When setting up a new business in Switzerland, many foreign investors do not have a focus on corporate governance… until something happens!

The company cannot pay its invoices anymore, or a local manager entered into agreement with severe consequences for the Swiss subsidiary that was not approved by the board of directors.

That's when the headquarters gets nervous and starts asking questions, such as: How could the local management have been better controlled? Can the members of the board of directors become personally liable for debts of the Swiss subsidiary? Can the shareholders become liable in case the Swiss subsidiary goes bankrupt?

Our Swiss legal experts Christian Wyss and Ruben Masar will answer these and many more questions. They will provide an overview of the responsibilities, duties and rights of shareholders, board members and managers in a Swiss company, and give you practical tips on how to effectively manage a Swiss subsidiary.

Our Chinese legal expert Yao Qinqin will build the bridge to Chinese company law and explain you the major differences between the Swiss and Chinese corporate governance aspects.


Programm Details

08:00
Arrival of participants and light breakfast
08:30
Presentations and Q&A
09:45
Networking
Speakers
Christian Wyss

Christian Wyss

Partner

Christian advises a broad range of international and domestic clients mainly from the life sciences and information technology industries. He has extensive experience with corporate governance issues, equity financing rounds, acquisitions, and joint ventures. He also assists with technology transfer and license agreements in pharma and biotech, many of them including licensees from China. Christian received his law degree from the University of Basel and his LL.M. from Wake Forest University School of Law, U.S.A. He was admitted to the bar in Switzerland in 2002.
Ruben Masar

Ruben Masar

Managing Associate

Ruben Masar's practice focuses on corporate law, contract law and M&A/private equity. He advises corporate groups and SMEs in Switzerland and abroad on corporate law matters, corporate governance, transactions and restructurings. Ruben studied in Basel and holds an LL.M. from Stellenbosch University, South Africa.
Qinqin Yao

Qinqin Yao

Legal Expert China Desk

Qinqin is a member of VISCHER China Desk. She supports Chinese corporate and individual clients with their investment and integration in Switzerland, while also being engaged in assisting Swiss clients in doing business in China.
Breakfast Briefing: Managing a Swiss Subsidiary - Responsibilities, duties and rights of shareholders, board members and managers in a Swiss company
March 21, 2024
08:00-10:30
VISCHER AG, Schützengasse 1, 8001 Zürich
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additional info
  • Registration is mandatory.
  • Limited seats available, first come, first served.
  • Please note whilst the attendance is free of charge for members, there is a 50 CHF fee for no-shows who do not cancel via email more than 24 hours in advance.

This Breakfast Briefing is organized in collaboration with VISCHER.