The Legal 500

Within Bank lending, Norton Rose LLP is a third tier firm,

Norton Rose LLP’s borrower-side practice has grown and it also targeted the ship finance market by opening a Hamburg office following the recruitment of seven partners from DLA Piper. The practice advised UniCredit, Helaba and BayernLB on the financing of the €550m acquisition of Frankfurt’s OpernTurm tower; and a national utilities group on its €1bn long-term financing. Clients appreciate the ‘fair value for money’ and ‘good international network’. Dirk Trautmann ‘focuses on key issues’.

Within Project finance, Norton Rose LLP is a third tier firm,

Norton Rose LLP focuses on energy and infrastructure matters, and recent highlights include advising the lenders on the financing of swb’s planned new 420MW gas-steam power plant in Bremen, and LBBW on the project financing of a 6.7MWp photovoltaic power project in Italy. Dirk Trautmann leads the practice. Tomas Gärdfors relocated to the firm’s London office.

Within Capital markets , tier 4

Norton Rose LLP is ‘extremely visible and active’ on debt and equity matters. It recently advised equinet Bank on Solutronic’s IPO, Close Brothers Seydler on TAG Immobilien’s capital increase and DZ Bank on updating of the €10m Emma credit-linked note programme. Frank Regelin heads the ECM side, whereas Rüdiger Litten leads on DCM.

Within Mid-sized deals, Norton Rose LLP is a second tier firm,

Norton Rose LLP is ‘very reliable at any time and in every aspect’, and has been involved in significant cross-border transactions, particularly in the energy and infrastructure sectors. Recent highlights include advising Impax Asset Management on the purchase of Epuron’s German and French wind farm business and Nestlé on the sale of Herta Logistik. The practice has been boosted by the opening of the firm’s new Hamburg office, which is staffed by a team recruited from DLA Piper and centred on corporate finance partner Klaus von Gierke. Nico Abel gives ‘both legal and commercial advice’, and the ‘very sharp-minded’ Andreas Börner ‘grasps issues quickly’.

Within Dispute resolution , tier 4

White & Case LLP enjoys a good reputation for corporate and director’s liability disputes. It defended a German accounting firm facing a €10m claim from Norwegian shareholders of a German bulk shipping company. Christian Wirth heads this ‘outstanding’ team, which also includes the ‘extremely good’ Sabine Dieckmann, whose focus is on out-of-court dispute resolution. Arbitrator Patricia Nacimiento’s move to Norton Rose LLP was a blow.

Within Investment funds , Norton Rose LLP is a third tier firm,

Norton Rose LLP has been advising clients on the implementation of UCITS IV, recently advised three capital investment firms regarding new regulations regarding real estate funds, and advised clients on liability issues pertaining to investor information. Martin Krause is ‘able to combine regulatory, tax and economic aspects’ when providing advice. Staff changes saw Frank Herring, one of the team’s most recognised partners, move to Allen & Overy LLP, but Ludger Verfürth joined from DLA Piper.

Within Private equity , tier 4

Norton Rose LLP has significant expertise in energy and infrastructure matters, with recent highlights being advising new client Impax Asset Management on its acquisition of Epuron’s German and French wind farms, and Intel Capital on financing rounds for Sulfurcell. The team also handles fund formation and restructurings. Nico Abel is recommended.

Within Real estate Other recommended firms

Within Tax Other recommended firms