Baker McKenzie’s ‘very reliable and proactive’ real estate transaction group has a strong focus on real estate M&A, corporate real estate, and real estate investment schemes. Head of the Geneva practice, Charles Gschwind advises domestic and international clients on asset deals, large-scale portfolio transactions, and the acquisition of real estate. The Zurich team is led by Samuel Marbacher who has a key focus on real estate transactions, including environmental matters, Lex Koller issues, and real estate financing. Other key team members include Alexander Wyss, who also advises domestic and international clients on cross-border and national real estate and corporate transactions, and Martin Furrer, who has special expertise in advising international clients on large real estate.

Legal 500 Editorial commentary

Testimonials

Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.

  • ‘The reaction and processing time is fast and all actions are always well prepared and adapted to the situation. ’

  • ‘Highest availability, team resources, knowledge, creativity, efficiency, know what to focus on.’

  • ‘Availability, commitment, getting things done, efficiency.’

  • ‘Very reliable, always available, attentive and think ahead.’

  • ‘Samuel Marbacher is extremely reliable, highly committed, always thinks a step ahead, shows empathy and works diligently, always prepared to go the extra mile.’

  • ‘Knowledgeable, personable, on time and hands-on, all that you need.’

  • ‘Very competent, to the point expertise and still very personable.’

  • ‘Very proactive and fast. Charles Gschwind and Samuel Marbacher are very professional.’

Key clients

  • Arab Bank (Switzerland) Ltd
  • Beaumier
  • Deka Immobilien Investment GmbH
  • Edyn hospitality group
  • Galenica group
  • HOCHDORF Swiss Nutrition AG
  • PSP Swiss Property
  • Steiner AG
  • Swisscanto Anlagestifung
  • Swisscanto Real Estate Fund Responsible Swiss Commercial
  • Swiss Real Estate Investment Foundation
  • Variosystems AG
  • Zug Estates Holding AG

Work highlights

  • Advised PSP Swiss Property on the acquisition of the prime office property "Westpark" at Pfingstweidstrasse 60 in Zurich-West for CHF 216.5 million.
  • Advised PSP Swiss Property AG on the conversion of its CHF 1.8 billion bond portfolio to green bonds based on the company's Green Bond Framework.
  • Advised Arab Bank (Switzerland) Ltd. ("Arab Bank Switzerland") on its purchase of the MixCity project, a first-class, multifunctional commercial development project in Renens in the Greater Lausanne area.

Lawyers

Leading partners
The strongest partners in their field, leading on market-leading deals and endorsed by peers and clients alike.
Next Generation Partners
Junior partners with significant recognition from clients and peers in the market and key roles on multiple matters.

Practice head

The lawyer(s) leading their teams.

Samuel Marbacher, Charles Gschwind

Other key lawyers

Alexander Wyss, Martin Furrer