Advestra
Located in Zurich, Advestra is a relatively new firm founded in 2020. Founders of the new firm came over from Bär & Karrer. The firm specializes in financial and corporate law.
Highlights
The firm
advised Emmi on the CHF 700 million bridge financing for the acquisition of Mademoiselle Desserts Group. The firm’s team was led by financing partner Alexander von Jeinsen
and also included Alexander
Fische, Elizabeth
Lagler and Celine Martin.
Emmi is listed on SIX Swiss Exchange and marks the largest acquisition of Emmi’s history.
The firm acted as legal counsel to Galderma in its
inaugural bond issuances in 2024 and 2025 following is its successful IPO. The two senior bonds were issued in two tranches valued at CHF 500 million each.
Testimonials 2025
“Always on point, Advestra did everything
in a timely manner and advice was outstanding.
They've pushed through our position as much as possible and have been
very reliable and a great sparring partner” - Bank lending
“Highly professional support, perfect
availability and impeccable responsiveness. Superb drafting in every material and formal respect. Very pleasant contacts.” - Bank lending
“Timely delivery of services, strong and positive working attitude, general expertise” - Bank lending
“Quick thinkers who provide tailor made, pragmatic advise. Always available when there is any need, even on very short notice.” - Banking and finance
“The team has
demonstrated outstanding knowledge as well as experience in the market. They have been very responsive
and also pragmatic.” - Capital markets debt
“Advestra is very pragmatic and outcome-oriented, making them a perfect fit for small and mid-sized transaction where we are
mainly active. They provide expert
know-how, are always available and quick to respond to complex questions.” - Capital markets equity
“Very
professional, lot of knowledge and efficient work” - M&A
Key Clients
Aebi Schmidt, UBS Switzerland AG, SIG Group, Emmi,
Viseca
Bär & Karrer
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.
Highlights
The firm was instrumental in the high-profile acquisition of 100% of
Credit Suisse by UBS Bank. This transaction was highly significant on the broader global financial markets and played a critical role in containing the threat of wider damaging financial consequences. The highly sensitive and demanding timeline of the transaction reflects the significant level of expertise the firm has.
In capital markets equity, the firm demonstrates innovative market first engagement assisting as lead counsel for
Novartis and Sandoz on the Spin-off of Sandoz.
Testimonials
“Service-minded and easy to work with; more pragmatic than other Swiss law firms I have worked with.” (Financial service regulatory client)
“Bar-Karrer team is always ready to help and they are very approachable. They are key partner of our firm, and we owe a debt of gratitude to them for the excellent service they provide. They are all amazing attorneys who practice nothing but the best client care methods. We are always impressed with the level of quality on the work they produce. My firm is active in a rather quite new field, and we do not have always the easy questions. But we always know that our firm is in very good hands with Bar-Karrer. They definitely deserve to be recognized for the exceptional service they provide.” (Financial service regulatory client)
Key clients
Novartis AG, UBS Group AG, Sandoz Group AG, Lonza Group AG, DSM - Firmenich AG
Bratschi
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.
Highlights
The firm has a reputable presence in banking and finance and M&A. In the past year the firm has been active in advising primarily sellers and some buyers in a range of financial service providers including pharmaceuticals, technology, sport manufacturers and retail industries.
A recent notable transaction involved the firm advising
San Cristobal Mining Inc on all Swiss law aspects of the acquisition of Minera San Cristóbal SA and all its associated assets from Sumitomo Corporation.
Key clients
UBS Switzerland AG, Viking Cruises Group, Adecco Group, San Cristobal Mining Inc. Loft Dynamics AG, Simpson Strong-Tie Switzerland GmbH
burckhardt Ltd
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.
Highlights
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.
In M&A the firm often represents buyers and sellers in mostly joint venture project. A recent notable M&A transaction that the firm advised on last year involves the acquisition of the
Frama Group companies, involved in the fracking and folders/inserters sector, by
Quadient, a French listed company.
CMS von Erlach Partners
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.
The firm operates at a top tier level advising leading financial service institutions in the financial service regulatory sector and growing capital markets and M&A practices.
