Corporate/M&A
Europe Guide 2024 : Switzerland
Band 3
About
Provided by Pestalozzi
Pestalozzi’s Corporate/M&A practice group has provided domestic and foreign companies, investors and executives with commercial and corporate law solutions for more than a century. We have developed in-depth knowledge and expertise in a broad range of important industries (e.g. Chemicals, Media).
The Corporate/M&A practice group provides domestic and foreign clients with a full range of Swiss corporate and commercial legal advisory services in five distinct areas – corporate, M&A, commercial, capital markets and private equity/venture capital.
- Corporate law advice covers incorporations, capital increases, capital reductions, small- and large-scale corporate reorganizations, restructuring and corporate housekeeping (including the share register, FATF register, commercial register and corporate secretarial work). Several specialists focus on listed companies and cover all legal issues relevant to listed companies and their top executives
Pestalozzi’s M&A specialists design and implement acquisition and disposition strategies for public and private companies (including friendly and hostile tender offers) and represent strategic and financial buyers, sellers, and their respective financial advisors in all kinds of cross-border and domestic M&A transactions. These range from share- and asset-purchase transactions (including auctions processes) to public takeovers and takeover defenses, squeeze-outs, mergers, demergers, carve-out transactions, spin-offs and other asset transfers.
Chambers Review
Pestalozzi's respected M&A team frequently advises on a range of corporate mandates, including acquisitions, spin-offs, sales, mergers and takeovers. The practice offers further strengths in due diligence, restructuring and divestments, and is popular with clients from the financial services, TMT and automotive industries. The law firm also acts on joint ventures and corporate governance matters, as well as assisting international companies with their exit from the Swiss market.
Work Highlights
- Pestalozzi lawyers advised RUAG on the sale of its simulation and training business to Thales.
Strengths
Provided by Chambers
"Pestalozzi has a broad range of sophisticated specialists who work very well together, making the difference particularly in M&A."
"I would happily recommend them for corporate work."
"The lawyers really balance the commercial and legal aspects of their advice."
"I felt that the Pestalozzi team were quite good at tailoring their advice to our commercial aims and risk tolerance levels."
"Pestalozzi has a broad range of sophisticated specialists who work very well together, making the difference particularly in M&A."
"I would happily recommend them for corporate work."
"The lawyers really balance the commercial and legal aspects of their advice."
"I felt that the Pestalozzi team were quite good at tailoring their advice to our commercial aims and risk tolerance levels."
Notable Practitioners
Christoph Lang handles a range of transactional mandates, recently including cross-border acquisitions and spin-offs for notable clients in the real estate and media.
Beat Schwarz assists with acquisitions and sales, including those in the automotive and banking sectors. He also has experience advising on transactions with cross-border elements.
"Beat Schwarz is a very strong young partner with high negotiation, structuring and drafting skills."
"We found him very commercial and very responsive."
"He is very good at highlighting topics and getting them done."
Geneva-based Sébastien Roy has experience advising investors and corporates on transactions, strategic partnerships and restructuring.
"Sébastien Roy is very calm."
Christian Leuenberger joins the rankings this year thanks to positive client feedback and market recognition. He has experience assisting clients with public tender offers.
"Christian Leuenberger is well rounded, experienced and efficient. He is very pleasant to work with."
"He is a fantastic lawyer - technically proficient, strategic and a pleasure to deal with."
Petra Hanselmann continues to develop a strong practice in Zürich, offering expertise in cross-border acquisitions, carve-outs and restructuring mandates.
"She is very commercial and calm in her approach to get results."
"Petra not only advises on legal perspectives and legal technicalities, but takes into account the holistic implications, commercial aspects and peculiarities of the client."
Ranked Lawyers at
Pestalozzi
Switzerland
Members
Provided by Pestalozzi
Christian Roos
Head of Department
Franz J. Kessler
Franz Schubiger
Jonas Sigrist
Ludivine Boisard
Michael Lips
Pascal Richard
Severin Roelli
Head of Department
Clients
Provided by Pestalozzi
J&J, Glencore, Dow Chemical, Ringier, Swiss Life, Sony, GE
Industries
Provided by Pestalozzi
Banks, Chemicals, Government, Health Care, Industrial Engineering, Insurance, Media, Pharmaceuticals, Real Estate, Retail, Telecommunications