Benedict F. Christ. General. Education. Teams

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1 Benedict F. Christ Dr., LL.M. Attorney at Law Partner Languages: German, English, Spanish, French Contact: , General Benedict F. Christ, LL.M. is Co-Head of the Corporate/M&A practice group. He joined VISCHER in 2002 and specializes in mergers & acquisitions, banking, finance, contracts and corporate law. Benedict has a wealth of transactional experience and advises regularly on real estate, private equity, structured finance and capital market matters. Education - University of Freiburg i.ue. (lic. iur. with focus on EU law, 1996; Dr. iur., 1999) - Manchester Metropolitan University (1995) - New York University (LL.M. in Comparative Jurisprudence, 2001) - Bar Admission (Basel 2000, New York 2002) Teams Aviation, Banking and Finance, Corporate and Commercial, Energy, Information and Communication Technology, Listed Companies, Mergers & Acquisitions, Private Equity, Venture Capital, Corporate Finance, Real Estate, Restructuring and Insolvency 1/9

2 Practice Areas Aviation, Banking Law, Bankruptcy Law, Communication Law, Energy Law, Financing, Information Law, Insolvency Law, M&A, Private Equity, Real Estate, Restructuring and Reorganisation, Venture Capital References Best Lawyers Switzerland 2018 Recommended for Mergers and Acquisitions Law Who's Who Legal (Switzerland 2018) - "Government Contracts" "VISCHER's Benedict Christ is a widely respected figure in the real estate and construction space, where he is frequently engaged in handling contracts and transactional matters on behalf of clients." Legal 500 (EMEA 2018) - "Capital Markets" "Vischer is extremely well connected on an international level and has unique market expertise to deal with complex derivatives and financial instruments. The practice advised Bâloise and Basler Leben on their CHF288m acquisition of majority shares in Pax Anlage, followed by a public takeover offer for the remaining shares; and also supported CRISPR Therapeutics during its $92m IPO on NASDAQ Global Market. The solutionoriented Markus Guggenbühl and Jana Essebier are recommended, as is the responsive Benedict Christ." Legal 500 (EMEA 2018) - "Banking and finance" "Vischer has a very strong financing practice that is pro-active, forwardlooking and creative in generating solutions. The team advised an international bank who acted as a lender in relation to a credit facility granted to an oil and gas company. Practice head Markus Guggenbühl is an outstanding strategic thinker, while insolvency expert Jana Essebier is also recommended. The service-oriented Benedict Christ and Christian Oetiker are the key contacts for banking M&A and litigation." Legal 500 (EMEA 2018) - "Commercial, corporate and M&A" "Vischer is particularly strong in private M&A and private equity transactions for young, fast-growing companies in the healthcare and digital media sectors. The practice advised Symetis on its $435m all-cash acquisition by Boston Scientific and also assisted Anheuser-Busch InBev with the 7.3bn sale of SABMiller s business in Eastern Europe to Asahi. Co-head Jürg Luginbühl and associate Gian-Andrea Caprez are recommended for finding pragmatic and commercial solutions, working exceptionally hard and responding quickly. Other names to note are M&A co-leads Matthias Staehelin and Benedict Christ." Chambers Europe (2018) - "Corporate/M&A" "Clients praise Benedict Christ for his diligence and 'practical approach to resolving difficult issues with the other side.' His practice comprises M&A and general corporate advice, including transactions in the real estate sector. He assisted Bâloise Holding with its CHF 288 million acquisition of a majority stake in Pax Anlage and public tender offer." Chambers Europe/Global (2017) - "Corporate/M&A" "Benedict Christ acts on cross-border M&A transactions and the corporate law elements of real estate transactions. He assisted the Barnes Group with the acquisition of Priamus System Technologies. Clients say he is 'very comfortable with international acquisitions and easy to work with.'" Chambers Europe/Global (2016) - "Corporate/M&A" "Clients praise Benedict Christ for his analytical and negotiation skills as well as responsiveness. He was part of the team that advised Equistone Partners on its acquisition of Unlimited Footwear Group." 2/9