Highlights
In M&A, the firm played an important role in the sale of a majority stake in
SCHURTER Holding AG, a leading Swiss technology company involved in the manufacturing of electrical and electronic components.
Key clients
Talenthouse AG, Float Lending AB, Wockhardt Bio AG, Aequitec AG, CPI Property Group,SYNLAB,BOLDT, ISS , RSBG SE
Homburger
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. Homburger is one of the largest Swiss law firms and has more than 150 professionals. The scale of the firm is bolstered by its leading market impact in financial and corporate practices including banking and finance, capital markets, financial services regulatory and M&A.
Highlights
The firm advised ING Bank and other lender in connection with Axpo Holding's euro 7 billion sustainability linked revolving credit facility (RCF). The deal was conducted under Swiss law and the firm handled all legal matters relating to the loan documents and agreements.
In Capital Markets Debt, the firm advised UBS Group in connection with the issuance of USD 1.8 billion Tier 1 Capital notes with an equity conversion feature. The issuance marks UBS Group's first issuance of additional tier 1 capital notes with this equity conversion feature.
Another major highlight includes the firm's advise as transactional counsel for Galderma and EQT on Galderma's IPO, which valued the company at USD 17 billion. The IPO was the largest in Switzerland since 2017.
Testimonials
“Homburger has assisted us in capital market transactions, answered complex legal questions, and supported us in legal disputes.” - Banking and finance
“Currently Homburger is a peer (i.e. we are also a law firm) but I used to be their
client and we mostly engaged them in structured financing transactions” - Banking and finance
“Daniel Haberli, Partner in Homburger's
Banink & Finance Team, assisted us with the structuring and documentation of margin loans and structured investment products.” - Banking and finance
“Preparing a syndicated facilities agreement for an acquisition finance transaction.” -Banking and finance
“They support us by drafting the CHF Notes documentation, particularly in the
the preparation of the Swiss Prospectus.” - Capital markets debt
“Advice on structuring bond transactions; drafting of relevant transaction documentation (prospectus, transaction agreements).” - Capital markets debt
“Homburger kindly advised on the implications of taking certain actions in relation to proprietary indices to which certain securitised derivatives had been issued under Swiss law to investors based in Switzerland.” - Capital markets derivatives
“Homburger regularly supports us in capital market transactions in Switzerland and the EU. We also occasionally ask them for advice on regulatory issues.” - Capital markets debt
“Supporting various high-yield corporate actions, and transitions, and preparing for the AGM” - Financial
services regulatory
“Homburger provided top-tier legal support marked by precision, deep expertise, and commercial awareness. Their team
demonstrated a strong command of Swiss legal and regulatory requirements while also showing a clear understanding of the broader transactional context. Their advice was consistently well-reasoned, pragmatic, and delivered in
a timely and efficient manner.
What made them stand out was their ability to
distil complex issues into clear, actionable guidance that supported decision-making under pressure. They were also excellent collaborators—highly responsive, approachable, and solution-focused, with a genuine commitment to delivering value. Their coordination with international counsel was seamless, and they played a critical role in ensuring the overall success of the transaction.” - Financial services regulatory
“Deep
expertise, pragmatic approach, fast and reliable” - Investment funds
“The support is very professional and to the point. The team consists of high-end specialists in their respective field of expertise.” - M&A
“Superior legal skills, strategic ability, depth of expertise, able to compete with the London and NY best of the best.” - M&A
“Extremely responsive, solution focused and professional” - Project development
Andreas Muller
“Has very deep M&A experience, outstanding negotiator and very articulate in explaining complex issue. Fast.”
“Very hard-working and responsive (at all times, at short notice). Very knowledgeable and experienced. Pragmatic, actionable advice and solutions. Very concise and clear communication. Fair billing and no attempts to inflate efforts required on a given matter/project.”
“Always available, unparalleled know how in the Swiss market, good listener, quick to deliver, responsive to feedback.”
Benedikt Maurenbrecher
“High quality advice, open for discussions and seeking to find solutions, great analytics and problem solving, with rapid response time.”
Benjamin Leisinger
“Most efficient lawyer, fast and responsive. Best for capital instruments and bank regulation.”
