gbf Attorneys-at-law Ltd‘s leading transport practice group often advises airlines, manufacturers, shipping companies, re-insurance companies, and banks in relation to aviation and other transport matters. It particularly stands out for its work in the aviation sector, which includes assisting clients with legal issues relating to the design, production, maintenance, and operation of aircrafts. Key individual Lars Gerspacher is renowned in the areas of transport-related insurance, aviation, maritime, transport, and trade law. Notably, Laurent Chassot is one of the few lawyers in the country whose work is almost exclusively dedicated to aerospace matters. Philippe Wenker is particularly well known in the aircraft finance field.
Transport in Switzerland
gbf Attorneys-at-law Ltd
Praxisleiter:
Laurent Chassot; Lars Gerspacher; Nando Stauffer von May; Philippe Wenker; Marco Novoselac
Referenzen
‘gbf Attorneys-at-law Ltd combines excellent technical knowledge with an ability to integrate business issues into its analysis. They have a unique industry focus and are, in my view, the leading Swiss law firm in the fields of aviation, shipping, and transport financing.’
‘Lars Gerspacher is the go-to person for aviation and shipping matters at gbf. He has notable expertise in acquisition finance matters combined with a strong commercial mindset.’
‘Incomparable experience in Switzerland in a wide range of aviation law services (regulatory/litigation).’
Kernmandanten
Allianz Commercial
AIG Europe S.A.
Allianz Suisse
AXA Assurances SA
AXA XL
Chubb Insurance
DHL
Ergo Insurance
Fly 7 Executive Aviation SA
Global Aerospace Underwriting Managers
HDI Global
Helvetia Insurance Co.
Maersk A/S
Highlight-Mandate
HFW
HFW‘s transport team stands out for its work regarding shipping disputes in Switzerland, as well as for its expertise in the maritime and trade sectors. It often advises clients on multi-jurisdictional shipping, trading, arbitration, and regulatory matters involving UK, EU, Swiss, US, and Australian transport-related sanctions for traders, owners, P&I clubs, and banks. Team lead Michael Buisset is a specialist shipping lawyer and often advises client on cases of general public importance for the shipping and commodities trading industries. Other key individual Sarah Hunt acts for a range of trading companies, charterers, and owners in international trade disputes.
Praxisleiter:
Michael Buisset
Weitere Kernanwälte:
Sarah Hunt; William Hold
Kernmandanten
Privatisation Agency of Kosovo
Apix (Agency for Foreign Investment and Major Works of the Republic of Senegal)
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Schellenberg Wittmer Ltd
Schellenberg Wittmer Ltd‘s trade and transport practice group has extensive experience in all aspects of trade and transport law, including litigation, arbitration, trading, financing, and transport-related insurance. It particularly stands out for its involvement in transportation and insurance litigation, as well as in aviation and shipping regulatory matters. Grégoire Wuest focuses his practice on the setup and structuring of cross-border acquisitions in the shipping and aviation industries. Bernard Vischer has extensive practical experience in corporate and transactional matters with a focus on the shipping and aviation industries.
Praxisleiter:
Grégoire Wuest
Weitere Kernanwälte:
Alexander von Ziegler; Bernard Vischer; David Mamane
Kernmandanten
EasyJet
Panalpina Welttransport Holding AG
Uber
Rheinmetal Air Defence
Austrian Railways
MSC Mediterranean Shipping Company SA
Highlight-Mandate
- Advising a sovereign country in connection with the management of its fleet of aircraft.
- Lodging an appeal against PostCom’s decision before the Federal Administrative Court on behalf of Uber Eats regarding whether food deliveries ordered via Uber Eats are postal items.
- Advised OTB Ventures as lead counsel in the EUR 26.7 million Series A financing of the in-orbit servicing and space debris removal company ClearSpace.
Eversheds Sutherland AG
Eversheds Sutherland AG‘s transport team regularly advises domestic railway companies on strategic procurement projects, as well as on corporate and commercial matters. Standout individual Barbara Klett focuses her practice on Swiss and international logistics and wider transport law issues. Oliver Beldi, who leads the team, acts for both private and public companies, with a strong focus on commercial and corporate issues in the transport sector. Other key individual Peter Haas specialises in transport-related insurance matters and litigation and arbitration cases.
