Schellenberg Wittmer Ltd provides the full spectrum of restructuring and insolvency matters including companies’ restructuring, loan-to-own transactions, distressed M&A, distressed refinancing, and advising board members on their duties, as well as liability claims. The team is headed by Olivier Hari, Tarek Houdrouge, and Urs Hoffmann-Nowotny. Hari specialises in complex national and cross-border insolvency and restructuring proceedings and related litigation proceedings, whilst Houdrouge, who co-heads the banking and finance team, has a strong focus on distressed situations. Hoffmann-Nowotny has a special focus on insolvency-related litigations, including actions to contest schedules of claims, claw-back actions, and the enforcement as well as defense of liability claims against directors and officers. Vincent Jeanneret, who is the former practice group head, has a wide range of expertise including distressed refinancing and M&A, corporate restructuring of listed and non-listed companies, filing of court-application for distressed businesses, litigation, and recognition of foreign orders. Cross-border insolvency expert Louis Burrus is a notable team member.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
‘They provide high-end legal advice and are always available.’
- 'Olivier Hari knows his stuff regarding the nuances of Swiss insolvency and restructuring law.’
Key clients
- First instance Tribunal (Martigny)
- Joint Administrators of Anandarko Holding Limited
- Alevo Group SA and Alevo International, in liquidation, creditors' committee appointment
- Liquidators of Joannou & Paraskevaides (Overseas) Limited
- Aldo Group International AG
- Fondation Hypotheka
- Gilbert Albert employees' pension plan - Cantonal Department of Finance - The Cantonal Supervisory Board for Foundations
- Mr. Reto Stöcklin (bankruptcy)
- Several creditors of Ethical Coffee Company Ltd and Ethical Coffee Company (Switzerland)
- Stigma Partners SA
- Zenith Vie, Life insurance
Work highlights
- Obtained recognition of a foreign insolvency decree for the joint administrators of a Bahamas company to recover assets located in Switzerland.
- Advised two foreign creditors (confidential) of two Swiss distressed businesses, Alevo Group and Alevo International, in a case involving a forced fire sale of two distressed businesses and negotiations with the Court, the official administrator in charge of the sale, and foreign administrators as well (Germany, USA).
- Advised Aldo Group International AG, part of the ALDO Group, a Canadian multinational shoe and accessories retailer.in the successful completion of its Swiss composition proceedings and the exit financing.
Lawyers
Hall of Fame
The lawyers at the very top of the profession, widely known and respected by peers and clients for their longstanding involvement in market-leading work.
Leading partners
The strongest partners in their field, leading on market-leading deals and endorsed by peers and clients alike.
Practice head
The lawyer(s) leading their teams.
Olivier Hari , Tarek Houdrouge , Urs Hoffmann-Nowotny