Switzerland

Located in Zurich, Advestra is a new firm founded in 2020. Founders of the new firm came over from Bär & Karrer. The firm specializes in financial and corporate law. 

Focusses / specialisms

The firm specializes in corporate law, with experience in capital markets, financial services regulatory and M&A practices. In capital markets, the firm has experience in debt and equity related matters. The team has experience with convertible, sustainability and corporate bond issuances. On the equity side, it has experience with capital increases, rights issuances and PIPEs.

In the financial services regulatory practice, the firm has experience representing clients in the banking and financial service industry on regulatory aspects related to corporate matters.

The M&A practice regularly advises clients on the buy and sell side in strategic and private equity acquisitions across numerous industries. It also advises private equity firms in strategic investments.

Key clients

Key clients for the firm include Swiss Prime Site, Aebi Schmidt Holding, Viseca, Mubadala Investment, Credit Suisse, UBS, Morgan Stanley, Zürcher Kantonalbank, Bank of America Merrill Lynch, Goldman Sachs International, SIG Combibloc, One Equity Partners, H.I.G. Capital, Zurich Insurance Company and Falcon Private AG.

Research period review: 33^rd edition (2023/2024)

In banking the firm acted, mostly as local counsel, on financing and refinancing transactions for both lenders and borrowers across a plethora of industries with a strong focus on banking, financial services and real estate.

In capital markets the firm was active in both debt and equity transactions but had its major work in equity capital markets, which included IPOs and secondary share offerings mainly for banks. The debt capital markets team advised primarily on convertible bonds issue.

In financial services regulatory the firm’s work encompassed providing legal advice on corporate and regulatory matters such as establishment of new company and branch offices, and licensing requirements.

In M&A the team represented an equal mix of buyers and sellers in both strategic and private equity acquisitions. The firm also worked on a few strategic investments by private equity firms. The firm also worked on several public and private acquisitions and divestitures.

Deal highlights:  33rd edition (2023/2024) 

Molecular Partners NASDAQ IPO

Outbrain $55 million acquisition of video intelligence

SIG Combibloc $335 million acquisition of Pactiv Evergreen’s Asia Pacific Fresh operations

SKAN Group SIX IPO

Swiss Prime Site SFr3 billion refinancing

Viseca SFr900 million refinancing

Client feedback: 33rd edition (2023/2024)

Bank lending 

"The Advestra team was very proactive, on time and provided a very valuable input."

Banking and finance

"Responsive, organised, thoughtful, commercial."

M&A   

"Experienced, professional, solution-orientated."

"Very responsive, smart and diligent."

Anna Capaul 

"Very responsive, very deep knowledge."

Sandro Fehlmann     

"Very responsive, communicative and business-orientated."

Annina Hammer        

"Proactive, knowledgeable."

Alexander von Jeinsen        

"He's a star. I worked with him recently on a complicated M&A and leveraged finance transaction in Switzerland and was impressed. He is smart, responsive and combines technical strength with commercial-mindedness. His assistance was crucial in getting the deal structured. I enjoyed working with him a lot."

Bär & Karrer is a leading financial and corporate powerhouse on the Swiss market. It has accomplished lawyers across the German, French and Italian speaking parts of Switzerland, with offices in Zurich, Geneva, Lugano and Zug. The firm mainly advises on transactions with international aspects, but also works on domestic and cross-border deals.

Focusses / specialisms

The firm is a top tier firm in financial and corporate practices including banking, capital markets, financial services regulatory and M&A. It also has a highly regarded restructuring and insolvency practice. In banking, the firm has experience arranging Swiss and international banks, agents, lenders and borrowers in leveraged acquisition financing and refinancing transactions.

The capital markets team advises high-profile issuers on the placement of shares through accelerated bookbuilding and the establishment of digital platforms of exchange listed bonds issuances for investors and issuers. It also advised on rights offerings and green, covered and investment grade bond issuances. The team also represents investment funds in fund formations and raising matters.

In financial services regulatory, the firm advised large banks, asset managers, fintech and insurance companies and payment service providers on Swiss Financial Market Supervisory Authority and FINMA regulatory enforcement proceedings, fintech regulatory compliance, the implementation of the Financial Services Act, and banking and insurance licencing matters.

In M&A, partners advise on a mix of public and private deals, both on the buy and sell side of acquisitions in the life sciences and healthcare, financial services, insurance, real estate, private equity and telecommunications industries.

In the restructuring and insolvency space, the firm focused on out-of-court restructurings, advising a mix of distressed companies and debtors, and creditors in bankruptcy proceedings.

Key clients

Some of the recent key clients of the firm include Credit Suisse, Novartis, UBS, Goldman Sachs, Rothschild Bank, Libra Association, Calibra, Cembra Money Bank, Bank Cler (former Bank Coop), Morgan Stanley International Gazprombank, KKR, EQT, Cinven, Temasek, Valyo and Jacobs Holding.

Research period review:  33rd edition (2023/2024) 

Over the research period, the banking team advised mostly lenders in corporate, real estate, leveraged and acquisition financing. It also worked on several refinancings. It also worked on regulatory matters in financial services, mostly related to regulatory aspects as part of acquisitions and capital markets products.

The capital markets team worked on debt and equity offerings. In the debt capital markets practice, the team advised mostly underwriters in covered and corporate bond program issuances. On the equity capital markets side, the team represented a mix of issuers and underwriters in PIPEs, capital increases and equity financing related to acquisitions. It also represented a lot of investment funds in regulatory and transactional fund formation matters, as well as acquisitions.

The firm also participated in financial services regulatory work during the research period where it advised financial institutions on non-contentious regulatory matters.

In M&A the team mostly acted on the sell side of acquisitions across many industries. These acquisitions were both strategic and private equity acquisitions. It also worked on strategic investments, divestitures, spinoffs and joint ventures.

The restructuring and insolvency practice worked with many distressed companies in restructurings, many of which were in the financial services and healthcare industries. It also advised acquirers in acquisitions of distressed companies.

Deal highlights:  33rd edition (2023/2024) 

Canton of Geneva SFr50 million social bond issue

Deutsche Börse acquisition of majority stake in Crypto finance

ELCA Group financing

Equistone acquisition of Franke Water systems

Triton Fund V acquisition of Swiss IT security group

Bratschi is a Swiss law firm that is active in the financial and corporate space. It has seven offices across Zurich, Basel, Berne, Geneva, Zug, Lausanne, and St. Gallen. 

Focusses / specialisms  

The firm is best known for its work in the banking and finance and M&A practice areas. In banking and finance, the firm advises lenders in Swiss first league sports club asset financing, factoring arrangements, data centre syndicated financing, refinancing and acquisition financing. The team also works on financial services regulatory matters, where it advises on FINMA regulations and multilateral trading facility licensing. It has a focus on representing companies in the middle and upper middle market. 

In M&A, partners advise clients on mandates in the financial services, technology, automation, pharmaceuticals and retail industries. The team represents a mix of sellers, investors and buyers. It also advises on financing rounds and cryptocurrency only share capital incorporations. The firm advised both creditors and insolvent companies in bankruptcy cases and restructurings. 

Key clients  

Some of the firm’s recent key clients include UBS Bank, Adecco Group, Raiffeisen Bank International, Omni Ray Holding, Descartes Systems Group, Commerzbank, St GallerKantonalbank, Viking Cruises Group, Migros, Swiss Post, Janssen Group and Blue Sail Medical Co. 

Research period review: 33rd edition (2023/2024) 

Throughout the research period, the banking team represented slightly more lenders in real estate, acquisition, trade, asset and Islamic financing matters. It also advised clients in the banking and financial services on financial services regulatory matters related to acquisitions and securities legislative changes. 

In M&A, the team advised on strategic and private acquisitions. Technology and telecommunication continues to be a big industry for the team. It also advised clients in strategic investments. 

Deal highlights: 33rd edition (2023/2024) 

Loomis Schweiz acquisition of Swiss Post’s businesses 

Syntax Systems acquisition of Illumiti Group 

Client feedback: 33rd edition (2023/2024) 

Asset finance

"Bratschi are very knowledgeable, experienced and responsive. We always enjoy having them in our deal teams and feel very comfortable relying on their judgement."

Banking and finance

"Quality, speed, expertise, client focus, attention to detail and foresight."

"Very responsive and reliable."

M&A   

"Bratschi ably supported and guided us through the round involving cross-border investment. The negotiations and transaction documents required resolution of complex topics deriving from different market practices and the need for ensuring legal compatibility in the company's jurisdiction."

"Full-service approach, deep expertise across all relevant legal disciplines in Switzerland, pragmatic and efficient, good value for money."

"The customer service is excellent and competent. Bratschi manages to unite our interests with the interests of the sellers."

"Very responsive; open for pragmatic solutions; they work with diligence; broad experience."

Barbara Jecklin         

"Very knowledgeable, experienced and responsive. We always enjoy having them in our deal teams and feel very comfortable relying on their judgement.”

Very responsive and reliable."

Kevin Kengelbacher 

"Young, up-and-coming partner. Pragmatic, accessible and efficient."

"Excellent and competent."

Harald Maag  

"Client relationship, expertise, experience and attention to detail – weighing risks and returns on a situation-by-situation basis.

Thomas Peter

"Thomas seamlessly integrated with our team and was able to provide us with very valuable commercial input especially with respect to the most difficult negotiation topics. This helped us focus on the topics most critical to us. He is able to simplify complex topics enhancing efficiency.

"Very responsive and reliable."

Pascal Rüedi 

"Responsive, pragmatic, cooperative, experienced."

Christian Stambach  

"Senior M&A lawyer with broad background. Very knowledgeable, pragmatic and efficient."

Angela Hensch          

"Top-notch expertise, attention to detail, client focus."

Stephanie Caprani-Pontes   

"Stephanie is able to efficiently connect the dots enabling the preparation of error-free interlinked transaction documents. She effectively managed the closing process involving multiple law firms and coordinating input and requests from multiple parties. She is quick, responsive and thorough in her work.

