UBS has sold the Hirslanden hospital group, its first disposal of a large Swiss corporate holding since being lambasted for restructuring Swissair, to BC Partners for Sfr930m (€640m).

Hirslanden is the largest private hospital group in Switzerland and sources close to the deal said the Swiss bank was keenly aware of the potential for public criticism. It was also in the spotlight because this was the first large disposal since Peter Wuffli became president of UBS. Wuffli only acceded to the role after the Swissair debacle helped cause a rift between Luqman Arnold and chairman Marcel Ospel.