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.
Commercial, corporate and M&A in Switzerland
Bär & Karrer Ltd.
Other key lawyers:
Christoph Neeracher; Mariel Hoch; Dieter Dubs; Ralph Malacrida; Martin Anderson; Paolo Bottini; Philippe Seiler
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.
Other key lawyers:
Frank Gerhard; Daniel Daeniker; Daniel Hasler; Andreas Müller ; Daniel Häusermann; David Oser
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.
Other key lawyers:
Stephan Erni; David Ledermann; Simone Ehrsam; Matthias Wolf; Beat Kühni; Roman Graf; Jacques Iffland
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.
Other key lawyers:
Patrik R Peyer; Manuel Werder; Philipp Candreia; Till Spillmann; Moritz Maurer; Adrian Koller; Thomas Brönnimann; Andrea Giger; Philippe Weber
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.
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.
Other key lawyers:
Karin Oberlin; Daniel Schoch; Hubert Orso Gilliéron; Julie Wynne; Mona Stephenson; Nadine Von Büren-Maier; Mattias Johnson; Mark Montanari
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.
Other key lawyers:
Severin Roelli; Franz Schubiger; Beat Schwarz ; Christian Leuenberger; Petra Hanselmann; Pascal Richard
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.
Other key lawyers:
Tarek Houdrouge; Martin Weber; Christoph Vonlanthen; Marcel Jakob; Pascal Hubli; Oliver Triebold; Josef Caleff; Marcel Jakob
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.
Other key lawyers:
Markus Vischer; Luc Defferrard; Urs Gnos; Ramona Wyss; Christian Hagen; Hans-Jakob Diem
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.
Other key lawyers:
Christian Stambach; Florian Jörg; Matthias Schmid; Marco Rizzi; Kevin Kengelbacher; Annina Grob
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.
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.
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.
Other key lawyers:
Reto Schumacher; Ines Pöschel; Edgar Philippin; Emanuel Dettwiler; Massimiliano Maestretti; Clarence Peter
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.