The consulting firm Saxenhammer, specializing in small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), has opened its first Swiss office in Zurich. This move responds to increasing demand from the Swiss SME sector and aims to bridge the gap between Swiss SMEs and the DACH investment market, according to a statement released on Thursday.

From its Zurich base, the firm intends to offer SMEs across Switzerland «locally anchored yet internationally experienced M&A advisory services on equal footing.»

«Top-tier Network in the DACH Region»

The Zurich office will be led by Andreas Pöllen, who brings extensive experience in corporate finance and M&A. Previously with Edmond de Rothschild, Pöllen is said to possess an exceptional network connecting companies, investors, and financial specialists in Switzerland and the DACH region. His mission, alongside his team, is to deliver tailored solutions to Swiss SMEs in areas such as valuation, succession planning, acquisitions, sales, and financing.

Christian Saxenhammer, CEO, remarked, «The Alpine region is one of the strongest economic areas in the world, characterized by innovation and stability. Despite a positive investment environment, Swiss SMEs face growing challenges. The pressure for expansion and transformation is increasing the demand for reliable and transparent M&A strategies. The close economic ties between Switzerland and Germany, which have a long tradition, are therefore more important than ever.»

Shift in Lending to Alternative Providers

Pöllen added, «The attractive, internationally competitive Swiss M&A market is increasingly dominated by large global players, who often lack the ideal structures and necessary understanding of the local SME culture and the concerns of the Swiss Mittelstand. Saxenhammer provides a clear alternative by focusing on M&A deals in the CHF 10 to 100 million range, unlike major investment banks and private equity firms.»

Additionally, lending practices are shifting from traditional banks to alternative providers with financing models unfamiliar to SMEs. «We are well-versed in this area as well,» Pöllen noted.

CS Exit a Possible Factor?

It is not clear from the statement whether Saxenhammer’s decision was influenced by the exit of Credit Suisse (CS), a key player in SME financing, from the Swiss market. However, the reshuffling of the corporate financing landscape in Switzerland is likely to have accelerated rather than hindered the firm’s expansion into the country.