Baloise Merges with Helvetia in Monumental CHF 20 Billion Deal
Deal News | Apr 22, 2025 | Legal Community Swiss
In a move set to create a significant impact in the insurance industry, Baloise and Helvetia, two prominent Swiss composite insurance firms, have announced a merger, joining forces under the new name, Helvetia Baloise Holding. Together, these two entities represent a business volume of approximately CHF 20 billion across eight countries, including a global specialty business division. The transaction, structured as a statutory merger under the Swiss Merger Act, anticipates completion pending customary conditions by the fourth quarter of 2025. This merger aims to strengthen their market position and expand international reach. Legal advisors from Lenz & Staehelin are representing Baloise, while Walder Wyss, alongside Clifford Chance on international matters, advises Helvetia.
Sectors
- Insurance
- Mergers and Acquisitions
Geography
- Switzerland – The main companies involved in the merger, Baloise and Helvetia, are Swiss, and the transaction is taking place under Swiss law. The merger has notable implications for the Swiss market and is subject to Swiss regulatory approval.
Industry
- Insurance – The article involves a merger between two major Swiss composite insurance groups, Baloise and Helvetia. The insurance industry is central as the combined entity will operate in several countries, focusing on both local and global specialty insurance markets.
- Mergers and Acquisitions – This industry classification is relevant as the article discusses a major merger deal under the Swiss Merger Act, involving complex advisory roles in M&A law to bring two large entities together.
Financials
- CHF 20 billion – The combined business volume of Baloise and Helvetia following the merger.
Participants
| Name | Role | Type | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| Baloise | Merging Company | Company | Baloise is one of the major composite insurance companies in Switzerland, combining with Helvetia to form a larger entity. |
| Helvetia | Merging Company | Company | Helvetia is a leading Swiss composite insurance company merging with Baloise to form Helvetia Baloise Holding. |
| Lenz & Staehelin | Legal Advisor to Baloise | Company | Lenz & Staehelin is a law firm serving as lead counsel for Baloise in this merger transaction. |
| Walder Wyss | Legal Advisor to Helvetia | Company | Walder Wyss is a Swiss law firm advising Helvetia on Swiss law aspects of the merger. |
| Clifford Chance | International Legal Advisor to Helvetia | Company | Clifford Chance is advising Helvetia on non-Swiss law aspects involved in the merger. |