3 Who's Who Legal (Switzerland 2015) - "Construction & Real Estate" "Vischer garners three listings in this edition. Andreas Albrecht specialises in construction projects with expertise in the sale and purchase of properties, assessment of zoning and usage compliance issues, preparation of contracts and the structuring of construction consortiums and joint venture agreements. Benedict Christ has an active real estate practice while Bernhard Christ advises many private clients on their real estate matters." Chambers Europe/Global (2014) - "Corporate/M&A" "Benedict Christ continues to earn market recognition for his corporate/m&a practice. His calm demeanour and solution-driven approach are praised." Who's Who Legal (Switzerland 2014) - "Construction & Real Estate" "Three lawyers from Vischer are selected for inclusion including managing partner Andreas Albrecht. He focuses on large scale construction projects and is praised for his 'ability to handle complex legal issues with absolute ease'. The 'very perceptive' Bernhard Christ is a 'pleasure to work with' and the 'first-class' Benedict Christ is praised for his 'forward-thinking' approach." Legal 500 (EMEA 2014) - "Mergers and acquisitions" "Vischer advised the sellers BioMedInvest, Boehringer Ingelheim Venture Fund, Life Sciences Partners, Novartis Venture Funds and Versant Ventures on the sale of Okairos, a Swiss developer of vaccine technologies, to GlaxoSmithKline. Benedict Christ is an outstanding M&A lawyer with a great understanding of the concerns of the client; he provides business-oriented advice of high value, and his in-depth knowledge of the US legal system is also a great asset." Who's Who Legal (Switzerland 2013) - "Construction & Real Estate" "Vischer AG cements its reputation as a leading Swiss law firm with three inclusions in this chapter. Andreas Albrecht focuses on large-scale construction projects and is experienced in all stages on large-scale constructions projects and is experienced in all stages of their development, including compliance, contractual negotiation and financing agreements. Bernhard Christ specialises in handling estate matters in his capacity as a notary public, and Benedict Christ demonstrates a "wealth of experience" in real estate transactions." Deals Polyphor closes IPO on SIX Swiss Exchange Polyphor, clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company focused on the discovery and development of innovative antibiotics and other specialty pharma products for severe or lifethreatening diseases, set the offer price for its shares in the initial public offering ( IPO ) at CHF 38 per share. The shares of the Company have commenced trading on SIX Swiss Exchange on 15 May The total placement volume, excluding the Greenshoe Option, amounts to CHF 155 million which will primarily be used to fund the continued development of Polyphor s lead product candidate murepavadin towards regulatory approval and further progress the development of balixafortide. 3/9

4 VISCHER AG is acting as Swiss legal counsel to the issuer with Matthias Staehelin (Partner, Corporate) as team leader, Benedict Christ (Partner, Corporate), Angelo Imperiale (Associate, Corporate), Luzius Zumstein (Associate, Corporate), Nadia Tarolli (Partner, Tax) and Adrian Briner (Associate, Tax). Polyphor launches IPO on SIX Swiss Exchange and sets price range Polyphor Ltd, a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company focused on the discovery and development of inno-vative antibiotics and other specialty pharma products for severe or life-threatening diseases, today announces the launch of its initial public offering ( IPO ) and its listing on the SIX Swiss Exchange. The price range for the offered shares has been set at CHF 30 to CHF 40 per share and the Company is targeting gross proceeds of approximately CHF 100 million to CHF 150 million which would primarily be used