Wenger Plattner > Basel, Switzerland > Firm Profile
Wenger Plattner Offices
AESCHENVORSTADT 55
4010 BASEL
Switzerland
Wenger Plattner > The Legal 500 Rankings
Switzerland > Insolvency and corporate recovery Tier 1
Wenger Plattner is experienced with handling insolvency and restructuring cases from both sides, namely acting as administrator or bankruptcy trustee in complex cross-border cases and advising debtors or creditors in other cases, within various industry sectors such as pharma, real estate and construction, energy, banking and finance, and technology. Practice head Brigitte Umbach-Spahn advises clients in domestic and cross-border restructuring and insolvency cases and represents them in related proceedings. Fritz Rothenbühler handles insolvency and restructuring matters within the corporate, competition law, construction and real estate sectors. Karl Wüthrich advises creditors on national and international enforcement law and assisted debtors in formulating and implementing reorganisation and restructuring plans. Litigation specialist Stephan Kesselbach represents national and international clients before the administrative authorities, focusing mainly on corporate and insolvency law matters. Pablo Duc handles major bankruptcies and composition proceedings whilst Stefan Bossart primarily advises foreign clients on insolvency matters. Roland Burkhalter, who rejoined the team in 2022 from St Galler Kantonalbank, handles complex restructuring and insolvency assignments as well as extensive investigations and audits for the Swiss Financial Market Supervisory Authority (FINMA). Denise Jagmetti-Huser and Mathias Burghardt support the team.Practice head(s):
Other key lawyers:
Testimonials
‘Wenger Plattner is the No. 1 restructuring and insolvency team in Switzerland. Very high expertise, especially in cross-border restructuring cases.’
‘The most experienced team in relation to mandates as administrators in a composition agreement.’
‘Wenger Plattner are market leading Swiss insolvency and restructuring lawyers. They are subject matter experts on Swiss insolvency and also cross-border insolvency issues.’
‘Brigitte Umbach-Spahn is a first-class partner. Stefan Bossart is an excellent senior associate.’
‘They are a great team.’
‘Brigitte Umbach-Spahn is a very experienced insolvency specialist. She is our go-to person for complex matters requiring a high level of expertise and sophistication.’
‘Very responsive with a focus on solutions and a very high reputation in the Swiss legal market.’
‘Brigitte Umbach-Spahn, Denise Jagmetti-Huser and Stefan Bossart are very proficient, highly esteemed in the market and great to work with.’
Key clients
Bank Hottinger & Cie AG
SMTV Group (SMTV Holding AG, AF Cars AG, AF Racing Switzerland)
Nyco Flexible Packaging GmbH
Publicitas AG in bankruptcy liquidation
Envion
Petroplus
Swissair Group
SkyWork Airlines AG
Swiss Dairy Food AG
Unifina Holding AG
mopac modern packaging AG / 2MP AG
The Enzian Shipping / Swiss Chem Tankers Group
Swissmetal Industries AG / Weidenareal Metall AG
SCL / SCT // Enzian Shipping AG / Swiss Chem Tankers AG
saltech AG
Gysi AG Chocolatier Suisse
SCL Helvetia AG
Work highlights
- Serving as FINMA appointed liquidators of Bank Hottinger & Cie AG.
- Appointed as administrators for Nyco Flexible Packaging GmbH.
- Confirmed liquidators of Petroplus Marketing AG and appointed administrator, later on liquidator of Petroplus Refining Cressier SA in a liquidation with claims in the amount of approx. CHF 6 billion.
