CMS advises ARM Swiss Representatives SA, throughout its acquisition by Apex

The CMS Switzerland team led by Geneva partners Pascal Favre (managing partner and head of Corporate/M&A) and Vaïk Müller (co-head of Banking/Finance) advised ASR on the legal and regulatory aspects of the transaction. Pascal Favre, Vaïk Müller and Audrey Durand (senior associate) handled the M&A aspects of the deal. Additionally, Vaïk Müller, assisted by Audrey Durand, advised ASR on the regulatory aspects of the transaction.

This strategic acquisition strengthens Apex' local presence in Switzerland, supplementing its existing capabilities to serve clients in the wider European market. It will further provide Apex clients with enhanced regulatory compliance and distribution services and assistance when accessing the Swiss market.

ASR, founded in 2014, provides compliance and regulatory services to over 630 funds and 350 fund managers abroad, seeking to market their funds according to Swiss law. ASR also serves as the distributor in Switzerland for approximately 12 fund managers with a wide array of investment strategies.

By joining the Apex Group, ASR’s client base will benefit from access to the Apex Group’s single-source solution which includes locally delivered services across depositary, custody, digital banking, ManCo, fund administration, middle office, corporate services and an ESG ratings and advisory solution.

This deal further supports Apex' expansion strategy for fund marketing and distribution services in Europe. Earlier this year, Apex already aquired FundRock Distribution SA who provide fund distribution solutions to non-EU asset managers as well as Senasen Group, a digital marketing platform provider designed to connect LPs and GPs and support the capital raising process.