border acquisition of a majority interest in two Swiss groups active in life sciences and healthcare services.
  • Advised Nano Dimension as Swiss legal counsel on all legal aspects regarding the acquisition of all shares in ESSEMTEC, the leading Switzerland-based stock corporation.

Eversheds Sutherland AG

Eversheds Sutherland AG advises on a broad variety of M&A, private equity and venture capital transactions, in addition to corporate reorganisations and commercial contracts. Marc Nufer, founding partner of the firm’s Swiss office, leads the group alongside practice deputy head Oliver Beldi. Core team members include Daniel Bachmann, who has expertise in succession planning and restructuring transactions, and Michael Mosimann, who covers venture capital financing and private M&A transactions.

Practice head(s):

Marc Nufer; Oliver Beldi


Testimonials

‘Efficient, precise work.’

‘Daniel Bachmann: very good M&A knowledge, calm, very good organized, fast.’

‘The M&A team was very helpful and instrumental in getting our last round of investment to the end. They assisted our company from the setting up of the transaction up until the end and closing.’

‘Michael Mosimann – I can always call and get quick feedback or within a day or so more detailed. He knows our company very well, so we feel safe in his hands.’

‘Solid advice. The team shows a lot of tenacity when it comes to provide practical solutions in order to get the deal moving on. We also appreciate that things not only depend on one lawyer, but that the overall quality is cared for, thus providing a seamless coverage of the deal.’

‘The partner on the deal remains personally involved and thanks to his seniority can create success oriented negotiations.’

‘Very experienced in M&A.’

‘Marc Nufer is a very experienced M&A lawyer and very good in negotiations.’

Key clients

Apple Inc.


Arklyz Group


Aspen Pharma


Axpo


Bonainvest Holding


Covantis


Danaher


Eaton Corp


Honegger Holding


Iron Mountain


Kering


Lanxess


Microsoft


Nokia


Parker Hannifin


Post Switzerland


Ricoh


Rockwell Automation


Rolls Royce


Smart Valor


Swisscom


Work highlights


  • Advised the Swiss telecommunication leader in an important strategic acquisition of MTF group, one of the largest and leading Swiss independent IT service providers.
  • Advised Ricoh group in another strategic transaction in Switzerland. They acquired the AXON Ivy group and strengthened their digital competences.
  • Advise Arklyz Group since its incorporation in all corporate, governance and commercial matters related to its strategic growth initiative.

Kellerhals Carrard

‘Quick, professional and pragmatic’ firm Kellerhals Carrard has particular strength in the life sciences, industry, and technology sectors. The department is increasingly active in matters relating to venture capital, and general corporate advice such as lobbying and communications. Beat Brechbühl acts as head of the group, which includes Reto Schumacher, Edgar Philippin, Ines Poeschel, Emanuel Dettwiler, Massimiliano Maestretti and Clarence Peter.

Practice head(s):

Beat Brechbuehl


Testimonials

‘Fast turnaround, always on top of markets insights.’

‘Ines Pöschel is an indispensable contributor to our company. As a board member of many companies, she also brings the practical point of view.’

‘KC is quick, professional and pragmatic. Compared to others, I always get the answers to the point, in time and with no disclaimer mentality. KC is highly innovative: diverse and interdisciplinary teams, “lawyers in residence” concepts in co-working spaces, use of AI technology for high data volumes and value based billing offers.’

‘Beat Brechbühl: He is a clear leader, not only in the firm but also for the clients; very responsive, very business oriented and strategic; good sense of humour Ines Pöschel: Very quick and smart, thorough but pragmatic, highly efficient and very nice and good advice.’

‘Kellerhals Carrard is very professional, hands-on and efficient. They provide answers in time and are not as risk averse as other law firms. They work in very diverse teams. Billings are competitive.’

‘Beat Brechbühl: smart, quick, creative, and good sense of humour Ines Pöschel: Thorough, top on say on pay and other governance matters, efficient, nice to work with.’

Key clients

AccorInvest


Ameliora Wealth Management


Autonet Group Holding AG


BKW Group


FISCHER Spindle Group


Four Government-accredited loan guarantee organisations


Kontivia AG


MoonLake Immunothereapeutics AG


ONE swiss bank S.A.


