The Swiss Takeover Board (“TOB“) applies a relaxed standard to modifications of participation plans concerning the target’s board members and executives (“PPs“). This conflicts with the doctrine of ancillary benefits. In a recent newsletter the TOB seemed to announce a change in the doctrine of modifications to PPs in connection with a public offer so as to align it with the doctrine of ancillary benefits. However, in subsequent orders, the TOB has backtracked on its previous announcement.

By Ralph Malacrida (Reference: CapLaw-2023-60)