Burckhardt is a Swiss boutique law firm, founded in 2010, that is active in the financial and corporate space. The firm has an office in both Basel and Zurich.

Focusses / specialisms

The firm is best known for its work in the banking and M&A practice areas. In banking and finance, the firm mainly advises administrative agents and arrangers in acquisition financing and works on the lender-side in financing transactions. The team also often works on debt capital markets transactions, namely bond issuances.

In M&A, the practice regularly acts for companies in joint ventures and strategic acquisitions, representing both the buy and sell side. It also often does corporate reorganizations.

Key clients

Guangzhou Haozhi Industrial Co, pop e poppa group, Sharp Electronics, Mersen group, Innovative International Acquisition Group and GMV group are recent key clients of the firm.

Research period review:  33rd edition (2023/2024) 

During the research period, the M&A team represented companies in private acquisition, financial investment and joint venture matters.

CMS is an international law firm with a focus in cross-border and multi-jurisdictional mandates in the financial and corporate space, with over 75 offices worldwide. In Switzerland, the firm has offices in Zurich and Geneva.

Focusses / specialisms

The firm is best known for its top tier work in the financial services regulatory practice, but also has an outstanding banking and finance practice and highly regarded M&A, capital markets and restructuring practices. In banking and finance, the firm advises both domestic and international financial institutions as lenders and Swiss-based companies as borrowers in acquisition, project, asset and corporate financing, as well as cross-border group refinancing transactions. In financial services regulatory, CMS regularly advises on FINMA authorisations and regulatory licensing, derivatives trading regulations and AML compliance.

The capital markets team largely works on equity related matters, advising listed companies and investors on rights offerings and public tender offers.

In M&A, the firm mainly advises non-Swiss buyers in cross-border acquisitions in pharmatech and chemicals, fintech start-ups and private equity industry sectors. It also represents selling shareholders in IT and technology mandates.

In R&I, the firm advises the insolvency estate, administrators and creditors in insolvency and bankruptcy proceedings.

Key clients

Some of the recent key clients of the firm include ERMEWA, KfW-IPEX Bank, CHA Technologies Group, IG Bank, FinLeap, Alpha Solutions, DP World, Asteria Investment Managers, Rieter Holding, ARM Swiss Representatives, HEB Swiss Investment, Eqonex and Dharampal Satyapal.

Research period review:  33rd edition (2023/2024) 

During the research period, the banking and finance team worked on transactional matters where it represented mostly lenders in refinancings and asset, corporate, project and real estate financings. It also worked on regulatory matters in the financial services regulatory practice, where the team represented clients in the banking and financial services industry in regulatory matters related to FINMA, FinSA, AML compliance and payment regulations.

In capital markets, the team advised companies in a couple of debt and equity transactions including bond issuances and private placements.

In financial services regulatory work, the firm mostly represented banks, financial services and IT companies in licensing and other regulatory matters.

The M&A team mostly acted on the sell side in strategic and private equity acquisitions across numerous industries, mostly healthcare.

The restructuring and insolvency practice represented a mix of debtors and creditors in insolvency proceedings.

Deal highlights:  33rd edition (2023/2024) 

Atrys Health Group acquisition of BAMCAM Holding’s shares in Radio-Onkologie Amsler

KLAR Partners acquisition of ISS Kanal Services

One Equity Partners acquisition of HEB Swiss Investment’s 29.3 % stake in Cicor Technologies

Rieter Holding €300 million acquisition of 57% of the shares in Saurer Netherlands Machinery Company

Client feedback:  33rd edition (2023/2024) 

Financial restructuring        

"Very hands-on, smart, concise, responsive, wide experience, looking ahead."

Insolvency     

"Highly responsive, strongly advocating client's interests, excellent collaboration with authorities."

"CMS was extremely responsive and their knowledge of the specific local bankruptcy processes helped to mitigate an immediate impact on our business. They showed extraordinary skills in communicating with the involved authorities.”

Leveraged finance    

“CMS was very knowledgeable on this topic and very proactive and fast answering our questions."

M&A   

"Very efficient and cost-sensitive support. Very structured and to the point. Great to work with."

"Hands-on approach, pragmatic, well-versed, experienced, business acumen, understanding of our business, proactiveness, availability."

"Look well ahead, proactive, available, dedicated, professional, experts."

"Large team, profound technical know-how in the active areas, entrepreneurial mindset."

"High-quality legal advice; trusted adviser; subject-matter experts in employment law and corporate law; very responsive."

Private equity

"Strong expertise and valuable experience. Short feedback loops. Strong ability in understanding our fund's particular context and needs. Highly empathic and therefore convincing in negotiation settings. Entrepreneurial and flexible.”

Restructuring

"Very responsive and highly professional."

Christian Gersbach  

"Subject-matter expert in employment law; very responsive; treats others with respect."

Stefan Gerster           

"Professional, experienced, available."

Reto Hunsperger      

"Responsive, good business acumen, well prepared, strong negotiator."

"Good responsiveness. Quick and creative solutions."

Marjolaine Jakob      

"Very responsive and highly professional."     

"Very good communication and excellent problem-solving skills. Very flexible mindset with a talent to adjust to rapidly changing situations."

Daniel Jenny 

"Very good legal knowledge. Highly responsive. Highly empathetic and patient. High engagement level despite seniority."

Kaspar Landolt         

"Very experienced, smart but still hands-on, responsive, creative."

Vaïk Müller    

"Vaïk is very knowledgeable and supports us in a very effective manner."

Alain Raemy  

"Profound technical know-how in the active areas, entrepreneurial mindset."

Stephan Werlen        

"Very efficient, very calm, clear and structured. Great to work with."

Homburger is a leading Swiss firm founded in 1957 that has established itself as a go-to firm on the market for corporate transactional work.

Focusses / specialisms

The firm is a market leader in financial and corporate practices including banking and finance, capital markets, financial services regulatory and M&A. The firm also has a standout restructuring and insolvency practice. In the banking and finance practice, the firm acts for borrowers in large revolving credit facility refinancing and acquisition financing. It also represents non-Swiss banks and financial institutions as lenders for multicurrency credit facilities with Swiss assets as collateral.

In capital markets work the firm advises issuers on the establishment of covered bond programmes, large bond issuances and issuer substitution and transfer of outstanding bonds. In equity, the firm represents issuers, bookrunners and underwriters on IPOs, rights offering, common stock offerings, share capital increases and the listing of American depository shares.

In financial services regulatory, the firm advises clients in the banking and financial services industry on regulatory issues stemming from payment platforms, acquisitions, securities offerings and cryptocurrency. Partners also advised banks on new Financial Services and Financial Institutions Acts regulation.

In M&A the firm mainly has experience on both the buy and sell side of M&A transactions, including acquisitions, mergers, complex carve-outs, cross-border divestments and share sale and spin-off deals.

In restructuring and insolvency, Homburger advises distressed clients and creditors in recapitalisations, restructurings and insolvency proceedings. It also on preventative measures in place in the event of insolvent fund managers.

Key clients

Some of the firm’s recent key clients include Roche, SK Capital Partners, Siegfried Holding, Coöperatieve Rabobank, UBS, Credit Suisse, JP Morgan, Holcim, Adecco, AMAG, SIX Group, Raiffeisen, ZKB, Clariant, Alcon, Amun, ABB, Zurich Insurance Company and Therachon.

Research period review:  33rd edition (2023/2024) 

Over the research period, the banking team mostly acted on the borrower side in acquisition, real estate, corporate and sustainability financings, as well as refinancings.

The capital markets team worked on debt and equity matters, representing issuers. In debt capital markets, matters included convertible, callable and covered bond offerings as well as Eurobond programs. Equity capital market transactions include ADS, rights and common stock offerings, in addition to IPOs and PIPEs. The team also worked on numerous equity investments related to acquisitions and spinoffs. The capital markets group also acted for investment funds in cross-border fund offerings.

The financial services regulatory team represented clients in the banking and financial services industry on regulatory issues associated with acquisitions and debt issuances. It also worked on regulatory matters from FinSA, cryptocurrency, structured products, bail-ins and online payment systems.

In M&A, the team was mostly on both the buy and sell side for strategic and private equity acquisitions, many of which were in the healthcare and financial services industries. It also worked on mergers, spin offs, carve outs and several strategic investments.

The restructuring and insolvency practice acted for many debtors in financial restructuring matters.

Deal highlights:  33rd edition (2023/2024) 

AMAG Leasing CHF 2.8 million financing

AMAG Leasing SFr1.5 billion covered bond issue

Aryzta €500 million financing

CSL $11.7 billion acquisition of Vifor Pharma

ED&F Man restructuring

Implenia SFr650 million financing

IGN Bank €2.3 million financing

On Holding NYSE IPO

PolyPeptide Group SIX IPO

Roche Holding $20.7 billion acquisition of Novartis Holdings’ stake in the company

Roche Holding $6 billion notes issue

UBS CHF 1.5 million financing

Client feedback:  33rd edition (2023/2024) 

Banking and finance

"Homburger has a deep understanding on banking and finance, a highly professional team, 100% reliable. Their international network is great, which is putting them in a position to provide top advice on global topics.”

"Excellent knowledge and skills, were proactive and applying a wider perspective in solving the case at hand.”

"Key player in the Swiss market, knows industry standards.”

"Excellent knowledge in the area of structured products and a deep understanding of technicalities and requirements.”

"They offer a perfect mix of deep understanding of the technology as well as the law.”

Capital markets         

"Homburger has a great team with deep debt capital markets expertise, highly flexible and able to tailor solutions within tight deadlines. 100% reliable and super-professional." 

"Homburger has a great team with deep equity capital markets experience. They are able to deliver tailor-made solutions to complex issues within very tight timelines. Highly flexible and 100% reliable.”

"Highly professional, very responsive, competent, great to work with.”

