Bär & Karrer Welcomes New Partners and Counsel

As of January 1, 2024, Bär & Karrer announces the election of Faton Aliu, Rocco Rigozzi, and Andrea Ziswiler as partners, alongside Stephanie Walter as counsel. The addition of these accomplished legal professionals not only enhances the firm’s overall success and reputation but also solidifies its standing in the market.

Faton Aliu specializes in intricate cross-border financing transactions, covering areas such as structured and acquisition finance, project and infrastructure finance, as well as refinancings. His expertise extends to domestic and cross-border private M&A, corporate reorganizations, and restructuring transactions. Aliu also provides counsel on capital market and other corporate and commercial law matters, representing a diverse client base ranging from international and domestic banks to private equity investors and borrowers.

Rocco Rigozzi concentrates on various real estate transactions, encompassing asset and share deals, large-scale portfolio transactions, and real estate-related M&A transactions. His unique proficiency lies in navigating the Swiss legislation on the acquisition of real estate by foreign entities (Lex Koller) and the associated restrictions for international investors. Rigozzi also advises on tenancy law, environmental law, and offers corporate law guidance, including assistance with corporate reorganizations, carve-out transactions, incorporations, shareholders’ agreements, as well as capital increases and reductions.

Stephanie Walter‘s practice revolves around banking, insurance, financial market laws, and collective investment schemes. She provides regulatory assistance and representation to Swiss and foreign banks, asset managers, managers of collective investment schemes, insurance companies, and other financial institutions. Walter’s expertise extends to FinTech matters, M&A transactions, and large-scale internal investigations, drawing on her practical experience in the financial services industry.

Andrea Ziswiler is a corporate law, M&A, financing, and capital markets specialist with a proven track record. He advises international and domestic clients across various industries on complex corporate transactions, private M&A deals, bilateral and syndicated financings, as well as debt securities offerings. Andrea brings particular strength to the team in the Italian-speaking part of Switzerland, based in the Lugano office.

Susanne Schreiber, Senior Partner, expresses anticipation for the growth of the new partners and counsel in their roles and the development of their respective practice areas. On behalf of the firm and all partners, she extends best wishes for their success in their new positions.