Baker McKenzie’s ‘very reliable and proactive’ real estate transaction group has a strong focus on real estate M&A, corporate real estate, and real estate investment schemes. Head of the Geneva practice, Charles Gschwind advises domestic and international clients on asset deals, large-scale portfolio transactions, and the acquisition of real estate. The Zurich team is led by Samuel Marbacher who has a key focus on real estate transactions, including environmental matters, Lex Koller issues, and real estate financing. Other key team members include Alexander Wyss, who also advises domestic and international clients on cross-border and national real estate and corporate transactions, and Martin Furrer, who has special expertise in advising international clients on large real estate.
Real estate and construction in Switzerland
Baker McKenzie Switzerland AG
Practice head(s):
Samuel Marbacher; Charles Gschwind
Other key lawyers:
Alexander Wyss; Martin Furrer
Testimonials
‘The reaction and processing time is fast and all actions are always well prepared and adapted to the situation. ’
‘Highest availability, team resources, knowledge, creativity, efficiency, know what to focus on.’
‘Availability, commitment, getting things done, efficiency.’
‘Very reliable, always available, attentive and think ahead.’
‘Samuel Marbacher is extremely reliable, highly committed, always thinks a step ahead, shows empathy and works diligently, always prepared to go the extra mile.’
‘Knowledgeable, personable, on time and hands-on, all that you need.’
‘Very competent, to the point expertise and still very personable.’
‘Very proactive and fast. Charles Gschwind and Samuel Marbacher are very professional.’
Key clients
Arab Bank (Switzerland) Ltd
Beaumier
Deka Immobilien Investment GmbH
Edyn hospitality group
Galenica group
HOCHDORF Swiss Nutrition AG
PSP Swiss Property
Steiner AG
Swisscanto Anlagestifung
Swisscanto Real Estate Fund Responsible Swiss Commercial
Swiss Real Estate Investment Foundation
Variosystems AG
Zug Estates Holding AG
Work highlights
- Advised PSP Swiss Property on the acquisition of the prime office property “Westpark” at Pfingstweidstrasse 60 in Zurich-West for CHF 216.5 million.
- Advised PSP Swiss Property AG on the conversion of its CHF 1.8 billion bond portfolio to green bonds based on the company’s Green Bond Framework.
- Advised Arab Bank (Switzerland) Ltd. (“Arab Bank Switzerland”) on its purchase of the MixCity project, a first-class, multifunctional commercial development project in Renens in the Greater Lausanne area.
Bär & Karrer Ltd.
Bär & Karrer Ltd. advises on all areas within real estate and construction, including on traditional real estate transactions, public and private construction law, environment law, and permits. Practice head Corrado Rampini has ‘profound market and legal knowledge of the Swiss real estate market’ with a specialisation in asset deals, capital market transactions of listed real estate companies, and the acquisition of real estate companies as well as IPOs. Daniel Bader has extensive experience in international and intercantonal real estate matters, while Daniel Leu advises private and family offices on the handling of estates, and in connection with foundations and trusts. Rocco Rigozzi focuses on real estate transactions.
Practice head(s):
Corrado Rampini
Other key lawyers:
Daniel Bader; Daniel Leu; Rocco Rigozzi
Testimonials
‘Uncomplicated, knowledgable, capabable and very responsive.’
‘Corrado Rampini (BK) has a profound market and legal knowledge of the Swiss real estate market and is ahead of all legal issues with regards to the legal structuring of major real estate transactions.’
‘The technical expertise of Corrado Rampini and his team and his market reputation were crucial to the successful bid in a competitive transaction and gave the required comfort to the intermediaries and the counterparty. Thus his contribution was not only limited to the legal structuring/drafting of documents but he also was key to win the project.’
‘Corrado Rampini (partner) was uncomplicated, knowledgable, capabable and very responsive. Excellent dealing with counterparts and solution oriented.’
Key clients
Warteck Invest AG
Bratschi Ltd
Bratschi Ltd’s practice offers regional coverage and profound expertise in a variety of real estate matters including transactions, litigation, arbitration, and public and administrative matters. The team is co-led by Markus Aeschbacher, who has longstanding consultancy and litigation experience in the field of construction and real estate law, and Thomas Schönenberger, who focuses on real estate transactions and contractor agreements. The team was strengthened with the expertise of eight new hires in 2023, six of which are partners. Notable team members include Ion Eglin, Ulrich Keusen, and Marco Colombini.
Practice head(s):
Markus Aeschbacher; Thomas Schönenberger
Other key lawyers:
Ion Eglin; Ulrich Keusen; Marco Colombini; Tanja Frischknecht; Andreas Brenner; Nadine Wanner
Testimonials
‘Fast responses, hands-on aproach, good communication and excellent legal skills.’
‘Markus Aeschbacher is great to work with.’
‘Great coordination of internal teams, also cross-Canton-wise, always easily understandable on-the-point advice (no extra-long memos), perfect cost/benefit ratio.’
‘My main contact people are Dr. Marco Colombini and Dr. Markus Aeschbacher. They are both providing an excellent level of service: very short response times, ability to rapidly grasp the relevant issues, abide by cost caps. ’
‘Well versed even in complex matters of extensive public buildings that evolved over several generations.’
‘Understands the client’s need and is able to strategically plan negotiations.’
‘Markus Aeschbacher: his analysis, procedure and experience.’
‘Very good advice, recommendations for different strategies in the respective situations, constant accessibility, reliability of the assigned tasks, knowledge in different areas and geographical locations.’