"The Homburger team is always very responsive and solution-orientated. The deep bench and quality of the team is very impressive.”

"Reliable, in-time production, accessible, good mood, positive thinking.”

"Fair pricing, super-responsive, emphatic, competent. Well connected with international law firms.”

"Very knowledgeable, very hands-on feedback, very approachable, always responding, very client-orientated, a partner to fully rely on.”

"They were not only very knowledgeable, but also very time efficient and goal-orientated.”

Financial restructuring        

"Very business-focused, good cooperation.”

Financial services regulatory          

"Great team with deep knowledge on banking regulation in Switzerland and international regulatory trends and regulation in the main financial centres. On top of latest discussions in the Basel Committee on Banking Supervision and Financial Stability Board and political landscape. Homburger's advice on regulatory matters is well respected by the authorities.”       

"High competence, good responsiveness, networking.”

"They are proven experts in financial services regulation and have extensive experience with complex financial market structures and interactions with financial regulators.”

"Great know-how; understanding of the business; highly professional; solution-orientated; cost-sensitive.”

Insolvency     

"Homburger is very well organised and advises on a long-term strategic basis. Never seen that before.”

Leveraged finance    

"Excellent know-how, superb negotiation and drafting skills, extremely responsive."

M&A   

"Highly professional, very pragmatic, fast and responsive, friendly and great to work with.”

"Senior partner availability, responsiveness, thinking along.”

"Main contact person was the partner Dr Daniel Hasler. Daniel Hasler is an excellent lawyer. He is very skilled, reliable and pragmatic. He knows what his client wants and needs.”

"Comprehensive legal advice, good risk assessment and willingness to articulate a constructive position, negotiation strategy, speedy turnaround times, ability to quickly draw on their in-house IP and tax legal specialists, as needed.”

“Client-friendly, responsive, great knowledge of precedence.”

Private equity

"Their lawyers are highly talented and responsive."

Restructuring

"Very professional, accurate and on-time delivery. Great people to work with. Looking for the most efficient and client-centric solutions."

Frank Gerhard           

“Frank understands our needs and provides pragmatic solutions.”

Dieter Gericke

“Quick understanding of key business issues, good knowledge of current industry practice, willingness to engage his own network for business benefit of the client.”

Jürg Frick      

"Excellent drafting and negotiation skills, very receptive, outstanding know-how. Very responsive.”

Daniel Haeberli          

"Knows the local market, pragmatic and problem-solving approach.”

"Excellent knowledge. Very responsive and business-minded. Challenging ideas in a constructive manner.”

"Positive mood, top industry know-how. It is easy to do business with him, he delivers in a team, never complains regarding workload.”

"Extremely customer-friendly, very knowledgeable and highly reliable."

"Very competent and responsive.”

"Very responsive lawyer, with excellent negotiation skills and outstanding mediation skills.”

Daniel Hasler

"Daniel is an excellent lawyer. He is very skilled, reliable and pragmatic. He knows exactly what his client wants and needs."

Stefan Kramer           

"Excellent knowledge in various fields of law. Precise apprehension of the legal issues arising in a specific factual situation. Expeditious, professional and efficient cooperation.”

"Stefan is extremely knowledgeable, he anticipates a client's needs and provides solutions that are simply smart and practicable.”

"Stefan has deep knowledge of the law and new technologies. He is great in identifying legal risks posed by new technologies as well as mitigating such risks.”

"Very competent, problem-solver, nice to work with.”

"Very cooperative; has a good business perspective; knowledgeable and creative.”

"Stefan knows his client's needs, is very responsive, pragmatic and has strong analytical skills. He is an excellent lawyer, well-connected and known for giving practical advice. He pays great attention to detail while always being mindful of the big picture. He has an impressive ability to think outside of the box and find creative solutions.”

"Great know-how; understanding of the business; highly professional; solution-orientated; cost-sensitive.”

"Long-term strategic work.”

"Stefan is a very pragmatic and easy to talk to person that has a good sense for business situations."

Claude Lambert         

"Great understanding of problems and solutions, very experienced, pragmatic and skilled lawyer.”

"Responsive, pragmatic, solution-orientated.”

Benjamin Leisinger  

"Benjamin's experience in banking and finance issues is great. His international network is very valuable. His analytical skills are great and his experience in deriving innovative solutions is impressive."

"Best capital markets lawyer in Switzerland on bank capital products. Highly efficient, fast thinker, pragmatic.”

"Great expertise and knowledge, very innovative and up to speed with latest market developments, ability to tailor solutions for complex issues.”

"Benjamin has deep capital market knowledge and is on top on market developments. He is able to structure tailor made solutions to complex issues within tight timelines. Highly professional and 100% reliable.”

"Highly engaged and dedicated to his clients. Always available and ready to find solutions. Strong track record.”

"Dynamic, very intelligent, super-competent and efficient. Gets things done, deals superbly with the most complex matters, deep knowledge of debt capital markets, equity capital markets and banking/financial markets regulation. Very well connected."

"Very knowledgeable, very hands-on feedback, very approachable, always responding, very client-orientated, a partner to fully rely on.”

"Benjamin has a deep knowledge of banking regulation. His advice is well trusted with the authorities. He is keeping up to date with the regulations in Switzerland as well as in the major financial centres. His ability to connect regulation to structuring financial products and services is highly valuable.”

Andreas Müller          

"Smart, responsive, great stakeholder management.”

"Responsive, pragmatic, solution-orientated.” 

"Ambitious young partner, highly skilled, dedicated to customer requests, pragmatic and knowledgeable."

Benedikt Maurenbrecher     

"Very experienced professional; highly creative lawyer.”

Margrit Marti  

"Clear communicator, very well organised, personable.”

Anna Peter     

"Ability and willingness to understand the business and defend the clients' business interests."

Julian Schwaller       

"Long-term strategic work."

Established in 1991 with the merging of Zurich and Geneva-based firms, Lenz & Staehelin has subsequently grown with a third office in Lausanne.

Focusses / specialisms

Strong in the banking area, the firm advises corporate borrowers on leveraged acquisition finance on large multi-jurisdictional transactions.

In capital markets the firm has strong presence in the equity area often advising a mix of underwriters and issuers on IPOs in the SIX Swiss Exchange. It advises Swiss public companies on various capital raising issues and public offerings. The firm has notable underwriter counsel experiences across the equity transactions.

The firm's M&A practice is one of the firm's leading practices and is often does a high volume of deals. Active in both private and public M&A, it has advised on some of the largest takeovers in Swiss market. It has plenty of cross border experience advising foreign funds, private equity firms and large corporations on acquisitions of Swiss companies. 

In the projects space the firm is active on infrastructure projects where it advises a mix of project developers, operators and investors on all matters such as investments, regulatory approvals and public procurement.

The firm has strong restructuring and insolvency team that in recent years has worked on some of the largest insolvency cases in the retail market. It has more experience for creditors but advises distressed companies on restructuring.

Key clients

Some of the firm’s recent key clients include Credit Suisse, Bank of New Zealand, Banorte Deutsche Bank, Citibank, Allfunds Group, KKR, Bundesverband Deutscher Banken (BBV), Clariant, ABN AMRO, Ares Life Sciences / Waypoint, Aviva Investors Global Services, Banque Lombard Odier & Cie Compagnie Financière Richemont, Pfizer, Sika, Salt Mobile, Nord Stream and Agrokor.  

Research period review: 33^rd edition (2023/2024)

Within the research period, the banking and finance team acted mainly on the borrower side in acquisition, project, sustainability-linked and corporate financings. It also worked on several refinancings.

The capital markets team worked on both debt and equity transactions. The equity side of the practice was highly involved in several IPOs and secondary share offers while the debt work was predominantly on bond issuances.

The team also worked on financial services regulatory practice area matters, representing clients in the banking and financial services industry. It advises clients on regulatory matters related to FINMA, AML compliance, investment fund formations and derivatives.

In M&A the team mostly acted on the buy side in a mix of strategic and private equity acquisitions across numerous types of industries. It also acted for private equity firms in investments, as well as representing companies in joint ventures, mergers and strategic investments.

The project development team represented some developers in projects in the real estate and infrastructure industries. Most of its work was acting on both the buy and sell side for real estate project acquisitions.

In restructuring and insolvency the team largely represented debtors in out of court restructuring efforts. It also represented debtors in cross-border Chapter 11 filings, as well as acquirers in stalking horse and distressed acquisitions.

Deal highlights:  33rd edition (2023/2024) 

Bain Capital and Cinven SFr4.2 billion acquisition financing

Bank of New Zealand SFr200million bond issue

Heubach Group and PE fund SK Capital acquisition of Clariant's pigments

On Holding NYSE IPO

National Australia Bank SFr300 million bond issue

Sika SFr5 billion acquisition financing

SKAN Group SIX IPO

Stadler Rai SFr2.8 billion refinancing

Client feedback:  33rd edition (2023/2024) 

Asset finance

"They are creative in finding legal solutions to make the project works. Good communicators and quick response. Always available for urgencies."

Bank lending 

"Very responsive and highly professional."

Bank lending 

"David Ledermann as lead partner and his team at Lenz & Staehelin really stand out in terms of reactivity and the ability to adapt to client needs. David truly strives to find creative/pragmatic solutions and his expertise in structuring complex transactions is outstanding. He is equally appreciated by the bank as lender and the bank's clients as borrower, as he is very solution-orientated."

"Lenz & Staehelin has an excellent knowledge of the banking/financial sector, including when it comes to new subject matter such as cryptos. They are at the forefront of any new legislative move. They have a panel of extremely well skilled associates to help out on any subject."

"Diligent, holistic (advice also includes tax and corporate advice), very competent."

"Committed, flexible, customer-orientated."

"Professional, proactive."

"They are highly knowledgeable, strategic and practical at the same time. They understand our business and are able to find suitable solutions."

"Perfect legal knowledge, strategic perspective and capacity to translate into practical solutions, risk management, excellent domestic and international network, ability to handle very large mandates."

