Firm Profile > VISCHER > Zurich, Switzerland

Data privacy and data protection Tier 1

VISCHER is 'one of the go-to firms in Switzerlandfor data privacy and data protection'. It facilitates digital transformation projects for companies in the finance and energy sectors, and advises pharmaceutical companies – including Piqur Therapeutics AG – on requirements during clinical trials. Managing associate Thomas Steiner is able to 'explain complex aspects in a way that helps'; in recent work, he assisted the Swiss Bar Association with shaping regulations. Steiner and Rolf Auf der Maur 'are both valued experts in the field'. Other highlights include advising Hocoma and Tiko Energy Solutions on Swiss and EU data privacy laws relating to their respective cloud-based connected care and power solutions. David Rosenthal, who was a new arrival in 2020, heads the team.

Healthcare and life sciences Tier 1

VISCHER has a strong track record in transactions in the life sciences space, in which it acts for companies, entrepreneurs and investors alike. It is also well versed in advising clients on compliance matters, administrative procedures and other regulatory matters. Stefan Kohler has longstanding experience in the sector and further advises on IP and technology law. He jointly leads the practice alongside Matthias Staehelin in Basel, who is a key contact for M&A, IPOs and financings in this space. Christian Wyss, also in Basel, has considerable knowledge in setting up contracts and assisting start-ups.

Public law Tier 1

The public law department at VISCHER has core strengths in energy-related work, where it handles litigation, regulatory and strategic advice, and healthcare matters, acting in disputes against regulators as well as handling transactions. Team lead Stefan Rechsteiner advised Axpo Services AG on the reorganisation of its corporate structure, and acted as legal counsel to the Rheinkraftwerk Säckingen AG, Kraftwerk Ryburg-Schwörstadt AG and Kraftwerk Reckingen AG power plants, which are located at the Swiss-German border, following the rejection of their application to use a high-voltage grid for hydro-energy projects. Michael Waldner is acting for the University Hospital of Zurich and the Cantonal Hospitals of St Gall and Lucerne in disputes against healthcare insurers relating to treatment tariffs.

TMT Tier 1

Clients appreciate VISCHER's 'fast response times, great flexibility' and 'good business sense' when handling cloud-based software as a service offerings, cross-border data security and GDPR issues, and IT sourcing transactions. The team advised Tiko on the business-to-business and customer agreements for its energy consumption optimisation service and is assisting Swisscom AG with various matters following on from representing it in Switzerland's first ISP blocking case. Practice head Rolf Auf der Maur has 'excellent knowledge' and is noted for his 'transparent working methods'. Other work, largely led by Basel-based Christian Wyss, involves third-party collaboration and software licensing agreements for DigitalPK, Skillue and Sympany. David Rosenthal was a new arrival in 2020.

Capital markets Tier 2

VISCHER advises on a broad spectrum of capital market matters, including IPOs (where it is particularly active in the life sciences industry), bond issues and regulatory matters. The client portfolio is similarly diverse with national and foreign banks, hedge funds, and companies, among others, instructing the team. Team leader Markus Guggenbühl focuses on debt financing, capital market transactions and public takeovers, while Jana Essebier is well versed in structured products and other financial instruments. Basel-based Matthias Staehelin and Robert Bernet are other key practitioners.

Commercial, corporate and M&A Tier 2

VISCHER has a solid track record in national and cross-border M&A and private equity transactions in the mid-market. Other areas of expertise are public takeovers and proxy solicitations, and the team is particularly well versed in the life sciences sector. Jürg Luginbühl and Robert Bernet lead the M&A practice groups in Zurich and Basel respectively. Matthias Staehelin, also in Basel, is an expert in life sciences mandates, while Gian-Andrea Caprez specialises in the TMT/ICT sector.

Competition Tier 2

VISCHER's team is a popular choice for numerous national and international companies from the TMT, finance, pharmaceutical, and automotive industries as well as branded products. Practice head Klaus Neff is a specialist in acting for clients in administrative and civil proceedings related to competition, as well as in merger control proceedings. He is supported by managing associate Thomas Steiner, who is also a key name for data and technology law.

Dispute resolution: litigation Tier 2

VISCHER's dispute resolution team is particularly active in the banking and insurance; IT and telecoms; and transport sectors. It is a popular choice for domestic as well as cross-border commercial litigation mandates. Practice heads Felix Meier-Dieterle and Thomas Weibel are based in Zurich and Basel, respectively; the former is well versed in debt enforcement and insolvency proceedings while the latter has special expertise in the recognition and enforcement of foreign judgments, and disputes related to white-collar crime. Daniele Favalli in Zurich is a key contact for insurers in contentious matters. Christian Oetiker splits his time between Zurich and Basel.

Employment Tier 2

VISCHER has a full-service approach to employment work, regularly handling work permits, restructurings, transactions and collective labour disputes. Highlights included acting for Covance Inc and LabCorp in a mass dismissal procedure; defending InnerWorkings Inc against a variety of employment-related claims; and advising Deutsche Bank (Schweiz) AG on documentation and employment terminations for executive and director-level staff. Team lead Marc Prinz is 'a star' and provides 'excellent support with a commercial focus', while remaining 'pragmatic in his approach'. Basel-based senior associate Anela Lucic is another name of note.

