Jacques Bonvin’s practice focuses on transactions (M&A, corporate finance, private equity and venture capital) and general corporate/commercial law matters (corporate governance, joint ventures, restructurings, key commercial agreements, etc.). He has extensive experience in numerous industries and sectors and a deep understanding of all phases of the life cycles of companies, in particular technology and life science companies. He often acts as lead negotiator and external general counsel to groups and companies, and has experience negotiating deals on all continents.

Experience

Jacques Bonvin’s expertise focuses on M&A, private equity and venture capital transactions in a wide range of industries and sectors, including the technology and life science industries of which he has broad experience and deep understanding. Besides being considered as a leading negotiator in M&A transactions, he is recognised for his pioneering role in venture capital in Switzerland and his extensive activity in cutting-edge legal matters (advising leading technology companies and start-ups on technology matters, including social technology, life science, space, etc.). Jacques Bonvin has been quoted as “outstanding”, “a prominent lawyer”, “a highly esteemed attorney”, “a strategic thinker”, “[bringing] a distinctive and innovative solution-based approach to [his] advice to clients” and as a “solution-oriented, pragmatic and committed expert who is able to think outside the box” “with a sound understanding of technology business issues”.

Recent work highlights include:

Lead counsel to Accel in its first investment in Switzerland in Viso
Lead counsel to Nicolas Gonet and Gonet & Cie SA on a strategic business partnership with Arab Bank Switzerland SA
Swiss counsel to the seller in the LBO of the Senstronic Group by Andera Partners*
Swiss counsel to Pegasystems in connection with the sale of Knowledge Expert SA to Capgemini*
Lead counsel to Gonet & Cie SA on the acquisition and merger of Banque Degroof Petercam (Suisse) SA into Gonet & Cie SA*
Lead counsel to Invision AG on its acquisition of a majority stake in the Plumettaz Group*
Lead counsel to SWISSto12 in its financing rounds and the negotiations of its main commercial contracts, including contracts with the European Space Agency and its landmark contract with Intelsat. And Inmarsat to build the innovative Intelsat-45 satellite
Lead counsel and external general counsel to ClearSpace in its financing rounds and the negotiations of its main commercial contracts, including contracts with the European Space Agency and the UK Space Agency, and partnership deal with Omega
Lead counsel to Index Ventures on numerous investments, including investment in Nexthink
Lead counsel to Banque Syz SA on numerous acquisitions and disposals
Lead counsel to the sellers in the sale of the Pâris Bertrand group of companies to Rothschild & Co*
Lead counsel to the shareholders/sellers in the sole of Swiss International Scientific School Dubai (SISD) to Nord Anglia Education
Lead counsel to Sophia Genetics SA in all its venture capital financing rounds (seed, series A to F) and corporate counsel in connection with its IPO on Nasdaq*
Lead counsel to Invision AG on the entire life cycle of its investment in the Swiss Education Group, from the initial investment trough the exit, with multiple add-on acquisitions, sale and lease back transactions, recapitalisations, etc.*
External General Counsel to Solar Impulse and Solar Impulse Foundation (2004-Present)
Advisor to Team Principal and Legal Counsel to Artemis Racing, including in two America’s Cup campaigns (2010-Present)

*Transactions handled before joining Niederer Kraft Frey

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