Scholle IPN


STILLE AB


Vance Street Capital LLC


Ypsomed Holding AG


Zegna Group


Work highlights


  • Advised AccorInvest on Swiss legal aspects of its financial restructuring.
  • Advised Autonet Group Holding (AGH, an integral part of the SAG group) on its purchase of Augsburg International in a series of closings.
  • Advised BKW on its acquisition of the UMB Group, one of the leading independent full-service IT providers in the Swiss market.

Loyens & Loeff

Loyens & Loeff‘s team has expertise in M&A, private equity and venture capital, public takeovers, and corporate governance matters, with notable strength in cross-border transactions. The ‘very good’ Marco Toni, who leads the team, has a broad practice which includes M&A transactions, general corporate matters, and capital markets law. Senior associate Gilles Pitschen is noted. Since research concluded, Andreas Hinsen left the firm.

Practice head(s):

Marco Toni


Other key lawyers:

Gilles Pitschen


Testimonials

‘Commercial lawyers with great business sense.’

‘Marco Toni is very good, up and coming. Great skill set and thoughtfully tough negotiator.’

‘Very active and competent M&A/Private Equity team. Work well also in other jurisdictions (Swiss/Lux connections). Quick and super responsive.’

‘Marco Toni is the head of the team. Very smart and quick, leads every deal smoothly. Gilles Pitschen is a very good lawyer.’

Key clients

Egeria Beteiligungen


MindMaze


Hamamatsu Photonics


Global Consumer Acquisition Corp


SITA


BTS Torres


Millefeuille


Kongsberg Automotive


Belden


ei3 International


Lockheed Martin Corporation


Work highlights


  • Advised SITA in its acquisition of Cargolux’s 49% stake in Champ Cargosystems from Cargolux Airlines International S.A.
  • Advised BTS Torres in its sale of BTS Torres N.M.C. GmbH, a Swiss subsidiary, to Andean Tower Partners.
  • Advised Global Consumer Acquisition Corp., a publicly-traded special purpose acquisition company in its acquisition of Luminex Home Decor & Fragrance Holding Corporation.

Thouvenin Rechtsanwälte

Thouvenin Rechtsanwälte has broad sector expertise, with notable areas of focus including manufacturing, healthcare, real estate, and technology. The group is active for clients both in relation to day-to-day corporate matters and major mandates, such as transactions and restructurings. Markus Alder co-leads the department with the ‘priceless’ Arlette Pfister. Michael Bosch has signifiant experience in general corporate advice, while Thomas Loher handles M&A transactions, restructurings, and corporate governance.

Practice head(s):

Markus Alder; Arlette Pfister


Other key lawyers:

Michael BoschThomas Loher


Testimonials

‘Great team with a very broad knowledge and well-connected on a global level. With Thouvenin it is easy to drive even international projects based out of Switzerland. Detailed knowledge about the laws, business focused and deep knowledge of the business models that could help us.’

‘Good team, competent, pleasure to work with.’

‘Thomas Loher: a highly competent, very professional senior lawyer, has at all times a good overview of all open issues as well as risks and chances of alternatives, clear and concise advice, swift and precise. A great support in complex cases.’

‘Very professional.’

‘Working with Miss Arlette Pfister is a real pleasure. Her knowledge and commitment is priceless.’

Key clients

Microsoft Corporation


Wal-Mart Inc.


Heidelberger Druckmaschinen AG


Insightsoftware


Collagen Matrix, Inc., USA


Mediq B.V.


Sirona Dental Systems GmbH


Leica Geosystems AG


Admicasa Holding AG


Hexagon AB


Essity Group


Work highlights


Wenger Vieli Ltd

Wenger Vieli Ltd acts on a broad range of transactions, and is frequently active for entrepreneurs, investors, start-ups and SMEs. The department has particular strength in the financial services, life sciences, IT and cryptocurrency sectors. ‘Highly committed‘ team lead Beat Speck focuses on private cross-border M&A, financing rounds, and corporate reorganisations. Wolfgang Zürcher and Christian Wenger share a focus on private equity and venture capital.

Practice head(s):

Beat Speck


Testimonials

‘The team behind W&V and especially Beat Speck is extraordinary and superior in any respect. The speed, reaction power, and knowledge in the fields of M&A and startups are exceptionally good.’

‘Beat Speck is the best lawyer I know in the field of M&A. His skills and negotiation prowess helped us in closing our deal. Beat was always on point and shone with his wide knowledge and many years of experience.’

