Swiss and other private banks have been keen to differentiate their wealth offering and find fresh revenues by tailoring services, specifically towards ultra-wealthy business owners. In REYL's case, a close working relationship with businesses is part of the mix.

REYL & Cie, the Geneva-based private banking house, says that it has broken new ground in its corporate advisory role, working as sole lead manager on a capital increase for a Swiss real estate company. The business is called Varia Europe Properties. 

The first day of trading of Varia Europe’s new registered shares and their delivery took place on 13 December on the BX Swiss exchange. The gross proceeds totalled more than SFr29 million ($29.6 million). 

“This transaction is a further milestone in the development of our corporate advisory and structuring offering, particularly in equity capital markets where our team is able to offer a wide range of services to Swiss and international corporate clients,” Xavier Ledru, deputy head of corporate advisory and structuring at REYL & Cie, said.

The bank, a relative newcomer in Switzerland (founded in 1973) has made a point of offering corporate advisory, highlighting how many high net worth and ultra-HNW individuals’ wealth is closely bound up with their business interests. It recently overhauled its business lines, as reported here.

Thomas Fontaine, head of entrepreneur and family office services at REYL & Cie, added: “REYL’s participation in Varia Europe’s capital increase demonstrates the efficiency of our entrepreneur and family office services division’s 360-degree strategy to originate new clients to the group.”