Key clients
BP Europe SE, Hamburg, Zweigniederlassung BP (Switzerland)
Calzedonia Group / Calzedonia Switzerland AG
Generali Italia SpA
SPAR Group, including TopCC AG
Intershop Management AG/Intershop Holding AG
Realstone SA
Steigenberger Hotels AG
Yotel Limited
Odyssey Hotel Group
Laudinella Hotel Group
Merck & Cie.
DPR Constructions
Blumer-Lehmann AG
CSL Behring Bern AG
Spitalanlagengesellschaft Spitalregion Fürstenland-Toggenburg
Meier Tobler AG
Genossenschaft Migros Ostschweiz
Arbonia AG
Asga Pensionskasse Genossenschaft
Kantonsspital St. Gallen
Limehome GmbH
Säntis Home AG
Fortimo AG und Fortimo Invest AG
Hälg & Co. AG
Ego Kiefer AG
St. Galler Kantonalbank
Ortsbürgergemeinde St. Gallen
Municipality and Roman Catholic Community Einsiedeln
ASTRA – The Federal Road Office of Switzerland
Petroncini Impianti SpA / Industria Macchine Automatiche SpA
Oel-Pool AG / Moveri AG
Monoplan AG
Hera Hospitality Holding AG
Success Hotel Management GmbH
24 Lens Sàrl
Work highlights
- Advised Meier Tobler AG in a sale-and-lease-back transaction regarding its newly built service centre in Oberbuchsiten SO, Switzerland.
- Advised the international hotel group Steigenberger AG in various new developments in Switzerland; already signed is a long-term hotel management agreement for a new hotel to be built in La-Chaux-de-Fonds, Switzerland, which will be the first hotel of the group in Switzerland under their new hotel brand “House of Beats”.
- Advised the international hotel group Yotel on their entrance into Switzerland, the group structure and their first hotel in Switzerland at Lake of Geneva, with announced opening in November 2023.
Lenz & Staehelin
Lenz & Staehelin advises private and institutional investors, developers, public authorities, contractors and financial institutions on a wide range of project development matters. The team is involved in both advisory and contentious construction-related work including contract and project structuring, public procurement strategies, and operation and maintenance agreements. The Geneva office is headed by Cécile Berger Meyer, who has extensive experience advising clients on the purchase, sale, and structuring of real estate as well as administrative law matters. Beat Kühni, who handles all real estate related issues such as transactional work, financing, and complex international industrial revamping projects, co-heads the Zurich team.
Practice head(s):
Cécile Berger Meyer; Beat Kühni
Other key lawyers:
Andreas Rötheliö
Testimonials
‘L&S’s team (RE and construction practice group) is very responsive, committed and very well meets client’s needs, be it larger transactions or smaller requests.’
‘Beat Kuehni: very broad knowledge beyond real estate & construction. Cécile Berger Meyer: very pragmatic approach and concise advice.’
‘Our organisation has been working for a very long period of time with Lenz&Staehelin and they have been instrumental in the negotiation of the contractual terms of a very important project for our Group. Their knowledge and insight on the real estate market in Switzerland has been extremely valuable as well as their high level of legal expertise. Finally, the firm has been able to allocate resources extremely quickly to our project which was key for its success.’
‘Cecile Berger is an outstanding business partner able to understand the commercial issues, to share her deep knowledge of the markets and to explain clearly the legal stakes to the business. Her commitment to the project and her sound advice have been key to our project.’
‘Ability to manage the work according to the process and deadlines. Taylor made service and able to perform under pressure.’
‘The combination of the quality of work, the speed and the understanding of the client’s needs are unique.’
‘The quality of the people I’ve dealt with over the years: There is a very strong and stable partner basis, and qualitative associates that one can feel, have been carefully selected. The capacity of adaptation is impressive, mostly since we (as construction management professionals) tend to consult the layers with very diverse and specific questions. Contract negotiation has also been an important part of our common activities, during which the partners didn’t hesitate to defend their clients’ interests while retaining an impressive level of professionalism.’
‘Me Berger has a deep level of understanding of people and subjects. Her ability to identify problems and suggest approaches to handle them is outstanding. She is very available and always finds the time answer in person when needed. Behind her is an impressive team of associates which she built during the last years starting from scratch. I enjoyed the responsiveness of the team as well as the dedication to the tasks they were assigned. All the deadlines have systematically been met with a high quality of the deliverables.’
Key clients
BMS
FIVE Resorts Group
Swiss Prime Site Solutions
Vail Resorts
Union Investment
AXA
MLL Legal
MLL Legal’s expanding team regularly advises its high-profile clients on a wide range of real estate matters including the acquisition and sale of properties, project development, financing, construction, and real estate litigation. The Zurich team is headed by Wolfgang Müller who has extensive expertise advising non-swiss investors on the acquisition and sale of real estate and real estate portfolios. The Geneva team is headed by Philippe Prost who specialises in construction projects and real estate litigation. The team also benefits from Cosima Trabichet-Castan’s rental law expertise. Other key team members include Walter Häberling and Catrina Luchsinger Gähwiler.
Practice head(s):
Wolfgang Müller; Philippe Prost
Other key lawyers:
Cosima Trabichet-Castan; Walter Häberling; Catrina Luchsinger Gaehwiler
Testimonials
‘The real estate team of MLL is very professional with high expertise and pragmatism. They are always available or call back asap. Their legal opinions are reliable and accurate.’
‘Notable in MLL’s real estate team is Mr. Wolfgang Müller who has been advising our company in all legal matters in Switzerland for already 15 years now. He solves the problems constructive and target-oriented. His engagement is outstanding.’
‘They are very flexible and answer quick. They advise clients precise and show potential risks.’
‘Excellent service and proactive advice.’
‘Me Philippe Prost. Available in all situations at short notice. Excellent suggestions and advice.’