“Benjamin provides great legal service tailored to the specific needs and shows exceptional commitment. He is always available and never misses any deadlines.”
Daniel Häberli
“High accessibility, pragmatic, fact-oriented solutions, deep specialist knowledge.”
Margrit Marti
“Familiar with our company, responsiveness, proactive approach guiding us as a mid-size company very good along all novelties in cap-market and overall legal topics.”
“Very responsive and skilled in navigating complex issues, in particular Swiss regulatory landscape. Also appreciated her proactive approach in interacting with various legal counsels of other selling shareholders always focused on ours and the company's interests.”
“Identifying and articulating legal/transactional structure risks, assessing them and proposing alternatives with pros and cons, offering a recommendation. She is comprehensive and fast. A pleasure to work with!”
Oriana Alicia Schöni
“She is always there when you need her. She has a very profound knowledge of Swiss corporate law and always listens to and implements her client's wishes, everything within deadlines and with very high quality. She will always let you know when she needs to re-confirm something with the partner but again her answers arrive within reasonable deadlines. It is great working with her.”
Stefan Kramer
“High quality of advice, listening to customer needs, problem solving and hands on proposals.”
“Highly competent and solution driven. Easy to work with.”
“Excellent understanding of our business. Thorough and quick legal analysis. Delivery of highly practical solutions. Effective and pleasant communication.”
Key Clients
UBS Switzerland, Alchemy US Holdco 1, ING Bank, Cerberus, Logitech,
J.P. Morgan, Roche, Raiffeisen, Avolta, EQT, Galderma, Liberty Global, Meyer Burger, BioVersys, Goldman Sachs, ZKB, Swiss Structured Products Association (SSPA),
Novo Nordisk, KPMG
Lenz & Staehelin
Established in 1991 with the merging of Zurich and Geneva-based firms,
Lenz & Staehelin has subsequently grown with a third office in Lausanne. The Lenz & Staehelin team comprises of 171 lawyers with coverage in English and Swiss law. The team has extensive experience on a wide range of practice areas including banking, financing, project development and financing to capital markets and M&A.
Highlights
A notably innovative example of the firm's recent work includes advising as legal advisor to L Catterton on its acqusition of a majority stake in AmaWaterways. The equity value of the transaction is USD 1.8 billion and was led by partner Tino Gaberthüel.
Another highlight of the firms work includes its representation of FTX Trading Limited and its affiliates as debtors in connection to the proceedings under Chapter 11 bankruptcy with respect to Swiss law matters. It is the first deal in which a Swiss entity has entered Chapter 11 proceedings as well as a Swiss moratorium simultaneously.
Testimonials 2025
“Marcel Tranchet as leading partner in this area combines expert knowledge on all legal fields relevant for lending transactions, recovery situations and related matters having on impact on the transaction like corporate law issues or DCM. He is an extraordinarily skilled negotiator and trusted advisor for the client.” - Bank lending
“Deep knowledge of and experience with Swiss credit securities, in particular in a corporate context, accurate, very throrough yet quick advice and drafting of required documentation, highly attentive” - Bank lending
“Expertise and experience in Treasury related contracts/agreements; service spectrum (one shop); service quality and efficiency; same speaking partners; company knowledge” - Banking and finance
“Profound
expertise and understanding of business, efficiency, responsiveness” - Banking and finance
“Very sharp lawyers yet pragmatic. Very accessible. Excellent understanding of the market.” - Banking and finance
“Tailor-made solutions and pragmatic
advices” - Banking and finance
“What we really value about working with Lenz &
Staehelin is how seamlessly they combine deep legal
expertise with a practical, business-minded approach.
They’re not just technically excellent—they’re engaged, curious, and proactive, which makes a huge difference when dealing with complex or unfamiliar territory.
We bring them on multiple projects that are often at the forefront of Swiss digital banking. They understand the broader context, the particularities of our firm and business, and help us shape a legal strategy that is both innovative and grounded.
What also stands out is their responsiveness. Whether it is a quick check-in or a deep dive into a new issue, they are always available, thoughtful, and fast.