Switzerland > Banking and finance: Zurich Tier 3
Wenger Plattner advises banks, asset managers, and securities dealers on regulatory issues and acts on their behalf in dealings with Swiss regulatory bodies and self-regulatory organisations, such as FINMA and SIX Swiss Exchange. The team also assists clients with the setting up of investment funds, drafting agreements, licenses and permits, and financing transactions. Practice head Filippo Th. Beck regularly advises entrepreneurs, companies and individuals on contract law, asset structuring, and compliance as well as acting as an investigating agent for banks and financial institutions. Oliver Künzler has expertise in private equity and venture capital transactions and financings.Practice head(s):
Other key lawyers:
Key clients
Energix Renewables
TMK PJSC
TC Loans Limited
EnBW
Bio-Techne
Vienna International Hotel Management AG
Health Care Royalty Partners
CENTRUM Group
HRG Hotels GmbH
Novocure Ltd., Jersey
ING Belgium SA
SIGNA Holding/International Sports Holding
Has Bois Sage SA
Work highlights
- Swiss counsel to Novocure Ltd. regarding the renewal of a USD 150 million credit facility in pharma industry.
- Advised Has Bois Sage SA, a company incorporated under Belgian law, in connection with a EUR 95 million financing of the acquisition of real estate in Belgium.
Switzerland > Commercial, corporate and M&A Tier 3
Oliver Künzler leads Wenger Plattner‘s corporate and commercial department, which is capable of implementing M&A transactions under the Swiss Merger Act, as well as possessing considerable knowledge of Swiss-related asset and M&A transactions. Marc S Nater principally advises clients on public and private M&A, private equity and commercial law, while Benjamin Dürig bolsters the practice with his thorough knowledge of M&A and corporate finance transactions.Practice head(s):
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Testimonials
‘Oliver Künzler’s long experience in combination with his negotiation and language skills – Oliver is fluent in German, English and French – make him a very talented legal advisor on international transactions.’
‘I value Oliver Künzler’s pragmatism and business focus.’
‘They are very professional and solution oriented.’
‘Oliver Künzler is a great lawyer, very knowledgeable on M&A matters and always available.’
Key clients
Bio-Techne
GENUI GMBH
EMERAM Capital
TRITON Partners
VI Partners
Stadler Rail Group
Sostrene Grene
Gradiant
Audi AG
Novartis Pharma Ltd.
Julius Baer Group
SIGNA Group
Sun Hung Kai & Co. Limited
Meta Investments
Storskogen
Great Point Partners
BACHEM
OMNES Capital
Normet Group OY
TX Group AG
SWICA Gesundheitsorganisation
HRG Hotels GmbH
Rivean Capital (formerly Gilde Buy-Out Partners)
CIBT, Inc.
Hawesko
HG Commerciale
ADUR Management AG
SBI Holdings
Capital Transmission SA
Magazine zum Globus AG
Tonix Pharmaceuticals Inc.
Align Technology, Inc.
Hospitality Swiss Proco AG
GA Europe GmbH
Saurer Group
Brütsch/Rüegger Gruppe
1337 Holding AG
Neovii Pharmaceutical AG
Artisa Digital AG
Apecx Swiss AG
Work highlights
- Advised AUDI AG as lead counsel with respect to its entry into Formula 1 as power unit supplier, as well as the takeover of 75% of the shares in an existing Formula 1 team.
- Acted as lead counsel to US-listed group Bio-Techne on the acquisition of Lunaphore Technologies AG.
- Advised WSD, a structured products software provider, on all the Swiss legal aspects regarding the acquisition of Solvians.
Switzerland > Employment Tier 3
The employment team at Wenger Plattner has a special focus on dispute resolution for high-profile companies and individuals, including entrepreneurs and senior management staff. The team is particularly strong in bonus disputes, employment termination litigation, and litigation relating to non-competition clauses including interim relied proceedings and arbitration. The practice is headed by Roland Bachmann, who has extensive experience litigating on separation agreements and complex bonus plans and advising clients on all issues relating to employment law. The team is supported by IP expert Damian Schai and commercial dispute specialist Yannick Hostettler.Practice head(s):
Other key lawyers:
Key clients
Audi AG / Sauber Motorsports
Work highlights
- Drafted and negotiated the pre-employment agreement between Audi / Sauber Motorsports and the future Chief Executive Officer for the Formula 1 Business of the Sauber Group in Switzerland.
