VISCHER > Zurich, Switzerland > Firm Profile
VISCHER Offices

SCHÜTZENGASSE 1
P.O. BOX
8021 Zurich
Switzerland
Profiles
VISCHER > The Legal 500 Rankings
Switzerland > Data privacy and data protection Tier 1
VISCHER has a strong data & privacy team embedded in its full-service offering. The group is well positioned to cover matters relating to Swiss and EU data protection and data law requirements, data-related aspects of M&A transactions, data compliance queries, as well as data protection-related disputes. Team head David Rosenthal is considered to be ‘an absolutely brilliant mind, one of the leading data protection lawyers in Switzerland‘. His practice encompasses information technology, data privacy and e-discovery. TMT-specialist Rolf Auf der Maur is another name to note.Practice head(s):
Other key lawyers:
Testimonials
‘Very knowledgable and able to listen and to adapt to clients needs.’
‘David Rosenthal: An outstanding expert who is able to speak ‘normal’ language with the clients.’
‘In our experience, the team is extremely knowledgeable and experienced, has an excellent focus on goals and results, communicates very well and is also very well organised.’
‘We had the great pleasure to work with David Rosenthal. In our experience, he is an absolutely brilliant mind, one of the leading data protection lawyers in Switzerland, fun to work with, the best you can get in Switzerland, goal-oriented and extremely efficient. Our experience with him is outstanding and exceptional in every respect.’
Key clients
eBay
Raiffeisen
AXA
Medbase
Ringier
Comparis
Open Systems
Mitsubishi Chemical Advanced Materials (MCAM)
Swisscom
Universitätsspital Basel
Luzerner Kantonsspital
Novocure
Lyfegen
MCH Group
SwissPower
Implenia
Work highlights
- Advised several Swiss financial institutions on how to move to the ‘cloud’, in particular given their sensitive data.
- Advised multiple Swiss headquartered companies on how to get and remain compliant with the GDPR and/or the revised Swiss Data Protection Act.
- Advised OneLog (Ringier/TX Group) on the data law issues in their joint ‘single sign-on’ project.
Switzerland > Healthcare and life sciences Tier 1
Pharmaceutical and life sciences companies, entrepreneurs/start-ups as well as private equity and individual investors regularly turn to the team at VISCHER for advice. Areas of expertise are regulatory matters, including compliance and administrative procedures, and patent cases in the biotech and pharmaceutical sector. Furthermore, it is also involved in IPOs, financing rounds and M&A deals. Stefan Kohler, a life sciences IP specialist, and transaction expert Matthias Staehelin lead the practice. Christian Wyss is a key contact for start-ups.Practice head(s):
Other key lawyers:
Christian Wyss; Damien Conus; Vincent Reardon
Testimonials
‘Vischer provides integrated support to biotech firms with in-depth knowledge of this business area. Quality, reliability, broad know-how.’
Key clients
NBE-Therapeutics
Numab Therapeutics
Kuros
Novartis
Haya Therapeutics
Oculis
Mestex
MTIP
STIMIT
Trustar Capital
Noema Pharma
Medartis
Synendos Therapeutics
Polyneuron Pharmaceuticals
Polyphor
T3 Pharmaceuticals
Novaremed
ClearView Healthcare Partners
RELIEF THERAPEUTICS HOLDING SA
Sonnet BioTherapeutics, Inc.
Labcorp Drug Development (formely Covance)
Hirslanden
CTI Vascular
Work highlights
- Advised NBE-Therapeutics and its shareholders on sale to Boehringer Ingelheim for €1.18bn.
- Advised Numab Therapeutics on global co-development and regional licensing agreement with Kaken Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd. (Tokyo, Japan) for Numab Therapeutics’s novel multispecific anti-inflammatory drug.
- Advised Novartis on a collaboration agreement and option to acquire Zurich based start-up Cellerys.
Switzerland > Public law Tier 1
The public law department at VISCHER has a particular focus the healthcare and energy sectors with further clients coming from other regulated industries, including banks, postal services and lottery providers. Michael Waldner is the key contact when it comes to providing regulatory advice to hospitals, assisting them with transactional matters disputes with regulatory authorities at all levels of government. Practice head Stefan Rechsteiner acts for energy companies on transactions, contracts and concessions in addition to representing them in regulatory disputes.Practice head(s):
Other key lawyers:
Key clients
Axpo Service AG
Rheinkraftwerk Säckingen AG, Kraftwerk Ryburg-Schwörstadt AG, Kraftwerk Reckingen AG
Repower AG
Energie 360 Grad AG
EBL (Genossenschaft Elektra Baselland)
Energiedienst Holding AG
University Hospital of Zurich
University Hospital of Bern (“Inselspital”)
University Hospital of Basel
Cantonal Hospital of St. Gallen
Cantonal Hospital of Aarau
Cantonal Hospital of Lucerne
Claraspital, Basel No
Die Schweizerische Post AG
Switzerland > TMT Tier 1
VISCHER‘s full-service TMT practice includes regulatory matters in the telecom and media sector, data security and data privacy, technology transfer arrangements, cloud-based software as a service offerings as well as fintech, smart energy and health IT. Rolf Auf Der Maur is considered ‘best in class‘, in particular with respect to his specialisms in digitalisation and online business matters. The advice of David Rosenthal ‘has huge practical value‘, among others when it comes to the ‘application of data protection implications in the litigation and investigation context‘.Practice head(s):
Testimonials
‘David Rosenthal is a leader in the area of data protection. He has significant experience in the application of data protection implication in the litigation and investigation context. David Rosenthal provides valuable practical advice to navigate cooperations through the issue of cross-border transfers.’