"Availability of partners. Robustness and clarity of legal opinions. Strategic and tactical thinking."

"Availability and expertise of the banking partners (in particular Shelby du Pasquier) and their expert knowledge of the regulators."

"First-class, quality legal advice – delivered in a commercial, solution-orientated, manner."

Capital markets         

“Provided balanced opinions during time of crisis. Helped present options. Communicated and worked well with US counsel."

"Very competent and professional team. Always trying to be mindful of commercial imperatives."

"Perfect, very professional."

Financial services regulatory          

"Highest standards of quality and accuracy, timely response to queries, profound knowledge of market practice and industry standards."

"Excellent definitive advice and guidance."

"The firm's partners and lawyers have proven a high level expertise in their field and beyond. They work in a highly client-orientated manner."

"Content-wise they are very good. You can rely on what they say. Their associates are very hands-on and good communicators."

Insolvency     

"Lenz are responsive and provide good advice."

"Strong technical knowledge and analysis. Efficient and cooperative approach. Excellent language skills and empathy for client's needs."

Investment funds     

"High level of precision, pragmatic advice on prevailing market practice., timely response to queries."

M&A   

"Responsive and precise.

"Good competence, pragmatic approach, solution-orientated.

"Technically robust and reasonable and understanding of the business.

"They deliver the highest quality of legal advice seamlessly across teams/practice areas and offices in a highly efficient manner. The lawyers we work with are super-responsive, knowledgeable and in addition friendly and good spirited. Overall a real pleasure to work him them.

"Very responsive and fair.

"They have a strong M&A/corporate team, are responsive, good value and client-focused.

"Pragmatic, seamless integration in the overall M&A advisory team, flexible and professional.

"They are extremely client-focused and good at channelling the advice through a single partner.

"Deep knowledge of the local background/practices. Strong expertise on real estate transactions. Solutions-orientated.

"Very knowledgeable and pragmatic advice.

"Reliable, quick."

"Extremely responsive, alert, pragmatic lawyers. Partners (Tino and Simone) were incredibly hands-on – not afraid to roll up their sleeves and get their hands dirty. Incredibly aware of the market practices, not a step out of place."

"They did a great job. Very efficient and very smart in their approach."

"Very professional, competent, pragmatic and good to work with."

"Smart, quick, experienced and strong negotiators."

Private equity

“Strong knowledge of the Swiss legal framework.”

“Reactive, patient, highly skilled, hard workers.”

“Project development          

Strong expertise in risks analysis; deep knowledge on local/Swiss real estate market and its evolution; solution and business-orientated; efficient."

Ariel Ben Hattar         

"Anticipating the needs of his clients and finding business-orientated solutions are at the centre of Ariel's preoccupations. Ariel is really interested to understand the core business of his clients, also challenging some well-established practices to make sure his client not only complies but also improves, always keeping in mind business constraints."

Cécile  Berger

"Creative. Responsive. Always available.”

"Listening skills and solutions-orientated; very strong knowledge of local practices; solid network.”

"Client relationship management, communication and flexibility.”

"Cécile has a deep knowledge of the real estate industry, particularly in Geneva. She has the ability to understand business and always advises pragmatic solutions, taking into account the client's priorities. Her listening skills are very good, she's very efficient and straight to the point. Her positive attitude and her ability to remain calm in all circumstances are invaluable."

Shelby du Pasquier  

"Great experience. Management of his teams to address on-the-spot and timely responses.”

"Experience, legal and industry knowledge, very deep network (Swiss and international), strategic thinking, solution finder.”

"True trusted adviser, global view, understanding of our business and needs, perfect legal knowledge, strategic, unique influence and both domestic and international network.”

"Shelby du Pasquier is an expert in his field with an extensive knowledge of the Swiss banking regulator's practice and the Swiss banking sector. Shelby is pragmatic and provides clear and effective solutions.”

Stephan Erni 

"He is knowledgeable, practical, good communicator, understands the real issues.”

"Senior level, good technician.”

"Stephan is an exceptionally knowledgeable and versatile lawyer with a great approach to legal problems. He focuses on delivering clear and solution-orientated advice, remains pragmatic and calm at all times and is always reachable and responsible when one needs support. Overall, in our view he is a standout individual, working together with an excellent team. He is our go-to partner at Lenz Staehelin.”

"Top M&A guy, fair, responsive, tough cookie.”           

"Trust him blindly, knows our business in and out.”

Tino Gaberthuel        

"Technically robust and reasonable and understanding of the business.”       

"Accessible, good client service.”

"Alert, attentive, responsive, clear and transparent. Experienced, knowledgeable, client-centric.”

Patrick Hünerwadel  

"Absolutely amazing lawyer and real pleasure to work with. Good under pressure and always flexible.

Jacques Iffland         

"Professional.”

"Transparent, direct, voices his opinion.”

Beat Kühni    

"Very experienced and responsive; strong negotiator.”

David  Ledermann    

"David Ledermann is an expert on financing transactions. He has an in-depth financial and legal expertise and broad experience of the Swiss banking sector. He is pragmatic and available upon short notice."

"David Ledermann really stands out in terms of reactivity and the ability to adapt to client needs. David truly strives to find creative/pragmatic solutions and his expertise in structuring complex transactions is outstanding. He is equally appreciated by the bank as lender and the bank's clients as borrower, as he is very solution-orientated."

Tanja Luginbuehl     

"Personal engagement, intelligent and swift advice."

"Very knowledgeable and available."

Rayroux François     

"Rayroux François has detailed expertise and experience in numerous areas, has excellent knowledge of financial market regulation and the financial industry and has an outstanding network. He and his team are extremely client-focused and get to the heart of complex issues/obligations in the shortest possible time.”

Andreas Rötheli        

"Pragmatic, solution-orientated."

"Very smart, very hard-working, great negotiator and extremely professional."

"Seniority, ability to deal with aggressive counterparts, patience, availability."

Patrick Schärli           

"Very pleasant to work with but at the same time brings his point through. Excellent professional in his field of expertise."

Olivier Stahler

"Proactive, reactive, professional, available."

"Highest standards of quality and accuracy, timely response to queries, profound knowledge of market practice and industry standards."

"Excellent understanding of the business sector, extremely knowledgeable, good sensible advice."

"Outstanding legal expertise combined with in-depth business acumen."

"High level of precision, pragmatic advice on prevailing market practice., timely response to queries."

"Always straight to the point."

Marcel Tranchet        

"Best in class, outstanding knowledge."

"Knows the market in-depth, best lawyer in the area."

Ariel Ben Hattar         

"Transparent, to the point, very reachable, professional.”

Simone Ehrsam         

"Direct, to the point. Precise with her use of words and very knowledgeable, fantastic negotiator, very close to the detail.”

Tino Gaberthüel        

"Very reliable; calm; experienced.”

Jacques Iffland

"Jacques is a very experienced attorney, well connected, with an extremely good knowledge of the legal aspects surrounding our business.”

Beat Kühni    

"Quick, fair, very knowledgeable, responsive.”

Fedor Poskriakov     

"Legal and technology knowledge, deep client commitment, workforce, responsiveness and accessibility.

"Fedor Poskriakov is highly experienced in banking, securities and finance law. He is solution-orientated and very pragmatic. Also, he is available upon short notice.

"Extremely smart, super-professional, incredibly knowledgeable in his field. In sum, by far the most impressive lawyer I have ever seen."

Isy Sakkal      

"Excellent in all respects."

Patrick Schärli           

"He has a sound knowledge of the regulatory framework in Switzerland. He is responsive."

Federico Trabaldo Togna     

"Good competence and experience."

Claude Lambert        

"Very experienced; smart; calm and thoughtful."

Martin Eckert 

"Very experienced; thoughtful."  

Loyens & Loeff is an international law firm with 11 offices across Europe, Asia and in the US. The Zurich office focuses on finance, corporate, investment and tax advisory work.

Focusses / specialisms

The Switzerland office is best known for its work in M&A, with notable banking and finance and debt capital market practices as well. The banking and finance practice was established in 2018 and advises lenders in debt restructuring and borrowing lessors in refinancing and green financing transactions.

In debt capital markets, the firm advised initial purchasers in bond issues.

The M&A practice was established in 2016. The firm advises private equity buyers and sellers in the water treatment, airline hospitality and biotech sectors, among others. It also advises on joint venture agreements and corporate reorganisations.

Key clients

Some recent key clients of the firm include Acer, Adidas, Barcardi, Clariant, EQT partners, Credit Suisse, JP Morgan, UBS, Deutsche Bank, Wells Fargo, Morgan Stanley Alpha Trains Group, Platinum Equity, RRJ Capital, Adidas, Egeria and Magyar Vagon Zrt.

Research period review:  33rd edition (2023/2024) 

Throughout the research period, the banking team acted for borrowers and lenders in acquisition, leveraged and corporate financing matters. It also acted for distressed companies in refinancings and financial restructurings.

The team also represented underwriters and issuers in investment grade and sustainability bond issuances. Furthermore, it advised investment funds in financing matters.

In M&A, the team acted for more buyers than sellers in private equity and strategic acquisitions as well as mergers and private equity investments. It also represented distressed companies in corporate reorganizations.

During the research period, the team hired Christine Hohl as counsel and two new associates to the banking and finance team.

Deal highlights:  33rd edition (2023/2024) 

Andean Tower Partners $40 million acquisition of BTS Torres N.M.C.

Constellation Oil Services $150 million financial restructuring 

Global Consumer Acquisition $507 million acquisition of Luminex Home Decor & Fragrance Holding

Trinseo Materials Operating and Trinseo materials finance $1.5 billion acquisition financing

Client feedback:  33rd edition (2023/2024) 

Bank lending 

"Loyens has done great work in assisting with my needs while taking the lead role in negotiating the Swiss collateral documents with its Swiss counterpart representing the borrower. All responses are prompt and thorough and Loyens has often anticipated my needs by addressing questions they know I will have."

