Business areas

As Swiss lawyers, we offer tailored legal services to French clients, including individuals and companies, seeking to establish themselves in Switzerland or expand their business activities there. We facilitate every step of the process, ensuring a smooth transition that complies with Swiss laws and regulations (federal, cantonal, and municipal). Additionally, we leverage our trusted network of partners and service providers to deliver comprehensive support to our clients.

With years of experience, our firm has successfully assisted numerous French clients on these matters, particularly in areas such as individual relocations, company formation and establishment, mergers and acquisitions, contract reviews, and cross-border dispute management.

Moreover, thanks to our extensive network of contacts in France (lawyers, notaries, fiduciaries, tax experts and banking institutions), we are also well-positioned to support Swiss entities or individuals looking to establish themselves in France or conduct business activities there.

Our Services

We provide expert advice in the following areas:

• Formation of New Structures and Establishment of French Companies in Switzerland
  Strategic and legal analysis, incorporation formalities, tax and social security structuring, drafting shareholder agreements, implementing tailored governance frameworks (including providing a director if needed), and obtaining specific activity-related permits.
• Support in Mergers and Acquisitions
  Legal and tax due diligence, negotiation and drafting of agreements (confidentiality agreements, letters of intent, share purchase agreements with warranties, shareholder agreements), transaction structuring, assistance in securing financing (notably from Swiss or international banks), post-acquisition support, and management of disputes related to warranties or contractual clauses.
• Obtaining Necessary Business Authorizations in Switzerland
  Expertise in regulated sectors (banks, asset managers, pharmaceutical groups, medical technologies, etc.), liaising with regulatory authorities such as FINMA or Swissmedic, and administrative permits for staffing and personnel placement services.
• Drafting and Negotiating Cross-Border Contracts
  Drafting and negotiation of distribution, partnership, and subcontracting agreements, as well as adapting general terms and conditions.
• Employment Law, Immigration, and Cross-Border Social Security
  Assistance in drafting employment contracts for expatriates or seconded employees, compliance advisory services on cross-border social and tax obligations, and obtaining work and residence permits for employees and executives.
• Support for Directors’ Legal Responsibilities
  Training on the obligations of Swiss company directors, establishing a secure legal framework to mitigate personal liability risks.
• Relocation of Individuals to Switzerland
  Personalized assistance with tax and administrative procedures, finding housing or purchasing real estate, locating schools for children, arranging suitable health insurance and banking services, and cross-border wealth and estate planning.
• Cross-Border Criminal Defense
  Representation in criminal matters involving both French and Swiss jurisdictions, particularly in economic law, money laundering, fraud, and regulatory compliance cases.
• Management of Cross-Border Disputes
  Handling French-Swiss inheritance disputes, assisting heirs in litigation, and locating assets in Swiss banks. Commercial litigation, including contract-related disputes or M&A operations, representation before Swiss courts and international arbitration tribunals, and alternative dispute resolution for efficient outcomes.

Case Examples

• Reviewed and amended contractual documentation for a major French industrial group to ensure compliance with Swiss law.
• Established a Swiss company for a French client in the fine wine trading sector and facilitated connections with a fiduciary and a Swiss banking institution.
• Completely restructured a loan for a French-Swiss group active in the aerospace sector.
• Provided structuring and advisory services for bond issuances in Switzerland to finance a company acquisition in France.
• Transferred the headquarters of a French holding company to Switzerland and supported the development of cross-border industrial activities