to fund the continued development of Polyphor s lead product candidate murepavadin towards regulatory approval and further progress the development of balixafortide. The offering is comprised solely of a primary offering with no secondary share sales. VISCHER AG is acting as Swiss legal counsel to the issuer with Matthias Staehelin (Partner, Corporate) as team leader, Benedict Christ (Partner, Corporate), Angelo Imperiale (Associate, Corporate), Luzius Zumstein (Associate, Corporate), Nadia Tarolli (Partner, Tax) and Adrian Briner (Associate, Tax). Poscom closed the sale of its international hotel chain Poscom Ferien Holding AG closed the sale of its international hotel chain operating under the name "Ferienverein", comprising several hotels in Switzerland, Spain and Italy and its own tour operator, to the Saudi Arabian investor Sami Al Angari. VISCHER advised Poscom Ferien Holding AG as lead counsel on all legal aspects of this transaction. The VISCHER team was led by Jürg Luginbühl (Partner, Corporate/M&A) and included Benedict F. Christ (Partner, Corporate/M&A and Real Estate), Gian-Andrea Caprez (Managing Associate, Corporate/M&A) and Rebekka Keller (Associate, Corporate/M&A). Thomas Cook expands hotel portfolio through Aldiana deal Thomas Cook Group plc has acquired a 42 percent stake in tour operator Aldiana from the Swiss investment company LMEY Investments. The transaction is subject to regulatory approval in Germany and Austria. The deal is part of a strategic partnership between Thomas Cook and LMEY Investments, which will allow both companies to further invest into vacation clubs and hotel complexes. Aldiana currently operates eight club resorts located in Spain, Greece, Cyprus, Tunisia and Austria. Upon completion of this transaction, Thomas Cook will enlarge its portfolio to 190 hotels and resorts in 17 countries worldwide. VISCHER advised Thomas Cook as Swiss counsel. The team included under the lead of partner Dr. Benedict F. Christ Dr. Peter Kühn and David Weber. Persistent Systems acquires PARX Persistent Systems (BSE and NSE: PERSISTENT) acquires PARX, a Salesforce Certified Platinum Partner in the DACH market of Germany, Austria and Switzerland that focuses on its customers business models, strategic and operational objectives. This marks a continuing global expansion for Persistent and broadens its global reach and strengthens its position in Europe. VISCHER advises Persistent. The VISCHER team led by partner Benedict F. Christ included Peter Kühn, Aron Waltuch (corporate/m&a), Florian Schaub 4/9

5 (employment) and Delia Bosshard (IP). Baloise acquires around 70 per cent of Pax Anlage AG The purchases announced on 6 January 2017 by Baloise Life Ltd, a subsidiary of Bâloise Holding Ltd, of three blocks of shares amounting to around 70 per cent of the share capital and voting rights of Pax Anlage AG from Pax Holding (cooperative), PAX, Schweizerische Lebensversicherungs-Gesellschaft AG and Nürnberger Lebensversicherung AG, were completed on 31 March The necessary official approvals for the transaction were issued on 9 February 2017 (by the Swiss Financial Market Supervisory Authority, FINMA) and 2 March 2017 (by the Swiss Competition Commission, WEKO). On 10 March 2017, Baloise published its offer prospectus for the public tender offer for all publicly held registered shares in Pax Anlage. VISCHER advises Baloise. The VISCHER team is led by Partner Benedict F. Christ and included Dr. Peter Kühn (Managing Associate) and Luzius Zumstein (Associate) all corporate/m&a and Klaus Neff (Partner) antitrust. Baloise is to acquire Pax Anlage AG and boosts its real-estate portfolio Baloise is to acquire a majority shareholding in Pax Anlage AG and to make a public takeover offer for the remaining shares. This transaction represents a further expansion of Baloise's real-estate portfolio and Baloise thereby invests up to CHF 288 million of insurance assets in a secure and attractive asset class. The transaction is subject to governmental approvals. VISCHER advises Baloise. The VISCHER team is led by partner Benedict F. Christ and included Peter Kühn, Vincent