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Thomas Zweifel, LL.M.

Senior Associate

CMS von Erlach Partners Ltd
Dreikönigstrasse 7
P.O. Box
8022 Zurich
Switzerland
Languages German, English, French

Thomas Zweifel focuses on advising and supporting national and international clients regarding real estate transactions. His professional activities comprise inter alia the performance of legal Due Diligences regarding real properties and development / construction projects as well as the drafting and negotiation of purchase, construction and lease agreements. The real estate deals handled by Thomas Zweifel include purchases and sales of extensive building complexes, shopping centres, etc. and the development as well as the realisation of real estate projects. His activities also involve the drafting and negotiation of ground lease and other easements. Furthermore, Thomas Zweifel also practises in the fields of M&A as well as general corporate and contract law and he gained some work experience with respect to regulatory and tax aspects (particularly regarding real estate taxation).

In 2011, Thomas Zweifel graduated from the University of St. Gallen in Business Administration (Bachelor diploma) as well as Law and Economics (Bachelor and Master diploma) and started working at CMS as junior associate. After his admission to the bar in 2013, Thomas Zweifel re-joined CMS as an associate. In 2017 and 2018, Thomas Zweifel pursued a Master of Law degree at the University of California Los Angeles (UCLA) from which he graduated in 2018.

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‘Thomas Zweifel has gained experience in many real estate and M&A related transactions and uses his vast knowledge to assist his clients in all legal matters. Especially his out-of-the-box thinking is valuable to master complex transactions. His responsive work ethic makes him a reliable partner.’

The Legal 500, Switzerland, Real Estate and Construction, 2022

Relevant experience

  • Advising Allianz Suisse regarding the acquisition of a development project concerning approx. 260 apartments in Winterthur
  • Advising the Pension Fund of the Canton of Zurich (BVK) in connection with the sale of the landmark building Neue Börse (Zurich), i.e. sale of a ground lease
  • Advising Credit Suisse Investment Foundation regarding a portfolio transaction (asset swap) concerning 9  commercial and residential buildings in 7 cantons
  • Advising investor regarding acquisition of a logistics building in the Canton of Aargau (distribution centre of a major Swiss retailer)
  • Advising investor regarding the acquisition of a new office building in Basel, used as a new headquarter of an international company
  • Advising an institutional investor regarding the sale of an office building in Zug
  • Advising Swiss and foreign institutional investors in connection with the acquisition of properties in Switzerland, including commercial, logistic and hotel properties as well as sale & rent back transactions
  • Advised investor regarding acquisition of a development project (Bahnhof Aarau-Ost) regarding a mixed-use building next to the Aarau train station (land purchase agreement, construction agreement and project development Agreement)
  • Advised investor regarding acquisition of development project regarding an 82m high residential and commercial building in Pratteln
  • Advising investor regarding acquisition of a hotel in Yverdon-les-Bains (consisting of hotel rooms, a restaurant and thermal bath) as a ground lease and conclusion of a long-term lease agreement with a Swiss hotel operator
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Memberships & Roles

  • Zürcher Anwaltsverband (ZAV)
  • Schweizerischer Anwaltsverband (SAV)
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Publications

  • Zweitwohnungsgesetz, MODULOR, Architektur, Immobilien, Recht, 02/2016
  • CMS Newsletter Banking & Finance: Restructuring and Insolvency in Europe – The New Swiss Insolvency Law: Effective Measures to Facilitate the Restructuring of Companies?, Spring 2014
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Lectures list

  • Prüfungsexperte für eidg. dipl. Immobilientreuhänder
  • Unterrichtstätigkeit "Wirtschaft und Recht" an der Kantonsschule Winterthur (2010 – 2014)
  • Lehrauftrag für Deutsch-Sprachkurse MBA-Programm Universität St. Gallen (2009 – 2010)
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Education

  • 2013 - Anwaltspatent (Zürich)
  • 2011 - Universität St. Gallen (HSG), M.A. HSG in Law and Economics
  • 2011 - Universität St. Gallen (HSG), dipl. Wirtschaftspädagoge
  • 2008 - Universität St. Gallen (HSG), B.A. HSG in Law and Economics
  • 2008 - Universität St. Gallen (HSG), B.A. HSG in Business Administration
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12/02/2016
CMS advises the owners on the sale of SF-Filter Group
Within the scope of a succession arrangement, an acquisition vehicle controlled by Ambienta SGR acquires all shares in SF-Filter AG, Bachenbülach, Switzerland. The SF-Filter group is a leading partner...

