Real Estate: Switzerland

With highly experienced lawyers and a sizeable team, this firm is renowned for its “incredible capabilities in large real estate transactions.” The department is active on behalf of both bidders and sellers. It also handles the acquisition and sale of developmental projects. Bär & Karrer acted for Swiss Prime Site on an exchange offer for all publicly held shares of Jelmoli Holding. The firm has also assisted with the financing and refinancing of real estate transactions and securitisations. Its clients include BNP Paribas, HSBC France and Calyon. Key practitioner Corrado Rampini works on all types of real estate transactions. He has extensive experience in M&A and capital market transactions, and peers remark on his “technical skill and excellent background.” Eric Stupp advises clients on real estate transactions, utilising his extensive experience in capital markets, bank regulations and M&A. Sources describe him as a “solid real estate lawyer in transactional matters.”

Known as “the very best in high-end construction,” this boutique firm plays an important role in the market. Baur Hürlimann is particularly well established representing large construction companies on building projects. The firm is active in the cantons of Zürich and Aargau, where it is retained by international and domestic clients. It maintains a broad practice, assisting clients at all stages of construction projects. Observers also commend its strength in disputes. The team is also highly regarded for public construction law issues including area planning, procurement and environmental law. Leading the firm’s practice is Roland Hürlimann, a “traditional, strong practitioner who provides good-quality advice.” He is well known for his work on both transactional and contentious matters.

Walder Wyss & Partners is a linchpin of the Swiss real estate market. Sources are quick to commend its “sophisticated real estate financing and cross-border work.” The practice group advises on financing through banking and capital markets transactions. Most notably, it advised a lenders’ consortium on the landmark Zeughaus Burgdorf complex in Bern. The firm has also established a great reputation for its work on real estate acquisitions, developments and construction projects. It was retained by ING regarding the development, construction and operation of a factory outlet centre valued at CHF180 million. Acting for both domestic clients and international investors, the group has recently experienced an increased demand for restructuring and refinancing advice. Johannes Bürgi is described as “one of the best for real estate financing.” Francis Nordmann is also “a main player at the firm.” He is specialised in the acquisition and financing of commercial real estate. Thomas Meister handles relevant tax matters and is known as an “extremely talented lawyer with great attention to detail.”

International titan Baker & McKenzie has secured a prime position in the Swiss real estate market. It offers a one-stop shop to international and domestic clients alike, and sources praise the firm's genuine dedication to this area. With offices in both Geneva and Zürich, the team acts across the whole of Switzerland. The group advises on the legal and tax aspects of corporate real estate, including sales and acquisitions, co-ordinating development and construction projects, sale and leasebacks, landlord and tenant law and the creation of efficient structures. Clients include PSP Swiss Property, Lone Star and Helvetica Property Investors. Martin Furrer is a central figure in the firm’s real estate strategy. He remains particularly involved in corporate and tax structuring of real estate transactions. Franz Schenker is noted for his broad experience in all aspects of real estate sales and acquisitions. Alexander Wyss is active on relevant transactions and fund structuring.

With the strength of the CMS network behind it, this team advises a broad domestic and international client base on high-profile transactions. The firm also handles construction, lease negotiations, planning and environmental matters. The group works closely with the corporate, tax and insolvency teams to provide a comprehensive real estate service. Stefan Gerster is seen as “a dedicated corporate real estate practitioner and a true expert.” He is particularly well recognised for his involvement in large projects. Sibylle Schnyder is another prominent practitioner in this area, consistently recommended by peers.

This renowned domestic firm has a thriving transactional real estate practice. The substantial team maintains a broad practice, including investments, divestments and financing. The Geneva office advises on relevant public law and environmental issues, while the Zürich branch has particular experience in zoning matters. Highlights include advising German real estate colossus UniImmo and its fund manager Union Investment Real on a major project. Head of the Zürich team, Beat Kühni is primarily involved in transactional matters and is well known on the market. Andreas Rötheli is a key player in Geneva. Acting predominantly on the financing and transactional side, he is commended by clients for “providing very good fiscal advice and appropriate solutions.”