"Very responsive and knowledgeable in the banking industry. It was a pleasure working with the Loyens team."

"L&L are highly responsive, provide concise and well thought through advice, and are not afraid to suggest commercial solutions to legal or other technical problems."

Banking and finance

"They provide prompt and fulsome responses. They also manage their side of the transaction very well to ensure closing is not delayed by anything under their control."

"They are very responsive and hard-working – when the need arises, they have gone above and beyond by working weekends. They are also very commercial and collaborative when working together on transactions, which makes them a valuable counsel to work with."

Financial services regulatory          

“Loyens are very responsive and deliver technical legal expertise in a clear manner."

M&A   

"They are one of the best external counsel for all corporate needs."

"Knowledgeable team; responsive; good sense of humour; attentive; attention to detail."

"Hands-on, commercial thinking."

Christine Hohl

"Christine is very helpful and prompt in her assistance. She has been very good at anticipating my needs. On a few occasions she has sent me information which I did not know yet that I needed."

Frédéric Lemoine      

"Very friendly, knowledgeable, with commercial focus."

Judith Raijmakers    

"Great communicator and manager of our transactions."         

"She is very responsive and strikes a good balance between anticipating our questions in advance and dealing with problems promptly and efficiently when they arise."

"I have worked with Judith over the years for various clients. Judith is very responsive to client needs and has done a great job supervising the other lawyers at Loyens working on my matter. If there is ever a question or need, she jumps in to address it – often without any request from me.”

Valérie Schrämli        

"She is highly professional and perfect in every job she deals with."

"Hands-on, commercially driven."

Stéphanie Szedlák    

"Stéphanie is very friendly, knowledgeable and easy to work with."

“Responsive and provides high-quality legal advice and takes a solution-based approach."

Marco Toni    

"Hands-on, commercially driven."

"Incredible in every corporate matter."

Sandra Zysset

"Friendly, responsive, clear, concise, helpful, reliable. Sandra has made herself available for last-minute client calls and has provided excellent advice. Sandra is a great lawyer to work with."

MLL Legal Ltd. has a strong reputation for its advisory in transactional work. The firm has offices in Zurich, Geneva, Zug and Lausanne and works with an international network of other law firms worldwide.

Focusses / specialisms

The firm is known for its capital markets work and has an active banking and finance practice, including on the regulatory side. The firm also has notable M&A and restructuring and insolvency practices. In banking and finance, the firm advises both listed and private companies as borrowers of acquisition financing, syndicated, multicurrency loan agreements, mortgage documents and financings. On the regulatory side, the firm has an industry focused on work relating to fintech transactions, AML compliance and FINMA.

In the capital markets practice area, the firm advises issuers on bond issuances and placements. In equity work, the firm advises Swiss companies on capital increases via rights offerings.

In M&A, the firm notably advises buyers in acquisitions in the private equity, aviation, metals, technology and biotech start up industries. It also has experience in crossborder divestments and carveout transactions.

In restructuring and insolvency, the firm represents distressed companies, acquirers, creditors and investors in debt recovery and reorganisations, distressed M&A, and bankruptcy proceedings.

Key clients

Some of the recent key clients of the firm include Zurich Airport, TWINT, MBaer Merchant Bank Credit Suisse, Bellevue Group, Dassault Aviation, Allreal Holding and Franz Carl Weber.

Research period review:  33rd edition (2023/2024) 

During the research period, the banking and finance team conducted transactional work acting mostly on the borrower side in acquisition and corporate financing matters. The team also worked on a strong amount of financial services regulatory work, representing clients in the banking and financial services industry in regulatory matters concerning AML compliance, FINMA, FATCA, FinSA, cryptocurrency, online payment systems, acquisitions and investment fund transactions.

The capital markets practice works on debt, equity and structured finance and securitization matters, representing issuers. Most of the work was done in equity matters, in which the team worked on rights offerings, public share offerings, capital increases, delistings, direct listings, IPOs. On the debt side, it worked on investment grade and convertible bond issuances. In structured finance and securitizations, the team completed ABS’s.

In M&A, the group worked on numerous strategic and private equity acquisitions, acting on both the buy and sell side. It also represented a lot of private equity clints in investments. The team also worked on mergers, all within various industries.

Restructuring and insolvency matters included corporate restructurings and bankruptcy filings, representing debtors and receivers. It also represented distressed companies in merger and acquisition transactions resulting from insolvencies.

Deal highlights:  33rd edition (2023/2024) 

Hayfin Capital Management €45 million acquisition financing

Ares Invest €80 million financing

Credit Suisse $280 million financing

Allreal CHF 175 million 0.70% bond issuance

Aleinus SIX IPO

Capiton acquisition of Cedes financing

Dottikon CHF 250 million rights and public share offering

Sun Chemical Group acquisition of Sensient Imaging Technologies

Client feedback:  33rd edition (2023/2024) 

Bank lending 

"Very reactive, highly professional."

Capital markets         

"Very professional and hands-on; always finding good solutions; high quality of work; always delivered on time.”

"Extremly supportive, pragmatic, fast, cooperative, highly recommended and excellent for Swiss small and mid caps, experienced in equity capital market transactions

"Responsive and solution oriented, implementable solutions given the complex environment we are operation in.”

"They answer questions in a timely and clear manner, without unnecessary legal elaborations.”

Financial services regulatory          

"In-depth research of use cases and focus on dos & don'ts – identification of grey areas and assessment of risk.”

"Advice is to the point, quick turnaround, very pragmatic approach. The law firm understands our problems and our needs. Reto Luthiger as the partner in charge is extremely knowledgeable and has an excellent understanding of the needs of fintech companies such as ours.”

"Pragmatic, easy to talk to, very knowledgeable, quick turnaround.”

"Profound knowledge of the matter and very good network. Concrete and pragmatic solutions.”

M&A   

"Kevin Hubacher is highly experienced and extremely street-smart. As a seasoned legal counsel, I still learned a lot from his pragmatic and creative approaches. His work met my highest quality standard, the task was tackled efficiently, and he kept the back of the investors free.“

Project finance          

Professional, highspeed, reliable, thoroughly."

Restructuring

"MLL Legal conducted a thorough analysis of the client's situation, identified areas for improvement of the client's structure, developed a detailed plan for restructuring, provided guidance and supported throughout implementation process. We do appreciate company's high knowledge of the sphere and clear consultation.”

Eric Favre      

"Listening of client needs; understanding of the business model; financial product knowledge.”

Kevin Hubacher        

"Kevin Hubacher is highly experienced and extremely street-smart. As a seasoned legal counsel, I still learned a lot from his pragmatic and creative approaches. His work meet my highest quality standard, the task was tackled efficiently, and he kept the back of the investors free.”

Ronald Kogens         

"Innovative, responsive, solution oriented."

Reto Luthiger

"To the point, very responsive, highly talented, excellent network."

Wolfgang Müller       

"Very professional, very pragmatic and innovative; high quality of work."

"He is a very qualified, unexcited attorney who delivers what is asked."

"Extremely supportive, pragmatic, fast, cooperative, experienced in equity capital market transactions, solution-oriented, highly committed, cooperative.”

Kilian Schärli 

"Reliable, industry knowledge, understands the client."

Daniel Schoch           

"Daniel is always very responsive, pragmatic and highly professional."

Alexander Vogel       

"Profound knowledge of his field of competence and extremely well connected."

Niederer Kraft Frey, founded in 1937, is a Zurich-based law firm with a strong reputation in domestic and international transactions across all practice areas within financial and corporate.   

Focusses / specialisms  

The firm is a market leader in financial and corporate practices including banking and finance, capital markets, financial services regulatory and M&A. It also has an outstanding restructuring and insolvency practice. In banking and finance the firm advises banking syndicates on large scale project financing, and acts for a mix of borrower, arrangers and lenders on syndicated credit facilities, including as part of acquisition financing. 

In financial services regulatory, the firm has experience advising on the Financial Services and Financial Institutions act, Swiss Financial Market Supervisory Authority (FINMA) investigations, and fintech and Swiss derivative trading regulation matters.  

In capital markets, the firm has a clear market share of IPO transactions advising issuers and underwriting syndicates. It also advises on rights offerings, convertible and exchangeable bond issuances and the establishment of covered bond programmes. 

In M&A, the firm represents a mix of listed companies and private equity players as buyers and sellers on high-profile cross-border acquisitions and business combinations in a range of sectors including pharma, technology, private equity, chemicals, ticketing and insurance. 

In R&I, the partners advise creditors, liquidators, and debtors in insolvency proceedings. It also advise arrangers in the refinancing of distressed companies.  

Key clients  

Some of the firm’s recent key clients include Credit Suisse, European Investment Bank, BNP Paribas, ING Bank, UniCredit Bank, BNY Mellon, Global blue, UBS, PolyOne Corporation and CRH plc.  

Research period review:  33rd edition (2023/2024) 

Throughout the research period, the banking team acted for borrowers and lenders in DIP, acquisition and corporate financing, in addition to refinancing matters. It also worked on financial services regulatory matters, namely advising financial institutions in repo and securities lending issues. 

The capital markets team continued its Tier 1 work across debt and equity related matters, acting for issuers largely. Debt capital markets matters concerned investment grade, convertible and green bond issuances. In equity capital markets, the team advised clients on IPOs, recapitalizations and private share placements. 

In M&A, the team represented buyers and sellers in private equity and strategic acquisitions across several industries, with the team acting largely on the buy side. It also worked on other corporate matters including mergers and expansions. 

Deal highlights:  33rd edition (2023/2024) 

AP Møller acquisition of Unilabs 

Macquarie Group CHF 320 million 0.395% bond issuance 

PolyPeptide Group SIX Swiss Exchange IPO 

Swiss Prime Site CHF 2.6 billion refinancing 

Client feedback:  33rd edition (2023/2024) 

M&A   

“100% pragmatic, solution-orientated and they 'fight' for us.”