In short,
they’re the kind of team you want on your side when the stakes are
high and the path
isn’t obvious” - Banking and finance
“Precision, clarity on advice, pro-active thinking, network to participating banks” - Financial restructuring
“Outstanding overall, excellent quality of work products, very responsive and proactive, Stephan Erni in particular stands out on account of his interpersonal skills and expertise. Masterful and brilliant adviser.” - M&A
“Creative solutions, quick responses, very high quality of work results, extensive experience, pleasant customer experience” - M&A
“We engaged the Lenz &
Staehelin for a complex M&A transaction governed by Swiss law and were thoroughly impressed by the quality of their service. The team demonstrated deep technical
expertise, a strategic mindset, and a consistently proactive approach throughout the deal. Communication was smooth and efficient, and their ability to navigate both legal and business complexities added significant value. While their fees reflect their top-tier positioning, the level of service and results delivered fully justified the investment.” - M&A
“Excellent team with depth in many fields and solution-oriented, pragmatic advise. Andreas
Rötheli and his team can cover the whole of Switzerland very well, which is key for us, both in language and skill. We appreciate the calm, experienced and transparent discussion on eye-level.” - M&A
“Highest quality of
advise and work products, response times and availability, communication and overall collaboration” - Restructuring
“Our partner contact, Tanja
Luginbuehl, is top of her field, understands global restructuring practices and how to align with Swiss processes.” - Restructuring
Key clients
Vail Resorts, La Prairie / Beiersdorf, Union Investments, Holcim,
Union Bancaire Privée (UBP), Banque Pictet & Cie, SoftwareONE, Stadler Rail, CACEIS, GAM Holding / NewGame SA, Swissquote SA, Bank of America, Sika, Geberit, L Catterton, Gyrus Capital, Bâloise Holding AG, Emeis (formely Orpea), Rieter Holding AG, The Shyft, Group, Inc., Rivean Capital
Loyens & Loeff
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. 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.
Highlights
Deal highlights include advising listed company, Forvia, on all Swiss law aspects in connection to the sale of all shares in Hug Engineering AG, Switzerland, to Anglo Belgian Corporation NV and Kompressorenbau Bannewitz GmbH
In the Banking and finance market, the firm advised
Kongsberg Automotive ASA and its Swiss subsidiary KA Group AG in connection with the issuance of up to EUR 160 million senior secured Nordic bonds
Testimonials 2025
“Partner-led, responsive and keenly priced.” - Bank lending
“What sets
Loyens &
Loeff apart is their genuine commitment to finding the right solution. They are highly approachable, responsive, and a real pleasure to work with. The team consistently goes the extra mile and brings not only deep legal
expertise, but also creativity to the table — they
think outside the box and tailor their advice to the specific complexities of our situation. Their ability to combine technical precision with pragmatic, business-oriented thinking has been extremely valuable throughout our engagement.” - Banking and finance
“Approachable, clear output, efficient, timely” - Financial services regulatory
Key clients
Kongsberg Automotive ASA, Trinseo Holdings S.à r.l., Banco BTG Pactual,WHP Global, Redslim Group, Forvia, Granules India, Shift4 Payments
MLL Legal
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. The firm’s Geneva office has a long history dating back to 1882. The team is led by leading expert lawyers across a range of practice areas and industries. Such coverage includes engagement in capital markets banking and finance, M&A and restructuring and insolvency.
Highlights
MLL Legal
advised
Novavest Rea Estate AG in its merger with
SenioResidenz AG.
Following the merger, the combined company has a real estate portfolio with a market value of over CHF 1.02 billion.
A notable M&A transaction includes the firm
advise
PHM Group Oy on its acquisition of Investis Group’s real estate services business.
The transaction marked PHM’s entry into the Swiss market and highlights MLL’s legal capability handling large cross border M&A transactions.
Testimonials
“Super friendly team to deal with. Efficient with their responses and very pragmatic. I used to think Switzerland was a difficult
jurisdiction to lend into. MLL have made it seem easy.” - Bank lending
“MLL are always a pleasure to work with in that they always ensure that deals are well staffed, with attentive partners but who focus on the important issues. They have a
really deep understanding of the fintech space. They
provide
timely advice and are responsive.” - Banking and finance
“They were collaborative and educational throughout the entire process.