‘Good European network.’

‘Very professional and high level of legal expertise in the area of M&A.’

‘Very on point, fast and solving our problems / issues / questions fast and perfectly’

‘Loved working with Beat Speck, who could explain complex things in a very simple way’

‘Young and dynamic.’

‘Beat Speck: Listens carefully and proposes tailored – if necessary out of the box solution. Highly committed to find the best solution. Great negotiation skills. Says the right thing at the right moment. No confrontation style needed: the opposite party is part of the solution, and not the enemy.’

Key clients

Sygnum Bank


PG3


XSwiss


RFR Management


Burckhardt Compression


Züblin Immobilien


Alegra Capital


Crypto Valley Zug


Beekeeper Holding


Vontobel Holding


Creoptix


Shareholders of Stromer


Shareholders of Testing Time


Shareholders of Bring Labs!


Frontify


Left Lane


Unigestion


X-Bionic Group, blucc Holding


Klingel medical metal


Archlet


Molten Ventures (formerly Draper Esprit)


Kandou


Shareholders of Bre Holding


Atlas Antibodies


Work highlights


  • Advised Unigestion on USD 160m buy-out of Home Instead Group.
  • Advised Klingel on USD 68m acquisition of Swiss MedTech company Ruetschi.
  • Advising Sygnum Bank on USD 90m Series B funding round and on tokenized micro shares project, a global novelty.

Wenger Plattner

Wenger Plattner handles national and international transactions, including M&A, joint ventures investments, outsourcing transactions and restructurings, in a broad range of industries. The department is particularly active in the pharmaceutical and healthcare market, as well as the chemical industry and the IT sector. Oliver Künzler, who ‘works with the precision of a Swiss watch’, leads the team, which includes private equity and capital market expert, Marc Nater and counsel Benjamin Dürig, who joined the firm in 2021 from Froriep.

Practice head(s):

Oliver Künzler


Other key lawyers:

Marc Nater; Tobias Meili


Testimonials

‘We specifically appreciate the following key features: Partner involvement (i.e. partner-led service), responsiveness, clear business language with clear and practical recommendations, business understanding and focus on what commercially really matters, identification with the client and his business.’

‘Oliver Künzler is an excellent lawyer with a deep business understanding. He is extremely dedicated to the needs of the client and knows perfectly what is required to get a deal successfully over the finishing line.’

‘Experienced, efficient, attention to detail but at the same time business minded.’

‘Oliver Künzler: Very experienced in cross border work, works with the precision of a Swiss watch, strong negotiator, strong business and client focus, a safe pair of hands.’

‘Pragmatic, business-minded advice.’

‘Oliver Künzler – excellent commercial understanding, quick turnaround times.’

‘For years my main contact at Wenger has been Oliver Künzler. I am always impressed by his responsiveness and flexibility. Many decisions in respect to fee quotes etc are adjusted and decided within few minutes.’

Work highlights


  • Advised Saurer Group on all Swiss legal aspects of the EUR 300 million sale of three business units to Rieter.
  • Advised SIGNA Group/SIGNA Sports United on all Swiss legal aspects with respect to the special-purpose acquisition company (SPAC) Yucaipa Acquisition of SIGNA Sports United including the subsequent de—SPAC by merger with Wiggle.
  • Advised the leading healthcare investment firm Healthcare Royalty Management, LLC regarding the negotiation and conclusion of a USD 325 million purchase and sale agreement with ADC Therapeutics SA.

BianchiSchwald LLC

BianchiSchwald LLC‘s practice focuses on private M&A transactions, joint ventures, company successions and public procurement projects. Thomas Schmid leads the team, and has experience in M&A, restructurings, and private equity transactions. Marc Metzger covers general contract law and public procurement, while Stefan Scherrer is focused on private equity and joint ventures.

Practice head(s):

Thomas Schmid


Key clients

Stadler Rail AG


One Swiss Bank SA (formerly Banque Profil de Gestion SA)


PCS Holding AG


Helvetica Capital AG


Farmer Connect SA


Ekinops


Infravia Capital Partners


Maestrani Swiss Chocolates Ltd, Flawil, Switzerland


YouGov Plc


PINC – Paulig Incubator


Gustoso Group


VASS Consultoria de Sistemas S.L.


