Walder Wyss Ltd.

Swiss Life successfully placed a EUR 500 million senior bond on 17 March 2025, with maturity in 2035 and a 3.750% coupon. The bond was placed with investors in the European market. The proceeds will be used for general corporate purposes, including potential future refinancings of outstanding debt instruments. The bond is guaranteed by Swiss Life Holding Ltd. Walder Wyss acted as legal counsel to Swiss Life on this transaction. The team was led by Markus Pfenninger (Partner, Transactions) and Ramona Wyss (Partner, Transactions) and included Maurus Winzap (Partner, Tax) and Christian Schmid (Senior Associate, Transactions). https://lnkd.in/dRXUrRek

The latest edition of the Legal 500 - Country Comparative Guides features the newly released 'Hot Topic | Banking & Finance' chapter. Our lawyers and authors, Roger Ammann and Johannes Bürgi have shared their insights. Click here to access the publication: https://lnkd.in/dkbvG-B2

Kowema AG successfully sold the Diametal Group to the European private capital investor Lafayette Mittelstand Capital.   The Diametal Group was founded in 1936 in Biel (Switzerland) and is a specialist in high precision cutting tools, super abrasive wheels and wear parts. The Diametal Group has two production facilities in Biel (Switzerland) and Oltingue (France) and over 170 employees. Kowema AG was founded in 2007 and has its registered seat in Risch (Switzerland). Kowema AG offers Swiss pension funds investment opportunities in unlisted Swiss SMEs. Lafayette Mittelstand Capital is a European private capital investor focused on investments in medium-sized enterprises with a substantial growth potential. Their activities are predominantly focused on the DACH region.   Walder Wyss advised Kowema AG on the transaction. The team was led by Stefan Knobloch (Partner, Corporate/M&A) and included Samuel Lieberherr (Counsel, Corporate/M&A), Christian Eichenberger (Partner, Real Estate), Jenny von Arx (Associate, Corporate/M&A) and Carina Freiburghaus (Trainee, Corporate M&A). https://lnkd.in/dnjN5-YK

Walder Wyss sera présent le 18 mars 2025 lors du Career Day organisé par l’AEDL à l’Université de Lausanne.   Vous êtes toutes et tous cordialement invité·e·s à visiter notre stand pour y découvrir non seulement les opportunités de carrière que nous offrons, mais également pour obtenir un feedback et des conseils professionnels sur votre dossier de candidature.   Vous pouvez réserver un créneau pour ce CV-check sur https://lnkd.in/e3pNsuNE. Des places seront également ouvertes le jour-même directement à notre stand. Merci d'apporter une version imprimée de votre dossier de candidature.   L’équipe de Walder Wyss se réjouit de faire votre connaissance !   #careerday #aedl #legalcareer #walderwyss

Kadoa, a company building AI agents for unstructured data, has announced the successful completion of its latest funding round. The investment was led by Vi Partners, with participation from Fyrfly Venture Partners. The company will use the funding to expand its team and accelerate the development of its data platform, which is already serving leading financial institutions. Walder Wyss has advised Vi Partners on this transaction. The team was led by Ramona Wyss (Partner, Transactions) and further included Letizia Schlegel (Senior Associate, Corporate/M&A), Amina Chammah (Associate, IP/IT and Data Protection), Jan Sutter (Trainee, Corporate/M&A), Nicolas Bopp (Associate, Tax) and Daniela Hottiger (Associate, Tax). https://lnkd.in/dSAmAE_9

Demetra Holding S.p.A., an Astorg portfolio company, an innovative and independent international medical company leader in providing anti-infective cements, spacers and biomaterials for orthopedic applications, closed in February 2025 its acquisition of a 51% stake in GetSet Surgical SA, a leading Swiss-based spine surgical solutions provider. Walder Wyss advised Demetra Holding as Swiss legal advisor on the transaction. The team was led by Urs Gnos (Partner, Corporate/M&A) and Samuel Lieberherr (Counsel, Corporate/M&A) and included Florian Iten (Associate, Corporate/M&A), Tiffany Kärle (Associate, Employment), Marina Srienz (Associate, Corporate/M&A), Carina Freiburghaus (Trainee Lawyer, Corporate/M&A) and Kevin Caratsch (Trainee Lawyer, Corporate/M&A). https://lnkd.in/dtwGXCKB

