Department profile
Walder Wyss Ltd

Corporate/M&A

Europe Guide 2026 : Switzerland

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Walder Wyss Ltd

Rankings

About

Provided by Walder Wyss Ltd

Walder Wyss’ Corporate & M&A team consists of roughly 70 professionals (21 partners, 3 counsels, 46 associates) and is the largest Corporate & M&A team in Switzerland. While the teams has been advising numerous listed multinationals, privately held companies, private equity firms and other financing institutions, it is also used to servicing visionaries and young entrepreneurs. The team has a longstanding expertise in assisting in the incorporation, organisation and restructuring of various types of business activities in Switzerland and can help its clients create suitable corporate governance structure. Its M&A practice focuses on the structuring and implementation of mergers, acquisitions and disposals of private or public companies, joint ventures, reverse takeovers, proxy contests / takeover defense, direct investment transactions, and any sort of carve-out transactions, in each case often involving multiple jurisdictions. In these transactions, the team develops ideal deal structures, conducts legal due diligence, drafts all relevant documents, leads or assists in the negotiation phase, secures or coordinates the approvals from the necessary authorities (including antitrust / merger control) and handles closing and post-closing matters. The team we can draw from a firm-wide network of around 240 practitioners specialized across a broad range of disciplines for any ancillary services relating to Corporate and M&A projects.

Chambers Review

Provided by Chambers

Corporate/M&A - Switzerland

Band 2

What the Team is Known For
Walder Wyss regularly advises domestic and international clients on the acquisition of Swiss companies. The law firm is particularly popular with clients for transactional and investment matters, including restructurings, investments and joint ventures. The practice represents shareholders in divestments and contentious takeovers. The team's client base includes companies from the banking, technology and pharmaceutical industries.
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Work Highlights

Provided by Chambers

  • Walder Wyss advised Helvetia on its merger of equals with Baloise.

Strengths

Provided by Chambers

  • Walder Wyss have a deep and practical understanding of cross-border legal matters. Their ability to seamlessly coordinate and integrate legal advice across multiple jurisdictions is truly impressive.

    Corporate/M&A respondentEurope

  • Walder Wyss's service is always of very high quality. The team are consistently very professional, available and friendly, and they fully understand our needs and expectations.

    Corporate/M&A respondentEurope

  • A key strength that distinguishes this department is its seamless cross-division collaboration. The partner-led approach ensures consistent oversight and efficient communication.

    Corporate/M&A respondentEurope

  • The lawyers were consistently available, highly responsive and proactive throughout the entire transaction.

    Corporate/M&A respondentEurope

  • The team's combined experience allows for a comprehensive approach to legal challenges, ensuring that all aspects are duly managed.

    Corporate/M&A respondentEurope

Notable Practitioners

Provided by Chambers

  • Urs Schenker
    Urs Schenker

    Urs Schenker

    Urs Schenker offers extensive expertise in acquisitions, divestments and restructurings.
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  • Hans-Jakob Diem
    Hans-Jakob Diem

    Hans-Jakob Diem

    Hans-Jakob Diem is a highly esteemed M&A lawyer acting for corporates on public tenders, acquisitions and strategic partnerships. He is at ease advising on both domestic and international transactions.

    • Hans-Jakob Diem is very experienced and commercial. He is also a good person to work with as he takes a stance and makes a clear recommendation. It is always a pleasure working with him.

      Corporate/M&A respondentEurope

    • Hans-Jakob Diem is very hard-working and reliable. He meets deadlines and protects his clients.

      Corporate/M&A respondentEurope

    • Hans-Jakob has the ability to turn highly complex negotiations and strongly differing positions into viable compromises and robust deals in a very short amount of time.

      Corporate/M&A respondentEurope

    • Hans-Jakob Diem has outstanding expertise and is a highly recognised lawyer. He is analytical, sharp, to the point and pragmatic.

      Corporate/M&A respondentEurope

    • Hans-Jakob Diem is a highly experienced lawyer and a pleasure to work with.

      Corporate/M&A respondentEurope
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  • Urs P Gnos
    Urs P Gnos

    Urs P Gnos

    Urs Gnos handles cross-border private and public M&A, including acquisitions, sales, carve-outs and reorganisations. His client list features notable manufacturing and entertainment companies.

    • Urs Gnos is a highly recommended lawyer who has great experience and is customer-oriented. He provides quick responses and a high level of expertise.

      Corporate/M&A respondentEurope

    • Urs Gnos has exceptional expertise in managing complex transactions and excellent knowledge of legal and strategic considerations. He takes a very proactive approach and pays attention to detail.

      Corporate/M&A respondentEurope

    • Urs Gnos is an excellent professional who has great commercial and financial know-how. He is a good negotiator and stays calm even in difficult situations.

      Corporate/M&A respondentEurope

    • Urs stands out as a legal adviser who not only demonstrates a mastery of Swiss corporate and transactional law but also brings commercial acumen and sound judgement to the table.

      Corporate/M&A respondentEurope

    • Urs Gnos is a trusted partner who approaches matters with precision, pragmatism and a results-oriented mindset.

      Corporate/M&A respondentEurope
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  • Alex Nikitine
    Alex Nikitine

    Alex Nikitine

    Alex Nikitine regularly acts for Swiss clients, including listed companies, on cross-border M&A mandates. He demonstrates recent skill in the insurance and life sciences sectors.

    • Alex Nikitine is excellent in every aspect.

      Corporate/M&A respondentEurope
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  • Markus Vischer
    Markus Vischer

    Markus Vischer

    Markus Vischer frequently handles complex transactional mandates, including cross-border acquisitions, divestments and carve-outs.

    • Markus Vischer is a very nice person to work with and an excellent lawyer.

      Corporate/M&A respondentEurope
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  • Luc Defferrard
    Luc Defferrard

    Luc Defferrard

    Luc Defferrard assists private equity firms and corporates with M&A and private equity investments, including those with cross-border elements.

    • Luc Defferrard has excellent synthesis skills and is always available and very attentive to his clients. He is a seasoned negotiator with outstanding business insight.

      Corporate/M&A respondentEurope
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Ranked Individuals at Walder Wyss Ltd (6)

Switzerland

Members

Provided by Walder Wyss Ltd

Walder Wyss Ltd has rankings in the following guides

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