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Mark Meili

Partner

Position: Partner
Practice Areas: Banking & Finance , Corporate & M&A , Dispute Resolution , Insolvency & Restructuring
Field-Display: Banking & Finance Team , Corporate & M&A Team , Dispute Resolution Team , Insolvency & Restructuring Team , Startups
Individuals: Mark Meili

Mark Meili advises companies in company and contract law matters, focusing mainly on corporate finance and bankruptcy proceedings. From 2017 to 2018, Mark Meili was seconded to an alternative investment fund in London which specialized in distressed debt.

On the one hand, he is highly qualified and very sharp, but he is also a good listener. It is Mark Meili's positive attitude, consistency and loyalty that make him a pleasant partner even in long and intensive cases.

Mark Meili is a member of the editorial team of legalis brief - Fachdienst Gesellschaftsrecht (a Swiss corporate law newsletter).

E-Mail

+41 44 254 55 55

Linkedin

VCard

Admission to the Bar

Admitted in Switzerland (2013) 

Practice Areas

  • Corporate & M&A
  • Banking & Finance
  • Insolvency & Restructuring

Education

  • New York University (LL.M., 2017)
  • University of St. Gallen (M.A. HSG in Law and Economics, 2010)
  • San Diego State University (2010, exchange semester)

Languages

  • German
  • Swedish
  • English

Memberships

  • Zurich and Swiss Bar Association

Mark is a great lawyer and very pragmatic, so a pleasure to work with. He is a very safe pair of hands and a local partner that I can trust to ensure that the transaction runs smoothly. — IFLR 33rd edition

Nice person, easy to work with, intelligent. — IFLR 33rd edition

Banking and Finance Team: Excellent technically and very pragmatic in approach. — IFLR 33rd edition (2023/2024)

Great expertise in banking and finance, independent and comprehensive advice, very quick attention to the matter, perfect place for this kind of work. — IFLR 33rd edition (2023/2024)

Insolvency Team: Excellent concentrated work. — IFLR 33rd edition (2023/2024)

Private equity Team: The people of Prager are very responsive, very well informed, knowledgeable on the case, and good in their client relationships. — IFLR 33rd edition (2023/2024)

Prager Dreifuss AG is well positioned to advise creditors such as banks, hedge funds or other financial institutions, in large national and cross-border insolvency and restructuring proceedings. — Legal 500 EMEA 2022

The team takes a holistic view of its work and understands the insolvency and recovery landscape across different sectors, different jurisdictions and different sectors. I have found them to be strategic and to look outside the box for solutions which has proven to be key for successful results. They are pragmatic, responsive and quick to react, and very much team players in the context of large scale insolvent matters. — Legal 500 EMEA 2022

Another pillar of the practice are arbitration proceedings and enforcement strategies of arbitration awards. Team head Daniel Hayek  and Gion Christian Casanova  are also well versed in acting in bankruptcy-related litigation. Gion Jegher covers insolvencies, reorganisations and restructurings. — Legal 500 EMEA 2022

Counsel Mark Meili is described as a key lawyer of the team and ‘sharp and highly qualified. — Legal 500 EMEA 2022

Daniel Hayek and Mark Meili are both leaders and exceptional. — Legal 500 EMEA 2022

Our recommendations are Daniel Hayek and Mark Meili, both not only very sharp and highly qualified, but also very nice individuals making it a pleasure to work with on lengthy and intense cases. — Legal 500 EMEA 2022

Prager has a diverse and highly qualified team. They work internationally, on high-value cases and are great in collaborating with a diversity of law firms worldwide. — Legal 500 EMEA 2022

Great team. They act with a transactional view. — Legal 500 EMEA 2022

Publications

Subject: Corporate & M&A
Autor: Daniel Hayek, Mark Meili
Paper: Getting The Deal Through
Reading time: 3 Min

Getting The Deal Through: Joint Ventures 2024 – Switzerland

In this article of Getting The Deal Through, Daniel Hayek and Mark Meili outline the statutory framework for joint ventures in Switzerland and discuss current trends in this area.