Hanseatic Power Service GmbH (HPS Group), a portfolio company of Ufenau Capital Partners, has acquired Schibli – Carnelli AG with registered seat in Bellach. Schibli – Carnelli AG is a long-standing expert in the repair, maintenance and servicing of electrical machines and generators as well as the repair of transformers and geared and brake motors. HPS Group is a fast-growing group of companies from Hamburg and provides comprehensive services in the field of Testing, Inspection, Certification & Services (TIC & S) across various industries. Walder Wyss has advised HPS Group on the transaction. The team was led by Stefan Knobloch (Partner, Corporate/M&A) and further included Samuel Lieberherr (Counsel, Corporate/M&A), Michael Kissling (Senior Associate, Corporate/M&A), Jenny von Arx (Associate, Corporate/M&A), Tiffany Kärle (Associate, Employment), Marco Stacher (Counsel, Litigation/Arbitration), Fanny Elsener (Paralegal, Intellectual Property) and Jan Sutter (Trainee, Corporate/M&A). https://lnkd.in/dvaUc9PW

Barry Callebaut Group, the world's leading manufacturer of high-quality chocolate and cocoa products, has successfully raised an amount of EUR 1’750’000’000 on the Swiss bond capital markets. The issuance consists of a EUR 900 million senior guaranteed tranche due 2028 and a EUR 850 million senior guaranteed tranche due 2031, with a coupon of 3.750% and 4.250% respectively per annum. The bonds are issued by Barry Callebaut Services NV and guaranteed by Barry Callebaut AG (SIX: BARN). The bonds will be listed on the SIX Swiss Exchange.   Walder Wyss advised UBS AG, London Branch and the banking syndicate with respect to all aspects of Swiss law. The team was led by David Borer (Partner, Capital Markets) and included Laura Tarenzi (Senior Associate, Capital Markets) and Maurus Winzap (Partner, Tax). https://lnkd.in/gziKmNdv

On 10 March 2025, J. Safra Sarasin Group, a global leader in private banking and wealth management, announced the acquisition of approximately 70% of Saxo Bank A/S, a leading international FinTech bank for investors, traders, and institutional (BaaS) partners.   This strategic acquisition, previously held by Geely Financials Denmark A/S and Mandatum Group, aims to enhance the global long-term potential of both J. Safra Sarasin Group, with client assets of USD 247 billion, and Saxo Bank, with USD 118 billion in client assets. Saxo Bank will continue to operate as a standalone entity, with its founder and CEO, Kim Fournais, retaining approximately 28% ownership. J. Safra Sarasin Group's acquisition strategy focuses on innovative and diversified financial businesses, further enhancing its growth and international footprint in financial services. The integration of Saxo Bank’s technology platform will establish a new frontier in wealth management, setting a benchmark for innovation and client experience in the industry. The transaction is subject to standard regulatory and other approvals, including from the FINMA and the DFSA.   Walder Wyss advised J. Safra Sarasin Group as lead counsel in the transaction on contractual and regulatory matters. The team was led by Patrick W. Vogel (Partner, Banking and Corporate/M&A) and further included Laurent Schmidt (Managing Associate, Banking and Corporate/M&A), Anaëlle Genoud (Senior Associate, Banking & Finance), Dzeneta Hrustic (Associate, Banking and Corporate/M&A), and Gion Giger (Counsel, Antitrust and Competition). https://lnkd.in/d4keHV3z

It’s pre-moot season at Walder Wyss! Last Tuesday, we had the pleasure of hosting eight teams from Swiss universities as they geared up for the Willem C. Vis International Commercial Arbitration Moot. Following two rounds of impressive pleadings, the teams unwound at the well-deserved traditional barbecue. Congratulations to Vis Moot Team Basel, Vis Moot Team Bern, Vis Moot Team Fribourg 🇨🇭, Willem C. Vis Moot Team Lausanne, Vis Moot Team Lucerne, HSG Vis Moot Team, Vis Moot Team ZHAW and Vis Moot Team Zurich for their excellent performances! Wishing you the best of luck for Hong Kong and Vienna! 🍀