Very clear customer focus and negotiating with the
long term vision of our business in mind.” - Financial
services regulatory
“Quick response time, high comprehension skills, efficient implementation of our requests and competent recommendations.” - M&A
Reto Luthiger
"Deep knowledge in the Fintech sector, renders advice to the point, very approachable, a smart lawyer all around." (Financial service regulatory client)
"He is an expert in the blockchain and cryptocurrency industry with a deep understanding of the regulatory side." (Financial service regulatory client)
Wolfgang Müller
"Accurate, excellent co-operation and track record, highly committed and outstanding for various types of equity capital markets and M&A transactions" (Equity capital markets client)
"Müller is very responsive, has a great deal of expertise and can communicate the results of work in an understandable and concise manner." (Equity capital markets client)
Kilian Schärli
"He has great knowledge of crypto legislation and the crypto market; great understanding of business problems and provides quick and pragmatic solutions." (Financial service regulatory client)
"Responsive, knowledgeable and organized." (Banking and finance client)
Sabina Schellenberg
"Very easy to work with, to the point, pragmatic." (Restructuring and insolvency client)
Key clients
UBS AG, Calida Holding AG (listed on Swiss Stock Exchange), Santander, European Bank of Reconstruction and Development (EBRD), Nederlandse Financierings-Maatschappij
voor
Ontwikkelingslanden N.V. (FMO),
Allreal, Burkhalter, Calida,
Liontrust,
Novavest,
Matrixport Backed Finance AG/Backed Assets GmbH),
Pyth Data Association, Bank of Singapore, Artex MTF AG
Niederer Kraft Frey
Niederer Kraft Frey, founded in 1936, is a Zurich-based law firm with a strong reputation in domestic and international transactions across all practice areas within financial and corporate. The firm has a strong reputation advising leading international financial service institutions on highly significant mandates in the Swiss market and demonstrating clear legal expertise and innovative approaches to complex deals.
Highlights
The firm advised EQT on the pre IPO reorganisation and subsequent listing of its portfolio company, HBX Group. The offering was priced EURO 11.50 per share, which represented an initial market capitalization of EURO 3 billion. The IPO marks the largest stock market debut in Europe for 2025 and is the first listing of a UK company in Spain since Brexit.
Another highlight of the firms recent work includes advised as lead counsel for an international banking syndicate that provided CHF 1.26 billion in debt financing to SoftwareOne AG. This financing supports SoftwareOne's acquisition of Crayon Group Holding ASA.
Testimonials 2025
“Structured and responsive with
excellent deal making
skills.” - M&A
“NKF stands out for its deep and hands-on
expertise in complex M&A transactions. Their teams are always adequately (for the deal) staffed. I value their commercial, solutions-oriented approach and 27/4 availability.” - M&A
“The team of Adrian Koller and Philip
Spoerlé is
truly outstanding, absolutely creative,
super fast and always to the point, legally and commercially!” -
Restructuring
Key clients
UBS, Julius Baer, Bank of America, Société Générale, Sygnum, EQT, Goldman Sachs, Clariant, Swiss Steel, Global Blue Group, Georg Fischer, Silver Lake Partners, Bain Capital, Galderma Group, International Securities Lending Association (ISLA), The International Capital Market Association (ICMA), Deutsche Bank, Barclays
Pestalozzi
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 that embeds the firm in a wider community of lawyers in multiple jurisdictions globally.
Highlights
In the Capital Markets Debt market, the firm advised Swisscom on its Euro 4 billion Eurobond issuance, executed through its subsidiary Swisscom Finance B.V. The Eurobond was part of the financing for its acquisition of Vodafone Italia.
Another notable highlight includes acting as legal counsel for Calik Enerji and its Swiss subsidiary, Calik Enerji Swiss AG, in a USD 586.25 million financing deal. The firm advised on relevant guarantee facility agreements. It is recorded as the largest SERV backed financing on record.