Clients appreciate this team’s “excellent responsiveness and close attention to detail.” Commentators praise the firm’s one-stop shop approach and its ability to act for global clients. A number of international institutions retain the team. A particular highlight for the department was advising a major foreign bank on the sale and leaseback of an office building with a purchase price of CHF88.5 million. Active in Geneva, Delphine Zarb is specialised in construction and real estate. Clients praise her “rational approach and to-the-point responsiveness.” Yves Jeanrenaud heads the real estate department from Geneva, where he co-ordinates transactions across the country. Sources remark that he is “great in real estate and very involved in the market.” He is known for his work on domestic and cross-border investments. In the Zürich office, Josef Caleff is a key player and well known in the field. He divides his time between M&A and real estate and combines his knowledge of both areas in real estate transactions.

With offices in both Geneva and Lausanne, this firm offers a full spectrum of advice to clients across western Switzerland. Its practice includes transactions, construction issues, contracts and financing. The “very dynamic” team is also recognised for its international work. With a broad practice, Yves de Coulon often takes the lead on both transactional and contentious matters. He is active in construction, planning, zoning and lease law. Sources regard him as having “great expertise in the field and a hands-on approach.” Manuel Bianchi della Porta focuses on commercial real estate matters, primarily acting on behalf of investors. He has seen a recent increase in work from foreign clients.

This sizeable domestic firm is a significant player on the Swiss market. With a pedigree in corporate work, its real estate practice is centred on large transactional and financing matters. Acting for a mix of domestic and foreign clients, the practice group assists with both investing and disposing of relevant assets. Key mandates include acting on behalf of Pears Global Real Estate Investors on the refinancing of a highly leveraged portfolio of commercial centres. The team also represented London & Regional Properties on the sale of the hotel Radisson Blu at Zürich airport. The department is popular with Middle Eastern investors into the tourism and hotel industry. Ueli Huber is recommended as a “very active practitioner with broad expertise.”

Pestalozzi remains a “very well-established real estate presence.” The firm proffers advice on the full spectrum of legal issues relating to commercial and residential real estate. The department also advises on environmental law. Acting in conjunction with the outfit's tax and private client specialists, the real estate group represents both foreign and domestic clients ranging from banks to private individuals. Max Walter assists with building, construction, planning and environmental issues. He is also active in real estate litigation.

meyerlustenberger has a well-respected real estate practice and the firm is described by peers as “highly adept.” meyerlustenberger is active in all fields of real estate law, handling the purchase and sale of portfolios, tender procedures, general contractor agreements, rental matters and tax issues relating to real estate. Key practitioner Alexander Vogel is known to his contemporaries as a “solid real estate lawyer.” Armin Zucker is known for his expertise in lease law.

This team has remained active on the Swiss market. Andreas Vögeli heads the group and is particularly involved in commercial real estate matters. Clients are quick to praise the firm’s “efficient and responsive service.” The team offers advice on both commercial and residential transactions, acting for buyers and sellers. The department also works on financings, contracts, commercial lease negotiations and sale and leaseback transactions. Its clients include Jelmoli, Credit Suisse and UBS. Andreas Voegeli is the contact for the practice.

Vischer’s real estate team is active in both Zürich and Basel. The Zürich office takes the lead on financing and M&A-related real estate mandates, while the Basel office is primarily in charge of civil law issues, including zoning, permits and notarial matters. The team also offers construction advice. The firm acts for notable real estate players including Warteck Invest, Haecky Holding and Zwimpfer Partner Architects. Clients appreciate its “industry sector expertise and sound advice.” Conradin Cramer and Andreas Albrecht are the contacts for the practice.

Wenger Plattner is active in transactional and development projects and has recently experienced an increased demand for its building permit knowledge. The department offers a full-service real estate practice, handling purchases, sales, planning, leases and construction. The team is especially well regarded for its strength in real estate arbitration. Thomas Wetzel is a significant figure in the department and is well known on the Zürich market.