Maestrani Schweizer Schokoladen AG


routeRANK AG


Work highlights


  • Advised Stadler Rail AG throughout the public procurement tender process relating to the purchase of 286 up to 510 new multiple unit trains by the Swiss national railway company Schweizerische Bundesbahnen SBB for regional passenger transport.
  • Acted as lead counsel to entrepreneurial investors advised by Helvetica Capital AG in their acquisition of Systems Assembling SA, a manufacturer in the fields of electrical engineering and mechatronics with production sites in Switzerland and Portugal and more than 100 employees.
  • Advised PCS Holding AG in connection with the acquisition of a significant participation in the stock exchange listed Swiss Steel group (one of the world’s leading providers of individual solutions in the special long steel products sector) from its main shareholder BigPoint Holding AG.

Bonnard Lawson

Bonnard Lawson‘s ‘talented and diversified team’ advises domestic and foreign start-ups and entrepreneurs, as well as SMEs and multinational companies. The firm has offices across Switzerland, France, China, UAE and Hong Kong, and thus has particular strength in international matters. Loïs Hainard specialises in M&A, venture capital, and private equity, and co-leads the team with transaction specialist Giovanni Rossi, and Marie Flegbo-Berney, whose focus is private equity transactions.

Testimonials

‘Loïs Hainard was recommended to us by UBS, and we cannot be more thankful for that. He has become in only 6 months our main point of contact for any legal matter.’

‘Loïs Hainard is responsive, actually picks up his phone and highly knowledgeable in corporate law. It has honestly been a pleasure to work with him on two acquisitions, especially as they were our first share deals, and we had no idea whatsoever about the ins and outs.’

‘This practice stands out for having all the attributes of a big, imposing firm while managing to remain personable and adaptable to each of its clients’ needs.’

‘Talented and diversified team with great expertise in general corporate law as well as new technologies, start-ups, crypto and fintech.’

‘Loïs Hainard provided exceptional advice. He was extremely responsive, available at all hours, and was very pragmatic and commercial, focusing on the essential rather than being doctrinal. He defended our position with great clarity of purpose and excellent tactics.’

‘During the negotiation, the Bonnard Lawson team, led by Loïs Hainard, was highly available, providing me with a very effective legal wing mate. The ability for the team to support Swiss, French, and US queries was also a great asset. Compared with the purchaser’s legal firm, we managed to get what we wanted, and in some cases more, thanks to the pinpoint accuracy of the Bonnard Lawson team.’

‘The deal was led by myself and Loïs Hainard. His command and experience of this type of operation was clearly obvious from our very first meeting. His calm and clear approach was incredibly reassuring, especially during the more time critical part of the deal.’

‘The team has an extensive and deep knowledge not only in legal work, but also in businesses themselves: how they work and evolve.’

Key clients

SixSq SA


SWISSINSO SA


DYN SA


Kromatix SA


Scitec Research SA


DYN Audit SA


Lausanne Hockey Club SA


Nolands Advisory Services Switzerland AG


SFO Partners SA


Banque Cramer & Cie SA


Auris Wealth Management SA


Enki Capital SA


PFCH Luxe SA


Drinkotec Sàrl


Skechers U.S.A, Inc.


Lausanne Hockey Club Group SA


Zynnon AG


Work highlights


  • Advised SixSq SA and its founders in the context of a trade sale to Ekinops France SA.
  • Advised Rosablanche Ventures SA, lead investor, on a CHF 10M series A financing round in Foxstone SA.

id est avocats sàrl

id est avocats sàrl is known for its strength in M&A, corporate finance, capital structuring, corporate governance, and joint ventures, and has a notable focus on the technology sector. Michel Jaccard who specialises in corporate and IP matters, co-leads the department alongside private equity and venture capital expert, Mehmet Toral, and Marina Castelli-Joos, who made partner in July 2021.

Testimonials

‘I have worked with several people at id est. They are all very competent, but also extremely accessible and friendly! They seem to (try to) make legal staff accessible and easy for everyone, which should be, in my opinion, the goal of every law firm. I think this latter characteristic is their main strength and differentiator, and it brings immense value!’

‘They are modest! This may seem naïve, but it’s highly appreciable and allows, indeed, making legal staff more accessible. Look at their CVs, and you will see they would have reasons to be proud about what they do, but this never turns into the typical arrogance one often finds in successful people.’