‘Rolf Auf der Maur is best in class in Switzerland.’
‘Deep knowledge and experience around regulatory and data-related topics with focus on Switzerland, also including GDPR.’
‘Pragmatic, business-focused approach.’
Key clients
Open Systems
Comparis
Raiffeisen
Implenia
AXA
Allianz Suisse
Lyfegen
Netflix
Hocoma
University Hospital of Basel (USB)
Lucerne Cantonal Hospital (LUKS)
Additive
Swisscom
PricewaterhouseCoopers
Novocure
Work highlights
- Advised Netflix on Swiss copyright and regulatory matters.
- Advised over a dozen Swiss financial service institutions regarding moving to the ‘cloud’ in view of sensitive data and secrecy obligations, including negotiating clients’ contracts with Microsoft.
- Advised Hocoma on creating a worldwide network of health-care robots.
Switzerland > Capital markets Tier 2
VISCHER is noted for its expertise in assisting underwriters and issuers with the listing of securities at the SIX Swiss Exchange, share listings and equity transactions in general; these often take place in the life sciences and FinTech space. Other skills also include supporting clients in dealing with a variety of bond issues, distressed bonds, public takeovers and proxy solicitations in addition to covering regulatory work. Key contacts Markus Guggenbühl and Jana Essebier are well versed in derivate instruments. Robert Bernet deals with public takeovers of listed companies. Adrian Dörig leads the department.Practice head(s):
Other key lawyers:
Key clients
PricewaterhouseCoopers AG
Elliott Advisors (UK) Limited
Credit Suisse
UBS
Kuros Biosciences AG
Helvetia
Baloise
Medartis Holding AG
Cantonal Bank of Basel
Lundbeck A/S, Valby DK
Bachem AG
Polyphor AG
RELIEF THERAPEUTICS Holding SA
Work highlights
- Acted as Swiss legal advisor to hedge fund Elliott in relation to various matters with Swiss ends or involvements.
- Advised Relief Therapeutics Holding SA on all its major capital markets transactions and on compliance with capital markets and stock exchange rules.
- Supported Ridgex in setting up an Exchange Traded Commodities program and advised on DLT-related matters.
Switzerland > Commercial, corporate and M&A Tier 2
The team at VISCHER has a considerable track record in national and international mid-market M&A and private equity transactions, with a particularly active practice in the life sciences. Furthermore, the practice offers a dedicated China desk and extensive experience in advising venture capital investors, corporates and start-ups in financing rounds and exits. Transaction specialists Jürg Luginbühl, Robert Bernet and Damien Conus lead the group, which also includes life sciences expert Matthias Staehelin. Gian-Andrea Caprez has notable know-how in the technology sector.Practice head(s):
Other key lawyers:
Key clients
H. Lundbeck A/S
Axpo Services AG
Cantonal Bank of Basel
Joh. Berenberg, Gossler & Co. KG
Polyphor Ltd.
Medartis Holding AG
Oculis SA
Bregal Unternehmerkapital GmbH
Swisscom AG
Migros-Genossenschafts-Bund
Equistone Partners Europe
Syngenta
Swisspower Renewables AG
Barnes Group Inc
Kuros Biosciences Ltd
Anokion SA
NOUSCOM AG
JSR Corporation
MCM Fashion Group
Deichmann Shoes
AFINUM
SkyCell AG
Bachem Holding
Rigeto Unternehmerkapital GmbH
Jacobs Holding AG
Invision Private Equity
Helvetica Capital
Colosseum Dental Group
Continental AG
3 Plus Group AG
Swissterminal AG
Control4 Corporation
Loomis AB
RELIEF THERAPEUTICS Holding SA
MCH Group AG
Sauter Group
Spaeter Group
Quest Software Group
Noema Pharma
Snyk Ltd.
Eleven Sports Network Limited
Red Ventures
Mediashop Group
Work highlights
- Advised NBE Therapeutics and its shareholders on its share purchase agreement with a total transaction value of €1.18bn with Boehringer Ingelheim.
- Assisted AFINUM and the shareholders of the evitria Group with a share purchase agreement with Atlas Antibodies, Sweden.