Subject: Corporate & M&A
Autor: Mark Meili
Paper: Hotellerie Gastronomie Zeitung HGZ
Reading time: 1 Min

Transparency and Sustainability

Until now, only large corporations are required to comply with sustainability reporting regulations in Switzerland. This is about to change. There is also increasing pressure from suppliers and customers, who are demanding that companies declare their sources of supply, supply chains and sustainability strategy. In the current issue of Hotellerie Gastronomie, Mark Meili provides an overview of the relevant developments in the area of sustainability reporting. 

Label: Highlight
Subject: Insolvency & Restructuring
Autor: Daniel Hayek, Mark Meili, Shannon Sangiorgio, Oliver Jany
Reading time: 1 Min

Prager Dreifuss advises trustee of a U.S. Chapter 11 Bankruptcy Process on recognition in Switzerland

On October 3, 2024, the Zurich District Court recognized, for the first time, the trustee of a U.S. Chapter 11 bankruptcy proceeding as a foreign bankruptcy administrator in Switzerland, while waiving the auxiliary bankruptcy proceedings. The trustee may now, subject to Swiss law, exercise all powers in Switzerland to which he is entitled under U.S. law, in accordance with Article 174a, Paragraph 4 of the Swiss Private International Law Act (PILA). Notably, this includes the right to obtain information about the debtor’s assets in Switzerland and the right to transfer these assets abroad.

Subject: Insolvency & Restructuring
Autor: Daniel Hayek, Mark Meili
Paper: The Insolvency Review
Reading time: 2 Min

Distinctive features of Swiss insolvency laws

Daniel Hayek and Mark Meili published the Swiss chapter in the latest edition of The Insolvency Review. In this chapter, the authors give an overview of the distinctive features of Swiss insolvency laws and explain which new duties arise for boards of directors according to the revised Swiss company law. Mr. Hayek and Mr. Meili also discuss what revisions will enter into force on 1 January 2025 in Switzerland.

Label: Highlight
Subject: Corporate & M&A
Autor: Daniel Hayek, Mark Meili, Guy Deillon, Markus Seglias, Frédéric Gante

Prager Dreifuss advises a founder and seller on the sale of a majority stake in Acronis AG to EQT

Subject: Insolvency & Restructuring
Autor: Daniel Hayek, Mark Meili
Reading time: 10 Min
Paper: Lexology

In-Depth: Restructuring

In the latest issue of "In-Depth: Restructuring", Daniel Hayek and Mark Meili provide an overview of the special features of Swiss restructuring laws.

Subject: Banking & Finance, Insolvency & Restructuring, Real Estate & Construction
Autor: Mark Meili
Paper: Prestige Business
Reading time: 2 Min

Lessons learned from the Signa insolvency

Companies often finance themselves through debt. Lenders will ask for collateral as protection against default. In principle, real estate is a proven and suitable type of collateral. In the current issue of Prestige Business, Mark Meili explains which risks must nevertheless be taken into account and why parties should also consider other forms of collateral.

Subject: Tax
Autor: Mark Meili
Paper: Hotellerie Gastronomie Zeitung HGZ
Reading time: 2 Min

«The check please!» - on the taxation of tips

The taxation of tips in the hospitality industry is a regular source of discussion. In the current issue of Hotellerie Gastronomie, Mark Meili explains what rules need to be observed.

Subject: Banking & Finance
Autor: Daniel Hayek, Mark Meili
Paper: The International Comparative Legal Guide
Reading time: 5 Min

The International Comparative Legal Guide: Project Finance 2024 Switzerland

In the 2024 edition of the International Comparative Legal Guide to Project Finance, Daniel Hayek and Mark Meili discuss common issues in project finance laws and regulations in Switzerland – including security, bankruptcy, restrictions on investments, insurance and arbitration.

Subject: Insolvency & Restructuring
Autor: Daniel Hayek, Mark Meili
Paper: Financier Worldwide
Reading time: 4 Min

INDEPTH FEATURE: Financier Worldwide: Bankruptcy & Restructuring 2024

In the 2024 edition of the InDepth Feature: Bankruptcy & Restructuring, Daniel Hayek and Mark Meili provide an overview of the current economic situation in Switzerland and the latest trends in bankruptcy and restructuring. The authors examine how the merger between UBS and Credit Suisse may have prevented a major bankruptcy and provide insights on the financial difficulties of the Signa group. Finally, Daniel Hayek and Mark Meili discuss their expectations on how restructuring and bankruptcy activity in Switzerland will unfold for the remainder of the year, and beyond.

