Profile

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 an 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 an broad experience and deep understanding. Besides being considered as a leading negotiator in M&A transaction, he is recognized 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 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 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 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 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, recapitalizations, 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

1992 Admitted to the Swiss Bar
1989 Master of Law, University of Geneva, with honors
CHAMBERS GLOBAL 2017 – 2023
Chambers Europe 2007 – 2023
The Legal500 EMEA 2022 – Recommended
ACQ Global Awards 2015-2022 – Venture Capital Lawyer of the Year
ACQ Global Awards 2014-2022 – M&A Lawyer of the Year
  • Geneva and Swiss Bar Associations
  • International Bar Association
  • SECA Swiss Private Equity & Corporate Finance Association
2023 Partner, Niederer Kraft Frey, Geneva
2000 Partner, Swiss law firm, Geneva
1998 Senior Associate, Swiss law firm, Geneva
1993 Associate, Herbert Smith, London, United Kingdom
1992-1993 Associate, Slaughter and May, London, United Kingdom
1992 Associate, Monckton Chambers (then Four Raymond Buildings), Gray’s Inn, London, United Kingdom
2010 – to date Advisor to Team Principal and Legal Counsel, Artemis Racing
2010 – 2017 Lecturer, EPFL-HEC Management of Technology (MoT) Executive MBA
2004 – to date General Counsel, Solar Impulse

French

English

German

Deals & Cases

01.06.2023

Arab Bank (Switzerland) Ltd. and Gonet & Cie SA complete strategic business partnership

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23.05.2023

Inmarsat selects SWISSto12’s HummingSat for I-8 Satellites to power L-band network

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12.05.2023

NewBiologix raises USD 50m in series A financing

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Firm News

18.01.2023

NKF continues to grow and opens new offices in Geneva

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