- Supported Nyco Flexible Packaging GmbH with all employee-related matters in the course of the restructuring proceedings.
Switzerland > Healthcare and life sciences Tier 3
The team at Wenger Plattner acts for its varied client roster of hospitals, insurance companies, and healthcare organisations. In Basel, practice head Tobias Meili is noted for his broad knowledge of M&A, corporate governance issues, and banking and finance matters, and Carlo Conti regularly assists clients with mandates involving healthcare, governmental, and administrative law. Zurich’s Oliver Künzler handles a range of cross-border M&A, and restructurings.Practice head(s):
Other key lawyers:
Testimonials
‘Very knowledgeable people. Very good network into the business.’
Key clients
Mathys AG Bettlach
Bio-Techne
Labor Team w
SWICA
Zurzach Care AG
Schweizerische Diabetes-Stiftung
Casavita Stiftung
Medgate AG
Universitätsspital Zürich
Bachem AG
Sana Kliniken AG
Sana Suisse Med AG
Swiss Medical Network Hospitals SA
GSMN Suisse SA
Work highlights
- Assisted Bachem AG with negotiating several strategic collaborations with global pharmaceutical companies for the development and manufacture of oligonucleotide- or peptide-based APIs for new pharmaceutical products.
- Acted for Bio-Techne in the acquisition of Lunaphore Technologies AG.
- Assisted Sana Kliniken AG in launching the group’s operations in Switzerland.
Switzerland > Real estate and construction Tier 3
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.Practice head(s):
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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
Switzerland > Dispute resolution: litigation Tier 4
Counting corporations, public law entities and private clients in its varied client roster, ‘excellent’ Wenger Plattner fields a wide-ranging litigation practice, advising on liability, banking and inheritance law disputes to name a few. The team operates across its Zurich and Basel offices, the latter of which being notable experienced in pharma industry mandates. Zurich-based team leader Stephan Kesselbach principally focuses on corporate, contract and insolvency law litigation. Other key names to note include Zurich-based Roland Bachmann, as well as Dieter Gränicher and Yannick Hostettler, who operate in the firm’s Basel office.Practice head(s):
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Testimonials
‘Very fast response times, high reliability and customer friendliness.’
‘Very high legal competence. Roland Bachmann was also able to empathise very well with my particular situation and at all times found the right mix of representing my legitimate interests and providing honest feedback in the event of excessive expectations on my part.’
‘Stephan Kesselbach and his team not only go the extra mile – they run it!’
‘They are an excellent team of very client focused lawyers.’
‘Wenger Plattner has a a unique team of specialists for any problem I had. They have extensive knowledge and do never give fluffy recommendations. They always dig deep and based on outstanding experience of their lawyers give solution oriented legal guidance.’
‘Roland Bachmann is a calm but very clever advisor that guides the way to solving complex insurance matters and claims.’
‘Meetings could always be held on short notice and online, generating short processing times.’
‘The cooperation with Yannick Hostettler is always reliable, courteous and of high quality. He knows how to advise clients pragmatically and to the highest legal standards. ’
Key clients
Publicitas AG
Swissair
Petroplus Group
Former Swissmetal Group
Banque Hottinger & Cie Ltd
EBT swiss engineering Ltd.
Bosniaken Institut; Stiftung Adil Zulfikarpasic, Zurich
Bringhen Group
Work highlights
- Assisting with corporate liability claims for mismanagement against the former president of the board of directors and the Auditing Company of the SPVs of the former SCL / SCT / Enzian Shipping AG.
- Advising on liability claims for mismanagement against four former executives/members of the board of Banque Hottinger & Cie Ltd.
- Defending the schedule of claims of Swissair against an action of the estate of former Belgian Airline Sabena.