Reardon, Seraina Tsering, Dominic Wyss und Luzius Zumstein (corporate/m&a), Roland Müller, Peter Hettich, Manuel Blättler, Moritz Jäggy, Rebekka Keller, Reto Marghitola, Elias Mühlemann (real estate), Klaus Neff (anti-trust) and Delia Bosshard (IP). AB InBev sells SABMiller's Eastern European business Anheuser-Busch InBev sells SABMiller's former Eastern Europe Business to Asahi for a purchase price of EUR 7.3 billion. In connection with AB InBev's merger with SABMiller, the European Commission ordered AB InBev to dispose of certain assets. The transaction is expected to close in the first half of VISCHER advised AB InBev regarding the Swiss aspects of the transaction. The VISCHER team was led by Benedict F. Christ (Partner, Corporate) and included Gian-Andrea Caprez (Managing Associate), Seraina Tsering (Senior Associate) und Dr. Rebekka Keller (Associate), all Corporate. Celgene acquires EngMab Celgene (NASDAQ: CELG) has bought Swiss biotech EngMab for USD 600 million. EngMab's focus is on T-cell bispecific antibodies (TCBs). TCBs bind simultaneously to a target on a tumor cell and to the T-cell receptor complex, leading to killing of the malignant cell. EngMab focuses on tumor indications with high medical need. VISCHER advised Celgene. The VISCHER team was led by partner Benedict F. Christ and included Peter Kühn and Dominic Wys Barnes buys Adval Tech's Foboha molds business Barnes Group Inc., an international aerospace and industrial manufacturing and service provider, has entered into an agreement to acquire Adval Tech's molds business (Foboha), focused on the development and manufacture of complex plastic injection molds for packaging, medical, consumer, and automotive applications. The purchase price is CHF 133 million, subject to certain closing adjustments. The acquisition is expected to close in the third quarter of 2016, subject to the receipt of regulatory approvals and the satisfaction of other closing conditions. VISCHER advised Barnes. The VISCHER team was led by partner Benedict F. Christ and included Sebastian Huber, Jonas Gassmann and Dr. Rebekka Keller. Loomis divests general cargo services 5/9

6 Loomis AB has entered into an agreement to divest its general cargo services to Rhenus Alpina AG. The general cargo services were acquired as part of the VIA MAT acquisition in The divested operations offer international cargo services by air, sea, road and rail and is deemed none-core for Loomis. VISCHER advised Loomis. The VISCHER team was led by Dr. Benedict F. Christ (Partner), Gian-Andrea Caprez (Managing Associate) und Dr. Rebekka Keller (Associate). Barnes Group acquires Priamus System Technologies Barnes Group Inc., an international industrial and aerospace manufacturer and service Provider listed on the New York stock exchange, has acquired Swiss privately held Priamus System Technologies, a technology leader in the development of advanced process control systems for the plastic injection molding industry. The VISCHER Team, led by Dr. Benedict F. Christ (Partner) advised the buyer Barnes and included Gian-Andrea Caprez (Managing Associate), Sebastian Huber (Associate) all Corporate and Delia Fehr-Bosshard (Associate) IP. Equistone Partners Europe Fund IV acquires Unlimited Footwear Group VISCHER advises Equistone in the acquisition of Unlimited Footwear Group. The VISCHER Team includes Jürg Luginbühl, Benedict Christ, Klaus Neff, Manuel Ulrich and Sebastian Huber. Sale and lease-back of kneipp-hof's operating real estate Credit Suisse Real Estate Fund LivingPlus (CS REF LivingPlus) acquires all operating real estate from kneipp-hof Dussnang which leases the operating real estate back. The VISCHER Team, led by Benedict F. Christ (partner corporate/m&a) advised the seller Kloster Heiligkreuz and included Manuel Ulrich (corporate) and Christoph Niederer (tax). Vamed acquires kneipp-hof Dussnang AG The international health care Provider VAMED (part of the German Fresenius group) extends its Swiss activities and acquires 100 percent of kneipp-hof Dussnang AG. This allows the seller, Kloster Heiligkreuz of Cham, to implement a smooth succession after one