Capital Markets

Our clients are companies active on the Swiss and international capital markets and their shareholders. We are also frequently retained in capital market transactions by leading Swiss and global investment banks. In addition, we advise private equity sponsors, sovereign wealth funds and other domestic and foreign financial and strategic investors in acquiring stakes (e.g. via PIPE) or in their exits (e.g. in the context of an IPO).

Our team of lawyers has advised on countless equity capital market transactions. Some of these transactions have been awarded international prizes due to their impact or degree of innovation. Whether initial public offerings (IPOs), rights issues, PIPEs (Private Investments in Public Equity), accelerated bookbuildings (ABBs) or other structures, our team not only knows the legal intricacies, but also the economic and financial drivers behind.

We are also a key player in debt capital market transactions. We advise issuers and underwriters on the whole spectrum from senior debt to equity like instruments. Our team has been involved in numerous groundbreaking and often innovative transactions, including hybrid bonds, covered bonds, high yield bonds, convertible bonds, mandatory convertible bonds, green bonds, sustainability linked bonds and regulatory capital instruments (e.g. TLAC) for banks and insurance companies. We have extensive experience in restructuring debt instruments.

Numerous Swiss listed companies and their shareholders seek our legal advice or professional judgment on questions of ad hoc publicity, insider law or listing related disclosure requirements such as disclosure of major shareholdings or reporting of management transactions. Our clients rely on our years of experience of interaction with stock exchanges, regulators and other market participants and our ability to swiftly develop and present practical solutions.

Our clients also regularly seek our advice on questions of corporate governance and compensation. Members of board of directors or of the executive management as well as general counsel of listed companies rely on our support in this complex regulatory environment at the crossroads of corporate, securities and employment law. They value us as sparring partner not only because of our legal expertise, but in particular also due to our insight into the market practice.

Further, we assist clients to design their corporate governance in the light of corporate governance requirements and their specific needs. Our team advises on questions regarding the organization of boards of directors and their committees, the implementation thereof in constitutional documents and internal regulations. Our experts also support in the preparation and execution of shareholder meetings, in connection with annual reporting (including corporate governance and compensation reports) as well as remuneration and incentive schemes.