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12/04/2023
CMS Switzerland recommended by The Legal 500 EMEA 2023
Rankings of CMS Switzerland in The Legal 500 EMEA 2023 Edition
11/04/2023
CMS advises Saint-Gobain on the divestment of the Swiss Glassolutions business
Saint-Gobain, a leader in light and sustainable construction, has signed a binding agreement for the sale of its glass processing business Glassolutions in Switzerland to the privately owned German group AEQUITA. CMS Switzerland acted as legal advisor and EY acted as M&A, tax and carve-out advisor to Saint-Gobain. The sale of this division, expected to close by the end of May 2023, is part of Saint-Gobain's ongoing strategic plan to optimize its business profile. The CMS team led by partner Alain Raemy provided comprehensive legal advice to Saint-Gobain on the spin-off of the Glassolutions division and on the sales transaction. CMS TeamAlain Raemy, Partner, Corporate/M&AMark Cagienard, Partner, TaxChristian Gersbach, Partner, EmploymentDr Sibylle Schnyder, Partner, Real EstateTanja Schaub, Counsel, TaxAndrea Relly, Senior Associate, Corporate/M&AThomas Zweifel, Senior Associate, Real EstateHelena Loretan, Associate, Real EstateAnna Mast, Associate, Corporate/M&ARafael Gruber, Attorney Trainee, Real EstateAlexander Salamon, Attorney Trainee, Corporate/M&ANatalie Németh, Corporate Administration
28/10/2022
CMS advises on joint venture between Voigt Holding AG and PHOENIX Pharma...
Zurich, 28 October 2022The Voigt Group and PHOENIX Pharma Switzerland have agreed to merge their subsidiaries, each active in pharmaceutical logistics and pharmaceutical wholesale sectors respectively, into a 50/50 joint venture. The two long-established and financially sound companies are an ideal fit with complementary offerings and competencies in the supply chain. Subject to approval by the Swiss Competition Commission, this joint venture will create a new, competent and sustainable player in the supply chain of the Swiss healthcare market.A CMS Switzerland team led by Dr Patrick Sommer provided comprehensive legal advice to Voigt Group on this joint venture. CMS Switzerland: Dr. Patrick Sommer, Partner, Lead, Corporate / M&A, Competition & EUAlain Raemy, Partner, Corporate / M&AMarquard Christen, Partner, Competition & EUDirk Spacek, Partner, Intellectual PropertyDr Simone Brauchbar Birkhäuser, Counsel, Intellectual PropertyHadi Mirzai, Associate, Life Sciences, Competition & EUAlexandra Stocker, Associate, Corporate / M&AAnna Mast, Associate, Corporate / M&ADr. Matthias Kuert, Associate, Banking & FinanceThomas Zweifel, Associate, Real EstateChristina Winter, Associate, Employment
11/04/2022
CMS Switzerland recognised by The Legal 500
Rankings of CMS Switzerland in The Legal 500 EMEA 2022 edition
04/04/2022
CMS advises on the sale of Werap Group
The Werap Group, headquartered in Bubikon, was sold as part of a succession plan by founder and owner Konrad Frischknecht to a group of Swiss investors consisting of the entrepreneurial couple Dr. Sara and Christoph Hürlimann and Peter Huber. The Werap Group was founded in 1971 by Konrad Frischknecht in Bubikon. Since then, it has grown to five highly specialized companies with headquarters in Switzerland and an additional production site in Germany. It operates in the innovative environment of industrial electronics and offers total solutions in the field of electronic products, winding technology and power supply. The company employs 140 people at 3 locations in Bubikon, Wetzikon and Gerstetten (Germany). Under the new ownership, the company is to remain autonomous and independent and pursue a growth strategy. All employees will continue to be employed.A team of CMS Switzerland led by partner Stephan Werlen provided comprehensive legal advice to founder and owner Konrad Frischknecht on the trans­ac­tion. CMS SwitzerlandDr Stephan Werlen, Partner, Corporate / M&AAlexandra Stocker, Associate, Corporate / M&AThomas Zweifel, Associate, Real Estate
24/03/2022
CMS advised Infopro Digital on the acquisition of Bindexis AG from NZZ
Infopro Digital, a leading European B2B group specialised in information and technology, acquires Bindexis AG from NZZ. Bindexis AG focuses on the monitoring and lead generation of construction projects. The company is headquartered in Basel. The acquisition of Bindexis AG is part of Infopro Digital's in­ter­na­tion­al­isa­tion strategy and strengthens its European leadership in monitoring and lead generation for construction projects. Infopro Digital already owns eight leading platforms across eight major European markets. Infopro Digital is present in 17 countries and employs more than 4,000 people. Infopro Digital's innovative solutions are aimed at professionals in five key business sectors: construction and public sector, automotive, industry, insurance and finance, as well as retail.A team from CMS Switzerland, led by Daniel Jenny, advised Infopro Digital on all legal matters of the transaction. CMS Switzer­land­Dr Daniel Jenny, Partner, Corporate/ M&APascal Stocker, Associate, Corporate/ M&AAlexandra Stocker, Associate, Corporate/ M&ADr Dirk Spacek, Partner, IP / IT / Com­mer­cial­Chris­ti­an Gersbach, Partner, EmploymentThomas Zweifel, Associate, Real EstatePatrick Neher, Trainee, CommercialCMS UkraineTetyana Dovgan, Partner, Corporate/ M&AMariana Saienko, Senior Associate, Corporate/ M&AMykola Heletiy, Senior Associate, EmploymentDenys Hatseniuk, Lawyer, Corporate/ M&A