Switzerland > Private client Tier 4
In addition to offering comprehensive tax advice, Wenger Plattner also has extensive experience drafting deeds of inheritance, wills, and estate distributions. Filippo Th. Beck is at the forefront of the private client practice, and focusses on law relating to banking and financial markets. Praised as ‘a very knowledgeable and experienced professional’, Roland Bachmann is recommended for matters relating to employment law and work permits.Practice head(s):
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Testimonials
‘Roland Bachmann is a very knowledgeable and experienced professional. He’s a great listener and always available for discussions. His conflict management and negotiation skills are outstanding.’
‘Wenger Plattner is good at assisting clients with the administration of estates in Switzerland, especially when there is a cross-border element involved.’
‘Daniel Gabrieli is very approachable. He has an excellent knowledge of private client matters, which include cross-border estates, and he works efficiently regarding the administration of the estate.’
‘Daniel Garbieli is very impressive. He provides swift and very pragmatic solutions for clients, which results in excellent solutions for with limited expenses.’
‘Daniel Gabrieli is a versatile private client partner. He is very responsive and entirely on top of his matters.’
Key clients
Bosniaken Institut; Stiftung Adil Zulfikarpasic
Work highlights
- Represented Bosniaken Institut, Stiftung Adil Zulfikarpasic in a CHF 15 million inheritance dispute over the inheritance of the late Adil Zulfikarpasic, a Bosnian politician.
Switzerland > Tax Tier 4
Areas of tax law covered by Wenger Plattner‘s expanding team include M&A tax, corporate tax, international tax, lump sum taxation, and VAT, with the group experienced in acting on behalf of both individuals and businesses. Team lead Markus Mühlemann covers a broad range of matters, including those involving complex and international elements. The team is supported by Oliver Künzler, who has expertise in financing tax, and Christian Martin Gutekunst, who advises clients on national and international tax including VAT.Practice head(s):
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Testimonials
‘Wenger Plattner’s tax practice distinguishes itself through a harmonious fusion of both generalised and specialist tax expertise within a single team, a quality that is indeed rare in the industry.’
‘Potential clients would be pleased to know that the team offers a tailored service, meticulously customising tax strategies from inception to fruition. The advisers are not just knowledgeable; they are plugged into a network across different locales, thus promising solutions that are optimal at both local and global levels.’
‘The practice has pioneered a commercial, solution-oriented approach, emphasising a seamless collaboration across different disciplines within Wenger Plattner.’
‘In terms of innovation, the practice stands tall, embracing modern technology to optimise existing structures continually, a strategy that ensures clients are always a step ahead in the ever-evolving tax landscape.’
‘Wenger Plattner offers a tax practice that is steeped in expertise, innovation, and a deep understanding of both the local and global tax landscapes.’
‘Working with Christian Martin Gutekunst on a recent tax case was an absolute privilege and underscored why he stands a cut above the rest in the competitive landscape.’
One of the standout qualities of Christian is his remarkable competence, which was clearly manifested as we navigated the complex landscape of a tax case. What impressed me deeply was his expertise in carving out a strategy that not only adhered to the stringent regulatory landscape but did so while ensuring maximum financial efficacy.’
‘Christian’s prowess in negotiating with tax authorities played a pivotal role in the successful outcome of our case. His tact, combined with an astute understanding of tax proceedings and rulings, was undeniably a strong asset, casting him as a formidable force when it comes to advocacy and negotiations.’
Key clients
SIGNA Retail Group
VirtusLab Group
Globus AG
Work highlights
- Advised VirtusLab Group and various subsidiaries (Polish, German) especially with regard to tax and transfer pricing law.
Switzerland > Intellectual property
Wenger Plattner > Firm Profile
For over 30 years, Wenger Plattner has been advising and representing clients in all aspects of business law. Wenger Plattner has offices in Basel, Zurich and Bern as well as a representative office in Geneva.
