Switzerland

Niederer Kraft Frey is pleased to announce a further significant expansion of its Real Estate practice with the joining of Charles Gschwind as a new partner in Geneva. Charles is a highly experienced Real Estate and M&A lawyer with a strong focus on complex transactions. He advises domestic and international clients on high-profile asset and portfolio deals, sophisticated development projects, landmark hotel transactions and the acquisition of real estate companies, as well as on the structuring and financing of large real estate portfolios. His expertise also covers key regulatory and administrative matters, in particular Lex Koller and environmental law, alongside corporate, commercial and contract law as well as tenancy matters. He further represents clients in challenging (pre-)litigation matters across the real estate sector. Andreas F. Vögeli, head of NKF’s Real Estate team, explains: “With Charles joining us as a new partner, we further strengthen our Real Estate practice, particularly in French-speaking Switzerland. His strong transactional expertise and excellent market reputation make him a perfect fit for our team. We very much look forward to working with him.” Charles Gschwind states: “I am delighted to join NKF and its leading Real Estate team. NKF stands for excellence, collaboration and innovation, and I am very excited to contribute my experience to further expand the practice and deliver outstanding advice and services to our clients.” About NKF Niederer Kraft Frey is a leading Swiss full service law firm with offices in Zurich and Geneva, offering a full range of legal services with an international perspective. NKF works closely with clients to achieve strategic objectives, foster business growth, and navigate complex challenges. The firm is led by 52 partners and employs 220 professionals, including 140 lawyers.

On January 13, 2026, UBS Group AG successfully completed its issuance of EUR 1.5 bn in aggregate principal amount of Fixed Rate/Fixed Rate Callable Senior Notes due February 2031 and EUR 1.5 bn in aggregate principal amount of Fixed Rate/Fixed Rate Callable Senior Notes due January 2037 under its Senior Debt Programme. The Notes are bail-inable (TLAC) bonds that are eligible to count towards UBS Group AG’s Swiss gone concern capital requirement. The Notes are governed by Swiss law, and the Notes have been provisionally admitted to trading, and application will be made for definitive admission to trading and listing of the Notes, on the SIX Swiss Exchange. The Homburger team was led by Stefan Kramer and Benedikt Maurenbrecher (both Capital Markets) and included Lee Saladino, Olivier Baum and Daniel Hulmann (all Capital Markets) as well as Stefan Oesterhelt (Tax). Contact Wanda Schweda / Marketing / [email protected]

On January 13, 2026, Baseline Wealth Management, an established FINMA-registered portfolio manager and SEC-registered investment advisor (RIA) with offices in Geneva and Zurich, announced it has joined Creative Planning, one of the largest RIAs in the United States. The transaction represents Creative Planning’s first international acquisition and underscores the attractivity of Baseline's experience serving international and U.S. clients. The acquisition adds more than USD 1 bn in assets under management to Creative Planning. The Homburger team was led by Frank Gerhard (Corporate / M&A) and included Romain Hondius, Thomas Romelli and Constantin Khovrin (all Corporate / M&A), Alexander Wherlock (Financial Market Regulation) and Philippe Weber (Tax).   Contact Gloria Pünchera / Marketing / [email protected]  

Nxera Pharma Co. Ltd, listed on the Tokio Stock Exchange, has entered into an exclusive licensing agreement with Santhera Pharmaceuticals under which Nxera will commercialize the drug AGAMREE® in Japan, South Korea, Australia and New Zealand. Concurrently, Nxera invests in SIX-listed Santhera Pharmaceuticals Holding AG. Bär & Karrer acted as legal advisor to Nxera Pharma regarding the investment and Swiss law aspects of the license. The team was co-led by Luca Jagmetti (M&A) and Urs Kägi (Capital Markets) and included Oliver Brupbacher (Life Science), Markus Wang (IP), Matthias Tanner (Capital Markets) and Sebastian Sutter (M&A).