Key clients
Allianz (Allianz Suisse Immobilien AG)
Allreal Holding AG
Burkhalter Holding AG
Calida Holding AG
Central Real Estate Basel AG
Generali
HIAG Immobilien Holding AG
Meyer Burger Technology AG
Nova Property Fund Management AG
Rystadt AG (formerly Central Real Estate Basel AG)
Swiss Life AG
Züblin Immobilien AG
1291 Die Schweizer Anlagestiftung
Work highlights
- Advised Burkhalter Holding AG in the merger and takeover of SIX-listed poenina holding ag and the listing of the new Burkhalter shares on SIX Swiss Exchange thereby creating a company with a market cap exceeded CHF 750 million based on the closing share price of 29 June 2022.
- Advised Allreal Holding AG in the issue of a 5-year green bond at 3% p.a., issue price 100.057%, in the amount of CHF 150 million in April 2023. Zürcher Kantonalbank, Credit Suisse and UBS acted as joint bookrunners.
- Advising HIAG in its rights offering and listing of new shares at SIX Swiss Exchange, including follow-up work, the proceeds of about CHF 160 million to be used mainly for project development.
Niederer Kraft Frey AG
Niederer Kraft Frey AG’s real estate group advises on property acquisition and investment, construction projects, and the management and leasing of property. Andreas F Vögeli, who heads the Zurich team, has a key focus on real estate transactions, sale and lease back transactions, and hotel and leisure projects. The new Geneva real estate team is led by Marc Iynedjian, who joined from Python in January 2023. Iynedjian has significant experience in advising various private and institutional investors in asset or share deals. The Zurich team is supported by Annina Fey who has extensive expertise handling construction disputes and queries, and Oliver Zbinden who has a special focus in tenancy law and public construction and zoning law. Fabiano Menghini joined from Lenz & Staehelin in May 2024.
Practice head(s):
Andreas F Vögeli; Marc Iynedjian
Other key lawyers:
Oliver Zbinden; Annina Fey; Fabiano Menghini
Testimonials
‘NKF Real Estate Team Zurich stands out primarily due to its extensive experience across all cantons in Switzerland, which enables a comprehensive understanding and expertise in all local rules and the ability to handle documents in all languages proficiently. We value NKFs broad expertise in Swiss law, giving them a significant advantage in handling complex, multiregional cases with efficacy and precision.’
‘Annina Fey distinguishes herself with a deep commitment to us, always available to smooth out operational tasks arising from contracts. Her expertise in the real estate sector and understanding of financial deals ensure high-quality legal and security contracts. Fey’s detailed-oriented approach guarantees precision in every project she undertakes, placing her a notch above competitors.’
‘1. the strong will for finding solutions for all kind of problems. 2. the competence to work together in the team and also out of the team with specialists. 3. the offering of serious, practicable solutions for the sake of the customer.’
‘Andreas Vögeli with Oliver Zbinden and Annina Fey are highly experienced, responsive and always available. The mix of skills and willingness to perform makes them an amazing team. ’
‘The team works as a team and is diverse in terms of experience and skills; all competencies required for real estate investments are available, and the team always focuses on practical implementation. Very pragmatic in finding solutions without losing sight of the legal refinements.’
‘I’ve worked with Andreas Vögeli and Annina Fey and I value their deep and broad understanding of the business (not only on a legal but also on a more practical level). They are also very responsive, understand the time limitations and react accordingly. Working with them feels like being a team and wins are celebrated together.’
‘The team has a huge variety of competencies and covers therefore all aspects of real estate.’
‘Andreas Vögeli, Oliver Zbinden, Annina Fey: reliable, thorough working method, good availability, can work under time pressure, have a high economic understanding of the matter and not only of legal issues, have the necessary understanding to also make compromises -> dealmaker.’
Key clients
Boltshauser Architekten AG
Coop
Ina Invest Holding AG
Mettler2Invest AG
Swiss Finance Property AG
Swisscom Immobilien AG
AXA Investment Managers (Schweiz) AG
BVK Personalvorsorge des Kantons Zürich (Pension Fund of the Canton of Zurich)
Credit Suisse Asset Management AG (resp. its Real Estate Funds and Real Estate Foundation; SIX Swiss Exchange listed)
EQT Partner AG
Procimmo SA
Foxstone SA
REWE Group (www.rewe-group.com)
Rhystadt AG
Schroder Investment Management (Switzerland) AG (resp. the Real Estate Fund Schroder ImmoPlus|(SIX Swiss Exchange listed)
Zürcher Kantonalbank (ZKB) / Swisscanto Invest / Pensionskasse der Zürcher Kantonalbank
Work highlights
- Advises Credit Suisse in various sales of residential and mixed used buildings in different cantons of Switzerland (including the Italian-speaking part of Switzerland and the French-speaking part of Switzerland), as well as on the acquisition of two big projects.
- Advised Capvis, the specialist in mid-market investments and a well-known Swiss investor, on the acquisition of a majority stake in SCHURTER Group. The closing is subject to (European) regulatory approvals.
- Acts as lead counsel for ZKB/Swisscanto Invest and pension fund of ZKB for all Real Estate matters, ZKB being one of the most important institutional investors in Switzerland.
Schellenberg Wittmer Ltd
Schellenberg Wittmer Ltd’s practice group has extensive experience in both the commercial and residential property markets, advising on construction law, environmental law, tax, and administrative law matters. The team has niche expertise in serving the hotel industry, often handling complex international purchasing and the sale of property. Geneva-based team head, Yves Jeanrenaud, has considerable know-how advising domestic and international clients on drafting and negotiating property contracts. Josef Caleff, who heads the Zurich team, advises clients on all types of complex real estate transactions, including large commercial leases, contractor agreements, and development projects.