- Advised Novartis on the signing of a collaboration agreement and an option to acquire Cellerys, a Zurich-based start-up that is researching an innovative therapy to combat multiple sclerosis (MS).
Switzerland > Competition Tier 2
Advising on a range of competition law matters, the team at VISCHER is particularly active for clients from the TMT, digital, banking and finance, branded products and automotive industries. It represents clients in related investigations and litigation, and advises on a wide range of topics, including cartels, pricing, competition law infringements, and abuse of dominance. Practice head Klaus Neff specialises in antitrust matters and appellate cases.Practice head(s):
Testimonials
‘Very precise.’
Key clients
Royal Bank of Scotland
Swiss International Air Lines
Universal Music
AB Inbev
Swisscom AG
3 Plus
Air Canada
Brenntag Schweizerhall AG
Baloise Holding
Bregal Unternehmerkapital GmbH
Switzerland > Employment Tier 2
VISCHER‘s employment practice advises on all aspects of employment and labour law as well as related fields of immigration, social security, pensions and data protection. The team is highly experienced in major corporate restructurings and all related issues, such as union disputes and strikes, and has further notable experience with internal investigations regarding gender discrimination and harassment. Specialist for executive remuneration, staffing and all employment related issues of restructurings Marc Ph. Prinz heads the practice and is supported by co-heads Anela Lucic and Gerald Virieux from the Basel and Geneva offices respectively.Practice head(s):
Key clients
Covance/LabCorp
Acino
Audatex/Solera
Alpha Financial Markets
Nobel Biocare
Invacare Corporation
FARO Technologies Yes
Robeco Switzerland Ltd. Yes
HAYS plc No
Proman Ltd.
Work highlights
- Advised Covance/LabCorp on a contentious restructuring of its Geneva operations.
- Assisted HAYS Switzerland on all matters involving the highly regulated staffing business (placement and staff leasing).
- Advised Nobel Biocare on various ongoing court cases including a contentious harassment matter and various bonus disputes.
Switzerland > Fintech Tier 2
VISCHER has long-standing experience a wide range of fintech matters. The practice is particularly experienced in crowdfunding projects and distributed ledger technology projects, having recently advised on one of the few DLT projects in Switzerland that went beyond the proof of concept phase. Jana Essebier heads the team and, together with Stefan Grieder, has recently been involved in policy making regarding venture capital financing and new technologies. Christian Wyss has a particular focus on insurance-related technology companies and David Rosenthal is the specialist for the data privacy and protection aspects of fintech projects.Practice head(s):
Other key lawyers:
Key clients
Tokentrust AG
Bank CIC
F10 Investment AG
Social Media Platform
Digital PK
Work highlights
- Advised Tokentrust AG as general legal advisor on the implementation of Atomyze, a Hyperledger-based platform in the area of tokenisation of assets.
- Advised various large Swiss banks and insurance companies on moving to the cloud.
- Advised DigitalPK on offering pension fund platform solutions for companies, pension funds and brokers.
Switzerland > Insurance Tier 2
The insurance clients of VISCHER, which include insurance companies, brokers and insured parties, come to the firm for regulatory, corporate and coverage issues, including D&O and crime policies, property policies and financial line policies. The practice is headed by Daniele Favalli who has a specialisation in coverage analysis, coverage claims, and coverage litigation. Tina Jäger is noted for her experience in insurance litigation representing insurance companies and their insured before Swiss courts.Switzerland > Intellectual property Tier 2
VISCHER acts in litigation and arbitration cases regarding, in particular, trade marks and patents, and also covers regulatory issues as well as transactional matters, such as licensing, cooperations, joint ventures and franchising. Practice head Stefan Kohler is a ‘very valuable patent litigator‘ with a focus on arbitration in pharmaceutical and biotech matters. Rolf Auf Der Maur is ‘best in class in IP topics in the media and telecommunications sector‘ and Christian Wyss has a focus on the IP aspects of M&A transactions. IP litigator Lorenz Ehrler is the key contact in the Geneva office.Practice head(s):
Other key lawyers:
Testimonials
‘Rolf Auf der Maur is best in class in intellectual property topics in the media/telco sector in Switzerland.’
‘Great combination of technical know-how and legal knowledge. Knows our company very well.’
‘Stefan Kohler’s double major in natural sciences and law make him a very valuable patent litigator.’