Testimonials 2025
“Pestalozzi stands out for their deep expertise in Swiss financial services regulation and their pragmatic, solution-oriented approach. What we particularly value is their ability to navigate complex regulatory frameworks while keeping commercial
objectives in view. The team is responsive, thorough, and always up to date with the latest FINMA developments. Special mention to Andrea Huber, who combines outstanding technical knowledge with strategic thinking and a clear understanding of the asset management and fintech landscape. Her advice is always precise, actionable, and tailored to our business context.”
Key clients
Blackstone Credit, Calik Enerji, Formula One Group,Zurich Cantonal Bank, UBS,
Noble, Wainwright, Swisscom, Coca Cola, Leclanché, Amazon, Bank of America, Banco Santander, Aksia, Galaxy Digital Capital Management, Vista Equity Partners, ACGO, TC Communications
Prager Dreifuss
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.
The firm has presence in corporate M&A, banking and finance, capital markets, restructuring and insolvency and financial service regulatory work.
Highlights
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.
Schellenberg Wittmer
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.
Highlights
The firm advised Dr. Reddy’s Laboratories on the acqusition of Haleo plc’s consumer healthcare business for Nicotine Replacement Therapy (NRT). The firm advised on all Swiss law aspects of the deal. The transaction was valued at GBP 500 million and also included an upfront cash payment of GBP 458 million and performance based payments.
In capital markets debt, the firm
advised BNP Paribas (Suisse) SA in the placement of a CHF 100 million green bond for Equinix in September 2024.
Testimonials 2025
“Available, reachable, assisting in negotiation, pro-active and solution driven when we face deal breaker issues. Provide in
timely and ready to use legal documentations” - Bank lending
“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 aspect of our work, but also a good understanding of the cultural specificities of our firm (a privately owned private bank) 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.
In further projects, he continued demonstrating these qualities (in-depth banking legal knowledge, understanding of private banking specificities, integrity) and was also very helpful in shaping our communication with the regulators in some strategic projects - which showed that he is also used to dealing with regulatory authorities on a regular basis and has a strong business acumen and strategic vision.” - Banking and finance
“Extraordinary know-how on DCM transaction, very focused and detailed, absolutely trustful” - Capital markets debt
“Deep knowledge,
immediate reaction, very professional advisors” - Capital markets equity
“They employ a broad range of experts in their individual fields, that work together seamlessly and produce exceptional results fast and at a fair cost. All individuals are top
performers in their fields and show a high degree of work ethics. What I also love about the people I worked with is the fact that in addition to knowing the legal ins and outs they also showed a great understanding of the business/commercial side, what led to great solutions and strategies.” - M&A
“The team is very dedicated and
provides excellent legal advice while being pragmatic and understanding our needs. Our team very much enjoyed working together with Schellenberg Wittmer and they felt like an extended arm of our team.” - M&A
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."
VISCHER
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. The firm has a specialized focus in tax and regulatory matters and commercial corporate transactions in Switzerland and globally.
Highlights
The firm assisted Danstar Ferment AG on the acquisition of all shares in Evola AG from the SIX Exchange listed firm Evola Holding SA. The transaction involves the delisting of Evola Holding SA from Swiss Exchange.
In debt capital markets, the firm advised on the development of the first global depositary receipts (GDRs) listed on the Six Swiss Exchange by Fangda Carbon New Material Co, Ltd, an integrated carbon material producer originated from China. This transaction offers an innovative development into the newly implemented debt instrument that widens market opportunity and expansion for global businesses and financial service institutions.
Key Clients
RELIEF THERAPEUTICS Holding SA, Fangda Carbon New Material Co., Ltd., Lallemand, Inc./Danstar Ferment AG, PricewaterhouseCoopers AG (liquidator of, Lehman Brothers in Switzerland), Elliott Advisors (UK) Limited
Walder Wyss
The Swiss firm Walder Wyss boasts six locations across the country in Basel, Berne, Geneva, Lausanne, Lugano and Zurich. The firm focuses its specialism in corporate and commercial law, banking and finance, competition law and intellectual property. The firm is known for its active work in banking and finance, capital markets and the M&A sector.
Highlights
Walder Wyss played an active role as lead counsel to Credit Suisse on
the UBS, assisting Credit Suisse in relation to all Swiss law aspects of the transaction. This deal is in connection with one of the largest and most significant acquisitions in the financial markets during 2023. This deal is reflective of the type of work the firm engages in on a consistent basis.
