Private Family Office | Zurich
Calvin Farel Leave a Legacy

Investment Approach

Investment begins with understanding

We invest proprietary capital with a long-term horizon. Each opportunity is considered through its underlying economics, the quality of its ownership and management, and the demands it would place on capital over time.

Soft evening light across Lake Zurich toward a low wooded island

Formats

How we invest

We may invest directly, alongside other families and professional partners, or through selected specialist managers and vehicles. The form of investment should reflect the asset, the intended role of each party and the responsibilities of ownership.

  1. Directly

    Proprietary capital committed by the family office itself, with its role as owner agreed from the outset.

  2. Alongside partners

    Investments shared with other families and professional partners whose interests and expertise are complementary.

  3. Specialist vehicles

    Selected specialist managers and vehicles, where focused expertise serves the family’s wider interests.

What we look for

A consistent basis for decisions.

The same standards of analysis and alignment apply across our investment interests.

  1. People and accountability

    Owners and management teams who understand their business and communicate candidly.

  2. Underlying economics

    An understandable source of value, credible demand and realistic assumptions about cash generation.

  3. A practical plan

    Specific opportunities for development, operational improvement or growth, supported by the resources to execute them.

  4. Aligned ownership

    Clear incentives, decision rights and expectations about future funding.

  5. Downside and liquidity

    A considered view of debt, capital expenditure, working capital and adverse scenarios.

  6. Our contribution

    A defined role for Calvin Farel and a reason for our involvement beyond the initial capital commitment.

Active ownership

Ownership in practice

Ivory townhouse facade with charcoal-green shutters and sandstone window surrounds
Built fabric, carefully maintained

Where our role calls for active involvement, we contribute to strategy, governance and the selection of relevant expertise. Responsibilities are agreed with the operating team, with attention to useful reporting and decisions that require the owners’ involvement.

Where we contribute

  • Strategy
  • Governance
  • Selection of relevant expertise

Decision discipline

Cash flow and decision discipline

Reported earnings are considered alongside cash generation, working-capital needs, capital expenditure and financing obligations. We assess the ability to meet commitments under less favourable conditions, using appropriate financial, legal and technical diligence. A valuation is one part of this assessment.

Alongside reported earnings
Cash generation and working capital
Commitments
Capital expenditure and financing
Tested against
Less favourable conditions
Diligence
Financial, legal and technical

Areas of interest

Selected interests with a consistent approach

Our areas of interest reflect situations in which patient ownership and relevant expertise may contribute to lasting value. The same standards of analysis and alignment apply across them.

  1. Ivory townhouse facade with charcoal-green shutters and sandstone window surrounds

    Private companies and growth

    Established and growth-stage businesses with capable management and a clear economic purpose. We consider opportunities involving expansion, ownership transition and operational development where a practical plan and suitable governance can support the next stage.

  2. Glass and bronze window bays on a contemporary Zurich-inspired workspace

    Technology and selected ventures

    Technology-enabled businesses with a clear customer need and a credible route to commercial adoption. We consider the resources required to develop the business and its capacity to progress beyond the initial concept.

  3. Oak door panels, an aged brass handle and a pale sandstone surround

    Consumer businesses and distinctive brands

    Businesses in which product quality, identity and customer relevance provide a basis for development. Brand ambition must be supported by sound production, distribution and financial discipline.

  4. Restored brick workshop with steel-framed windows and a contemporary glazed addition

    Special situations and strategic renewal

    Selected situations where ownership change, operational improvement or a revised strategy may restore value. We seek a clear understanding of the underlying difficulties, the capital required and the management capability needed to carry out the plan.

Real estate and real assets

Property across the full period of ownership

A carefully maintained residential building framed by mature garden trees
Residential architecture and long-term care

Property and development opportunities are considered across the full period of ownership. Location and demand must be assessed alongside acquisition cost, planning, construction, financing and the intended use of the asset. We pay particular attention to delivery capability, capital requirements and the route to income or realisation. Hospitality opportunities also require a credible operating model.

Selection over volume

These areas describe where Calvin Farel may be interested; they are not an invitation to the public to invest and do not constitute a commitment to pursue any particular sector, structure or transaction.

Contact

Selected conversations. Direct relationships.

We welcome introductions from business owners, families and specialist partners with a considered opportunity and a clear reason to approach Calvin Farel.

Contact Calvin Farel
Registered office Calvin-Farel AG
Falkenstrasse 30
8008 Zürich
Switzerland info@calvin-farel.com CHE-107.824.149