Willkie Farr & Gallagher LLP > Frankfurt, Germany > Firm Profile
Willkie Farr & Gallagher LLP Offices
AN DER WELLE 4
60322 FRANKFURT AM MAIN
Germany
Willkie Farr & Gallagher LLP > The Legal 500 Rankings
Private equity > Transactions
Willkie Farr & Gallagher LLP supports private equity houses and portfolio companies in both the mid-cap and large-cap segment, with cross-border transactions being a particular strength. The team is also well versed in advising managements and routinely covers the intersections to VC and financing. Georg Linde heads the practice and focuses on high-tech sectors such as aerospace, IT, chemicals and renewable energy. Linde and Matthias Schudlo comprehensively cover the PE, M&A and corporate areas. Schudlo complements this with expertise in capital markets law; he made partner in January 2023.Practice head(s):
Other key lawyers:
Testimonials
‘The team is technically brilliant but also commercially minded and never loses sight of the client’s commercial objectives.’
‘They respond quickly and have become an integral part of our team without crowding the boardroom. Perfect balance.’
‘Miriam Steets is very professional and has a lot of detailed knowledge.’
‘Georg Linde: Godfather of PE.‘
‘Max Schwab: Mega smart, super sociable and pragmatic.‘
‘Very good availability with maximum client focus; small, powerful teams; very experienced; excellent communication.‘
‘Matthias Schudlo & Georg Linde: Very experienced PE lawyers, excellent project organization, strong commercial judgment.‘
‘Kamyar Abrar is a fantastic lawyer. He combines years of experience with a very strong commercial sense of what really matters. He is also a tough but fair negotiator.‘
Key clients
CVC Capital Partners
Insight Partners
Bregal Milestone LLP
SGT Capital
Adiuva / Sanecum Gruppe GmbH
Conscio Group
PAI Partners
3i Group plc
Blackstone einschließlich des Portfoliounternehmens Clarion Events
Work highlights
- Advising CVC Capital Partners on the acquisition of a majority stake in The Quality Group.
- Advising PAI Partners on the acquisition of Savory Solutions Group.
- Advising SGT Capital on the acquisition of the Utimaco Group from EQT Mid Market Europe.
Banking and finance > Lending and borrowing Tier 4
Willkie Farr & Gallagher LLP frequently assists sponsors and their portfolio companies with cross-border acquisition financing and refinancing. The team also advises financial institutions and private debt funds on finance restructuring and in the direct lending area and, most recently, increasingly in the context of loans in the venture debt area. Jasmin Dettmar (leveraged finance, acquisition financing, corporate loans) heads the practice; another key contact is Jan Wilms (leveraged finance, corporate loans, syndicated loan transactions, project financing).Practice head(s):
Jasmin Dettmar
Other key lawyers:
Testimonials
‘Excellent availability and advice. Good understanding of current market standards. Strong leadership in negotiations with the other side.’
‘Jasmin Dettmar: Excellent communication and availability.’
‘The team is always up to date with market developments and delivers top results.’
‘Jasmin Dettmar is a top lawyer when it comes to credit law and financing.’
Key clients
3i Group
Barings
Investec
GSquare Capital
CVC Capital Partners
Arcmont
Ardian
SGT Capital
MMC Holding
Telemos Capital
Work highlights
- Advising SGT Capital on the financing aspects of the acquisition of the Utimaco Group from the private equity fund EQT Mid Market Europe.
- Advising Bain Capital Credit as lender on the financing of the acquisition of Onventis Holding by Keensight Capital.
- Advising CVC Capital Partners VIII on the financing aspects of the acquisition of a majority stake in The Quality Group (TQG).
Private equity > Venture capital Tier 4
The team at Willkie Farr & Gallagher LLP closely cooperates with the private equity practice and is led by PE transaction specialist Georg Linde. Matthias Schudlo made partner in January 2023 and also acts at this interface. The practice supports investors and companies in investments, transactions, takeovers and joint ventures, and frequently cooperates with the New York location.Practice head(s):
Other key lawyers:
Testimonials
‘Top team, super hardworking, responsive and conscientious.’
‘Miriam Steets is doing a great job of familiarizing herself with the market. Well connected and really experienced. Thinks commercially.’
‘The team is technically brilliant but they are also commercial and never lose sight of the client’s commercial objectives. They are responsive and have become an integral part of our team without crowding the boardroom. Perfect balance.’
