Ion Eglin

Bratschi AG

Zug

ion.eglin@bratschi.ch Tel: +41 58 258 18 00

Biography

Ion is a partner and the chairman of Bratschi Ltd, a leading Swiss law firm with approximately 100 lawyers with seven offices across Switzerland. His practice has been strongly focused on hospitality law for many years: he is involved in many national and international hotel development projects and advises hotel operators and hotel owners on the various types of hotel agreements as well as investors and hotel owners on hotel transactions.

What attracted you to a career in hospitality?

First of all, I am and always was fascinated by hotels. The industry is very attractive because it includes many different aspects beyond the legal framework, such as tourism, architecture, interior design, branding or F&B concepts. The collaboration with all these experts on national and international hotel development projects is very diverse, rewarding and constantly broadens my horizon.

What did you find most challenging about entering the hospitality sector?

The industry is relatively small, the major players know each other. But it takes time and work history to be recognised and to be visible in this community, but that is the same in other sectors, I assume.

What do hotel owners and operators look for in an effective adviser?

They usually appreciate a solution-oriented, pragmatic and balanced approach because both parties want to develop the hotel and start the business together. It is a platitude, but also very true that owners and operators are in the same boat in the end – which has been proven again in the covid-19 crisis. And it is certainly a benefit to have an adviser with knowledge of the industry standards, numbers and the benchmarks. This requires some experience, in addition to your legal skills, of course.

On what matters have clients been coming to you with most recently?

After many, many addendums to hotel lease and hotel management agreements due to the covid-19 crisis, the industry faces now new challenges, such as higher construction costs, higher energy costs, inflation, shortage of personnel, more expensive debt financing or sustainability and ESG requirements, to name just a few. Not all of these challenges can be resolved by legal means, of course, but all of them have legal consequences or require legal documentation. What are the advantages of having diverse geographical and sector experience? What benefits does it deliver to clients?

As a law firm, it is an advantage to have seven offices in Switzerland because we are experienced and regionally connected with the local authorities, which is very helpful for construction or zoning matters. Plus, with approximately 100 lawyers we have experts for all related fields, such as taxes, employment law etc., which the clients can consult at any time.

What effect will the economic downturn and supply chain issues have on the hospitality sector?

This depends on the region and the kind of travels and tourism. In Europe, we already face delays in construction and in production and, as a consequence, delayed openings and additional costs. The higher energy costs will be a challenge in the coming winter, in particular in mountain resorts. On the revenue side, I expect to see a decrease in the mid-budget segment, but – same as during the covid-19 crisis – not necessarily in the luxury sector.

You have enjoyed a very distinguished career so far. What would you like to achieve that you have not yet accomplished?

This summer, we have successfully launched a new event in Zurich, the “Swiss Hospitality Investment Club”. I would like to further develop this format and to see it become the yearly not-to-miss fixture for all major investors, hotel owners and hotel operators for Switzerland and the DACH region.

What is the best piece of advice you’ve ever received?

Stay curious, never stop learning. And, very simple, but never forget: Trust your instincts.

WWL says: Ion Eglin has “seen it all in the hospitality industry”, according to clients who praise his “great know-how and successfocused advice”.