Bär & Karrer and Walder Wyss on Gebrüder Meier – UIKER acquisition

Under the legal guidance of Bär & Karrer and Walder Wyss, Gebrüder Meier and UIKER Antriebstechnik (UIKER) have come together to enhance their expertise in drive technology within the Swiss market through collaborative efforts. With a combined workforce of approximately 300 employees, both companies provide a wide range of technical products and services in the energy and drive technology sectors to the Swiss industry.

The joint venture yields a total revenue of around CHF 80 million, leveraging five production sites and six service centers. Despite the partnership, each company will maintain its independent operations. 

Established in 1946 and headquartered in Freienbach SZ, UIKER has emerged as one of Switzerland’s top trading firms specializing in drive technology. With a diverse catalog of over 180,000 items, primarily in the field of drive technology, UIKER caters to clients from various industrial sectors. Additionally, the company offers complementary engineering services, further bolstered by its in-house manufacturing capabilities at the Freienbach and Landquart locations. 

Founded in 1918, Gebrüder Meier is a renowned provider of maintenance, service, retrofitting, and solutions for generators, motors, gearboxes, automation, and emergency power systems. Operating nationwide in Switzerland, the company serves the industry, energy sector, and transportation sector, solidifying its position as a leader in the field. 

The Advisors 

Bär & Karrer acted as legal advisor to UIKER Antriebstechnik in this transaction. The team was co-led by partner Christoph Neeracher and Carlo Hunter and further included Philippe Seiler and Nick Aschwanden (all m&a), Corrado Rampini, Rocco Rigozzi, Kilian Müller and Jennifer Winkler (all real estate), Susanne Schreiber and Aron Liechti (both tax), Faton Aliu (financing) as well as Rehana Harasgama (data protection). 

Walder Wyss acted as legal advisor to Gebrüder Meier in this transaction. The Walder Wyss team was co-led by Urs Schenker (counsel, corporate/m&a) and Samuel Lieberherr (managing associate, corporate/m&a). It further included Sabrina Kunz (associate, real estate), Janine Corti (counsel, tax), Erik Lanz (associate, corporate/m&a) and Deborah Kaderli (trainee lawyer, corporate/m&a).