Key clients
Netflix
CH Media TV AG
Swisscom
myTV AG
V-ZUG
Switzerland > Leading firms: German-speaking Switzerland Tier 2
VISCHER has particular experience when it comes to M&A, capital markets and litigation matters as well as healthcare, TMT and transport matters. The team is further noted for its expertise in public law and competition matters with Michael Waldner and Klaus Neff active here. Rolf Auf der Maur, Stefan Kohler and David Rosenthal have strengths in IP, IT, TMT and data. Benedict Christ, Stefan Rechsteiner, Christian Oetiker and Christian Wyss are other names to note.Other key lawyers:
Switzerland > Real estate and construction Tier 2
Full-service law firm VISCHER ‘has specialised lawyers‘ which advise on all real estate matters, including related issues such as taxes, contracts for work and services, public procurement, intellectual property and environmental law. The team, headed by Maxime Chollet and Roland Müller, has a ‘great deal of practical experience in supporting demanding real estate projects‘ and ‘is also extremely experienced and skilled in conducting difficult and complex negotiations‘. Andreas Albrecht and Beatrice Wagner Pfeifer are key contacts for planning and zoning law as well as environmental law. Litigation and arbitration specialist Raphael Butz made partner in 2021.Practice head(s):
Other key lawyers:
Testimonials
‘Vischer has specialised lawyers for all relevant requirements (public building and planning law, contract for work and services, public procurement law, intellectual property law, etc.) whom they can call in immediately if necessary. They have a great deal of practical experience in supporting demanding real estate projects. Vischer always responds very quickly to requests; our wishes are processed on time.’
‘Andreas Albrecht is an excellent lawyer; he is also extremely experienced and skilled in conducting difficult and complex negotiations. He is efficient, solution-oriented, conveys clear messages, has valuable know-how (not only concerning legal matters) and is quick to recognise the needs of his clients.’
‘My impression is that the whole team works excellently hand in hand without any redundancies.’
‘Peter Kühn and Urs Haegi are very supportive and service-orientated, meaning we always receive swift and competent replies in written or oral form. Beside that there is a always a personal note and much empathy. They really try to understand our business.’
Key clients
University Hospital Basel
Migros/Sigma, Partner Central Group
Huntsman Advanced Materials (Switzerland) GmbH
Spiegelfeld Immobilien AG
Glanzmann Generalunternehmung AG
Helvetia Insurance Switzerland
Procimmo SA, Le Mont-sur-Lausanne
SF Urban Properties AG
Einwohnergemeinde Reinach
Aluminium Laufen AG, Liesberg
MEININGER Hotels Group
Thanasis Martinos
Spaeter Pension Fund
SUN Bürglen
Work highlights
- Advised University Hospital Basel on the construction of new and additional clinic buildings.
- Represented Glanzmann Generalunternehmung AG in complex litigation proceedings against its subcontractors concerning a multi-level car parking project for F. Hoffmann-La Roche AG.
- Notarized the sale of major real estate transactions (Globus/Migros; Huntsman/Turidomus).
Switzerland > Transport Tier 2
VISCHER has a strong focus on advising airlines on a broad array of corporate matters. The advice encompasses contracts negotiations with service providers, such as travel offices, air-traffic authorities and airport operators, representation in damage and insurance cases as well as advice on leasing, buying and selling aircraft. Urs Haegi heads the practice and gives ‘very pragmatic‘ advice on various aviation-related contracts as well as on the setting up of airlines and corporate transactions regarding airline companies. The tax aspects of international transport matters are a focus area of Christoph Niederer.Practice head(s):
Other key lawyers:
Testimonials
‘Fast, effective, broad diversity in legal areas.’
‘Urs Haegi: very client-oriented, very pragmatic and not complicated.’
Key clients
Swiss International Air Lines Ltd. No
Deutsche Lufthansa AG No
Edelweiss Air
LSG Sky Chefs Schweiz AG
Lufthansa Technik AG
Swiss Aviation Training AG
Austrian Airlines AG
DLH Fuel Company mbH
Jet Aviation Ltd.
Schweizerische Rettungsflugwacht (Rega)
Export Development Canada
Lufthansa AirPlus Servicekarten GmbH
AirPlus International AG
Air Canada
Swissterminal AG
Work highlights
- Regularly advising Swiss International Air Lines, the national carrier of Switzerland, on various legal and tax matters.
- Regularly advising Jet Aviation Ltd on various litigation matters and transactional work.
- Regularly advising Swiss International Air Lines and various other Lufthansa group companies in relation to a range of matters in Switzerland.
Switzerland > Banking and finance: Zurich Tier 3
The banking and finance team at VISCHER specialises in advising borrowers and lenders in financings, regulatory queries as well as on matters at the intersection with insolvency, capital markets and IP/IT where the close collaboration with the firm’s other teams adds value. The practice also often acts for defendants in contentious cases. Practice head Adrian Dörig specialises in structured finance transactions and aviation finance. Markus Guggenbühl and managing associate David Weber are a ‘very competent team.‘ Jana Essebier impresses with FinTech and insolvency expertise in addition to her banking knowledge.Practice head(s):
Other key lawyers:
Testimonials
‘Excellent market knowledge and response times.’
‘Markus Guggenbühl and David Weber: very competent team, immediate availability, quick and responsive.’
