Watter Rolf
Partner

Prof. Dr. Rolf Watter

Universal genius.

Source in Chambers Global 2020

Very much focused in achieving a solution that is best for us and not shy to take up a fight on our behalf and go the extra mile.

Client in Legal 500 2022

Outstanding lawyer!

Source in WWL 2021

He can understand a transaction and the related issues in the shortest of times.

Client in Chambers Europe 2021

Skill-level and business mind-set is unmatched.

Client in IFLR 1000 2020

Simply the best!

Client in IFLR 1000 2020

Extensive know-how paired with the broadest possible experience of the requirements of a listed company.

Client in Who's Who Legal 2019

A leading lawyer in the Swiss market.

Peers in Who's Who Legal 2019

Very good negotiator.

Chambers Global 2019

Really remarkable attorney.

Chambers Global 2019

One of the top lawyers in Switzerland.

Who's Who Legal Banking 2018

M&A star.

Legal 500 2018

A big name.

Chambers Europe 2018

Universal genius.

Source in Chambers Global 2020

Very much focused in achieving a solution that is best for us and not shy to take up a fight on our behalf and go the extra mile.

Client in Legal 500 2022

About

Rolf Watter has broad experience in all types of M&A transactions, including defence mandates. He also specializes in corporate governance questions.

He is a board member of the listed AP Alternative Portfolio. He used to be chairman of PostFinance (2012/2021), CEVA Logistics (2018/2019) and of Nobel Biocare (2012/2014; member 2007/2012); further he was a board member in a number of other Swiss listed companies, namely Aryzta, Zurich Insurance Group, Syngenta, Centerpulse, and Forbo. He was a long-time member of the Regulatory Board of the SIX Swiss Exchange (2003/2022).

Rolf teaches as a professor at the University of Zurich since 1996 and is an editor of the GesKR and the Basler Kommentare on the Code of Obligations II, the Financial Infrastructure Act, the Banking and the Merger Act. He regularly publishes in his fields of work.

In Chambers Global and Europe, Rolf is consistently ranked in tier 1 of the leading lawyers for Corporate/M&A in Switzerland and is recognized as a leading lawyer in the Legal 500 Hall of Fame. He is listed among the top 30 corporate governance practitioners in the world by Expertguides. Rolf Watter won the ILO Client Choice Awards Switzerland in the category M&A (2016 and 2018); WWL has ranked him in 2019 as best Corporate Governance lawyer.

LanguagesGerman, English, French
Curriculum
  • Currently board member of AP Alternative Portfolio AG (since 2000) as well as Faber-Castell (Holding) AG (since 1997)
  • Chairman of PostFinance AG (2013-2021), of Ceva Logistics AG (2018-2019), Nobel Biocare AG (2007-2014, chairman as from 2012) and Chairman of Cablecom Holdings GmbH (2003-2008); board member of Aryzta AG (2016-2020), Zurich Insurance Group (2002-2014), Syngenta (2000-2012), Forbo (1999-2005), Feldschlösschen Getränke AG (2001-2004) and Centerpulse (2002-2003)
  • Member of the board of directors of Bär & Karrer AG (2007-2009)
  • Member of the management board of Bär & Karrer (2000-2009)
  • University of Zurich: Professor of Law (since 1996), Venia Legendi (1990)
  • Partner of Bär & Karrer (since 1994)
  • Georgetown University, Washington D.C.: LL.M. (1988)
  • Admitted to the Zurich Bar (1986)
  • University of Zurich: Dr. iur. (1985)
  • University of Zurich: lic. iur. (1983)
Memberships and Public Offices
  • Swiss Bar Association (SAV/FSA)
  • SIX Swiss Exchange: Member of the Admission Board, Recognised Representative for the Listing of Securities
  • Part-time Professor of Law at the University of Zurich
  • Co-editor of the law journal "GesKR" and of the Basler Commentaries on Corporate Law, on the Banking Act, the Stock Exchange Act and the Merger Act
AdmissionAll Swiss Courts

Rolf Watter's Deals, Cases & News

Ranked in Band 1 in Corporate/M&A

by Chambers Global and Chambers Europe 2023

Ranked as 'Market leader'

by IFLR 1000 2023

Recognized as a "leading lawyer" in the Legal 500 "Hall of Fame"

by Legal 500 2023

Ranked in Band 1 in Corporate/M&A

by Chambers Global and Chambers Europe 2023

Ranked as 'Market leader'

by IFLR 1000 2023

Contact

Bär & Karrer Ltd.
Brandschenkestrasse 90
CH-8002 Zurich
Switzerland

Assistants

Rolf Watter's latest Speaking Engagements