Able to draw upon its international network of offices, CMS von Erlach Partners Ltd. regularly assists global scale clients with a myriad of large-scale projects, property acquisitions and portfolio management. The team is praised for its ‘depth of experience and client-oriented service’ and its ’exceptional, proactive approach’. Four key players head up the group: Sibylle Schnyder, a capable practitioner who is often entrusted by a multitude of developers, investors and financial institutions; Stefan Gerster, who is adept at managing the full diversity of real estate assets; Sidonie Morvan, whose considerable workload consists of residential, industrial and commercial premises management; and Olivier Carrard, a notable presence on the transactional and financing side of this space.

Legal 500 Editorial commentary

Testimonials

Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.

  • ‘CMS distinguishes itself from others in the legal community through its depth of experience and client-oriented service.'

  • 'Attorneys of the firm excel with their specialised knowledge in real estate and construction law through which they manage complex legal problems with effectiveness and insight.’

  • ‘Thomas Zweifel has a very responsive work ethic and always puts the client's interest first. In complex transactions, he stands out by quickly finding effective solutions for problems and supporting his clients in negotiations with in-depth knowledge of different legal topics across his areas of expertise. He rightly enjoys a great reputation in the field of M&A and real estate law.’

  • ‘Comprehensive legal services from very experienced professionals.'

  • 'Specialised expertise with a client-focused approach.’

  • ‘Outstanding partners and associates.'

  • 'Recognised for their leadership and client commitment.'

  • 'Client service with an exceptional, proactive approach.’

Key clients

  • Swiss Prime Anlagestiftung
  • Credit Suisse Anlagestiftung
  • Swiss Prime Investment Foundation
  • Union Investment Real Estate GmbH
  • UBS Fund Management Switzerland AG (and prior to the merger: Credit Suisse Funds AG)

Work highlights

  • Advised Swiss Prime Anlagestiftung with respect to the acquisition of a residential real estate portfolio consisting of six properties from the pension fund PK Dätwyler.
  • Advised Swiss Central City Real Estate Fund, a closed-ended fund managed by Nova Property Fund Management AG, a leading Swiss real estate fund management company, with respect to the strategic divestment of a real estate portfolio comprising six buildings in Basel and St. Gallen.
  • Advised a global IT company regarding the expansion of its Swiss offices, including three new major lease agreements totalling circa 30,000 square metres, and fit-out.

Lawyers

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.

Sibylle Schnyder, Stefan Gerster, Sidonie Morvan, Olivier Carrard

Other key lawyers

Michelle Lindenmann, Thomas Zweifel, David Hofmann, Delphine Di Nolfi