Partner

Raphael Annasohn

Zurich, Switzerland
Partner
Raphael Annasohn
Zurich, Switzerland

Portrait

Raphael Annasohn has extensive experience in international and domestic M&A transactions in various industries focusing on private M&A and private equity transactions, corporate reorganizations and restructurings as well as corporate law and general contractual matters, in particular joint ventures, partnerships and shareholders’ agreements. Furthermore, he specializes in the fields of venture capital and startups and assists clients in their ongoing commercial activities. During his practice, Raphael Annasohn has gained particular experience in asset deals, management participation schemes and long term incentive plans as well as up-/cross-stream topics.

Raphael Annasohn has several speaking engagements on M&A related topics (e.g. HWZ Hochschule für Wirtschaft Zürich; Course on Commercial Law at the University of St. Gallen) and is a regular contributor to private M&A and private equity publications.

Raphael Annasohn is particularly known for his accuracy, negotiation skills and understanding of the business environment. He is ranked in Band 5 in Chambers Global 2026 in Corporate/M&A. Legal 500 ranks him as Next Generation Partner in Commercial/Corporate/M&A and describes him as "standing out for his great communications skills and being extremely thorough". Leaders League lists him as key contact in Corporate/M&A and he is further recognized as Rising Star by Euromoney's Expert Guide in the fields of Corporate/M&A/Private Equity. Clients in Chambers mentioned him as "As an excellent negotiator and an experienced private M&A lawyer, who clearly went the extra mile throughout the deal." WWL recommends Raphael Annasohn for his M&A and Governance practice.

Raphael Annasohn is an excellent communicator, smart, very good attention-to-detail and exceptional availability/engagement on the project.
Client in Legal500 2023
Raphael Annasohn is client service focused, with strong commercial skills.
Client in Chambers Global 2024
Raphael Annasohn is hands-on. He is pragmatic, sensible and guided us through the nuances of the case.
Client in Chambers Global 2024
Emerging tier one counsel.
Client in Chambers 2023
Excellent sense for the bigger picture on deals and understanding of the business environment.
Lexology 2023
During negotiations, I experienced Raphael as an excellent negotiator and an experienced private M&A lawyer, who clearly went the extra mile throughout the deal.
Client in Chambers 2021
Raphael Annasohn was at all times very responsive. I could always rely on his very accurate, timely and clear advice.
Client in Chambers 2021
He is extremely hardworking and intelligent.
Client in Chambers 2021
Very professional, focused on the solution, open for any input and available 24/7.
Legal 500 2021
Very quick turnover and great availability.
Client in IFLR1000 2021
Very smart
Legal 500 2021
Still keeps big picture in mind and tries to find pragmatic approach.
Client in IFLR1000 2021
Raphael Annasohn stands out for his great communication skills and being extremely thorough.
Source in Legal 500 2020
What truly sets B&K, especially Raphael Annasohn and his team, apart is their dedication and commitment to providing high quality legal advice to clients, no matter how complex or at what time demanded – they deliver excellent results.
Legal 500 2025
They also have a very personal and amicable approach towards their and our common clients, while staying energetic and powerful in delivering top negotiations with counterparts.
Legal 500 2025
Raphael Annasohn is incredibly responsive and on top of all the details. He has the ability to get a deal done as quickly as possible.
Chambers Global 2025
Raphael Annasohn is a "very knowledgeable" lawyer who is vastly experienced in international and domestic M&A transactions in various industries.
Lexology Index 2024
Raphael Annasohn is client service focused, with strong commercial skills.
Client in Chambers Global 2024
Raphael Annasohn is hands-on. He is pragmatic, sensible and guided us through the nuances of the case.
Client in Chambers Global 2024
Raphael Annasohn is a leading lawyer who focuses his first-rate practice on a broad range of Swiss and international M&A transactions, particularly advising startups and venture capital companies.
Lexology Index, M&A and Governance 2024
Raphael Annasohn is a thoroughly respected and sharp M&A lawyer focusing his practice on private equity transactions and corporate restructurings and restructurings. His peers and clients endorse him as an "M&A rock star".
Lexology Index, Switzerland 2024
Raphael has deep experience in complex deal situations. He combines rare commercial acumen with a strong strategic focus, consistently aligning legal advice with overarching deal objectives.
Chambers Global 2026
Raphael Annasohn is very commercial, provides sound advice and is a strong personal fit. He offers a quick turnaround on tasks and is a strong negotiator.
Chambers Global 2026
Raphael Annasohn is a good M&A lawyer and a tough negotiator.
Chambers Global 2026
His team leadership is strong, ensuring efficient and coordinated execution throughout.
Chambers Global 2026
Raphael Annasohn is a very intelligent, quick thinker, which is invaluable in negotiations and extremely responsive.
Legal 500 2026
Career
  • Partner at Bär & Karrer (since 2020)
  • Associate at Bär & Karrer (2014-2019)
  • University of California, Los Angeles, School of Law: LL.M. (2016-2017)
  • Consultant at a Big Four Firm (2013-2014)
  • Admitted to the Berne Bar (2013)
  • Trainee at a Law Firm in the Canton of Berne (2010-2012)
  • Law clerk at the juvenile prosecuting authorities of the Canton of Berne (2011)
  • University of Berne: MLaw (2010)
  • University of Berne: BLaw (2008)
Memberships
  • American Bar Association (ABA)
  • Swiss Bar Association (SAV/FSA)
  • Zurich Bar Association (ZAV)
  • IPBA (Inter-Pacific Bar Association)
  • International Bar Association (IBA)
  • English
  • French
  • German

Practice Areas

Raphael Annasohn's Deals, Cases & News

All Deals, Cases & News
Ranked as "Up and Coming" in Chambers Global 2024
Chambers Global 2024
Ranked as 'Next Generation Partner' in Commercial, Corporate and M&A by Legal 500
Legal 500 2021

Raphael Annasohn's latest Publications

Raphael Annasohn's latest Speaking Engagements