The Legal 500

Within Banking and finance, Bonn & Schmitt is a second tier firm,

Bonn Schmitt Steichen has worked on a series of major financial restructurings of large industrial institutions and is known to represent a number of powerful Italian banks. The firm has a formidable capital markets practice and in 2009, acted for long-term client ArcelorMittal on the registered offering of $1bn 7.0% 30-year notes. The firm is also commended for its securitisation expertise with Laurent Lazard to the fore. Alex Schmitt is also recommended.

Within Corporate and M&A, Bonn & Schmitt is a second tier firm,

Bonn Schmitt Steichen remains a credible challenger to the top four, despite the 2010 departure of Dirk Leermakers to Stibbe. The firm is equally capable in corporate M&A as private equity buyouts. The firm recently advised Apax Partners on its $3bn sale of Tommy Hilfiger to Philips-Van Heusen, and has represented Advent on a series of transactions. On the corporate M&A front, it advised Swiss private banking group on its proposed bid to acquire KBL Private Bankers. Alex Schmitt and Pierre-Alexandre Degehet are the principle corporate partners.

Within Dispute resolution, Bonn & Schmitt is a first tier firm,

Bonn Schmitt Steichen has a tremendous record in shareholder disputes, often those involving Luxembourg holding companies. In 2009, it represented a Russian conglomerate in connection with a shareholder dispute and temporary restraining order prohibiting the sale of shares in the holding company. Guy Arendt and Fabio Trevisan are two outstanding partners.

Within Employment, Bonn & Schmitt is a second tier firm,

Much of Bonn Schmitt Steichen’s work centres on collective bargaining agreements and relations with trade unions. Over the last two years, the firm has worked on a series of social and collective redundancy plans, restructurings and cross border transfers. The department headed by employment specialist Anne Morel almost exclusively represents employers.

Within IP and IT, Bonn & Schmitt is a second tier firm,

Bonn Schmitt Steichen broad capabilities extend to the IP, IT and media sectors with Guy Arendt and counsel Alain Grosjean regularly engaged in these segments. Much of its recent work has centred on data and information security, technology transfer and unfair commercial practices.

Within Insurance, Bonn & Schmitt is a first tier firm,

Bonn Schmitt Steichen has tremendous regulatory expertise, with a number of clients having their headquarters in Germany or Italy. The firm advised an Italian-based banking and insurance group in the incorporation of a re-insurance company in Luxembourg. Alex Schmitt is the lead partner.

Within Investment funds, Bonn & Schmitt is a third tier firm,

Bonn Schmitt Steichen acts for a variety of fund managers and entities within the funds industry. The practice is strong in regulated and non-regulated funds, and has recently acted on the merger of two UCITS management companies, Generali Investments Luxembourg and BG Investment Luxembourg. The firm is also active in the restructuring of UCITS. Luc Courtois and Corinne Philippe are recommended.

Within Tax, Bonn & Schmitt is a first tier firm,

Tax remains central to Bonn Schmitt Steichen’s impressive business, with Alain Steichen recognised as one of the pre-eminent figures in this sector. He is widely acknowledged for his rounded and exhaustive expertise, as well as excellent contacts with the tax administration. The financial services sector is key to the practice.