Praxisleiter:
Oliver Beldi
Weitere Kernanwälte:
Barbara Klett; Peter Haas; Lukas Zangger
Referenzen
‘Eversheds Sutherland covers all relevant practice areas: public procurement law, commercial matters, litigation, and M&A transactions. It is a leading law firm in the transport sector due to its sector know how and specialist expertise in a broad range of legal areas. They constantly deliver expert, strategic advice in a practical, hands-on manner.’
‘My main contact for commercial law and M&A matters is Oliver Beldi who is always available and very experienced. He strives to exceed client expectations. Barbara Klett (litigation, liability and transport law specialist) is a reputable expert and highly trusted advisor for our company.’
Kernmandanten
IATA
Signature Aviation
Eaton Corp
Parker Hannifin
Highlight-Mandate
- Advised a major railway company in Switzerland in several procurements and in dispute resolution.
- Advised one of the largest Swiss public transport providers in procurement, contract and construction law in regards to the reconstruction of a major railway station.
MME Legal | Tax | Compliance
The transport practice at MME Legal | Tax | Compliance advises and represents its clients across the full range of transport-related legal and tax matters, including regulatory compliance, drafting and negotiating transport contracts, and maritime insurance matters. Notably, Raphael Brunner, who heads the team, has 22 years of experience in the sector and focuses his practice on international trade, distribution and logistics law as well as shipping and transport law. Maura Décosterd specialises in trade (WTO) policy and regulations.
Praxisleiter:
Raphael Brunner
Weitere Kernanwälte:
Maura Décosterd
Referenzen
‘The top team in Switzerland when it comes to export controls and sanctions topics.’
‘The team is extremely competent and not only acts as a legal advisor but also provides assessments of the market, external impact and strategic decisions – if this is desired. The cooperation is close and they work hand in hand with us.’
‘Raphael Brunner is a very knowledgeable and experienced advisor in this particular area, enabling our company to manage and anticipate risks that may arise with particular transactions, holistically analysing all angles of such transactions from start to finish.’
Highlight-Mandate
- Advised a European company specializing in autonomous flight systems on cross-border transport and trade matters, including sanctions, export control, and tax structuring.
- Advising and representing Switzerland’s largest private parcel shipping company as international lead counsel in a broad range of cross-border transport and trade matters.
- Representing a Dutch logistics company in a cross-border dispute related to allegedly contaminated sugar in warehouses.
VISCHER
The transport and aviation team at VISCHER regularly represents airline companies in their core business as well as in associated matters in the regulatory and financing sphere. The team often assists clients in contract negotiations with travel offices, air-traffic authorities and airport operators. In addition, it advises them on the leasing, buying, and selling of aircraft. Peter Kühn, who leads the team, assists domestic and foreign clients with aviation law, as well as related corporate and contract issues. Christoph Niederer has experience working on major transport and aviation matters with a focus on cross-border tax and social security issues.
Praxisleiter:
Peter Kühn
Weitere Kernanwälte:
Urs Haegi; Christoph Niederer; Thomas Weibel
Referenzen
‘I highly recommend VISCHER. They have the necessary size and expertise to address all legal matters at a very high level. Despite their extensive capabilities, their legal advice and the relationship with their advisors remain very personal and tailored to our individual needs. Their commitment to excellence and personalized service truly sets them apart.’
‘I highly recommend Peter Kühn, a specialist in transport and aviation law. He is highly responsive, providing answers that are always relevant, to the point, and considerate of the commercial aspects of the question. His expertise and dedication make him an invaluable asset in this field.’
Kernmandanten
Swiss International Air Lines Ltd.
Deutsche Lufthansa AG
Edelweiss Air
LSG Sky Chefs Schweiz AG
Lufthansa Technik AG
Swiss Aviation Training AG
Austrian Airlines AG
DLH Fuel Company mbH
Jet Aviation Ltd.
Schweizerische Rettungsflugwacht (Rega)
Export Development Canada
Lufthansa AirPlus Servicekarten GmbH
AirPlus International AG
Swissterminal AG
GXO Logistics
Qatar Airways Group Q.C.S.C.
Euroairport Basel-Mulhouse-Freiburg (EAP)
Highlight-Mandate
- Advising and representing Swiss International Air Lines and various other Lufthansa group companies in relation to certain legal and tax matters in Switzerland.
- Advising and representing Jet Aviation Ltd in various litigation matters and transactional work.