Other key lawyers:
Bénédict Foëx ; Elliott Geisinger; Philippe Bärtsch ; Christopher Boog ; Katherine Bell;Amanda Burnand Sulmoni, LL.M.
Testimonials
‘It is my privilege to recommend Josef Caleff, an excellent lawyer who did a lot to help us in the Real Estate field.’
Key clients
International Labour Organization
Bouygues Construction / Losinger Marazzi
BMS – Bristol Myers Squibb
Credit Suisse AG
Procimmo AG
Christie’s
Hotel Beaulac, Neuchatel
Implenia (Suisse) SA
Société Privée de Gérance
Patrizia AGSV Group AG
SPGI
Vantage Data Center
Barry Callebaut AG
Celgene International II Sarl
CBRE
HIG Capital
IDUN Industries
Bank Julius Bär
IFF
Colt Data Center Cervices
Hotel Richemond SA
Royalp SA
Atlantic Financial Group
Foundation for industrial land of Geneva (FTI)
AXA Insurance Group
NBK Private Bank ( Switzerland)
Work highlights
- Assisted Société Anonyme Hôtel Richemond on the sale of the historic Le Richemond Hotel in Geneva to the Jumeirah Group.
- Advised Petra Hemmi and Serge Fayet in the sale of the major Swiss architecture company hemmi fayet architektur ag to leading ATP Architekten Ingenieure.
- Advised OPG Holdings AG on the acquisition of a large commercial leasehold property in Berne from Aspen Group.
Walder Wyss Ltd.
Walder Wyss Ltd.‘s expanding team advises all types of real estate investors and high-profile international corporations in complex transactions. The Basel, Berne, and Lugano offices also provide notarial services to their clients. The team is headed by Francis Nordmann, who handles transactional issues as well as leases, and litigation and arbitration; Johannes A. Bürgi, who regularly advises foreign wealth management funds on real estate matters; and Christian Eichenberger, who has a focus on real estate development.
Practice head(s):
Francis Nordmann; Johannes Bürgi; Christian Eichenberger
Other key lawyers:
Davide Jeremi; Thomas Muller; Luc Pittet; Thomas Meister; Nicolas Iynedijian; Katja Schott-Morgenroth; Albane Selimi
Testimonials
‘Leading legal practice in the Swiss real estate industry. Knowledgeable and responsive partners.’
‘Francis Nordmann, our lead real estate partner. Amazingly responsive and access to a wide network of real estate stakeholders.’
‘Very efficient and knowledgeable team that covers all relevant aspects and with an excellent coverage of all markets in Switzerland.’
‘Highly dedicated partners and associates with an excellent knowledge and good understanding of investors needs. Specific mention of Francis Nordmann.’
‘The team at Walder Wyss has a very broad expertise relevant to our industry. Our issues range from rental law to construction and zoning law to tax or data protection issues.’
‘We mostly deal with Albane Selimi (MLaw, Attorney at Law & senior associate). She is an excellent lawyer with a highly developed sense of justice and buckets of intrinsic motivation. Her expertise covers a wide range of legal issues, she works very diligently and holds herself (and others) to very high standards.’
‘Wide range of themes. Responsive. Swisswide.’
Key clients
Artisa Group
Raiffeisen Futura Immo Fonds
Immofonds
Gold Tree
Swiss Finance & Property
Akara Funds
Immozins
Helvetica
Rhystadt Ltd (consortium of Swiss Pensions Funds)
Zuriba
F. Aeschbach
Brickvalue 2
Raststätte Knonaueramt
Biella Schweiz Ltd
VERIT Investment Management Ltd
LHI Immobilien Schweiz Ltd
Pfizer Ltd
PURE Funds Ltd
Work highlights
- Advised IPI Partners, LLC, a global investment firm that specializes in investing in critical digital infrastructure assets, on the acquisition of Safe Host, a Switzerland-based data center owner and operator.
- Advising NBIM Sàrl on the sale of the Uetlihof Campus, one of the largest office buildings in Switzerland for a purchase price of roughly CHF 1 billion.
- Advised PKRE on the sale of a large office campus within Zurich to Swiss Prime Site Investment Foundation.
BianchiSchwald LLC
BianchiSchwald LLC acts on a wide range of real estate matters including the management of assets, urban and mobility planning, and the preservation of historical monuments. The Geneva team is headed by Yves de Coulon, who has extensive expertise in the hotel industry and regularly advises and represents institutional and private clients on civil and administrative issues. Marc Metzger, who heads the Zurich team, has expertise as counsel to private real estate investors and construction companies.
Practice head(s):
Yves de Coulon; Marc Metzger
Other key lawyers:
Andreas Suter; Romain Schadegg; Stipe Jozic
Testimonials
‘Corporate and professional.’
‘Fast response.’
Key clients
Casacuberta Inmuebles
Hôtel Beau-Rivage SA Genève
HRS Real Estate AG
MEDECINS SANS FRONTIERES – MSF
VAMED Management und Services Schweiz AG
ZSC Lions AG
ZSC Lions Arena Immobilien AG
Rehaklinik Seewis AG
Rehaklinik Tschugg AG
Work highlights
- Assisting Casacuberta Inmuebles with all its real estate and hospitality projects of acquisition, construction and development as well as with the management of the company and the hotels for the last 15 years.
- Advising ZSC Lions Arena Immobilien AG on all legal aspects related to this project, incl. regarding the tender for the general contractor and the negotiations of the general contractor agreement, the negotiations of an energy contracting agreement, the tender of a catering partner as well as the negotiations of the catering agreement and the respecting lease agreements, and any and all aspects regarding project execution and management as well as construction disputes.