Key clients
PricewaterhouseCoopers AG acting as liquidator of Lehman Brothers in Switzerland
Tokentrust AG
Swiss Cantonal Bank
Bank CIC
Joh. Berenberg, Gossler & Co. KG
Cantonal Bank of Basel
Elliott Advisors (UK) Limited
UBS
IKB Deutsche Industriebank AG
RELIEF THERAPEUTICS Holding AG
Dermavant Sciences, Inc.
Bregal Unternehmerkapital GmbH
Work highlights
- Advised Tokentrust AG as general legal advisor on the implementation of Atomyze, a Hyperledger-based platform in the area of tokenization of assets.
- Advised various large Swiss banks and insurance companies on moving to the cloud.
- Advised Dermavant Sciences, Inc., a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company dedicated to developing and commercializing innovative therapeutics in immuno-dermatology, on a $200m financing round.
Switzerland > Dispute resolution: litigation Tier 3
With ‘a very commercial and pragmatic approach’, VISCHER has continued its recent growth strategy with the early 2021 promotion of Raphael Butz to partner and the recruitment in late 2021 of corporate dispute expert Karin Graf from Wenger Plattner. While the group has a broad litigation practice, the team has notable expertise in asset-related matters, international litigation and the enforcement of foreign judgments. Daniele Favalli, Thomas Weibel and Gerald Virieux lead the team from Zurich, Basel and Geneva respectively. Managing partner Christian Oetiker, Felix C Meier-Dieterle and Lorenz Ehrler also contribute to the practice.Practice head(s):
Other key lawyers:
Testimonials
‘Very commercial and pragmatic approach to big disputes.’
‘Daniele Favalli – Always looks at the big picture and has an excellent strategic view. He knows the relevant details and points out weaknesses as well as how to eliminate them. He can put together, delegate and instruct his team very well. When needed, he is always available, absolutely reliable and committed. In addition, it is always a pleasure to work with him.’
Key clients
KSL AG (Kolmar Group)
Telekom Srbija a.d.
PricewaterhouseCoopers
Sakto Corporation
Pirelli
Huntsman
T-Systems
AI
Work highlights
- Acting for Sakto in challenges against a false campaign by a Swiss NGO.
- Supporting PricewaterhouseCoopers as liquidator of Lehman Brothers Finance SA, and successfully fended off a €500m claim of Tschira and currently defending an action from the Italian pension fund Enasarco.
Switzerland > Insolvency and corporate recovery Tier 3
VISCHER has know-how in distressed M&A and corporate restructurings, as well as in liquidations, in particular in the finance sector. The team also covers insolvency-related litigation, corporate finance and voluntary liquidation and freezing debtor assets. The offering further includes enforcements on behalf of creditors. Benedict Christ combines corporate, M&A and insolvency experience. David Jenny can act as liquidator and Jana Essebier assists clients in pre-and post-insolvency situations.Practice head(s):
Other key lawyers:
Testimonials
‘Great understanding of interaction with foreign insolvency regimes.’
Key clients
PricewaterhouseCoopers AG acting as liquidator of Lehman Brothers in Switzerland
FINMA
Weidenareal Metall AG
Estate of Lehman Brothers Finance AG and its appointed Liquidator PricewaterhouseCoopers AG
Alibion AG
Switzerland > Sports law Tier 3
VISCHER demonstrates know-how in questions regarding TV and online broadcasting rights, sports betting, sports marketing and merchandising, transfer agreements, corporate structures and association law. The group is active for a range of Swiss organisations, athletes and companies, often from the football and eSport space. Corporate practitioner Robert Bernet and the ‘highly skilled‘ managing associate Moritz Jäggy head the team.Practice head(s):
Moritz Jäggy; Robert Bernet
Other key lawyers:
Testimonials
‘The team is headed by Moritz Jäggy, a professional beach soccer player who understands the sports business.’
‘Moritz Jäggy is highly-skilled, commercially-minded and knows the sports business by heart.’
Key clients
PUMA Retail AG
SWISSLOS Interkantonale Landeslotterie
Swiss Football Association
Tennis Club Old Boys Basel
Home of eSports AG
Swiss Beach Soccer GmbH
Football Association of North-western Switzerland & Football Association of the region Aargau
Swiss Gymnastics Association
Swiss Ice Skating
Athletes Network & Athletes Academy AG
Telesport International AG
Eleven Sports Network Limited
Bodyclub
DAZN
Dosenbach-Ochsner AG Schuhe und Sport
Switzerland > Tax Tier 3
VISCHER‘s team is noted for being ‘extremely up to speed, very business-oriented and pragmatic.’ The offering includes tax support in M&A transactions, representation in tax litigation, including administrative assistance in international proceedings and the handling of cross-border restructuring. The group has a track record of advising clients from the TMT, aviation, financial services and life sciences sectors; Nadia Tarolli Schmidt is particularly experienced in the latter. She leads the practice together with Christoph Niederer whose skillset includes transfer pricing matters.Practice head(s):
Other key lawyers:
Stefan Grieder; Patrik Fisch
Testimonials
‘Vischer’s tax team works and delivers as a team and the deliverables are always of exceptional quality.’