‘They are committed lawyers of high quality. They are fully committed to the business and one can feel that the team is a well-oiled machine, handling complicated business on a daily basis. They give peace of mind that the job will be done well. I also appreciate the high proportion of female lawyers and the international reach. ‘
‘Matthias Schudlo is an excellent young partner in the WFG office in Frankfurt. We have worked together on many cases and I am continually impressed by his knowledge, professionalism, attention to detail, extreme responsiveness and the way he always thinks ahead on a deal. In addition, he is a very honest and business-oriented lawyer. It’s pleasure to work with him.‘
Key clients
CVC Capital Partners
Insight Partners
Bregal Milestone LLP
SGT Capital
Adiuva / Sanecum Gruppe GmbH
Conscio Group
PAI Partners
3i Group plc
Blackstone
Work highlights
- Advising CVC Capital Partners on the acquisition of a majority stake in The Quality Group.
- Advising PAI Partners on the acquisition of Savory Solutions Group.
- Advising SGT Capital on the acquisition of the Utimaco Group from EQT Mid Market Europe.
Restructuring and insolvency > Restructuring Tier 4
Willkie Farr & Gallagher LLP‘s German restructuring practice follows a cross-locational and cross-practice approach and comprehesively advises companies, equity and debt investors as well as creditors on financial and corporate restructuring as well as distressed M&A, particularly in the real estate sector. The team regularly acts in cross-border matters and is led by Wolfram Prusko, who is frequently instructed by specialist funds in connection with distressed matters, as well as private equity funds.Practice head(s):
Wolfram Prusko
Testimonials
‘Wolfram Prusko has very deep, complex, international restructuring expertise.’
‘Excellent team, both personally and professionally.’
‘Wolfram Prusko: Great both professionally and personally!’
‘The team works very well with other practice groups.’
‘Wolfram Prusko: Very high quality of advice.’
Key clients
Monarch Alternative Capital
Puma
Blantyre
Ardian
Verition Fund Management
3i
Work highlights
- Advising Ardian as shareholder on the restructuring of the Löwen Play Group.
- Advising PUMA on the insolvency proceedings of major customers.
- Advising a group of asset managers on the insolvency proceedings of the Deutsche Lichtmiete Group.
Real estate and construction > Real estate Tier 5
Led by Cornelia Thaler, Willkie Farr & Gallagher LLP specialises in (cross-border) transaction support and covers all asset classes. This is complemented by expertise in asset management and litigation. The team regularly acts in cross-practice cooperation and advises on public law matters, joint ventures and financing.Practice head(s):
Cornelia Thaler
Testimonials
‘The team was very flexible to accommodate their clients in terms of advice content and legal strategy.’
‘Cornelia Thaler has prepared a great legal strategy to resolve a difficult situation. She also demonstrated a strong commitment to the client’s goals as well as a degree of flexibility.’
‘Smooth, goal-oriented collaboration from day one. Very high skills in understanding economic tasks. Always goal-oriented and always practice-oriented solutions.’
‘Cornelia Thaler is always constructive; tough, always fair and goal-oriented negotiations. Innovative.’
‘Uncomplicated, flexible and professional!’
‘High service orientation and great professional expertise.’
‘Deep transaction knowledge and, despite a relatively young age, a high level of experience in real estate transactions.’
Key clients
Arax Properties Ltd.
CommerzReal AG
Delin Property Asset Management UK Limited
FRASERS Property
Goldberg Solid Investments GmbH
Greystar
Hannover Leasing Investment GmbH
ICG Asset Management
Indigo Invest Gruppe
Investa Gruppe
JP Morgan Asset Management (Europe) S.à r.l.
MAGNA Real Estate AG
PATRIZIA Deutschland GmbH
Samsung Electronics Holding GmbH
StoneVest AG / ESAS
Tristan Capital Partners
Work highlights
Corporate and M&A > M&A Tier 6
The M&A team at Willkie Farr & Gallagher LLP is particularly adept at handling complex cross-border transactions, including pan-European and transatlantic deals, not least due to the close collaboration with its international offices. Medium-sized companies and private equity portfolio companies particularly often turn to the team, which is led by Georg Linde; he is primarily visible in M&A and private equity transactions in the technology, telecommunications, chemicals and energy sectors. Kamyar Abrar has experience in distressed M&A and Axel Wahl advises financial investors on private equity, venture capital and joint ventures.Practice head(s):
Georg Linde
Other key lawyers:
Kamyar Abrar; Axel Wahl; Michael Ilter
Testimonials
‘Kamyar Abrar: A very focused and responsive partner who always gets the job done and always looks for the right solutions (both legally and commercially).’
‘Michael Ilter: Open advice and his understanding of the commercial motivations for the transaction and how these can be achieved.’
‘Very experienced team with a really good combined legal and commercial approach.’
‘The team takes the time to understand the commercial reasons for a transaction and advises with that in mind.’
Key clients
CVC Capital Partners
Insight Partners
Bregal Milestone LLP
SGT Capital
Adiuva / Sanecum Gruppe GmbH
Conscio Group
PAI Partners
3i Group plc
Blackstone samt Portfoliounternehmen Clarion Events
Work highlights
- Advising CVC on the acquisition of a majority stake in The Quality Group.