- Advising and representing Qatar Airways group companies on their cross-border and Swiss business.
Wartmann Merker Ltd.
Wartmann Merker Ltd. has a strong reputation as a dispute resolution boutique, which often advises shipping and logistics companies on transport-related cases. Notably, Giovanna Montanaro has broad experience in all aspects of trade and transport law, including litigation, arbitration, trading, and transport-related insurance issues.
Praxisleiter:
Giovanna Montanaro
Referenzen
‘Very good and experienced team. Absolutely reliable for Swiss law matters.’
‘Giovanna Montanaro is extremely well prepared and an expert in transportation matters. She provides precise advice in a timely manner.’
Highlight-Mandate
Bär & Karrer Ltd.
The logistics and transport team at Bär & Karrer Ltd. is headed by Luca Jagmetti and has experience advising a range of clients in all areas of the transport industry, including the aviation, maritime, road, and rail sectors. Jagmetti specialises in international and domestic private M&A transactions with a special focus on the transport and logistic industries.
Praxisleiter:
Luca Jagmetti
Weitere Kernanwälte:
Christoph Neeracher; Philippe Seiler
Kernmandanten
Ina Kess
CEBS AG (Kooky)
CIMO Compagnie industrielle de Monthey SA
Terminal Combiné de Monthey SA
Highlight-Mandate
- Advising Terminal Combiné de Monthey regarding the drafting and negotiation of various contracts.
- Advising Kooky on various legal matters, such as its contractual setup with participating shops, customers and financing.
- Advising Ina Kess AG, a Swiss luxury clothing brand, on an ongoing basis regarding logistics and warehousing matters.
Homburger
Homburger‘s transport sector has a long-standing track record in the automotive industry, often representing clients in the sector on regulatory matters relating to sales, distribution, manufacturing, and emissions. Marcel Dietrich, who heads the team, regularly advises clients in the transport sector on regulatory issues and investigation matters.
Praxisleiter:
Marcel Dietrich
Weitere Kernanwälte:
Richard Stäuber
Kernmandanten
AMAG
Volkswagen
Auto Suisse
Astara
Hyundai
Crédit Agricole
Stellantis
Sony
Honda
Airbus
Safran
Tikehau
Highlight-Mandate
- Advising and representing Volkswagen on establishing emission pools in Europe and Switzerland.
- Advising AMAG Leasing on collaboration with Porsche Financial Services regarding a new car leasing business.
- Represented a third-party bidder in phase II merger control proceedings regarding Quickmail’s intended acquisition by Swiss Post.
MLL Legal
The aviation, aerospace and shipping team at MLL Legal stands out for its work in aviation finance, as well as in aviation and shipping litigation. It often advises clients on airline insolvencies, repossessions, and restructurings. Notably, Dunja Koch has expertise in all aspects of aviation work, often assisting foreign clients with regard to Swiss law. Karin Oberlin specialises in transportation finance, with a focus on aviation and shipping finance.
Praxisleiter:
Dunja Koch; Karin Oberlin
Referenzen
‘The MLL team provided us with the best possible support. The team familiarised themselves with the subject matter and guided us step by step through our process. We were always well looked after and third parties were also coordinated as part of the project. Simply super!’
‘Dunja Koch is a specialist in aircraft financing in Switzerland. The team are very responsive and helpful.’
‘Dunja Koch gave excellent assistance with Swiss law issues in our matter. She was always responsive and commercial.’
Kernmandanten
Oaktree Capital Management
Mizuho
ELFC
Avolon Aerospace Leasing Limited
Merx Aviation
Sanad Aerospace
Viking Air
Global Jet Capital
Dassault Aviation
ABC Maritime AG
Dufour Aerospace
PK Airfinance
ING Bank N.V., Singapore branch
IC Airlease One
AeLo Flight Club
Azorra Aviation
Highlight-Mandate
- Assisting ING Bank N.V. Seoul Branch in a refinancing of three vessels owned by Marshall Island incorporated borrowers, chartered to Pan Ocean and deployed under a contract of affreightment with Vale International.
- Advised IC Airlease One in connection with the acquisition of two Airbus A320 aircraft leased to Easyjet Switzerland.
- Advised Azorra Aviation Holdings LLC in connection with the lease of four Embraer aircraft to Helvetic Airways AG.