- Advised Rehaklinik Tschugg AG on the real estate due diligence and the negotiation of a long-term lease agreement for the clinic facilities.
CMS von Erlach Partners Ltd.
CMS von Erlach Partners Ltd. provides legal advice to both domestic and international clients on all aspects of real estate transactions, from acquisition and development to financing the sale of properties. The Zurich team is headed by Stefan Gerster, who has extensive experience in hotel and entertainment centre investments, and Sibylle Schnyder, who has a particular focus on real estate acquisitions and divestments. Olivier Carrard advises clients on commercial real estate transactions and co-heads the Geneva team together with Sidonie Morvan, who has expertise in tenancy law and real estate-related litigation. At the associate level, Thomas Zweifel and Delphine Di Nolfi are names to watch.
Practice head(s):
Stefan Gerster; Olivier Carrard; Sibylle Schnyder; Sidonie Morvan
Other key lawyers:
Thomas Zweifel; Delphine Di Nolfi
Testimonials
‘Recommended for the team’s knowledge and network.’
Key clients
Credit Suisse Asset Management (Switzerland) AG
Nova Property Funds Management
Swiss Prime Site Immobilien
Swiss Prime Solutions & Swiss Prime Anlagestiftung (SPA)
Generali Investments
Vinci Promotion
Allianz Suisse Real Estate Inc
Union Investment Real Estate Sarl
Die Anlagestiftung DAI
Work highlights
- Representing Swiss Prime Site Immobilien, the leading Switzerland-based real estate company, with respect to a green lease template. The client intends to roll out green leases for all new and existing lease objects.
- Providing on-going advice to this client regarding the expansion of its Swiss offices, including three new major lease agreements totalling circa 30,000 square metres; and fit-out.
Kellerhals Carrard
Kellerhals Carrard’s team provides comprehensive advice on construction-related disputes and regularly uses its experience with the federal, state, and local level governments to develop and structure its major construction projects. Team head, Bernd Hauck, focuses on private construction law, namely contractual agreements and related disputes, and often litigates in Swiss court cases governed by German law. The team benefits from the particular expertise of its members; for example, Isabelle Romy uses her extensive expertise in environmental law and ESG considerations and Christoph Jäger has a focus on public procurement and public law in the construction sector. Livio Marelli supports the team on construction matters in the education and transport sectors.
Practice head(s):
Bernd Hauck
Other key lawyers:
Isabelle Romy; Fabrizio Gabrielli; Christoph Jäger; Andreas Güngerich; Livio Marelli
Testimonials
‘Fabrizio Gabrielli has a profound knowledge of all legal aspects of our projects and the building industry. The combination of academic approach and pragmatic solutions is outstanding. Livio Marelli is very supportive in our projects and we like to work with him because of his hands on approach.’
‘They have a big team down there – there are over 50 lawyers doing REC, I would estimate. They also have a very international outlook, and they have a modern attitude towards ESG.’
‘I am a big fan of Bernd Hauck. His knowledge in this area is outstanding. I have known Bernd as a regular and entertaining speaker at international construction law conferences, where we often collaborate. I wouldn’t think about giving anyone else my Swiss construction law work.’
‘I would strongly recommend Bernd Hauck. He is a quick thinker and very reliable. His dual qualification (Swiss and German law) is unique. If I had a construction problem, Bernd Hauck would be my first choice.’
‘Christoph Jäger is an excellent expert in all areas of real estate law. He provides timely and professional legal assessments taking into account the company’s interest. He quickly recognizes the company’s challenges and identifies practical solutions and options for action.’
‘The law firm is one of the top five players in Switzerland, I would say. The construction team is big (probably 60 plus lawyers) and highly reputed. Kellerhals Carrard is present in the entire country (all country languages) and is therefore aware of the various regional differences (which is key in the Swiss market). Even though the quality of the law firm services is outstanding, the requested fees are comparably fair. ’
‘I have been working with Bernd Hauck and Fabrizio Gabrielli in a complex construction project which required counsel in different areas of law (general contractor construction contracts, engineering contracts, public procurement etc.). I really appreciated Fabrizio’s and Bernd’s out of the box thinking. First and foremost, they tried to understand our needs implementing practical solutions for us. Fabrizio and Bernd have high pro-active thinking and were at our service at any time required. They provided us with answers, not with endless memos. ’
‘Christoph Jäger is an outstanding lawyer with a deep knowledge, an excellent reputation and a very good sense of our business. He communicates well and quickly and is a teamplayer and easy-to work with. High reliability and sense of duty.’
Key clients
Implenia
STS Group / STS Group Switzerland AG
UBS Fund Management / UBS „Sima“
Swiss Post
Bricks Group AG
EuroAirport Basel Mulhouse Freiburg
CSL Behring
University of Basel
Ville de Lausanne (city of Lausanne)
Grand Cariçaie / ARSUD
Itten+Brechbühl AG
Public Transport Canton on Baselland (BLT Baselland Transport AG)
Swiss Association of Consulting Engineers / usic-Stiftung
Immobilienpartner
Work highlights
- Advising pharma company CSL Behring in the planning and construction of two major pharmaceutical plants in Switzerland.
- Advising the EuroAirport Basel. Mulhouse. Freiburg. (EAP) which is situated on French soil but has a separate Swiss part (border controls, customs, police etc.) and governed by a bilateral treaty between France and Switzerland. The EAP plans to increase its capacity, which requires major construction works of up to EUR 250 million.