‘Great collaboration, very effective using new technology, broad areas of expertise.’

‘The team is very competent and efficient. They are working well under fix deadline pressure.’

‘Good value for money. Deadline respected. Fast. Very smart. Understand complex business very fast. Friendly. Highly professional’

‘Michel Jaccard is probably the best business lawyer in town. Marina is crazy smart, she thinks about everything. Really amazed.’

Key clients

Swisscom Ventures


aMoon Fund


Work highlights


  • Advised the management of beqom SA during the USD 300 million strategic private equity investment by Sumeru Equity Partners.
  • Advised the shareholders of a Swiss company in its acquisition by the Capgemini group.
  • Advised the owners of a manufacturing plant in Switzerland in a sale and leaseback to a private equity group.

Mangeat Attorneys at Law LLC

Mangeat Attorneys at Law LLC‘s team handles commercial, corporate and M&A transactions, and has a focus on the financial services, healthcare, and IT sectors. Fabien Aepli leads the team, and covers private M&A, compliance and governance matters, and organisational rules. Joel Chevallaz has expertise in the acquisition and sale of private companies, and leads the firm’s restructuring and insolvency practice. Counsel and operations director My-Hué Tan has expertise in M&A, corporate governance, and compliance risks.

Practice head(s):

Fabien Aepli


Testimonials

‘Mangeat are knowledgeable attorneys in finance. They provide us exceptional advice in terms of corporate structuring and regulatory advice.’

‘We’ve been closely engaged with Fabien Aepli, who provided us with exceptional customer care. A man of his word, precision, and strict deadlines on deliverables.’

‘The firm has created a new line of business to support clients in risk management. The attorney in charge has a background as in-house counsel with large US corporates and is very knowledgeable and proactive about the topic.’

‘My-Hué Tan recently joined Mangeat to develop the new risk management practice, being very attuned to client needs. She is not only rigorous and diligent but provides excellent service, in particular thanks to her broad background as a lawyer as well as manager in a corporate setting.’

‘Dedicated and proactive.’

‘Availability, dedication, research and tailor made approach (Fabien Aepli and Grégoire Mangeat).’

‘Mangeat has been the law firm accompanying me throughout my whole entrepreneurial journey, proving to be a great support at different stages of development of my enterprise, and consistently proving their knowledge and quality of service.’

‘Fabien Aepli constantly stood out as a quality, knowledgeable, proactive partner at Mangeat.’

Work highlights


  • Assisted SonarSource SAto lead negotiations and representation in a in a growth equity financing. The financing raised $412 million in new investment and values SonarSource at $4.7 billion.
  • Assist Re-Company SA on all corporate and commercial matters, including within financing rounds.
  • Assist MITC Mobility SA regarding an agreement with Uber to take over transportation business through a transfer of undertaking.

Gillioz Dorsaz & Associés

Gillioz Dorsaz & Associés handles restructurings, financings, and acquisitions for domestic and foreign clients, with a focus on the luxury and health sector. Co-leading the group locally are Damien Cand, who covers corporate and contract law, and Nicole Fragnière Meyer, who has tax expertise. Associate Alexandre Steiner is noted.

Other key lawyers:

Alexandre Steiner


Work highlights


Jeantet

Jeantet provides expertise in cross-border matters involving France and Luxembourg. The department acts for multinational corporations, as well as commodity investors and a diverse range of high and ultra-high net worth individuals. Practice head Patrice Lefèvre-Péaron, who acts as managing partner of the Geneva office, specialises in business law and the taxation of businesses. Senior associate Laure Rinchet has over 17 years’ experience in the international legal field.

Practice head(s):

Patrice Lefèvre-Péaron


Other key lawyers:

Laure Rinchet


Key clients

GIFI group


ENGIE S.A.


INSEEC U. – CINVEN


VALEO


Crédit Suisse


YORK CAPITAL US


VINCI CONSTRUCTION


CA Indosuez Wealth (Europe)


Work highlights


MME Legal | Tax | Compliance

A ‘one-stop-shop’, MME Legal | Tax | Compliance provides comprehensive advice over legal, tax, and compliance matters. The group has particular focus on the fintech, technology, and trade and commerce sectors. Peter Kuhn, who has expertise in cross-border transactions and projects, co-leads the department with Alex Enzler, whose focus is venture capital and private equity. Tax specialist Samuel Bussmann and restructuring expert Andreas Rudolf also co-leads.