‘Christoph Niederer is renowned for a very clear analysis of cases, out of the box solutions that are at the same time compliant and suit client needs. Very good understanding of internal processes and limitations and inputs that are needed by a financial institution to implement a tax-compliant solution.’
‘The tax team around Christoph Niederer is extremely up to speed, very business-oriented and pragmatic. Christoph Niederer and Patrik Fisch were always able to serve as sharp-minded counterparts to discuss alternative finance structures, they asked critical questions which helped me to navigate around the hot tax topics.’
‘They are extremely up to speed, responsive and immediately understand what my needs are, what the challenges from both a commercial and legal perspective are and how difficult topics can be resolved. They do not present problems, but develop solutions. You feel that they really want to make a transaction happen.’
‘Deep know-how of Swiss tax system, able to work diligently with other non-Swiss firms.’
‘Motivated, engaged, thoughtful, to-the-point.’
‘Nadia Tarolli and Stefan Grieder are very client-oriented and invest time and effort in really understanding where you’re coming from, what the source of the question or issue is and to adapt solution elaboration. No copy/paste or recycling of legal opinions.’
Key clients
Bank Rothschild & Co AG
Groupe Mutuel Holding SA
Ardian Growth Polyphor AG
Continum Unternehmerkapital AG
Spaeter Pension Fund
Sunfire GmbH
Clarunis AG
Emmanko AG
Swisspower Renewables AG
Credentis AG
Eleven Sports Network Ltd.
Thanasis Martinos
MCAM Symalit AG
Raphael Dal Bo
Kuros Biosciences AG
Fidelium GmbH
NBE Therapeutics
DCS Pharma AG
Numab Therapeutics AG
Work highlights
- Advised Groupe Mutuel SA on the tax aspects of the acquisition of MZ Beratung AG.
- Advised Polyphor AG on different tax matters.
- Advised Bank Rothschild & Co AG on various matters, including a group restructuring project.
Switzerland > Dispute resolution: arbitration Tier 4
VISCHER’s ‘excellent and balanced team’ has been active in a broad range of mandates, acting as both counsel and arbitrator. The group is led by Daniele Favalli, Christian Oetiker and Gerald Virieux in Zurich, Basel and Geneva respectively. Other key individuals include Thomas Weibel, Raphael Butz and new recruit Karin Graf, who joined from Wenger Plattner in 2021.Practice head(s):
Other key lawyers:
Testimonials
‘The team is very responsive and provides a very cost-efficient legal service. Their advice is user-friendly and easy to understand.’
‘Christian Oetiker is very responsive and can work across various time zones. His drafting is very simple and clear. He is very well connected in Swiss arbitration circles and therefore can provide great local insights – which can be very practical and client-friendly.’
‘Excellent and balanced team with deep knowledge and high efficiency.’
‘Daniele Favalli – outstanding professional, very knowledgeable and intelligent.’
Key clients
KSL AG (Kolmar Group)
Telekom Srbija a.d.
PricewaterhouseCoopers
Sakto Corporation
Pirelli
Huntsman
T-Systems
AI
Work highlights
- Representing the Swiss trading entity of a Russian coal producer in the reorganisation of the trading business, including various parallel litigation claims and two arbitration matters.
VISCHER > Firm Profile
Main Contacts
Department | Name | Telephone | |
---|---|---|---|
Banking and finance | Dr Markus Guggenbühl | ||
Banking and finance | Dr Adrian Dörig | ||
Capital markets | Dr Markus Guggenbühl | ||
Capital markets | Dr Adrian Dörig | ||
Commercial litigation | Felix C Meier-Dieterle | ||
Commercial litigation | Daniele Favalli | ||
Arbitration, ADR | Daniele Favalli | ||
Employment | Marc Ph Prinz | ||
Corporate, commercial | Dr Felix W Egli | ||
Mergers and acquisitions | Dr Jürg Luginbühl | ||
Mergers and acquisitions | Benedict F Christ | ||
Estate planning | Erwin R Griesshammer | ||
Restructuring, insolvency | Felix C Meier-Dieterle | ||
Competition | Klaus Neff | ||
Competition | Dr Stefan Rechsteiner | ||
IT, IP | Dr Rolf Auf der Maur | ||
IT, IP | Dr Stefan Kohler | ||
Life sciences | Dr Stefan Kohler | ||
Tax | Christoph Niederer | ||
Tax | Erwin R Griesshammer | ||
Aviation | Urs Haegi | ||
Media, entertainment | Dr Rolf Auf der Maur | ||
Energy | Dr Stefan Rechsteiner |
Lawyer Profiles
Photo | Name | Position | Profile |
---|---|---|---|
![]() | Rolf Auf Der Maur | Partner, Head of Information and Communication Technology, Head of Media and Entertainment | View Profile |
![]() | Gian-Andrea Caprez | Partner; Gian-Andrea Caprez has broad experience in domestic and cross-border M&A and… | View Profile |
![]() | Benedict F. Christ | Partner. Ben is a versed M&A lawyer experienced across a broad spectrum… | View Profile |