Subject: Insolvency & Restructuring
Autor: Daniel Hayek, Mark Meili
Paper: Financier Worldwide
Reading time: 3 Min

Restructuring and a distressed M&A - a Swiss perspective

In the February 2024 edition of Financier Worldwide, Daniel Hayek and Mark Meili discuss the latest trends in the restructuring market in Switzerland as well as developments in the area of distressed M&A. The panellists also look at how recent statutory revisions have had an effect on bankruptcies. Finally, Daniel Hayek and Mark Meili discuss their expectations on how restructuring and distressed M&A activity in Switzerland will unfold for the remainder of the year.

Subject: Corporate & M&A
Autor: Daniel Hayek, Mark Meili
Paper: Lexology Getting the Deal Through
Reading time: 5 Min

Getting The Deal Through: Joint Ventures 2024 – Switzerland

In this article of Getting The Deal Through, Daniel Hayek and Mark Meili outline the statutory framework for joint ventures in Switzerland and discuss current trends in this area.

Subject: Insolvency & Restructuring
Autor: Daniel Hayek, Mark Meili
Paper: The Insolvency Review
Reading time: 5 Min

The Insolvency Review 2023: Switzerland

Daniel Hayek and Mark Meili published the Swiss chapter in the latest edition of The Insolvency Review. In this chapter, the authors give an overview of the distinctive features of Swiss insolvency laws and explain which new duties arise for boards of directors according to the revised Swiss company law.

Subject: Insolvency & Restructuring
Autor: Daniel Hayek, Mark Meili
Paper: The Restructuring Review
Reading time: 25 Min

The Restructuring Review 2023: Switzerland

In the latest issue of "The Restructuring Review", Daniel Hayek and Mark Meili provide an overview of the special features of Swiss restructuring law.

Subject: Corporate & M&A, Private Clients, Tax
Autor: Mark Meili, Markus Seglias
Paper: Prestige Business
Reading time: 3 Min

Corporate succession planing

In this issue of Prestige Business, Mark Meili and Markus Seglias discuss corporate succession planning and what legal and tax issues need to be considered.

Subject: Privacy policy
Autor: Mark Meili
Paper: Hotellerie Gastronomie Zeitung HGZ
Reading time: 3 Min

New data protection law: what to bear in mind

Subject: Insolvency & Restructuring
Autor: Daniel Hayek, Mark Meili

INDEPTH FEATURE: Financier Worldwide: Bankruptcy & Restructuring 2023

In the 2023 edition of the InDepth Feature: Bankruptcy & Restructuring, Daniel Hayek and Mark Meili provide an overview of the current economic situation in Switzerland and the latest trends in bankruptcy and restructuring. The authors examine how the merger between UBS and Credit Suisse may have prevented a major bankruptcy. Finally, Daniel Hayek and Mark Meili discuss their expectations on how restructuring and bankruptcy activity in Switzerland will unfold for the remainder of the year.

Subject: Banking & Finance
Autor: Daniel Hayek, Mark Meili
Paper: The International Comparative Legal Guide

The International Comparative Legal Guide: Project Finance 2023 Switzerland

In the 2023 edition of the International Comparative Legal Guide to Project Finance, Daniel Hayek and Mark Meili discuss common issues in project finance laws and regulations in Switzerland – including security, bankruptcy, restrictions on investments, insurance and arbitration.

Label: Highlight
Subject: Dispute Resolution, Litigation
Autor: Daniel Hayek, Mark Meili
Paper: NZZ
Reading time: 4 Min

How companies sue states

Enforcing claims requires staying power.

Subject: Private Clients
Autor: Mark Meili

Revision of inheritance law and company succession

In the latest issue of "UnternehmerZeitung", Mark Meili provides an overview of the revision of Swiss inheritance law and its effects on company succession.