hundred years of operating kneipphof. Kneipp-hof is a leading orthopedic rehabilitation center with over 150 beds and a broad medical offering. The VISCHER Team, led by Benedict F. Christ (partner corporate/m&a) advised the seller Kloster Heiligkreuz and included Manuel Ulrich (corporate) and Christoph Niederer (tax). Julius Baer successfully raises additional hybrid tier 1 capital VISCHER advised Julius Baer Group Ltd. in its Placement of additional hybrid Tier 1 capital. After a short book-building process, Julius Baer Group Ltd. has successfully placed CHF 350 Million of subordinated, unsecured debt with private and institutional investors. The perpetual non-cumulative Additional Tier 1 Securities carry a coupon of 4.25%. The additional hybrid tier 1 capital will balance the diminishing Basel III capital recognition of Julius Baer Group s outstanding old style capital instruments (preferred securities and lower tier 2 subordinated unsecured bonds). An application will be made for provisional admission to trading on the SIX Swiss Exchange. The VISCHER Team was led by partners Dr. Markus Guggenbühl and Dr. Benedict F. Christ and included Dr. Peter Kühn and Janusz Marty. Loomis acquires VIA MAT VISCHER advises Loomis, one of the leading cash handling companies, as to Swiss law in ist 100% acquisition of VIA MAT Holding AG ("VIA MAT"). VIA MAT is one of the world?s leading companies in international valuables logistics. 6/9

7 The enterprise value is approximately CHF 200m (EUR 163m). The acquisition enables Loomis to expand its service offering by adding International Services to the existing Cash in Transit and Cash Management Services lines of businesses. The acquisition will make Loomis the market leader in cash handling in Switzerland. The VISCHER team is led by partner Benedict F. Christ and included Matthias Glatthaar (Corporate), Delia Bosshard (IP), Nadia Tarolli (Tax, Pension) and Klaus Neff (Merger Control). Barnes acquires Männer companies VISCHER advises Barnes Group Inc. (NYSE: B) in the acquisition of the subsidiaries of the Otto Männer Holding AG group as to Swiss law. Barnes Group buys the operative companies of the Männer-group for a purchase price of EUR 275 million. Männer is a leading developer and producer of forms for precision tools, hot runner systems and system solutions for the medical, pharmaceutical and packaging industry. The VISCHER team is led by partner Benedict F. Christ and includes Peter Kühn (Corporate), Conradin Cramer (Corporate) and Nicolas Facincani (Banking & Finance). Ansys buys Even VISCHER advises Ansys Inc, a NASDAQ-listed leading simulation software company, in its acquisition of Even? Evolutionary Engineering AG, a Swiss developer of unique optimization methods and tools from the founders and the subsequent restructuring of the target. The team is led by partner Benedict F. Christ and included Gili Fridland (Employment), Benedikt Meier (Corporate) and Conradin Cramer (Corporate). Carlyle acquires Walbro VISCHER advises the Carlyle Group in its acquisition of the Walbro group as to Swiss law. International lead counsel is Morrison Foerster. Walbro is one of the leading manufacturers of carburetors and other engine components.the VISCHER team is led by M&A partner Benedict F. Christ and includes among others tax partner Christoph Niederer and senior associate Andreas Textor (M&A). Sale and Lease Back with Triple-Net Lease VISCHER advises a leading logistics company in its sale of a operationally used property and its lease back by way of a triple net lease. The VISCHER team is led by Benedict F. Christ. Perform acquires RunningBall VISCHER advises the British digital media company Perform in its EUR 120 million acquisition of the RunningBall group as to Swiss law alongside Wiggin LLP. The Swiss headquartered RunningBall group is the global leader in the real-time sports data sector. The VISCHER team is led by M&A partner Benedict F. Christ and includes among others TMT partner Rolf Auf der Maur, tax partner Christoph Niederer and senior associate Andreas Textor (M&A). Riemser invests in Anwerina RIEMSER Arzneimittel AG invests in anwerina AG, a life science company specialized in the development and marketing of innovative orthopedic pharmaceutical and medical products. VISCHER advises anwerina AG in the transaction. The team is led by partner Benedict F. Christ. Goldman Sachs and Doughty Hanson bid for Orange Communications AG Goldman Sachs and Doughty Hanson bid in the 2011 CHF 2bn auction for the Swiss mobile phone operator Orange Communications SA sold by France Telecom, but are finally outbid. VISCHER advises Goldman Sachs and Doughty Hanson in this bid as legal 7/9

