SWITZERLAND Trends and Developments Contributed by: Nicolas Wehrli and Melanie Wilhelm, Loyens & Loeff
aligned with EU and Council of Europe standards. Currently, AI in Switzerland is governed by existing laws on data protection, non-discrimination, and personality rights, supplemented by federal guide- lines issued in 2020. See also 1.1 Energy and Infrastructure M&A Market and 6.1 Significant Court Decisions or Legal Devel - opments in the Switzerland Law and Practice chapter in this Guide. Outlook Looking ahead to 2026, several interrelated factors are expected to shape M&A activity in Switzerland’s energy and infrastructure sectors. • Energy transition as a core driver – the ongoing shift toward decarbonisation will remain central to M&A activity. Swiss companies are expected to continue investing in renewable energy projects and divesting from fossil fuel assets, both to com- ply with Switzerland’s climate commitments and to capitalise on growth opportunities. More acquisi- tions of wind, solar, and hydroelectric assets are anticipated, both domestically and across Europe, as firms align their portfolios with national and EU climate goals. The emergence of new technologies, such as battery storage and hydrogen, will likely create additional deal flow as companies seek to diversify and future-proof their energy mix. • Digital infrastructure and smart technologies – M&A in digital infrastructure, including data centres, smart grids, and energy management platforms, is expected to accelerate as Switzerland enhances its digital capabilities. Companies will continue to invest in technologies that improve energy effi- ciency, optimise grid performance, and enable the integration of distributed energy resources. The growing importance of cybersecurity and data privacy may also influence deal structures and due diligence processes.
• Electrification of transport and mobility solutions – the rapid rise of EVs and the corresponding need for charging infrastructure will create new oppor- tunities for M&A in both the transport and energy sectors. Swiss companies are likely to invest in EV charging networks, smart charging solutions, and integrated mobility platforms, positioning them- selves for the future of electric mobility and the convergence of energy and transport markets. • Private equity and institutional investment – private equity firms and institutional investors are expect- ed to play an increasingly prominent role in Swiss infrastructure M&A, particularly in the renewable energy, digital infrastructure, and transport sectors. These investments will be driven by the long-term, stable returns that infrastructure assets provide, as well as the growing demand for sustainable invest- ment opportunities. Competition for high-quality assets is likely to intensify, potentially driving up valuations and increasing the complexity of trans- actions. • Policy, regulation, and global trends – the regulato- ry environment will remain a key factor influencing M&A activity. Ongoing legislative developments, such as the implementation of the EU Electricity Agreement, evolving FDI screening rules, and the impact of the EU AI Act, may affect cross-border transactions and investor confidence. Additionally, global economic conditions, supply chain dynam- ics, and geopolitical developments could introduce new risks or opportunities for market participants. Overall, Switzerland’s energy and infrastructure sec- tors are poised for significant growth in M&A activity as the country continues its transition to a low-carbon, digitalised economy. While challenges such as regula- tory uncertainty, competition for assets, and market volatility persist, the outlook for 2026 remains posi- tive, supported by sustained investment in renewable energy, digital infrastructure, and electric mobility, as well as a strong commitment to innovation and sus- tainability.
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