![]() | Adrian Dörig | Partner, Head of Banking & Finance Practice Group. Adrian Dörig is primarily… | View Profile |
![]() | Felix W Egli | Partner | View Profile |
![]() | Jana Essebier | Partner, specialised in financial services law, FinTech, blockchain, insolvency and restructuring, advice of… | View Profile |
![]() | Daniele Favalli | Partner, head Arbitration practice. | View Profile |
![]() | Karin Graf | Partner | View Profile |
![]() | Erwin R. Griesshammer | Senior Counsel. | View Profile |
![]() | Markus Guggenbühl | Markus Guggenbühl regularly advises Swiss and foreign clients in debt financing, capital… | View Profile |
![]() | Urs Haegi | Senior Partner; Head of Transport/Aviation Team and Immigration Team; regular adviser of… | View Profile |
![]() | Peter Kühn | Counsel | View Profile |
![]() | Stefan Kohler | Partner; Co-head VISCHER Life Sciences Team; Head VISCHER IP Team | View Profile |
![]() | Jürg Luginbühl | Partner | View Profile |
![]() | Felix C Meier-Dieterle | Partner civil litigation, enforcement proceedings, real estate and labour law | View Profile |
![]() | Klaus Neff | Partner. Head of Antitrust Practice Group. | View Profile |
![]() | Christoph Niederer | Partner, Head of Tax | View Profile |
![]() | Marc Ph. Prinz | Partner; Head of Labour & Employment Law Practice Group | View Profile |
![]() | Stefan Rechsteiner | Partner. | View Profile |
![]() | David Rosenthal | Partner | View Profile |
![]() | Michael Waldner | Partner | View Profile |
Languages
English French German Italian Spanish Chinese (Mandarin)Other
Contact : Dr Rolf Auf der MaurVISCHER > Firm Profile
The firm: VISCHER is one of the largest Swiss law firms, with more than 100 fee earners. The firm supports its clients in a solution oriented manner as regards all aspects of commercial, tax and regulatory law. Its professionals are organised into more than 20 practice teams, each of them under the direction of experienced partners. This enables them to effectively handle instructions, always tailored to the requirements of the individual project.
Practice areas:
- Antitrust and competition
- Aviation
- Banking and finance
- China desk
- Civil law notaries
- Corporate and commercial
- Data and privacy
- Employment
- Energy
- Health care
- Immigration
- Information and communication technology
- Intellectual property
- International judicial assistance
Life sciences, pharma, biotech - Litigation and arbitration
- Media and entertainment
- Mergers and acquisitions
- Pension funds
- Private clients
- Private equity, venture capital, corporate finance
- Public sector and regulatory
- Real estate
- Restructuring and insolvency
- Sports law
- Startup desk
- Tax
- White-collar crime
Main areas of practice
Corporate and M&A: VISCHER’s corporate and M&A team advises on all legal aspects relating to the listing of securities, mergers, purchase and sale of corporations and participations, spin-offs, management buyouts, execution of shareholder agreements, joint ventures, auction proceedings and related financing.
Litigation and arbitration: VISCHER has a strong and dedicated litigation and arbitration team representing clients before all Swiss Courts, as well as the Swiss Supreme Court in Lausanne and in international and domestic arbitration proceedings. Members of the firm frequently act as arbitrators.
Banking and finance: VISCHER advises banks and other financial institutions in regulatory and supervisory matters. VISCHER’s structured finance team advises Swiss companies and foreign investors with regard to lease and acquisition financing, project financing and securitisation.
Life sciences, pharma, biotech: VISCHER’s life sciences is the leading practice group of its kind in Switzerland. VISCHER represents over 50 private and public companies, from start-ups to listed companies. The firm’s expertise spans the full range of disciplines including transactions and financing; partnering, licensing and commercialisation; know-how and innovation management; and regulatory, administrative procedures and compliance.
Public sector and regulatory: VISCHER has a dedicated and experienced team that advises companies in regulated markets such as energy, telecommunications, electronic media, drugs and health and represents clients before regulatory authorities and in court proceedings.
Tax: VISCHER’s tax team provides advice on all aspects of corporate tax law including value added tax issues. The team also advises high-net-worth individuals in Switzerland and abroad with regard to succession issues and also in obtaining flat rate tax assessments in Switzerland.
Real estate: The VISCHER real estate team advises on all kinds of real estate projects and transactions, including buying or selling real estate property, contractual issues of multiple ownership (joint ventures, community of heirs etc.), land registry issues and issues of zoning.