Subject: Private Clients
Autor: Mark Meili

Settle the succession already during lifetime

In the current issue of the "Hotellerie Gastronomie Zeitung" Mark Meili elaborates on the revision of Swiss inheritance law and what problems arise in the context of company succession.

Subject: Insolvency & Restructuring
Autor: Daniel Hayek, Mark Meili

The Insolvency Review 2022: Switzerland

Daniel Hayek and Mark Meili published the Swiss chapter in the latest edition of The Insolvency Review. In this chapter, the authors give an overview of the distinctive features of Swiss insolvency laws and explain why the number of bankruptcies has started to increase despite the financial measures taken by the Swiss government in connection with the covid-19 crisis.

Subject: Corporate & M&A
Autor: Daniel Hayek, Mark Meili

Getting The Deal Through: Joint Ventures 2023 – Switzerland

In this article of Getting The Deal Through, Daniel Hayek and Mark Meili outline the statutory framework for joint ventures in Switzerland and discuss current trends in this area.

Subject: Banking & Finance, Corporate & M&A, Insolvency & Restructuring, Startups
Autor: Mark Meili

Rising Star 2022 for Corporate/M&A/Private Equity by IFLR/Euromoneys Expert Guides

We are delighted to announce that our Counsel Mark Meili has been named a Rising Star 2022 for Corporate/M&A/Private Equity by IFLR/Euromoney's Expert Guides.

Subject: Corporate & M&A
Autor: Daniel Hayek, Mark Meili

Corporate restructuring under revised Swiss company law

The revised Swiss company law will enter into force on January 1, 2023. Daniel Hayek and Mark Meili explain the consequences of changes to Swiss company law in relation to corporate restructuring, and how shareholders and lenders involved in company restructures can protect their interests before and after January 1, 2023.

Subject: Insolvency & Restructuring
Autor: Daniel Hayek, Mark Meili
Paper: The Restructuring Review

The Restructuring Review 2022: Switzerland

In the latest issue of "The Restructuring Review", Daniel Hayek and Mark Meili provide an overview of the special features of Swiss restructuring law.

Subject: Employment & Pensions
Autor: Mark Meili
Paper: Hotellerie Gastronomie Zeitung HGZ

News on short-time working

The Swiss Federal Supreme Court recently ruled that companies received too little short-time working compensation for employees on monthly wages. In the current issue of the Hotellerie Gastronomie Zeitung Mark Meili explains what to bear in mind in the case of claims for restitution.

Subject: Banking & Finance
Autor: Daniel Hayek, Mark Meili

The International Comparative Legal Guide: Project Finance 2022 Switzerland

In the 2022 edition of the International Comparative Legal Guide to Project Finance, Daniel Hayek and Mark Meili discuss common issues in project finance laws and regulations in Switzerland – including security, bankruptcy, restrictions on investments, insurance and arbitration

Subject: Insolvency & Restructuring
Autor: Daniel Hayek, Mark Meili
Paper: NZZ

Liquidity problems because of Corona loans?

The repayment of due Corona loans can put companies in existential distress. In the 12 May 2022 issue of Neue Zürcher Zeitung, Daniel Hayek and Mark Meili discuss the problem of liquidity shortages and how it relates to the new restructuring law. In particular, it is shown how a liability of the responsible bodies can be avoided. Full article available in German.

Subject: Insolvency & Restructuring
Autor: Daniel Hayek, Mark Meili
Paper: Financier Worldwide

Financier Worldwide: Bankruptcy & Restructuring 2022

In the 2022 edition of the InDepth Feature: Bankruptcy & Restructuring, Daniel Hayek and Mark Meili provide an overview of the current economic situation in Switzerland and the latest trends in bankruptcy and restructuring. The authors also discuss their expectations on how restructuring and bankruptcy activity in Switzerland will unfold for the remainder of the year.

Subject: Corporate & M&A
Autor: Daniel Hayek, Mark Meili

Getting The Deal Through: Joint Ventures 2022 – Switzerland

In this article of Getting The Deal Through, Daniel Hayek and Mark Meili outline the statutory framework for joint ventures in Switzerland and discuss current trends in this area.

