17 June 2025 – The Jacobs Foundation, one of the world’s leading foundations supporting child development and evidence-based education, and Jacobs Holding, a leading professional investment firm, transition from a historically intertwined setup to two independent institutions.

The Jacobs Foundation will assume full control over its assets. In this context, Jacobs Holding, backed by members of the Jacobs Family, repurchased the equity interests previously held by the Jacobs Foundation. This adjustment enables the Foundation to implement an independent asset management strategy aligned with its philanthropic objectives, while Jacobs Holding can concentrate on its investment activities. The transaction was subject to the satisfaction of customary closing conditions, including receipt of approvals from the competent authorities.

Walder Wyss advised the Jacobs Foundation on the transaction. The team has been led by Markus Vischer (Partner, Corporate/M&A) and Urs P. Gnos (Partner, Corporate/M&A) and included Lukas Wyss (Partner, Finance), Maurus Winzap (Partner, Tax), Stefan Walder (Counsel, Real Estate), Michael Kündig (Managing Associate, Corporate/M&A), Fabian Akeret (Senior Associate, Corporate/M&A) and Valentin Freiermuth (Associate, Finance).