Published in PRIVATE – Das Geld-Magazin 3/2026 – on cross-border transactions, regulation, relocation and the human side of dealmaking
Company takeovers have always been complex. In an international economy, corporate law alone is no longer enough. Cross-border transactions in M&A combine different legal systems, regulatory requirements and tax questions in one deal. Often, they involve personal life decisions too.
The insights come from a new article in PRIVATE – Das Geld-Magazin 3/2026. Christoph Wagner, Of Counsel, and Dr Ariel Sergio Davidoff, founding partner of Davidoff Law in Zurich, wrote it under the title “Grenzüberschreitende Unternehmensübernahmen – Wenn Transaktionen mehr als nur Verträge sind”. In English: cross-border company takeovers – when transactions are more than just contracts. Please note: the full article (PDF) is available in German only.
Switzerland Remains an Attractive Hub for Cross-Border Transactions
Switzerland remains attractive for international entrepreneurs, investors and holding structures. It offers stability, legal certainty and an entrepreneur-friendly environment. Yet many deals start with a strategic idea that goes beyond one jurisdiction. Examples include expansion into a new market, the relocation of assets, redomiciliation of the owners, regulatory access to the EU or international succession planning. We saw a similar theme in our post on cross-border complexity and Swiss precision. Successful deals arise where advisers connect legal, regulatory, tax and practical questions early.
Aligning Different Regulatory Systems
Regulated businesses illustrate the point. In one mandate, a Swiss company acquired a financial-market-regulated business in the European Union. The team involved the competent authorities early. It clarified approval questions transparently. It designed the future structure to satisfy EU rules and the Swiss buyer’s interests alike. Another transaction combined a Swiss acquisition with the relocation of the decision-makers to the UAE. Residence permits, housing and coordination with local authorities became part of the overall project. Similar regulatory themes run through our update on the Berne Agreement BFSA and our Swiss private wealth review.
Transactions with a German Dimension
Deals between Switzerland and Germany show how much formal requirements matter. Swiss share transfers are in principle possible without special form. German law, by contrast, requires notarisation of GmbH share transfers. In one case, a German notary had to carry out the notarisation. This demanded close coordination between advisers in both countries, plus powers of attorney and existence proofs for the foreign buyers. Involving the notary early in the structuring phase proved decisive.
“Cross-border M&A transactions today are far more than pure company purchases. They combine strategy, regulation, taxes, mobility and often personal life planning as well.” – translated from the article by Christoph Wagner and Dr Ariel Sergio Davidoff
Solutions from a Single Source
Many cross-border transactions run under considerable time pressure. Different time zones, several adviser teams and regulatory deadlines demand precise coordination. Clients therefore expect integrated advice. Corporate, tax, regulatory, immigration and relocation themes must align closely – ideally under one organisational roof. In the authors’ experience, this central coordination brings higher efficiency and considerable time and cost advantages.
Davidoff Law advises entrepreneurs, investors and entrepreneurial families on cross-border transactions. The work spans structuring, M&A negotiation, relocation and integration after closing.
Read the full article here (PDF, in German only): Grenzüberschreitende Unternehmensübernahmen – Wenn Transaktionen mehr als nur Verträge sind, PRIVATE – Das Geld-Magazin 3/2026, pages 4–5.