Antitrust and competition: VISCHER advises domestic and foreign clients on Swiss and EU competition law and represents them before the Swiss Competition Commission and the courts. The team advises on administrative merger control, behavioural, contentious and civil antitrust cases, as well as in compliance matters.
Information technology and intellectual property: The firm’s IP/IT team advises on all areas of intellectual property and IT-related legal issues including telecommunications, outsourcing projects, data protection and regulatory matters. The firm also has a substantial practice in media and entertainment, including production agreements and broadcasting regulatory matters.
Restructuring and insolvency: In financially critical situations, the coordinated collaboration of specialists from a variety of areas of expertise is indispensable: in addition to proficiency in insolvency law itself, expertise in the areas of corporate law, litigation, labour law, IP law and tax law is also essential. The firm has the in-depth knowledge and extensive experience necessary for managing complex mandates, whether from the perspective of a creditor or an affected company.
Aviation: VISCHER advises and represents airline companies in their core business and also in associated fields such as catering. The team’s experience covers litigation and insurance cases of all types, assistance in contract negotiations with travel offices, air-traffic authorities and airport operators as well as advising on the leasing, buying and selling of aircrafts.
Data protection/privacy: VISCHER has one of the largest and most experienced data protection/privacy teams in Switzerland. The team advises national and international clients on all matters regarding data protection and privacy including the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) and represents clients in litigation and other proceedings in these matters.
Employment and executive compensation: VISCHER’s employment and executive compensation team is led by a partner exclusively dedicated to this field. The team advises on all areas of employment law, including regulatory issues, executive compensation, pensions, as well as taxes and social security and has earned an excellent reputation for representing companies and entrepreneurs in litigation.
White-collar / investigations: VISCHER advises and represents companies in white collar crime matters such as fraud, insider trading, money laundering and corruption. A dedicated team supports clients in conducting internal investigations – be it international or domestic matters – and handling eDiscovery cases.
Number of partners worldwide: 36
Number of other lawyers worldwide: 70
Languages: English, French, German, Italian, Mandarin
Languages
English French German Italian Chinese (Mandarin)Diversity
VISCHER values and shows consideration for its employees. Every employee, regardless of gender, sexual orientation, race or ethnicity, has the same rights and is treated equally. VISCHER wants all employees to feel valued, appreciated, and free to be who they are. Our experience has taught us that the more diversity we have in our team, the more unique perspectives and bright ideas we share.
For VISCHER, diversity and its inclusion, use and appreciation have strategic importance and are an integral part of our corporate culture. Therefore, we promote diversity and its appreciation among our employees and actively sensitise them to it. We create an environment that enables, values and promotes different perspectives, cultures and ways of thinking. We aim to build a culture of respect and trust which embraces differences and encourages diversity in our firm.
We treat each other with respect, constantly develop our skills and promote diversity in all relevant dimensions. Inclusion allows a diverse mix of people to complement each other to form a high performing team. It is important to remember that inclusion does not just mean treating people equally, but recognising and valuing all visible and invisible differences.
We foster an environment based on trust. This is our way of combining excellent business results and personal flexibility. The flexible working models we offer worldwide include mobile working, part-time and flexible working hours. Our employees remain our most important capital, in which we will continue to invest going forward.
International Capabilities
Clients
VISCHER’s experienced lawyers advise clients and provide international services at the highest standard across the globe. Working from modern offices in Zurich, Basel and Geneva, our attorneys, tax advisers and public notaries are organised under the direction of experienced partners in practice teams, covering all areas of commercial law. VISCHER has worked with various international companies, for example:
- ABInbev
- AFINUM
- AIG
- Axpo Services AG
- BaloiseHolding
- Credit Suisse
- Elliott Advisors (UK) Limited
- General Dynamics
- Helvetia
- Huntsman
- IKEA
- MCH Group AG (SIX listed)
- Swiss International Air Lines
- Syngenta
- T-Systems
Team
Our principal company languages are German, English, French, Italian and Mandarin, but we have employees of various nationalities so are able to cover many more languages and provide professional advice to clients from all over the globe.
Highly regarded China Desk
VISCHER has established a China Desk that, over the years, has become widely regarded as the market leader among Swiss law firms for Chinese inbound and outbound transactions. We advise many Swiss companies regarding their China business and support Chinese businesses interested in establishing a presence in Europe.
VISCHER’s network
We have spent decades building networks with attorneys, subject matter experts and firms worldwide that meet our high standards and provide the best possible service to our clients. We can help our clients, directly or in conjunction with foreign law firms, to navigate the requirements of the relevant Swiss legal and regulatory frameworks, and build a team of experts to deal with their specific challenges.
- Data privacy and data protection
- Healthcare and life sciences
- Public law
- TMT
Top Tier Firm Rankings
- Capital markets
- Commercial, corporate and M&A
- Competition
- Employment
- Fintech
- Insurance
- Intellectual property
- Leading firms: German-speaking Switzerland
- Real estate and construction
- Transport