- Advising PAI Partners on the acquisition of Savory Solutions Group.
- Advising Lagardère Travel & Retail on the acquisition of Switzerland-based caterer Marché International.
Capital markets > Equity capital markets
Trade and distribution > Foreign trade law
United States > Real estate > Real estate finance
Willkie Farr & Gallagher LLP > Firm Profile
Our Frankfurt office handles complex corporate and commercial transactions that demand multifaceted legal experience. Our attorneys are known for providing solution-driven advice tailored to meet the unique needs of each client. Clients value our practical and commercial approach to helping them reach their goals, as well as our cost-effective and streamlined style of transaction management.
Our core transactional practice and our practice groups in Frankfurt are led by partners who are recognized as market-leaders in their fields. Our clients trust us with assignments that require the experience and personal involvement of our partners. Our teams work together efficiently to provide clients with comprehensive and seamlessly integrated work product, reflecting the highest quality legal and tax advice.
We have significant experience handling projects and matters in a multitude of industries and sectors, including automotive, biotechnology, building materials, chemicals, clothing and textiles, gaming, healthcare, industry production, infrastructure, leisure/hotels, logistics/airlines, media/e-commerce, pharmaceuticals, real estate, renewable energy, retail, telecommunication, as well as finance and insurance.
Described as “one of the heavy-hitting outfits in Europe,” with “an outstanding deal flow,” Willkie’s Frankfurt office was named the 2015 “Law Firm of the Year” for M&A by leading German legal publisher Juve and has received numerous nominations (and one win) for “Law Firm of the Year” for Private Equity.
Main Contacts
| Department | Name | Telephone | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Corporate & Financial Services | Georg Linde | glinde@willkie.com | |
| Corporate & Financial Services | Kamyar Abrar | kabrar@willkie.com |
Lawyer Profiles
| Photo | Name | Position | Profile |
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Anne Kleffmann | Anne Kleffmann is a partner in the Litigation Department and Labor &… | View Profile |
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Dr Matthias Schudlo | Dr. Matthias Schudlo is a partner in the Corporate and Financial Services… | View Profile |
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Miriam Steets | Miriam Steets is a partner in the Corporate & Financial Services Department,… | View Profile |
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Dr Kamyar Abrar | Kamyar Abrar is a partner in the Corporate & Financial Services Department,… | View Profile |
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Dr Bettina Bokeloh | Bettina Bokeloh is a Partner in the Tax Department, focusing on advice… | View Profile |
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Dr Jasmin Dettmar | Jasmin Dettmar is a partner in the Corporate & Financial Services Department… | View Profile |
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Michael Ilter | Michael Ilter is a partner in the Corporate & Financial Services Department,… | View Profile |
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David Jansen | David Jansen is a partner in the Corporate & Financial Services and… | View Profile |
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Wulf Kring | Wulf Kring is counsel in the Tax Department. He focuses on advising… | View Profile |
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Dr Markus Lauer | Markus Lauer is a partner in the Corporate & Financial Services Department,… | View Profile |
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Mr Georg Linde | Georg Linde is a partner in the Corporate & Financial Services Department.… | View Profile |
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Joseph Marx | Joe Marx is a partner in the Corporate & Financial Services Department… | View Profile |
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Dr Patrick Meiisel | Patrick Meiisel is a partner and heads Willkie’s German tax practice. Patrick… | View Profile |
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Wolfgang Münchow | Wolfgang A. Münchow is counsel in the Corporate & Financial Services Department.… | View Profile |
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Dr Wolfram Prusko | Dr. Wolfram Prusko is a partner in the Business Reorganization & Restructuring… | View Profile |
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Dr Richard Roeder | Dr. Richard Roeder is a partner in Willkie’s German practice. He is… | View Profile |
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Matthias Schrader | Matthias Schrader is a partner and heads Willkie’s Litigation Practice Group in… | View Profile |
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Dr Maximilian Schwab | Maximilian Schwab is a partner in the Corporate & Financial Services Department,… | View Profile |
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Cornelia Thaler | Cornelia Thaler is a partner in the Real Estate Department and leads… | View Profile |
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Dr Moritz Vettermann | Dr. Moritz S. Vettermann is counsel in the German Real Estate Department.… | View Profile |
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Dr Axel Wahl | Dr. Axel Wahl is a partner in the Corporate & Financial Services… | View Profile |
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Simon Weiss | Simon Weiss is a partner in the Corporate & Financial Services Department… | View Profile |
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Mr Jan Wilms | Jan Wilms is a partner in the Corporate & Financial Services Department… | View Profile |