- Advisising the Canton of Berne on a large and complex real estate project, including on issues of building law, tenancy law and public procurement law and conducts negotiations with tenants who have to vacate the buildings prematurely.
Pestalozzi
Pestalozzi handles real estate matters in various industry sectors such as infrastructure, healthcare, and consumer goods. It has expertise in due diligence reviews, contract negotiations and drafting, obtaining construction permits, and zoning law matters. Michael Lips heads up the ‘excellent’ team with his extensive knowledge in leases, sales, pledges, and building contract rights. Paola Wullschleger’s main areas cover litigation, tenancy law, and environmental law. Larissa Rickenbacher has a particular focus on public law issues in the real estate market.
Practice head(s):
Michael Lips
Other key lawyers:
Paola Wullschleger; Larissa Rickenbacher
Testimonials
‘Excellent team, work together very well for a seamless delivery of a high-quality work product.’
‘Responsive, knowledgeable and nice people to work with.’
Key clients
Logis Suisse AG
Lake Resort
Immobiliengesellschaft Rosenberg
SSP Deutschland GmbH
Psychiatrische Universitätsklinik
Workday Switzerland GmbH
Bally Schuhfabriken AG
Numastays (COSI Hospitality GmbH)(
Port Antares AG
BP
HOK International, Bjarke Ingels Group and 10:8 Architekten
Specialized Bicycle Components
Confiserie Sprüngli AG
Prevalis Pension Fund
Oberalp Group
Jeannet Immobilien
KPR Construction Management
Matterhorn Peak AG –
Navigare Hotel Resorts AG
Johnson & Johnson (various group entities, in particular Actelion Pharmaceuticals Ltd)
McDonald’s (various group entities)
The Capra Hotel
Zurich University Hospital
Work highlights
- Advised Logis Suisse AG on developing and transforming one of the last former industrial areas near Lucerne into a modern residential area.
- Advised Specialized Bicycle Components on building a new office building for all Swiss activities from administration and distribution to research and development, which shall also serve as the European headquarter of the group.
- Advised numastays on its Swiss expansion by establishing three new hotels in the City of Zurich, covering rental and tenant fit-out matters.
VISCHER
VISCHER is a full-service law firm that provides advice on all Swiss legal and tax matters in the real estate market. The team has extensive knowledge in handling the development of urban housing projects, including zoning, parceling, land register matters, and notarial matters. Roland M Müller , who focuses on advising complex real estate transactions and investments, co-heads the practice group with Maxime Chollet, who has extensive experience in drafting and negotiating agreements for real estate-related issues. Andreas C Albrecht supports complex real estate projects with special expertise in planning and zoning law. Raphael Butz leads the team in litigating planning and construction disputes, conflicts in connection with real estate transactions as well as landlord-tenant disputes.
Practice head(s):
Roland M. Müller; Maxime Chollet
Other key lawyers:
Andreas C. Albrecht; Raphael Butz; Moritz Jäggy
Testimonials
‘The team’s strengths are its availability, its competent people and its reliability. ’
Key clients
University Hospital Basel
Procimmo SA, Le-Mont-sur-Lausanne
Meininger Hotels Group
Spiegelfeld Immobilien AG
Fédération des Eaux-Vives
Einwohnergemeinde Reinach
Migros/Sigma, Partner Central Group
Work highlights
- Advising University Hospital Basel in a CHF 390 million construction project (new clinic building).
- Advising the Fédération des Eaux-Vives in connection with the construction of the Atria, a rent-controlled building (155 apartments, hotel etc.) in the new Geneva disctrict of the Gare des Eaux-Vives.
- Advising PROCIMMO SWISS COMMERCIAL FUND II (PSCFII) in the acquisition of the SUN and VSP industry sites from SUN Bürglen AG.
Wenger Plattner
Wenger Plattner’s full-service practice is active in the whole life cycle of real estate property, from development and permit disputes to the sale or lease of the property. Placidus Plattner heads the team and has extensive expertise in representing investors and developers as well as entrepreneurs, landlords, and tenants in both public and private proceedings. Beat Stalder’s focus is on advising clients on planning, construction, and business administration matters. Other key team members include Gaudenz Schwitter, Thomas Wetzel, and Fritz Rothenbühler.
Other key lawyers:
Beat Stalder; Gaudenz Schwitter; Thomas Wetzel; Fritz Rothenbühler;Simon Fluri; Sarah Hilber; Nicole Tschirky; Tina Heim; Simon Böhi
Key clients
Energie 360° AG
Immobilien ETHZF AG
Brandenberger + Ruosch AG
IST Investmentstiftung
The Swiss Federal Pension Fund PUBLICA
Genossenschaft Migros Aare
Terresta Immobilien und Verwaltungs AG
Stiftung Innovationspark Zürich
Homburger
Homburger offers a full-service real estate practice covering transactional work, contractual and regulatory aspects of property development, construction, and leases. The team draws on the expertise of its regulatory, financing, capital market, and tax groups. The practice is headed by Daniel Hasler, who has a focus on transactional and corporate work in the real estate market, and Stefan Gäumann, who has extensive knowledge in real estate and construction matters. A notable team member is Marcel Dietrich, who specialises in advising and representing his real estate clients in administrative and public procurement matters. At associate level, Olivier Bühlmann focuses purely on transactional real estate matters.
Practice head(s):
Daniel Hasler; Stefan Gäumann
Other key lawyers:
Marcel Dietrich; Olivier Bühlmann
Testimonials
‘Top team with local knowledge. Very good sync between partners and associates. Quick turnaround time for answers.’
‘Top knowledge of local specifics. Always open for discussion and questions.’
‘Fast, knowledgeable, pleasant collaboration.’