“Super-competent team. Always very responsible and quick to respond. Super-efficient and no unnecessary extra miles.

Moritz  Maurer

“Moritz is an absolute dealmaker, a M&A crack, always goes the extra-mile for us, is 24/7 available – and fun to be around. Having him on the deal gives me comfort.”

“Moritz is very strong in his client service, and his advice has served us extremely well. He is the first to come to my mind whenever I have a corporate/M&A issue."

Pestalozzi is one of the oldest established Swiss law firms on the market. Founded in 1911, it is known for its corporate, financing, and capital markets advisory for a mix of both domestic and foreign clients. The firm has offices in Geneva and Zurich and is a member of the Lex Mundi international network of independent firms.   

Focusses / specialisms  

The firm is best known for its outstanding work in banking and finance, debt capital markets, structured finance and securitization and financial services regulatory. However, the firm also has standout practices in equity capital markets, M&A and restructuring and insolvency. In banking and finance, the practice advises lending domestic and foreign banks on multicurrency revolving credit facilities for acquisition financing and commodities financing facilities. 

In financial services regulatory, the firm has experience on multiple fintech and cryptocurrency mandates, including the regulatory and contractual issues of the digital currency payment systems, Brexit planning and Swiss Financial Market Supervisory Authority (FINMA) regulatory investigations and enforcement.  

In debt capital markets, the firm works on green, covered and high yield bond issuances and capital relief transactions, advising the issuers, arrangers and initial purchasers. In equity, the firm advises on share listings and in structured finance, the firm advises issuers and arrangers in securitisations. 

In M&A, the firm advises independent boards of directors, shareholders, sellers and buyers in acquisitions across the media, automation, packaging, tobacco products, insurance and technology industries. 

In the realm of restructuring and insolvency, the firm advised both creditors and debtors, while also seeing work in asset recovery and insolvency mandates. 

Key clients  

Some of the recent key clients of the firm include Spotify Sweden, ING, Volksbank Vorarlberg e.Gen, Gazprombank, EBRD, Panalpina Welttransport, Groupe PSA, Johnson & Johnson, CH Media, Swisscom and Altira.  

Research period review:  33rd edition (2023/2024) 

Over the research period, the banking team acted for borrowers and lenders in corporate, export, acquisition and project financing matters. The team also worked on several refinancing transactions. The financial services regulatory team advised clients in the financial services industry on regulatory and compliance matters related to banking platforms and regulations, in addition to payments, derivatives, cryptocurrency and trustee licenses. 

On the debt side of the capital markets practice, the team advised issuers in numerous bond restructuring, as well as convertible and investment grade bond issuances. The capital markets team also worked on advising clients in the financial services industry on derivatives matters, especially concerning OTC instruments. Equity capital markets related transactions include de-SPAC IPOs, private share placements and ATM offerings. 

The M&A team advised buyers and sellers in private equity and strategic acquisitions across numerous industries. It also represented corporate clients in joint ventures, carveouts and mergers and also gained experience in SPAC and de-SPAC matters. 

Deal highlights:  33rd edition (2023/2024) 

Coca-Cola €5 billion EMTN program renewal 

Glencore $5 billion financing 

Leclanché E-Mobility Nasdaq IPO 

Ringier/Mobiliar/TX Group/General Atlantic CHF 2.1 billion joint venture 

Client feedback:  33rd edition (2023/2024) 

Asset finance

"Quick, smart, client focused."

Banking         

"The Pestalozzi team has impressed me with very strong technical knowledge, market savvy and responsiveness. They are commercially minded when thinking through challenges, and the team is always on top of the regulatory backdrop.

Banking and finance

"They were as always very hand-on, very swift in responding in a practical and a client solution-orientated manner."

"Very responsive, close connection with and deep knowledge of authority and related processes, quality work, reliable and collaborative/proactive."

Capital markets         

"In-depth knowledge, flexibility and short response time."

"Honest, transparent, and well-structured counsel who help the company meet all its legal requirements – and they often go beyond, to be a business partner too.

Financial services regulatory          

"Efficiency. Strong industry knowledge ensures that we get to-the-point advice aimed at answering our specific queries. They understand our issues well and this saves time and money for us!

"Ms Huber and her team at Pestalozzi's expertise and professionalism far exceeded our expectations. We relied heavily on her advice, which she provided promptly and with careful consideration. They were a joy to work with as people and as professionals!

"Knowledge. Excellent relations with the regulator. Fast feedback."

"They are efficient. Our main contact, Andrea Huber, does a great job in being to the point in answering and advising us in an efficient manner. She understands our needs and ensures that feedback to us reflects those needs.

"Swift and efficient work combined with very strong knowledge makes it an ideal partner for us."

"Concise advice."

"Knowledge and good advice."

Investment funds     

"Andrea Huber worked very efficiently. She answered questions very quickly. Thanks to her tactical approach and her proactive communication with us and the regulator, we were able to complete the licensing process in a smooth(er) way.

"The Pestalozzi team has impressed me with very strong technical knowledge, market savvy and responsiveness. They are commercially minded when thinking through challenges, and the team is always on top of the regulatory backdrop.

M&A   

"The team immediately understood the commercial context of the transaction and they were very responsive. They are very flexible and agile and have a very good understanding of commercial aspects and strategy. Working together with them was an extremely pleasant and trustworthy experience.

"Proper detailed analysis of the shareholder agreement, including an assessment and weighting of the issues from the management's perspective of each single issue. Afterwards, focus on the major topics and efficient implementation.

Private equity

"Professional, responsive, expert, track record."

Ludivine Boisard      

"Responsive and knowledgeable."

Andrea Huber

"Andrea is a terrific lawyer – she is thorough, meticulous and able to quickly spot issues and propose practical solutions. She is a trusted adviser and invaluable partner with great knowledge of the market, always available with helpful advice.

"Very knowledgeable and professional, sees solutions where others see problems, extremely responsive."

"Very strong industry knowledge and to-the-point approach is a valuable combination. She quickly understands the core of a question/issue and hence addresses it swiftly with a competent answer.

"Andrea is a true expert in her field. She is extremely intelligent, thoughtful, and carefully considered all of our questions with a level of mastery that exceeded our expectations and far surpassed any counsel we have worked with in the past. She is a strong communicator, a friendly and kind human being, and an absolute joy to work with.

"She is very skilled in her area of expertise. Efficient as she is quick to understand our challenges and questions and hence delivers the to-the-point answers we are looking for - not leaving us with a long memo where we have to find the important topics for ourselves.

"Efficient! She always quickly understands the core of the problem being discussed and can focus on finding the best solution."

"Good knowledge – good comprehension of the situation."

"Andrea Huber worked very efficiently. She answered questions very quickly. Thanks to her tactical approach and her proactive communication with us and the regulator, we were able to complete the licencing process in a smooth(er) way.”

"Andrea is a terrific lawyer – she is thorough, meticulous and able to quickly spot issues and propose practical solutions. She is a trusted adviser and invaluable partner with great knowledge of the market, always available with helpful advice.”

Christian Leuenberger         

"Combination of vast experience and knowledge and flexibility/out of the box approach."       

"Knowledge, structured, good listener, and problem-solving business partner. Always approachable and trustworthy."

"Extremely knowledgeable, creative, charming and very good strategist."

"Experienced, great communicator."

Oliver  Widmer          

"One of best lawyers in Switzerland - sharp, smart, great industry knowledge."

"Very hands-on and solution-orientated for our clients."

"Fast feedback and deep knowledge.”

Founded in 1980, Prager Dreifuss is a recognised Swiss law firm active across financial and corporate transactional advisory. The firm, which has offices in Zurich, Bern, Zug and Brussels, advises both domestic and international clients, assisted by their relationships with other law firms globally.  

Focusses / specialisms  

The firm is best known for its work in restructuring and insolvency, but also has notable banking and finance, capital markets and M&A practices. In banking and finance, the firm represents lending and borrowing clients in senior financing and facility agreements. 

In capital markets, the firm advises on initial coin offerings and cryptocurrency mandates.  

In M&A, the firm advises sellers and buyers in acquisitions in the media, asset management and energy industries. 

In restructuring and insolvency, the firm advises bondholders and indentures trustees in insolvencies and bankruptcies. 

Key clients  

Deutsche Bank Trust Company, Centerbridge Partners and Bank of America Merrill Lynch are key publishable clients of the firm.  

Research period review:  33rd edition (2023/2024) 

Over the most recent research period, the banking team advised borrowers on corporate financings, many of which were crossborder. The financial services regulatory team also advised clients in the financial services industry on regulatory matters related to investments. 

In capital markets, the team worked in debt capital markets, advising underwriters on bond issuances. 

The M&A team acted on the buy and sell side in acquisitions across several industries. The team also represented corporate clients in mergers, joint ventures and divestments 

Client feedback:  33rd edition (2023/2024) 

Banking and finance

"Excellent technically and very pragmatic in approach.”

"Great expertise in banking and finance, independent and comprehensive advice, very quick attention to the matter, perfect place for this kind of work."

Insolvency     

"Excellent concentrated work."

Private equity

"The people of Prager are very responsive, very well informed, knowledgeable on the case, and good in their client relationships."

Daniel Hayek 

"Daniel is the best Swiss lawyer I know. He is extremely knowledgeable and very experienced."

"Excellent advice, responsive, good business attitude, high-end advice."

"Excellent concentrated work.”

Gion Jegher  

"Hard-working, always available, strong legal mind, good in client relationship."

Roland Böhi  

"Excellent tax know-how, great to work with."

Gion Jegher

"Excellent."

Mark Meili      

"Mark is a great lawyer and very pragmatic, so a pleasure to work with. He is a very safe pair of hands and a local partner that I can trust to ensure that the transaction runs smoothly.

"Nice person, easy to work with, intelligent."

Schellenberg Wittmer is a leading Swiss law firm. It has offices in Zurich, Geneva and Singapore and regional desks in Southeast Asia, Brazil and Africa.  