We identify practical, workable solutions and help clients implement these to achieve the best possible commercial outcomes. We rely on teams of experts, many of whom are involved in decision-making as members of public authorities and other bodies, giving them an in-depth understanding of client needs.
As a fully integrated partnership, we place a strong emphasis on teamwork and cooperation. You will have access to dedicated, highly experienced specialists who will help you meet your specific objectives efficiently and effectively, delivering the highest standards of quality.
Main Contacts
Department | Name | Telephone | |
---|---|---|---|
Competition | Dr Dieter Gränicher | dieter.graenicher@wenger-plattner.ch | +41 61 279 70 00 |
Constitutional and administrative law | Prof Dr Gerhard Schmid | gerhard.schmid@wenger-plattner.ch | +41 61 279 70 00 |
Constitutional and administrative law | Dr Carlo Conti | carlo.conti@wenger-plattner.ch | +41 61 279 70 00 |
Contract and commercial | Stephan Cueni | stephan.cueni@wenger-plattner.ch | +41 61 279 70 00 |
Corporate and M&A | Dr Peter Mosimann | peter.mosimann@wenger-plattner.ch | +41 61 279 70 00 |
Entertainment and sport | Dr Peter Mosimann | peter.mosimann@wenger-plattner.ch | +41 61 279 70 00 |
ICT | Dr Peter Mosimann | peter.mosimann@wenger-plattner.ch | +41 61 279 70 00 |
Labour and social security | Dr Peter Mosimann | peter.mosimann@wenger-plattner.ch | +41 61 279 70 00 |
Life sciences and health | Dr Carlo Conti | carlo.conti@wenger-plattner.ch | +41 61 279 70 00 |
Litigation and arbitration | Dr Dieter Gränicher | dieter.graenicher@wenger-plattner.ch | +41 61 279 70 00 |
Litigation and arbitration | Dr Werner Wenger | werner.wenger@wenger-plattner.ch | +41 61 279 70 00 |
Notary services | Dr Dieter Gränicher | dieter.graenicher@wenger-plattner.ch | +41 61 279 70 00 |
Private clients | Dr Dieter Gränicher | dieter.graenicher@wenger-plattner.ch | +41 61 279 70 00 |
Real estate and construction | Dr Dieter Gränicher | dieter.graenicher@wenger-plattner.ch | +41 61 279 70 00 |
IP and IT | Dr Damian Schai | damian.schai@wenger-plattner.ch | +41 61 279 70 00 |
Litigation and arbitration | Yannick Hostettler | yannick.hostettler@wenger-plattner.ch | +41 61 279 70 00 |
Corporate and M&A | Dr Tobias Meili | tobias.meili@wenger-plattner.ch | +41 61 279 70 00 |
Lawyer Profiles
Photo | Name | Position | Profile |
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André S. Berne | André S. Berne is an associate in the Corporate and Commercial practice… | View Profile | |
Dr Carlo Conti | Carlo Conti is a partner in the field of life sciences and… | View Profile | |
Dr Dieter Gränicher | Dieter Gränicher is a partner on the Corporate and Commercial and Private… | View Profile | |
Dr Yannick Hostettler | Yannick Hostettler advises and represents Swiss and foreign companies as well as… | View Profile | |
Dr Tobias Meili | Tobias Meili is a partner in the Corporate and Commercial Law practice… | View Profile | |
Dr Damian Schai | Damian Schai is a partner in the IP and IT as well… | View Profile | |
Simon Schweizer | Simon Schweizer advises and represents companies and individuals in the areas of… | View Profile | |
Prof Dr Felix Uhlmann | Felix Uhlmann is a counsel in the specialised area of constitutional and administrative… | View Profile | |
Dr Werner Wenger | Werner Wenger is a founding partner of Wenger Plattner, since 2012 practising as… | View Profile | |
Isabel Zeller | Isabel Zeller works as an associate mainly in the areas of general… | View Profile |