In debt capital markets, Walder Wyss also advised on a prominent UBS Switzerland AG in connection with a significant covered bonds issuance valued at CHF 20 billion.
Testimonials
“Extremely responsive, knowledgeable, patient. Careful, precise. Readily explained local formalities.”
“Hands on work mentality, always punctual and try to find the best possible outcome for all sides.”
Key clients
UBS / Credit Suisse, Banque J. Safra Sarasin SA, Zürcher Kantonalbank,
Citibank, Inflexion, PostFinance, KomGo SA, Cequr AG
Wenger Plattner
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 Despite the firm being independent, it has a wide ranging international network with law firms.
Highlights
Deal highlights include advising the Swiss Financial Market Supervisory Authority (FINMA) as liquidators of Bank Hottinger & Cie AG since 2015. In 2023, the transaction was successfully executed in relation to the overall settlement for Bank Hottinger.
Wenger Plattner also played an important role advising as Swiss counsel for Novocure Ltd. In connection with the update of its $150 million credit facility the pharma industry.
Testimonials 2025
“They are highly competent, very experienced as administrators, including in larger restructuring cases, well organized, forward-thinking, and possess strong economic understanding. This enables them to be open to legally sound yet pragmatic solutions, and they work in a very solution-oriented manner.” - Insolvency
Key Clients
ING Belgium SA, Novocure Ltd., Jersey, CENTRUM Group. Health Care Royalty Partners, EnBW, Audi AG, Novartis Pharma Ltd.,
Bank Hottinger & Cie AG, Publicitas AG in bankruptcy liquidation, Swissair Group, The Enzian Shipping / Swiss Chem Tankers Group, Petroplus
Wenger Vieli
Wenger Vieli is a Swiss law firm focused primarily on tax and business law, though it is also active in the financial and corporate advisory space. It has offices in Zurich and Zug.
The firm is recognised for its work in the banking and finance and M&A, in addition to boasting notable capital markets and project development practices.
In banking and finance, the team advises borrowers and lenders on bilateral loans, debt financing, real estate, project and acquisition financing transactions. The firm also advises startups on financing rounds.
The firm’s capital markets group is active on both equity and debt-side transactions, though it emphasises the representation of equity-side issuers.
In M&A, the firm advises international and domestic bidders, selling shareholders, investors and buyers for acquisitions in a range of sectors, including real estate, renewable energy, private equity and retail.
The project development team represents clients largely in the energy industry on project acquisitions, financings and
development-related matters.
Among the firm’s key clients are Unigestion,Klingel
Medical
Metal,
Vontobel Holding,
Jakob Müller,
Kandou,Frontify, Left Lane, Burckhardt Compression,
Molten Ventures, NLS Pharmaceutics, Sygnum Bank and Turnqey.
Client
feedback: 33rd edition (2023/2024)
Financial services regulatory
“Prompt response, ability to deliver practical solutions.”
Investment funds
“They are very experienced with Swiss law and regulations and have a very pragmatic approach to handling situations.”
M&A
“Accurate understanding of clients' needs and objectives and effective implementation into the deal structure.
“Highly experienced, broad oversight and command of corporate and M&A matters, very business minded, forthcoming and client-oriented thinking, no budget overruns.”
Private equity
“They were answering quickly, were available, of good advice and business-oriented.
“Knowledgeable, high quality, timely, reliable, responsive, solution oriented.”
Project development
“Wenger & Vieli are highly experienced lawyers, able to present complex legal advice in a client friendly manner and to support company's management in identifying compliant and business-oriented solutions to legal issues.”
Project finance
“Very pragmatic, quick in understanding, responsive.”
Restructuring
“Quick response and good accessibility at partner level. professional negotiation and good preparation for the case.”
Andreas Hünerwadel
“Very experience in project finance, restructuring.”
Martin Peyer
“Very responsive and able to assist on variety of matters in quick, cost efficient and effective manner.”
“Very knowledgeable, client and solution oriented, highly responsive and reachable, very good work quality, good communicator, well managed process, very reliable.”
