Baker McKenzie Guides IKEA’s Expansion in Valais canton
Baker McKenzie played a pivotal role in assisting IKEA AG with its latest venture, the acquisition of a development site in Riddes, located in the Valais canton of Switzerland. This collaboration marks a significant step towards realizing IKEA’s 10th store in the country. The grand topping-out ceremony, which took place on October 10, 2023, ushered in a sense of anticipation for the store’s expected opening in the spring of 2024.
The origins of IKEA trace back to the year 1958 when the first IKEA furniture store opened its doors in Älmhult, Sweden. Subsequently, the brand expanded globally, with its first store outside Scandinavia launching in Spreitenbach, Aargau, in 1973. The new IKEA store situated in Riddes, Valais, carries forward this rich legacy and will mark the 10th IKEA establishment in Switzerland.
Over several years, Baker McKenzie Switzerland has provided comprehensive legal guidance to IKEA, covering various legal, planning, and regulatory aspects.
Baker McKenzie Switzerland advised IKEA on all legal aspects of the acquisition as well as on certain planning and regulatory aspects over a period of several years.
Led by Real Estate Partner Samuel Marbacher (pictured), the Baker McKenzie team consisted of Charles Gschwind (Partner, Real Estate), Susanne Liebel–Kotz (Partner, Tax), Christophe Reitze (Associate, Real Estate) and Kim Jean Dachtler (Associate, Real Estate).
