Author Archives: Deirdre Ní Annracháin
The First (De-)SPAC in Switzerland: a Case Study
In December 2021, VT5 Acquisition Company AG (VT5), the first Swiss SPAC, was listed on the SIX Swiss Exchange, raising CHF 200 million despite regulatory changes causing a nine-month delay. The subsequent ‘SPAC-winter’, characterized by regulatory scrutiny and an unfavorable economic climate, posed significant challenges, leading to VT5 disclosing difficulties in proceeding with a de-SPAC transaction. Despite these hurdles, VT5 identified R&S International Holding AG (R&S) as an acquisition target, agreeing on a CHF 274 million purchase price. The transaction process involved navigating legal and financial complexities, including securing investor commitments, adjusting to accounting standards, and coordinating a public offering of VT5 shares alongside share redemptions and a subsequently introduced debt component. This intricate de-SPAC transaction was successfully completed in December 2023, amidst challenging market conditions.
By Matthias Courvoisier / Deirdre Ní Annracháin (Reference: CapLaw-2024-01)
Blackout Periods & Trading Plans – An Examination of an Underutilized Tool to Prevent Insider Trading
Blackout periods are an important, though lightly regulated, component of the insider trading compliance programs of Swiss listed companies. We analyze a number of trends that are inherent to the design of blackout periods in Switzerland. We also examine the use of trading plans, known as “Rule 10b5-1 plans” in the United States, which may also form part of a well-designed insider trading compliance program but which appear to be less popular in Switzerland.
By Sandro Fehlmann / Deirdre Ní Annracháin (Reference: CapLaw-2023-23)
FINMA’s New Climate Risk Disclosure Requirements as a Step Towards a More Comprehensive Mandatory ESG Disclosure Regime in Switzerland
Recent years have seen regulatory institutions around the world introduce mandatory corporate disclosure regimes related to climate and environmental, social and governance (“ESG“) matters, largely as a response to the increasing materialization of ESG risks, in particular global heating and climate-driven natural catastrophes, as well as the growing awareness of the importance of full and transparent disclosure of the impact these risks have on corporations’ business and financial stability. They are also intended to create transparency around the effect that rapidly changing legislation and government policy in respect of environmental matters, such as the prioritization of renewable energy over fossil fuels, have on corporate entities within certain sectors.
The global trend towards disclosure regimes of this kind is rapidly accelerating. In Switzerland, a number of initiatives have been introduced that represent first steps towards the corporate disclosure of ESG risks. Most recently, the Swiss Financial Market Supervisory Authority FINMA (“FINMA“) introduced a new climate risk disclosure regime earlier this year. This article first examines the requirements and impact of FINMA’s new regime, and follows by situating this initiative within the broader context of Swiss and international ESG disclosure regimes.
By Deirdre Ní Annracháin (Reference: CapLaw-2021-61)
Overview of SIX’s Directive on the Use of Alternative Performance Measures
For many companies listed on the SIX Swiss Exchange Ltd (SIX), the use of alternative performance measures (APMs) has become a regular tool for communicating the business and financial performance of a company to investors. In light of the widespread use of APMs, their diverse application and the increasing risk of investors being misled, SIX Swiss Exchange Regulation Ltd has issued a new Directive on the Use of Alternative Performance Measures (the Directive). This article provides a brief introduction to the Directive and its application to issuers listed on SIX.
By Deirdre Ní Annracháin (Reference: CapLaw-2018-47)