Focusses / specialisms  

The firm is a market leader in financial services regulatory, but also does outstanding work in banking and finance, capital markets, M&A and restructuring and insolvency. In banking and finance the firm advises lenders on senior debt financing to healthcare and life sciences companies. 

In financial services regulatory, the firm advises on FINMA approvals and the implementations of new Financial Services and Financial Institutions Acts. 

In capital markets, the firm advises lead managers and issuers on convertible and sustainability bond issues and shares listings of the SIX Swiss Exchange. In structured finance, the firm advises in cryptocurrency, blockchain products and derivatives documentation. 

In M&A, the firm advises on the buy and sell side of large cross-border transactions acting for notable logistics service providers, in-store analytics fund shareholders and digital service companies in takeovers and public tender offers.  

In restructuring and insolvency, the firm advises administrators, receivers, liquidators, distressed companies and creditors in bankruptcy, recovery and insolvency proceedings.   

Key clients  

Some of the recent key clients of the firm include Aldo Group, 1875 Finance, Arsenal Capital Partners, BNP Paribas, Banco Santander, Deutsche Bank, Diamond Capital Management, Oxford Finance, Helvetische Bank, Raiffeisen Switzerland Cooperative, Rapid Nutrition, Credit Suisse, Panalpina Welttransport, Xovis, Infocentric and Hypotheka. 

Research period review:  33rd edition (2023/2024) 

During the research period, the banking team acted for lenders in acquisition financing, as well as financing related to investment funds. It also advised clients in the financial services industry on regulatory and compliance matters related to derivatives, cryptocurrency, fintech, the transition away from LIBOR and securities issuances. 

In capital markets, the team conducted transactions related to debt, derivatives and structured projects. Types of transactions include bail-in bonds, AT1 bonds on the debt side, and futures and swaps on the derivatives side. Many of its clients were in the financial services industry. 

The M&A team acted for mostly buyers in strategic acquisitions and private equity buyouts across several industries. It also advised clients in joint ventures and strategic partnerships. 

Deal highlights:  33rd edition (2023/2024) 

Anandarko insolvency

Graphic Packaging $1.45 billion acquisition of AR Packaging 

Raiffeisen Switzerland Cooperative CHF 525 million 2% AT1 bond issuance 

Client feedback:  33rd edition (2023/2024) 

Bank lending 

"Very hands-on, high accuracy and fast response times with good commercial acumen."

Banking         

"The partner we are working with has excellent knowledge of the banking industry and has a very business-orientated mindset."

"The partner we are working with has very valuable knowledge of the banking industry and its regulatory framework."

"Quick understanding. Very pragmatic. Find solutions. Clear communication."

Banking and finance

"Excellent and proactive service.”

"The banking team of Schellenberg Wittmer are highly skilled, efficient and understand the banking and financial industry very well."

"As soon as we started working with Tarek Houdrouge, we realised we had made the right decision: he could anticipate the key challenges we would face so that we could manage them proactively, he demonstrated an in-depth knowledge of the legal aspects of our work, but also a good understanding of the cultural specificities of our firm that helped us manage our project as efficiently as possible. Also, we felt he demonstrated a very strong sense of integrity, as he asked several times whether we preferred him or us to conduct some parts of the administrative work when it was not necessary to have a legal background to achieve the tasks – resulting in very reasonable fees, hence great value for money.”

"Hands-on, very responsive, straight to the point, excellent understanding of the underlying business considerations.”

"Transparent communication. High availability. Professional consulting.”

Capital markets         

"Very detailed and reactive.”

"Very commercial and pragmatic approach of legal topics, very experienced partners with innovative legal solutions.”

Financial services regulatory          

"Top-quality legal services, very responsive, very complete, client-orientated and practical.”

"Hands-on, professional and quick turnaround."

M&A   

"SW's team handled the complex structure of the share deal and the related financing very professionally. They have vast expertise both in M&A and in financing matters which was relevant in the transaction at hand. Very pragmatic, business-orientated approach. Excellent responsiveness, proactive attitude. They think ahead.”

"Very knowledgeable on Swiss and international M&A issues, commercial and solutions-orientated, not theoretical.”

"Great business acumen and very pragmatic in its approach while legally savvy.”

"SW team led by Jean-Jacques Ah Choon is very professional and business-orientated. They provide legal advice in a pragmatic manner. The team is very proactive and reactive. It has been a real pleasure to work with SW team.”

"High-quality, practical advice.”

"Very knowledgeable, highly responsive and pleasant way of collaborating. Very reasonable approaches which are well balanced between dogmatic legal needs and business needs.”

"Pragmatic, quick and thorough advice with respect to all stock regulatory issues, formal governance processes and content of agreements as well as valuation.”

Jean Jacques Ah Choon      

"Jean Jacques is very reactive and business-orientated. He has a right vision and constructive approach in all circumstances. It is a delight to work with him and his team."

Philippe Borens        

"Focused on details and highly knowledgeable."

Josef Caleff   

"On top of legal developments, straight to the point, very pragmatic. Top tier!"

Olivier Favre  

"He is extremely knowledgeable, experienced and solution-orientated. I was very satisfied with the advice provided by him.”

Tarek Houdrouge      

"Tarek Houdrouge is always very positive and solution-orientated. He has very good understanding of the banking industry, extremely good legal skills and provides pragmatic legal solutions."

"His key strength is that he demonstrates both a very strong in-depth legal knowledge in each specific banking topic I addressed with him, and very good communication/strategy skills. In the past, most lawyers I have worked with were either good specialists, but then not so good at managing relationships, projects, or deadlines. Or they were rather good 'salesmen', with very strong interpersonal skills and high-level vision, but limited in-depth knowledge when it came to details. In all my interactions with Tarek Houdrouge, he has demonstrated he has both, which I feel is very rare. It makes it extremely efficient and pleasant working with him.”

Pascal Hubli  

"Very knowledgeable, highly responsive and pleasant way of collaborating. Very reasonable approaches which are well balanced between dogmatic legal needs and business needs."

Marcel Jakob 

"Marcel’s advice is always practical, solution-orientated and tailored to commercial needs."

"Knowledgeable, responsive, reliable, on point with answers, anticipates issues before they arise."

Lorenzo Olgiati         

"Extensive corporate law and M&A experience, outstanding responsiveness, pragmatic approach, business mindset, very strong in negotiations, thinking ahead."

"High commitment, always approachable. Clear language, very quick. Extremely practical, field expertise. Relevance focus."

Jérémie Tenot

“Quick understanding. Very pragmatic. Finds solutions. Clear communication.”

Oliver Triebold         

"Depth of knowledge and commitment."

"Very approachable. Hands-on and pragmatic."          

"One of the best lawyers I ever met, proactive, understands our business and is very pragmatic in his approach, and legally excellent."

Christoph Vonlanthen          

"Very commercial and practical, focuses on getting solutions not being the smartest lawyer in the room."

"Business-orientated, pragmatic approach to solving legal issues, diversified legal skills and broad experience.”

Grégoire Wuest         

"Excellent sparing partner in business and regulatory issues."

"Highly knowledgeable, experienced and responsive."

Gion Jegher  

"Excellent."

Elia Schunck 

"Highly experienced in M&A and corporate law matters, extremely responsive, thinking ahead, business-orientated approach."

Grégoire Wuest         

"Quick understanding. Very pragmatic. Finds solutions. Clear communication."

Despite its relatively recent founding in 2000, the Swiss firm VISCHER draws on the over 160-year legacy of its constituent firms, Gloor & Christ and Pestalozzi Haegi & Partner. Today, the firm boasts three offices in the crucial Swiss markets of Zurich, Basel and Geneva and is active across challenging mandates in the financial and corporate space. 

Focusses / specialisms   

The firm’s practice emphasizes equity-side capital markets and M&A dealings.  

In the capital markets space, the firm is noted for its involvement in IPO’s and regularly represents such clients as Swiss and international monetary and financial institutions, hedge funds, life sciences entities, multinational corporations and a variety of other clients.  

The firm’s M&A practice group emphasizes transactions in such cutting-edge sectors as e-mobility, fintech and the life sciences.  

Key clients   

Key firm clients include Elliott Advisors (UK), Novartis, Paprec Group, PricewaterhouseCoopers and Trustar Capital. 

Research period review:  33rd edition (2023/2024) 

Over the course of the research period, the capital markets practice group attended to equity-side transactions including private placements of shares and share capital increases, as well as attending to some debt-side matters including representation of issuers in traditional and green bond programs. 

The firm’s M&A involvement included buyer and seller-side representation in acquisitions as local and lead counsel in such industry sectors as pharmaceuticals and global information technology.  

Deal highlights:  33rd edition (2023/2024) 

Paprec Group €450 million green bond issuance  

Wipro $1.45 billion acquisition of Capco  

Client Feedback:  33rd edition (2023/2024) 

Financial services regulatory          

"The Vischer team are solutions-orientated, knowledgeable and very easy to work with."

M&A   

"In-depth work; large network; negotiation advice; flexibility."

"I appreciate the level of professionalism and attention to detail that Vischer demonstrates as well as their experience with corporate law in Switzerland.”

"Professional, efficient."

"Experience with China-specific aspects, fast turnaround and professional advice."

Restructuring

"Excellent, straightforward legal advice, always very much to the point."

"Excellent, competent advice on all levels."

Gian-Andrea Caprez 

"His in-depth understanding of Swiss corporate law and experience with shareholder and board matters as well as his devotion to the case and pragmatic advice.”          

"Very knowledgeable and reliable legal professional. Always responsive, delivers high quality on time.”

Damien Conus          

"Anticipation; professionalism; flexibility; negotiation; solutions-orientated."

Jana Essebier

"Very knowledgeable and solutions-orientated."

Markus Guggenbühl 

"Highly experienced, very smart and responsive lawyer with outstanding skills."