‘Deep knowledge of the legal aspects of the real estate market in Switzerland (Stefan Gäumann).’
‘The company has a large number of lawyers in specific areas of expertise, which makes it much easier to clarify specific issues in all matters.’
‘Every time we meet with the lawyers, we feel like we are the only clients and are treated accordingly.’
Key clients
Implenia
AMAG
Givaudan
Toni Hilti Familientreuhänderschaft (THF)
Work highlights
- Advising AMAG, the independent Swiss importer of cars of the Volkswagen Group, on the construction of a multistorey parking garage.
- Advised Implenia, Switzerland’s largest construction and real estate service provider, in the acquisition of Wincasa, Switzerland’s largest provider of real estate services.
LALIVE
LALIVE’s practice combines its advisory and dispute resolution experience in real estate, construction, and infrastructure projects to best support its domestic and international clients. Both with a focus on complex infrastructure and construction project disputes, Bernd Ehle and Joachim Knoll co-head the Geneva team. Sam Moss, who regularly assists clients with the management of construction claims and contracts, heads the Zurich team. Michael Schneider’s main areas of practice are disputes involving states and corporations in construction, industrial engineering, and infrastructure projects.
Practice head(s):
Bernd Ehle; Joachim Knoll; Samuel Moss
Other key lawyers:
Michael Schneider; Veijo Heiskanen; Melissa Magliana
Testimonials
‘Excellent team.’
Key clients
DSG Yapi San Tic A.S.
Work highlights
- Representing a Turkish construction company in a USD 300 million ICSID investment treaty arbitration against Saudi Arabia over a construction project. The investor invoked the 2006 Turkey-Saudi Arabia bilateral investment treaty.
- Representing a state organ in a USD 35 million dispute with a European contractor conducted under the ICC Rules of Arbitration over a major road construction project in Central Asia.
Mangeat Attorneys at Law LLC
Mangeat Attorneys at Law LLC advises developers, real estate companies, investors, architects and private clients on various real estate and constructions issues including real estate development, financing and securitisation, permits for acquisitions of real estate, and sale and leaseback transactions. Pierre Rüttimann, team co-head, focuses on securitisation and development of residential portfolios. Joël Chevallaz, who also leads the team, has expertise in sale and leaseback transactions and construction projects.
Practice head(s):
Joël Chevellaz; Pierre Rüttimann
Other key lawyers:
Jessica Schwalm; Laetitia Rienzo; Flore Auberjonois
Key clients
TCA Asset Management SA
Helvetic Capital Holding SA
La Scie SA
Rivlin France SA
RES-Invest SA
Copimmob Esplanade/Petit-Senn société coopérative
Egg-Telsa SA
JDRM Immobilier SA
Les Belvédères SA
Sogeca SA
Spartan SA
Marc Farshidi
Work highlights
- Advised TCA and structured successfully for TCA 2 private bonds issues to finance the 5 stars Hotel Marriot Aegon Autograf in Mykonos (Greece) and a real estate development in Switzerland (value of CHF 10 million and 5 million).
- Advised Helvetic Capital Holding SA on a real estate development in Geneva for a value of CHF 45 million. This is a development project of twelve luxury apartments in the high-end neighbourhood of Geneva.
- Assisting Marc Farshidi, an investor based in Dubai with the purchase and the restructuring of the well-known thermal baths of Ovronnaz, a ski resort in Valais. The operating company employs more than 180 people and the deal exceeds CHF 70 million.
Prager Dreifuss AG
Prager Dreifuss AG’s broad field of expertise includes real estate transactions and financing, service contracts for major construction projects, and commercial leases. The team is headed by Hans-Ulrich Brunner, who has extensive knowledge in construction business operations and architecture and engineering practices. Raphael Keller supports the team in advising domestic and foreign clients in litigation and enforcement matters. Other key team members include Bernhard C. Lauterburg and Lydia Patrizia Buchser.
Practice head(s):
Hans-Ulrich Brunner
Other key lawyers:
Raphael Keller; Bernhard C. Lauterburg; Lydia Patrizia Buchser
Wenger Vieli Ltd
Wenger Vieli Ltd offers a broad range of advice in all phases of real estate and construction project development including transactions, administrative disputes and proceedings, development, planning, and commercial lease. The practice continues to develop its regulatory and technical knowledge in the construction and architecture fields. Practice head, Roman Heiz has extensive expertise in real estate transactions, including property purchase contracts and sale and lease backs. Sophia Hartwig, who represents clients in tenancy law and construction and real estate law, and Nadine Zanetti, who advises both domestic and international companies in private and public construction matters, both support the team.
Other key lawyers:
Nadine Zanetti; Sophia Hartwig
Testimonials
‘I can recommend the lawyers and the entire Wenger & Vieli team without reservation. Extremely competent and client-oriented!’
‘The extremely fast response time. Extremely extensive knowledge in various areas and extremely competent advice.’
‘Highly knowledgeable team with huge experience in real estate transactions and a very good network with market insights. ’
‘Roman Heiz has a huge experience in real estate transactions and advices clients in a pragmatic and very diligent manner. Every client can be happy to have him at his side in any transaction. ’
‘The firm is an expert in the subject matter and the contact persons know exactly what I need. ’
‘Very professional appearance – high qualification of employees – extensive knowledge and experience – adept negotiation and conversation skills – harmonious manners – high reliability – fast response time.’
‘Wenger Vieli offers a wide range of legal services, we receive very good advice in the areas of contract law in particular in the construction industry, building and planning law of the Canton of Basel City, M&A, neighbourhood agreements (claims for damages etc.), land register and notarial matters and tax issues.’