Beat Speck
“Beat is excellent in what he does – I’ve known and worked with him for the past 17 years. He is attentive, honest, open, and finds great solutions. His passion is very visible, and he has made a lasting effect on our company.”
“Very good knowledge of business relevant topics and solutions.”
“Highly experienced, calm and business-minded; client-centered thinking, quick, analytic, forthcoming.”
“Beat is highly knowledgeable and experienced, always striving to provide high quality advice in a way which is user friendly and business oriented. He always meets deadlines and is very accessible.”
Marc Walter
“Competent, friendly, multilingual, effective, honest and straightforward.”
“He is of good advice and business-oriented.”
Daniel S. Weber
“Daniel developed all the procedures for risk management around regulation, compliance and transactions, and managed the compliance regulation structure related to ethics and anti-bribery.”
Georg Zondler
“Clear and fast communication for urgent problems - and don't forget the cost implications.”
id est avocats
id
est avocats is a boutique firm in Lausanne, Switzerland.
The firm has a focus on M&A matters and has expertise in venture capital and private equity especially in the technology sector. The firm also carries out work in corporate finance, joint ventures and M&A.
Key clients of the firm include Nexthink,
Beqom,
Aktiia,
Bestmile, and Swisscom Ventures.
Client
feedback: 32nd edition (2022/2023)
“Excellent advice for structuring the transaction;very
professional creation and negotiation of the SPAs for international companies.”
“Very professional knowledge of the M&A best practices, great reactivity and ability to work under time pressures.”
Künzi Hess MacNab
Künzi Hess
MacNab is a boutique law firm based in Zurich providing legal, regulatory and compliance advice to players in the financial services industry.
The firm is well known for its banking and finance
practice as well as financial services regulatory work
where it provides legal, regulatory and compliance to
clients in the
fintech and financial services industry.
Key clients of the firm include Cardano Foundation, Centrifuge Foundation,
Exfluency,
Jacot Partners Financial Services, Lykke, Schweizer Lunch-Check Genossenschaft,
Swiss Bankers Association and Web 3.0 Technologies Foundation.
Oberson Abels
OBERSON ABELS was founded in 2016 and is the combination of Oberson & Partners and Swiss boutique firm Abels Avocats offices. The firm has four offices in Switzerland.
The firm is active in banking and finance and financial services regulatory matters. The banking and finance team provides advisory services to clients on financial regulation and contractual matters.
Client
feedback: 32nd edition (2022/2023)
“They are very knowledgeable in general and know the legal issues in depth. They also have a pragmatic view on issues.”
Financial services regulatory
“Professional (knowledge and attitude), responsive, pragmatic, perfectly aware of the practical market standards (not just in theory or by law).”
Quorus
Established in 2016
Quorus is a Swiss-Russian consultancy firm
headquartered in Zurich and has a branch office in Moscow.
M&A is the core practice of the firm, including
due diligence review and preparing issues memoranda. The firm also represent clients in both domestic and cross-border project financings and restructuring and insolvencies.
valfor Rechtsanwälte
GHR is an independent full-service law firm in Switzerland and has been in the market for more than 20 years. The firm has offices in Bern and Zurich and is a member of Lawyers Associated Worldwide, the Energy Law Group and the League of Lawyers.
The firm has a focus on banking and finance, M&A and debt capital markets. In banking and finance, the firm acts on behalf of lenders and borrowers in debt financing. In capital markets the firm advises assets managers and securities dealers. The firm also advises on domestic and cross-border private and public M&A transactions including divestments,
auctions, corporate takeovers, spin-offs and joint ventures.
Key clients of the firm include
ewb -
Energie Wasser Bern, OPP
Beteiligungen, Sapient,
Senevita, Stettler Sapphire,
Wendia, Secure Meters,
Cemex, Canton of Bern, Eurasian Resources Group, Goldman Sachs Bank USA, Horus Finance, Silverfleet Capital, UBS Stamford Branch, Xylem.
Client
feedback: 32nd edition (2021/2022)
“Extensive knowledge, methodical, responsiveness, good coordination with advisors in other jurisdictions.”
Capital markets: High yield
“Great legal technical services and a pragmatic approach to the tasks at hand.”