17/03/2022
CMS advised CIDAN Machinery Group on the acquisition of Thalmann Maschinenbau...
Zurich | March 2022A team of CMS Switzerland under the lead of Stefan Brunnschweiler provided comprehensive advice to Swedish CIDAN Machinery Group on all legal aspects regarding the acquisition of Swiss long folder producer Thalmann Maschinenbau AG. CIDAN Machinery Group is a world leading, innovative supplier to the sheet metal industry. The group operates manufacturing locations in Sweden and Austria and has office locations in several European countries, the United States and China. The headquarters of the company, founded in 1907, is based in Götene, Sweden. Thalmann Maschinenbau is a world leading company in long folding technology. The company has a strong track record of bringing innovations to the market that lead to significant efficiency improvements, cost reductions and higher precision and flexibility of the folding process. The company was founded in 1948 and operates from Frauenfeld, Switzerland. With the acquisition of Thalmann Maschinenbau AG, CIDAN is adding yet another strong brand to its already strong portfolio that includes CIDAN, Forstner and nuIT. The Thalmann location in Switzerland will remain the major hub for long folder innovation and production. The 50 employees of Thalmann will be joining the CIDAN Machinery Group and remain employed at Frauenfeld. CIDAN is committed to build on the strengths of the existing team with the aim to further grow the business of long folders within the group. CMS Switzer­land­Stefan Brunnschweiler, LL.M., Lead, Managing Partner, Co-Global Head CMS Corporate/M&A GroupSamuel Felix Gang, LL.M., Associate, Corporate/M&AAndrea Relly, Senior Associate, Corporate/M&AAlexandra Stocker, Associate, Corporate/M&AMark Cagienard, LL.M., Partner, TaxDr David Schuler, LL.M., Senior Associate, TaxDr Dirk Spacek, LL.M., Partner, TMC and IPThomas Zweifel, LL.M., Senior Associate, Real EstateSarah Keller, Associate, EmploymentAline Steffen, Associate, Commercial
04/11/2021
CMS advised Nano Dimension Ltd. on the acquisition of ESSEMTEC AG
Zurich, November 2021 – A team of CMS Switzerland and Germany led by Stefan Brunnschweiler acted as Swiss legal counsel for the listed company Nano Dimension Ltd. (NASDAQ: NNDM), an industry leader in Additively Manufactured Electronics (AME) / 3D-Printed Electronics (PE), and Micro Additive Manufacturing (Micro-AM), on all legal aspects regarding the acquisition of all shares in ESSEMTEC AG, a swiss stock corporation based in Aesch (Lucerne), Switzerland. Sullivan & Worcester Tel Aviv acted as Israeli counsel for Nano Dimension Ltd. ESSEMTEC's product portfolio is comprised of production equipment for placing and assembling electronic components on printed circuit boards (PCBs). They are a leader in adaptive highly flexible surface mount technology (SMT) pick-and-place equipment, sophisticated dispenser suitable for both high-speed and mi­cro-dis­pens­ing, and intelligent production material storage and logistic system. Its products are equipped with a sophisticated software package which makes extensive and efficient material management possible. CMS Switzer­land­Stefan Brunnschweiler, Managing Partner, Global Co-Head of the Corporate/M&A GroupAndrea Relly, Senior Associate, Corporate/M&AMark Cagienard, Partner, TaxThomas Zweifel, Senior Associate, Real EstateDr Dirk Spacek, Partner, IP/ITAline Steffen, Associate, IP/ITSarah Keller, Associate, EmploymentCMS GermanyHendrik Hirsch, Partner, Corporate/M&ABerrit Roth-Mingram, Senior Associate, Corporate/M&AThomas Gerdel, Partner, TaxDr Martin Friedberg, Counsel, Tax
17/08/2021
CMS advises WOW Tech Group on > EUR 1 bn business combination with Lovehoney...
Munich – WOW Tech Group and Lovehoney, two of the global leaders for sexual wellness products, join forces. Together with Swiss brand Amorana – acquired by Lovehoney in 2020 – they now form the...
11/09/2020
CMS advised the owner of Ak­tiengesell­schaft Ernst Hablützel + Co. on the...
After many years of operating the family business in the fourth generation, the owner of Ak­tiengesell­schaft Ernst Hablützel + Co., has decided to arrange his succession in time and thus secure the long-term...
23/01/2020
CMS advised DP World on the acquisition of a 44% stake in swissterminal...
CMS advised DP World on the acquisition of a 44% stake in swissterminal Holding AG A team under the lead of Stefan Brunnschweiler has advised DP World, a Dubai-based global port operator, on the acquisition...
08/06/2017
CMS advises Sunrise on the sale of Swiss Towers AG
8 June 2017 - Sunrise Communications Group AG (Sunrise) sold Swiss Towers AG for 500 million Swiss francs. The company owns 2,239 telecom towers in Switzerland. The buyer is a consortium consisting of...