8 advisor. The team includes Jürg Luginbühl and Felix W. Egli (co-leaders), Benedict Christ, Peter Kühn, Thomas Krizaj, Christian Wyss and Fabienne Ochsner (all M&A), Adrian Dörig and Andreas Textor (both Financing), Rolf Auf der Maur and Thomas Steiner (both regulatory), Barbara Meyer (labor law), Christoph Niederer (tax), Klaus Neff (antitrust) and Delia Bosshard (IP). Toshiba sells forty percent stake in Landis + Gyr to INCJ VISCHER advises the Japanese electronics manufacturer Toshiba Corporation alongside Mor-rison & Foerster LLP as to Swiss law in its sale of a forty percent equity stake in the innovative Swiss-based meter maker Landis + Gyr to Innovation Network Corporation of Japan (INCJ), a public-private partnership created by the Japanese government. The VISCHER team is led by partner Benedict F. Christ and includes among others Christoph Niederer (Tax) and Fabian Martens (Corporate). Toshiba acquires Landis + Gyr VISCHER advises the Japanese electronics manufacturer Toshiba Corporation alongside Morrison & Foerster LLP as to Swiss law in its acquisition of the entire equity of the innovative Swiss-based meter maker Landis+Gyr for USD 2.3 billion from a large group of private equity investors. The acquisition would substantially enhance the scope of Toshiba's smart grid and smart community businesses and position the company as a global competitor with world-class capabilities. The VISCHER team is led by partner Benedict F. Christ and includes among others Christoph Niederer (Tax), Matthias Glatthaar (Corporate), Fabian Martens (Corporate), Gili Fridland (Employment). Practice - Court Clerk - Associate with Mayer Brown LLP (New York) Memberships in Associations - International Bar Association - Swiss Bar Association - Zurich Bar Association - Basel Bar Association 8/9

9 About VISCHER We effectively support our clients in a solution oriented manner in legal, tax and regulatory matters. Our lawyers, tax experts and notaries are organized in the specialist practice teams listed below, each led by an experienced partner. This enables us to individually tailor our services to meet the requirements of the individual project in the most effective manner. Our offices are located in Zurich and Basel, the two largest business centers of Switzerland. Independence is a key factor for the optimal protection of client interests. We therefore put great value on a very high conflict of interest standard that is no longer obvious in the international legal industry. In order to also remain independent in transborder transactions, we have built up our own global network of foreign law firms enabling us to select our foreign attorneys based exclusively on the requirements of the individual mandates and without having to take into consideration the instructions of a law firm group or a network organization. - Antitrust and Competition - Aviation - Banking and Finance - China Desk - Civil Law Notaries - Compliance Support - Corporate and Commercial - Data & Privacy - Employment Law - Energy - Health Care - Immigration - Information and Communication Technology - Intellectual Property - Life Sciences, Pharma, Biotech - Listed Companies - Litigation, Arbitration - Media and Entertainment - Mergers & Acquisitions - Pension Funds - Private Clients - Private Equity, Venture Capital, Corporate Finance - Public Sector and Regulatory - Real Estate - Restructuring and Insolvency - Sports Law - Startup Desk - Tax - White Collar Crime Zürich VISCHER AG Schützengasse Zürich Switzerland Tel Basel VISCHER AG Aeschenvorstadt Basel Switzerland Tel /9