Fintech Tier 2

VISCHER's team handles asset tokenisation and international blockchain disputes, as well as providing legal compliance training to start-ups and drafting their set-up agreements. Mobile payments and crowdfunding expert Jana Essebier heads the practice, which has acted as a main adviser to the Interchain Foundation on all fintech-related issues, assisted Vreo with the set-up of an in-game video advertising platform, and acted for Bank CIC (Schewiz) AG on the development of its mobile payment processes. Stefan Grieder and Basel-based Christian Wyss are other names to note.

Insurance Tier 2

VISCHER's client portfolio includes insurance companies, brokers and insured parties. The practice is adept at settling coverage issues and acting in disputes concerning financial line policies, crime, property, and D&O liability. Team head Daniele Favalli represents parties in coverage litigation matters and oversees all insurance-related regulatory and corporate issues. Senior associate Tina Jäger is another name of note in this area.

Intellectual property Tier 2

VISCHER's IP practice handles patent litigation and protection strategies, copyright licensing and agreements for online models and video on demand (VOD) platforms, and trade mark portfolio management. Highlights included team head Stefan Kohler co-ordinating the European market launch of Migros Delica's new coffee capsules compatible with Nespresso machines, and Rolf Auf der Maur successfully defending Swisscom in the first-ever national ISP blocking case. Christian Wyss focuses on due diligence and M&A-related cases.

Leading firms: German-speaking Switzerland Tier 2

VISCHER is highly regarded for its healthcare, TMT and transport practices as well as its expertise in capital markets, M&A, public law, competition and litigation matters. Key at the firm include Stefan Kohler, Rolf Auf der Maur, Benedict Christ, Stefan Rechsteiner and Christian Oetiker. Michael Waldner, Klaus Neff and Christian Wyss are other names to note. David Rosenthal was a new arrival in 2020.

Real estate and construction Tier 2

VISCHER has a strong footing in Basel, where it can offer notarial services and also advises on tax and legal aspects in the real estate aspects. The team's involvement in foreign investment projects and in the development of urban housing projects is highlighted. Roland M. Müller leads the practice and is well versed in commercial leases, transactions and investments. Andreas Albrecht is an expert in real estate projects and transactions. Beatrice Wagner Pfeifer specialises in environmental law. All above noted practitioners are based in Basel; Benedict Christ is a key contact in Zurich.

Transport Tier 2

VISCHER's transport practice regularly acts for airlines on insurance, regulatory and transactional matters. The firm is also the primary legal consultant for Swiss International Air Lines; in recent work, it represented the client in a high-value tax litigation case before the Federal Court, assisted with international employment laws, and handled corporate governance and data protection duties. Other work includes acting for Jet Aviation in various disputes. Team head Urs Haegi and Christoph Niederer are the main names to note.

Banking and finance: Zurich Tier 3

At VISCHER, the team is active in financing transactions, banking-related dispute resolution, insolvencies and fintech. The broad client portfolio includes a mix of domestic and foreign banks, funds, insurance companies, securities dealers and asset managers. The team is jointly led by Markus Guggenbühl , who is also well versed in financial market regulations, and Adrian Dörig, who specialises in structured finance transactions. Jana Essebier is noted for her expertise in financial instruments, including derivatives and structured products, and is also active in fintech-related matters, where she advises on crowdfunding, mobile payments and blockchain. Stefan Grieder in Basel and senior associate David Weber are further key contacts.

Insolvency and corporate recovery Tier 3

The team at VISCHER is led by Basel-based David Jenny, who has extensive experience in assisting governing bodies of companies and creditors and in acting as liquidator. The team is also involved in bank bankruptcy proceedings. Another key member is Jana Essebier; her practice includes dispute resolution and regulatory law. Markus Guggenbühl and Thomas Weibel in Basel are also noted.

Sports law Tier 3

At VISCHER, Robert Bernet and managing associate Moritz Jäggy lead a 'reliable and very competent' team that demonstrates 'a high level of accuracy, availability and competency' in sports matters. Recent work includes advising Swiss Beach Soccer GmbH on the organisation of beach soccer in Switzerland, including negotiations and the resolution of disputes with Beach Soccer Worldwide and FIFA. The firm also assisted Starc Marketing & Sports GmbH with all legal matters regarding sports event marketing.

Tax Tier 3

VISCHER's team covers a broad range of tax matters, including support on M&A transactions, restructurings, relocation of businesses and litigation proceedings. The client portfolio includes domestic and international companies from a variety of sectors, including aviation, financial services, pharmaceutical and life sciences, among others. Practice co-head Nadia Tarolli Schmidt, who is based in Basel, has particular expertise in tax matters relating to the pharmaceutical industry. She jointly leads the team with Christoph Niederer, who can provide comprehensive insight into tax matters related to blockchain and ICOs. Senior associate Adrian Briner is also noted.

Dispute resolution: arbitration Tier 4

The team at VISCHER is particularly well known for its experience in the enforcement of arbitral awards as well as asset freezing and practitioners frequently sit as arbitrators. Thomas Weibel and Christian Oetiker combine dispute resolution skills with knowledge in aviation law. Daniele Favalli is well versed in commercial disputes and Mladen Stojiljkovic joined as counsel from Homburger in November 2019.