Credit Suisse has poached an eminent mergers and acquisitions expert from KPMG Switzerland. He will advise on transactions involving medium-sized Swiss companies.
Credit Suisse hired Patrik Kerler for its mid-market M&A team in Switzerland, the bank said in a statement on Friday. Kerler, who was partner and head of M&A at KPMG Switzerland, began at Credit Suisse today.
For Kerler, the move signifies a return. He started his career at Credit Suisse First Boston in the M&A department, before moving to Pury Pictet Turrettini & Co. He has a PhD in economics from University of Zurich.
High M&A Demand in Switzerland
During his career, Kerler, 48, advised on dozens of transactions. Heinz Hasler, the head of mid-market investment banking Switzerland at Credit Suisse, said that Kerler would add great know-how to the team and help the company expand its dominant position.
The environment for mid-market M&A in Switzerland is very positive, Credit Suisse also said. Consolidation, demand for tech-driven acquisitions and succession planning are driving demand.