Testimonials

‘The team has several strengths: 1. Excellent reaction speed, all the working products are delivered very quickly and always within the promised time frame 2. They do not hesitate to work an extra mile and often offer innovative solutions for the problems 3. Excellent availability of partners and experts for discussions and clarifications.’

‘Strong competence base and good collaboration within the team of competence areas to provide a one-stop-shop.’

‘Andreas Rudolf stands out with great skills and personality.’

Key clients

HTI Group / Leitner


White Summit Capital AG


Shareholders of BookaBed AG


Swiss-Ski Schweizerischer Skiverband


Klepsydra AG


Northpond Ventures


Karl Storz SE & Co. KG


Nevermined AG


Glaux Soft AG


Fingerprint Cards Switzerland Ltd.


Hunter Douglas


Work highlights


  • Advised HTI-Group / Leitner, Italy in connection with the acquisition of 100% of the shares in BMF Group AG, Flums, Switzerland.
  • Advised White Summit Capital AG in its acquisition, as part of a Swiss consortium, of a diversified portfolio of small-hydro and wind assets in Iberia.
  • Advising the owners of BookaBed AG in the sale of a majority stake to TEK Travels DMCC; a wholly owned subsidiary of TBO Tek Limited.

OBERSON ABELS SA

OBERSON ABELS SA specialises in corporate law and contract negotiation, with experience in a variety of industries, including the banking, insurance, pharmaceutical, biotech, and IT sectors. Sébastien Bettschart has a broad practice which includes contract law, private equity, and the restructuring of distressed companies. Bettschart leads the group with Stefan Eberhard, who also has contract law and private equity expertise, in addition to project finance.

Work highlights


Prager Dreifuss AG

Prager Dreifuss AG is active on the full range of corporate and M&A matters. The department advise companies on set-ups, restructruings, housekeeping and compliance, in addition to handling mergers and other restructurings. Andreas Moll, who specialises in energy and infrastructure related matters, co-leads with Daniel Hayek, who acts on a range of M&A and corporate finance matters. Guy Deillon joined as an associated partner from Homburger in February 2022.

Practice head(s):

Andreas Moll; Daniel Hayek


Testimonials

‘I use Andreas Moll for all Swiss employment issues. He is the best in the business; smart, pragmatic, client-friendly, a joy to work with.’

‘Guy Deillon is an amazing corporate and M&A lawyer.’

‘PD has advised us on the acquisition in Switzerland. They showed strong commitment during the process. Were continuously available and answering. Mostly advised by senior lawyer, which is a clear positive.’

‘Andreas Moll provided us with solid and quick advice on relevant topics during the process.’

Work highlights


Python

Python‘s team has experience in corporate restructurings, and acts on stock and asset deals, mergers, spin-offs, and co-investments. Marc Iynedjian covers M&A and real estate transactions, with a notable focus on energy matters. Benjamin Humm is focused on commercial contracts, whereas Philippe Florinetti advises companies and individuals on a broad range of commercial activities.

Testimonials

‘The commercial, corporate and M&A practice has a broad experience in different legal matters: M&A but also development projects, corporate law.’

‘I have worked on several projects with March Iynedjian over the last few years, and more recently on an important cross-border M&A transaction. Marc is a very good lawyer, available and responsive. He has a business mindset and great experience in various types of projects (M&A, development, etc.) which is very valuable.’

Key clients

Astrocast SA


Work highlights


Staiger Attorneys at Law Ltd

Staiger Attorneys at Law Ltd focuses on advising privately held SMEs and private clients, and has particular expertise advising Turkish clients on cross-border matters involving Switzerland. The department has strength in regulated industries, including energy, insurance, banking, and real estate. Yasemin Varel, whose focus is the drafting and negotiation of contracts, leads the team, which includes Andreas von Erlach, an adviser to entrepreneurs and private clients on corporate law matters.

Practice head(s):

Yasemin Varel


Other key lawyers:

Andreas von Erlach


Work highlights


  • Advising Zug Estates on all corporate matters related to a CHF 600 million property development project.
  • Advised a Swedish automotive group on acquisition of two Swiss companies.
  • Advising a Turkish industrial group on Swiss corporate matters.