‘Roman Heiz (Partner) conducts and accompanies negotiations and talks in a solution- and goal-oriented manner. He succeeds in finding good, fair and quickly realisable solutions even in complex situations without having to enter into protracted legal disputes. Sophia Hartwig (Associate Construction and Real Estate Law Section) was able to develop a complete set of contracts for planners, consultants and construction companies that went far beyond the usual standard contracts and guided us unerringly in all questions of contract negotiation and implementation. Nadine Zanetti (Senior Associate) is quick, reliable and goal- and solution-oriented.’
Key clients
Beyond Gravity
InnHub La Punt
Signa
Central Group
RFR Development
Personalvorsorgestiftung der Ärzte und Tierärzte PAT-BVG (Pension Fund)
Magazine zum Globus
New Reinsurance Company (Neue Rückversicherungs-Gesellschaft), an affiliate of Munich Re
Work highlights
- Advising Beyond Gravity on sale-and-lease-back of 37,500 m2 industry and development area.
- Advising InnHub La Punt on EUR 45m construction of 7,000 m2 collaboration and creativity campus.
- Advising and representing co-owners Signa and Central Group in the EUR 100m renovation of their Globus luxury department store in Basel.
Blum & Grob Attorneys at Law Ltd
Blum & Grob Attorneys at Law Ltd’s team has extensive experience advising on real estate acquisition and financing transactions, complex sale and lease-back transactions, construction projects for all stakeholders, and tenancy law for owners and tenants of business premises. David Schwaninger, who has a focus on real estate transactions and building projects, co-heads the team with Gian Marchet Kasper, who specialises in real estate acquisition and financing transactions. Construction and real estate litigation specialists, Hans-Ulrich Kupsch and Adrian Hirzel also co-head the practice.
Practice head(s):
David Schwaninger; Gian Marchet Kasper; Adrian Hirzel; Hans-Ulrich Kupsch
Testimonials
‘Blum&Grob provided exemplary advice in the area of construction law for a highly complex construction project in the Swiss Romande. The well managed contract amendment rescued the General Contractor and provided best case contract completion and cost management.’
‘Blum&Grob partner Mr. Hans Ulrich Kupsch provided exceptional contract advice with the complications of remote meetings, French/English language and an atypical contract situation.’
‘Beside of the Firm’s expertise about Building Information Modelling (BIM) and data management, they also offer legal advice in real estate transactions (asset and share deals), financing, planning and construction matters and property management. This also includes legal representation of clients in court proceedings and arbitration. In other words, legal advice throughout the lifecycle of a property, which makes the firm unique.’
‘David Schwaninger has a more than profound experience of BIM and planning and construction law. He is a co-founder and member of the Building Smart group “LAW@BIM”. A top-notch and go to guy whom we trust and it is a real pleasure to work with him, based on knowledge, responsiveness and outstanding quality of work results provided by him and his team.’
‘Gian Marchet-Kasper is a specialist in real estate transactions (asset and share deals) and in financing with unique experience for mezzanine financing.‘
‘Hans-Ulrich Kupsch has profound experience in national and international real estate matters and broad experience with FIDIC contracts.’
‘Blum & Grob are the one and only attorneys within whole Switzerland which think like entrepreneurs and are not driven by selling you hours over hours, but come up with the best solution, economically as legally!’
‘Attorney David Schwaninger LL.M. is an outstanding attorney in the fields of BIM-technology and real estate! An excellent example of an “entrepreneur”-attorney which is aiming all the time in the best interests of his clients with exteremely high standards to fullfill the requirements of his clients to their fully satisfaction!’
Work highlights
- Advised Loreda Real Estate GmbH on the sale of a large real estate portfolio with estates across Switzerland to one of the major Swiss Banks.
- Advised WieInvest AG on mezzanine financings in a total value of >150 million CHF to various private and institutional real estate investors and developers. This included the negotiation of financing and security (including alternative security) documentation.
- Advising Wireless Communications AG in leasing and further real estate matters within the mobile technology sector.
burckhardt Ltd
burckhardt Ltd’s real estate practice, which also includes three civil law notaries, is headed by Mark Eichner, who has notable expertise in establishing, managing, and liquidating structures for transnational trusts and estate and succession planning, and Daniel Tobler, who advises private clients on matrimonial property and inheritance law matters, and supports clients in private and foreclosure law matters relating to real estate. Jacqueline Burckhardt has extensive experience handling succession issues, and international trust and estate planning. The team often draws on the expertise of specialists in different departments within the firm.
Practice head(s):
Mark Eichner; Daniel Tobler; Jacqueline Burckhardt
Other key lawyers:
Peter von Burg; Thomas Meyer
Testimonials
‘Very experienced, familiar with all relevant areas of the trasaction (purchase / sell – tax situation – building – renting), wide know-how range. Diverse team young to mid-age, very dynamic, agile, focus oriented. Work also under time pressure, and always very professional.’
‘Mark Eichner – great technical range of know-how, as well as great social comptences. He always ensures that a deputy is properly involved, which is great in complex transactions over a longer time! ’
Chabrier Avocats
Chabrier Avocats acts for clients in the full range of real estate and construction matters from pre-development transactions to the financing and final sale of the project. The team’s practice also covers lease agreements, public procurement proceedings, and construction. Mathieu Simona, who joined in October 2022 from BianchiSchwald LLC, has expertise in real estate acquisitions by foreign clients as well as in public procurement and is involved in several projects carried out as public-private partnerships. Commercial contracts and transactions specialists Marc Gillieron and Corinne Antille support the real estate team.
Practice head(s):
Mathieu Simona
Other key lawyers:
Corinne Antille; Marc Gilliéron; Alexandra Schuvalov; Emilie Theintz