Christian Wyss          

"Good communicator, overall problem-solving attitude."

Christoph Niederer   

"Very knowledgeable and responsive."

Matthias Staehelin    

"Very well connected in the sector, very experienced in life science companies and their needs."

The Swiss firm Walder Wyss boasts six locations across the country in Basel, Berne, Geneva, Lausanne, Lugano and Zurich.  

Focusses / specialisms   

Walder Wyss is noted for its activity in banking and finance, capital markets and the M&A space. 

The firm’s banking and finance involvement includes the financing of large-scale lending transactions and structured finance deals. 

In the capital markets space, the firm emphasizes securitization matters in addition to attending to IPO’s on the equity side and bond programs on the debt side.  

In M&A, the firm is noted for its representation of clients across industry sectors in a variety of regards.  

Key clients   

Key firm clients include Boehringer Ingelheim, Credit Suisse, Cembra Money Bank, Deutsche Private Equity, Naxicap, Nestlé and Valiant Bank. 

Research period review:  33rd edition (2023/2024) 

Over the course of the research period, the firm’s banking and finance group attended to several financings representing both banks as lenders and other entities as borrowers. Borrower-side clients included leading European media and technology companies, as well as representatives from other industry sectors. 

On the equity side of the capital markets practice, the firm was active as lead counsel to the issuer in a $1 billion spin-off IPO in addition to representing underwriters and issuers in capital increases. On the debt side, the firm represented several issuers from the automotive, private equity, insurance and other sectors in bond programs.  

The firm’s M&A involvement pertained largely to buyer-side representation on acquisitions, though the team did also represent some sellers, as well as joint venture parties. The firm’s M&A clients hailed from a diversity of industries including industrials and manufacturing, real estate, healthcare and several others.  

Deal highlights:  33rd edition (2023/2024) 

Boehringer Ingelheim€1.18 billion acquisition of NBE-Therapeutics 

Swisscom 1 billion SFr financing  

Swiss Life Holding 600 million SFr green bond issuance  

Client Feedback:  33rd edition (2023/2024) 

M&A   

“Excellent SPA drafting, great availability and negotiation skills.2

“Reliable and efficient.”

“Great support during contract negotiation and deal structuring.”

“Knowledgeable and professional service. Straight to the point advice. Practical advice. Good availability. Transparent invoicing.”

“Very knowledgeable, very good overview across documents on the entire case, very swift turnover of documents, very approachable. Also very pragmatic and focused on finding solutions with all involved parties.”

“Very accurate legal advice, reliable as a Swiss watch. Very responsive, with quick answers.”

“Able to deal with challenges related to sanctioned assets.”

“Good availability; practical approach; straight to the point.”

“Extremely commercial and efficient lawyers. They deliver the highest calibre of professional advice.”

“Direct and open communication, fast reaction, effective process.”

Restructuring

“Very business-minded, in-depth knowledge of the industry and of the relevant contracts, pragmatic approach, good understanding of our business needs.”

“Their advice is always to the point, quick and supported by great commercial understanding.”

Luc Defferrard           

“Super-commercial lawyer giving pragmatic advice.”   

Hans-Jakob Diem     

"Very competent, professional, hands-on and pleasant to work with."

Iliana Djagova         

“Very present and accurate. Extremely positive attitude.”

Téo Genecand           

"On the spot and robust legal assistance. Very strong knowledge of financial industry in general. Extremely smart, with impressive analytical skills.”

Urs Gnos       

“Efficient, fast, responsive, deep knowledge.”

“Very responsive, great lawyer, very accurate, provides excellent legal solutions that work and bring the envisaged result; good in managing client relationships and incorporating the client's feedback.”

"Serious and experienced. Reliable."

Dominik Hohler         

“Dominik is an impressive lawyer with a great commercial understanding, certainly one of the next gen leaders.”

Alexander Nikitine    

Open and transparent communication, creative solution thinking, knowledgeable in their field.”

Thiemo Sturny           

“Very open and transparent exchanges and excellent SPA drafting.”

“Very efficient and straightforward approach, very good responsiveness.”

Patrick Vogel 

“Knowledgeable. Practical approach. Straight to the point advice. Good availability.”

“Hands-on' person; good availability; practical approach; good substance knowledge and gets things done.”

Ramona Wyss

“Great leader who involves her team on different topics very well. Always has the overview on the various topics we worked with in parallel.”

“Very broad and deep knowledge of relevant legal questions, of our business needs and of the industry.”

Wenger Plattner is an established Swiss law firm active in M&A and restructuring transactional work, as well as in advisory roles. The firm counsels on both international and domestic from its four offices in Basel, Berne, Geneva and Zurich.    

Focusses / specialisms   

The firm is a market leader in restructuring and insolvency in addition to maintaining notable banking and finance and M&A practices. 

The banking and finance practice is active on the borrower side in acquisition, real estate and corporate financing.  

In M&A, the firm chiefly advises foreign buyers – particularly German companies – in acquisitions in a range of industries, including real estate, aviation and relocation services.   

In restructuring and insolvency, the firm acts as either appointed or elected liquidators in ongoing bankruptcy liquidations.  

Key clients   

Key firm clients include Audi, CENTRUM Group, HealthCare Royalty Partners, ING Belgium Novartis, Novocure and SIGNA Group.  

Research period review: 33rd edition (2023/2024) 

Over the research period, the banking and finance team represented both borrowers and lenders in acquisition and corporate financing matters with an emphasis on the investment management sector   

In M&A, the team worked equally with buyers and sellers in strategic and private equity acquisitions. It also worked on joint ventures, strategic investments, private equity investments and buyouts. M&A clients during this research cycle hailed from such industries as consumer goods, financial services, industrials and manufacturing, investment management and others. 

In restructuring and insolvency, the firm acted as counsel on an out of court restructuring entailing the implementation of a holding structure, capital increase and several loans by an investor in a consumer goods firm.   

Deal highlights: 33rd edition (2023/2024) 

GA Europe acquisition of Voegele Shoes  

HealthCare Royalty Management $325 million acquisition financing  

Client feedback: 32nd edition (2023/2024)  

Insolvency

"Efficient, responsive, high quality.”

"Great attorneys, very diligent, absolutely reliable, tough negotiators.”

"High-class legal advice also under extreme time pressure.”

"Wenger Plattner are experts in Swiss and cross-border insolvency law.”

M&A

"Pragmatic, fast – engaged.”

"The WP team was very responsive and fast and they gave great advice on the markup of the SPA provided by the seller. They also did a great job reviewing the due diligence data room for us.”

"Responsive, professional, good knowledge of local laws.”

"Perfect drafting skills and wide experience of different terms and conditions.”

"Very responsive, clear in communication, fast delivery.”

"They are very responsive and well aware of the big picture.

"Very quick feedback, practicable.

"Expert knowledge, experience, project coordination and organisation skills.

"We specifically appreciate the following key features: partner involvement (i.e. a partner-led service); responsiveness; clear business language with clear and practical recommendations; business understanding and focus on what commercially really matters; identification with the client and his business; excellent value for money; and high-quality advice and attention to detail throughout all levels, i.e. from junior associate to partner.

Stefan Bossart          

"Very responsive, bright (it's a firm trait) and efficient."

“Stefan is an excellent senior lawyer at Wenger Plattner who is a specialist on domestic and cross-border insolvency matters.”

Martina Braun

"Availability, knowledge."

Oliver Künzler

"Very responsive and fast. Great advice on marking up the SPA provided by the seller."

"Responsive, professional, good knowledge of local laws, strategic advice."

"Excellent lawyer with outstanding drafting skills."

"Binding and transparent, stringent argumentation."

"Besides a deep knowledge of the law, Oliver knows how to manage complex processes and how to liaise with clients and counterparties.

"Communication skills, sector knowledge, broad legal skills."

"Availability, responsiveness, knowledge and understanding of our needs."

"Oliver Künzler is an excellent lawyer with a deep business understanding. He is extremely dedicated to the needs of the client and knows perfectly what is required to get a deal successfully over the finishing line. He is a fast thinker and has the ability to come up with innovative, sound proposals to resolve difficult situations to the benefit of his clients. I very much like his pragmatic and high-quality approach."

Tobias Meili   

"Knowledge. Kind."

Brigitte Umbach-Spahn        

"Bright, internationally orientated, very smart."

"Very smart and energetic and a great negotiator!"

"Very experienced, very knowledgeable."

"Brigitte is an excellent lawyer and a market-leading Swiss insolvency specialist."

FBT Attorneys-at-law is a multi-disciplinary law firm founded in 1993 with offices in Geneva and Paris.   

Focusses / specialisms 

The firm’s practice covers banking and finance and financial services regulatory. 

The banking and finance team is experienced in providing advice to clients on all Swiss banking and financial regulations, particularly banking, securities dealers and market infrastructures, collective investment schemes and money laundering, and advises frequently on cross-border issues. The team also advises clients throughout licensing procedures and in enforcement against FINMA. 

Research period review: 32nd edition (2022/2023) 

The banking and finance team was particularly active during the research period by providing advice across the banking and financial sectors on licensing process with FINMA and other regulatory authorities in the sector. The team also advised clients on the implementation of FinSA in their financial products offerings. 

Banking and finance

"Strong skills in banking and finance."             

"FBT has considerable experience in assisting and advising, in particular in: advising on specific regulation issues, as well as drafting documentation and agreements; and assisting in the framework of national and international litigation before civil, criminal, administrative and arbitration courts, particularly in the fields of banking and financial litigation."

Financial services regulatory          

“Up to date with current practice of authorities, well connected in the market.”

Frédérique Bensahel

"Years long expertise and experience in financial sector regulation. Very smart and able to find practical solutions to meet the client's needs."

"Responsive, skilled."

Serge Fasel   

"Serge Fasel is an expert in national and international complex litigation, in particular in the financial sector. He has extensive experience in the Swiss judicial environment. Always available upon short notice. Pragmatic approach."