Subject: Employment & Pensions, Loans / Covid 19
Autor: Mark Meili

UnternehmerZeitung November 2021

In the latest issue of "UnternehmerZeitung", Mark Meili provides an overview of health protection at the workplace and the implementation of home office and compulsory certificates.

Subject: Insolvency & Restructuring
Autor: Daniel Hayek, Mark Meili

The Insolvency Review 2021: Switzerland

Daniel Hayek and Mark Meili published the Swiss chapter in the latest edition of The Insolvency Review. In this chapter, the authors give an overview of the distinctive features of Swiss insolvency laws and explain why the number of bankruptcies is still low despite the covid-19 crisis.

Subject: Banking & Finance
Autor: Daniel Hayek, Mark Meili

A guide to cross-border financing in Switzerland

Daniel Hayek and Mark Meili look at the rules, practicalities and latest developments in what continues to be a friendly, but recently more challenging environment for cross-border financing.

Subject: Insolvency & Restructuring
Autor: Daniel Hayek, Mark Meili

The Restructuring Review 2021: Switzerland

In the latest issue of "The Restructuring Review", Daniel Hayek and Mark Meili provide an overview of the special features of Swiss restructuring law.

Subject: Insolvency & Restructuring
Autor: Daniel Hayek, Mark Meili
Paper: The International Comparative Legal Guide

The International Comparative Legal Guide: Project Finance 2021 Switzerland

In the 2021 edition of the International Comparative Legal Guide to Project Finance, Daniel Hayek and Mark Meili discuss common issues in project finance laws and regulations in Switzerland – including security, bankruptcy, restrictions on investments, insurance and arbitration.

Subject: Insolvency & Restructuring
Autor: Daniel Hayek, Mark Meili
Paper: Financier Worldwide
Reading time: 5 Min

Financier Worldwide: Bankruptcy & Restructuring 2021

In the 2021 edition of the InDepth Feature: Bankruptcy & Restructuring 2021, Daniel Hayek and Mark Meili provide an overview of the current economic situation in Switzerland in times of COVID-19 and its impact on corporate bankruptcies and insolvencies. The authors also discuss trends in cross-border restructurings and explain developments in distressed M&A transactions.

Subject: Insolvency & Restructuring
Autor: Daniel Hayek, Mark Meili
Reading time: 5 Min

Issues with the recognition of foreign restructuring plans in Switzerland

On 26 March 2021 the High Court in London sanctioned gategroup's Part 26A restructuring plan. The plan also comprised the Swiss law governed bonds, even though they were issued by a Luxembourg entity and guaranteed by the Swiss gategroup parent. The question remains whether bondholders can still enforce the bonds against the Swiss parent according to its original terms or whether the Part 26A restructuring plan prevents the enforcement of such claims in Switzerland? 

Subject: Insolvency & Restructuring
Autor: Mark Meili
Paper: UnternehmerZeitung
Reading time: 5 Min

How entrepreneurs avoid insolvency

The SMEs are the backbone of our economy but suffer the most from the measures taken by the authorities during the Corona crisis.

In his article Mark Meili explains what ways and means there are for SMEs to defend themselves against possible hardship with existing legal instruments.

Subject: Loans / Covid 19
Autor: Mark Meili
Paper: Salz & Pfeffer
Reading time: 5 Min

Avoiding insolvency

The restaurant sector was hit hard by the Corona crisis. In the current issue of Salz & Pfeffer, Mark Meili discusses instruments for affected companies to avoid insolvency.

Subject: Insolvency & Restructuring
Autor: Daniel Hayek, Mark Meili
Reading time: 6 Min

The gategroup restructuring: a creative procedure under review

gategroup has proposed a Part 26A in the United Kingdom to restructure its financing arrangements which concern various jurisdictions. In this month's newsletter, Daniel Hayek and Mark Meili discuss the background to this procedure and what questions arise in the context of this cross-border restructuring.

Subject: Insolvency & Restructuring
Autor: Daniel Hayek, Mark Meili
Paper: PD Newsletter
Reading time: 4 Min

Recognition of a Part 26A Restructuring Plan in Switzerland and the EU

In June 2020, the U.K. introduced the so-called Part 26A restructuring plan. This new type of restructuring plan has the potential to become highly relevant for the restructuring of international corporations. To the best of our knowledge, two Part 26A restructuring plans have been sanctioned by English courts so far. However, the extensive possibilities to restrict creditors' rights under such a restructuring plan may create challenges for its recognition in other jurisdictions. Further, as the U.K. is going to leave the EU at the end of 2020, Brexit may create additional problems for the recognition of a Part 26A restructuring plan in Switzerland and other European countries.

Subject: Insolvency & Restructuring
Autor: Daniel Hayek, Mark Meili
Paper: The Insolvency Review
Reading time: 12 Min

The Insolvency Review 2020: Switzerland

Daniel Hayek and Mark Meili published the Swiss chapter in the latest edition of The Insolvency Review. In this chapter, the authors give an overview of the distinctive features of Swiss insolvency laws and current trends.

Subject: Corporate & M&A
Autor: Daniel Hayek, Mark Meili
Paper: Getting The Deal Through
Reading time: 10 Min

Getting The Deal Through: Joint Ventures 2021 - Switzerland

In this article of Getting The Deal Through, Daniel Hayek and Mark Meili outline the statutory framework for joint ventures in Switzerland and discuss current trends in this area.

Subject: Insolvency & Restructuring
Autor: Daniel Hayek, Mark Meili
Paper: PD Newsletter
Reading time: 3 Min

Expiry of Measures against Bankruptcies – Revival of Duties of Board of Directors

On 14 October 2020, the Federal Council decided not to extend themeasures against bankruptcies caused by COVID-19. The resulting consequences are explained in this newsletter.

Subject: Corporate & M&A
Autor: Mark Meili, Manuel Vogler
Paper: IFLR Capital Markets

IFLR: Switzerland restricts bearer shares

Subject: Insolvency & Restructuring
Autor: Daniel Hayek, Mark Meili
Paper: The Restructuring Review

The Restructuring Review 2020: Switzerland

Label: Highlight
Subject: Loans / Covid 19
Autor: Daniel Hayek, Mark Meili
Paper: NZZ
Reading time: 4 Min

What comes after the bridging loan?

Subject: Insolvency & Restructuring
Autor: Daniel Hayek, Mark Meili
Paper: Financier Worldwide

Financier Worldwide: Bankruptcy & Restructuring 2020

Subject: Loans / Covid 19
Autor: Daniel Hayek, Mark Meili
Paper: PD Newsletter

New measures in case of imminent or identified over-indebtedness of companies

Subject: Loans / Covid 19
Autor: Daniel Hayek, Mark Meili
Paper: PD Newsletter

Consequences of the coronavirus - Contract adjustment and restructuring

Subject: Banking & Finance
Autor: Daniel Hayek, Mark Meili
Paper: The International Comparative Legal Guide

The International Comparative Legal Guide: Project Finance 2020 Switzerland

Subject: Insolvency & Restructuring
Autor: Daniel Hayek, Mark Meili
Paper: The Insolvency Review

The Insolvency Review 2019: Switzerland

Subject: Banking & Finance
Autor: Daniel Hayek, Mark Meili
Paper: IFLR

A guide to cross-border financing in Switzerland

Subject: Insolvency & Restructuring
Autor: Daniel Hayek, Mark Meili
Paper: The Restructuring Review

The Restructuring Review 2019: Switzerland

Subject: Insolvency & Restructuring
Autor: Daniel Hayek, Mark Meili
Paper: Financier Worldwide

Annual Review Bankruptcy & Restructuring

Subject: Banking & Finance
Autor: Daniel Hayek, Mark Meili
Paper: The International Comparative Legal Guide

The International Comparative Legal Guide: Project Finance 2019 Switzerland

Subject: Dispute Resolution
Autor: Daniel Hayek, Mark Meili
Paper: IFLR

IFLR: New law for the recogntion of foreign insolvency decrees in Switzerland

Autor: Daniel Hayek, Mark Meili
Paper: The Lawyer

Brexit: Why the UK may consider taking the Swiss approach

Autor: Urs Feller, Mark Meili
Paper: SJZ

Swiss Request for Conciliation in Euro-International Relations