Hengeler Mueller offers clients comprehensive advice on corporate and capital market law, with a particular focus on structural measures and conversions, including SE conversions and squeeze-outs as well as corporate governance and compliance matters. The practice group also assists its client base, which consists of DAX and MDAX-listed corporations and family businesses, with virtual general meetings (where the team increasingly advises on sustainability and ESG issues) and corporate disputes such as shareholder litigation and liability cases. Andreas Austmann advises at the interface of corporate and capital market law and, just like restructuring expert Hartwin Bungert, is regularly instructed with the design of cross-border corporate structures, while Daniela Favoccia advises corporate bodies across the entire spectrum of corporate law. Maximilian Schiessl specializes in advising executive and supervisory boards and Lucina Berger is the key contact for corporate governance, compliance and liability issues.
Corporate in Germany
Hengeler Mueller
Other key lawyers:
Hartwin Bungert; Daniela Favoccia; Lucina Berger; Maximilian Schiessl; Andreas Austmann
Linklaters
Linklaters‘ corporate team advises DAX40 companies, international corporations and their supervisory boards on strategic corporate issues such as complex structural measures and project developments, virtual general meetings and capital market issues; due to its close cooperation with the M&A group, the practice also regularly assists with high-volume cross-border deals, mergers and joint ventures. The team further experienced a recent uptick in instructions for corporate disputes and other corporate proceedings which have been increasingly related to climate litigation in the automotive, industrial, chemical and energy sectors. Tim Johannsen-Roth advises at the interface of stock corporation and capital markets law and jointly heads the practice with Marco Carbonare; both advise on international transactions and restructuring, as does global M&A practice head Ralph Wollburg, who is further adept at defending clients against activist shareholders. Hans-Ulrich Wilsing has extensive experience in advising supervisory boards on general meetings and disputes among other matters, and Staffan Illert is the key contact for corporate governance and compliance issues.
Practice head(s):
Other key lawyers:
Kristina Klaaßen-Kaiser; Staffan Illert; Ralph Wollburg; Hans-Ulrich Wilsing
Testimonials
‘Ralph Wollburg’s team: Very high professional competence, very short reaction times, very pleasant interaction, very goal-oriented. Top litigation.’
Work highlights
- Comprehensive advice to Volkswagen AG on transaction and negotiations with its major shareholder Porsche Automobil Holding as well as the preparation of Porsche AG’s planned IPO.
- Comprehensive advice to Daimler AG on the spin-off of a majority stake in Daimler Truck AG and the subsequent listing in the dual track process.
- Corporate structural advice to Vodafone Group Services Limited on the preparation and implementation of German subsidiary Vantage Towers’ IPO.
SZA Schilling, Zutt & Anschütz Rechtsanwaltsgesellschaft
SZA Schilling, Zutt & Anschütz Rechtsanwaltsgesellschaft advises executive and supervisory boards of DAX-listed and family-owned companies on governance/compliance issues, general and shareholder meetings and directors' liability as well as on capital and structural measures such as SE conversions and mergers. The practice group, and particularly Marc Löbbe, also acts on transactional level and offers expertise on M&A deals and related compliance issues. In addition, the team continues to represent clients in corporate litigation, with practice head Jochem Reichert handling disputes before state and arbitration courts; alongside Michaela Balke and Nicolas Ott, Reichert also assists with compliance and liability issues. Cäcilie Lüneborg acts at the interface of corporate and capital market law, with a particular focus on stock corporation law.
Practice head(s):
Other key lawyers:
Testimonials
‘Highly competent and yet pragmatic.’
‘Well-respected law firm with a wide range of services.‘
‘The corporate and M&A team is characterized by extensive experience, in-depth legal knowledge and great negotiating skills. The actors repeatedly succeed in bringing conflicting interests together.‘
‘Jochem Reichert: He has excellent negotiating skills and assertiveness. He knows our industry very well and can be reached at any time.‘
‘Michaela Balke: An extraordinarily capable lawyer who has excellent knowledge of both corporate and M&A. She is also an assertive negotiator who always brings in new and good ideas, also in the area of design. She is very reliable and always available.‘
‘Outstanding law firm in all main areas of business law.‘
‘Jochem Reichert: An exceptionally experienced and diplomatic lawyer who understands the problems within their context and guides the management through difficult situations. Dr Marc Löbbe is a theoretically and practically well-versed and experienced lawyer.‘
Key clients
Vitesco Technologies
AiC Gruppe bestehend aus Luxempart SA, Familienaktionären und Unternehmensstiftung; Monolith NV und Teslin Capital Management GmbH
VIB Vermögen AG
Avantor, Inc.
Silex Microsystems AB
ProSiebenSat.1 Media SE
Diebold Nixdorf, Inc.
Mutares SE & Co. KGaA
Telefónica Germany GmbH & Co. OHG
Gesellschafter der Hoffmann SE
Work highlights
- Advising Vitesco Technologies on the spin-off from Continental AG and the subsequent IPO.
- Advising Diebold Nixdorf Incorporated on various corporate matters.
- Comprehensive advice to Telefónica Germany GmbH & Co. OHG on corporate and commercial aspects of the conclusion of a national roaming contract and other contracts with Drillisch Online GmbH, in particular on the drafting and negotiation of the contracts.
Allen & Overy LLP
Allen & Overy LLP's range of advice includes corporate, corporation, stock corporation and capital market law as well as corporate governance and compliance, resulting in regular instructions by listed companies, foreign corporations and their executive boards and supervisory boards related to disputes, liability, remuneration and contractual issues. Practice head Nicolaus Ascherfeld advises clients from the infrastructure, energy and transport sectors on M&A and private equity deals as well as on joint venture matters, while Christian Eichner (also stock corporation and corporate law) assists listed companies and private equity clients with cross-border transactions as well as conversions. Advice on general meetings, IPOs and corporate restructuring are key areas for capital market lawyer Hans Diekmann, who also assists with M&A deals. Stock corporation and capital markets lawyer Katharina Stüber joined Baker McKenzie in March 2022.
Practice head(s):
Other key lawyers:
Testimonials
‘The team of Dr. Diekmann is characterized by a huge wealth of experience, excellent understanding of client needs, great diligence, broad and excellent legal knowledge, speed, thoroughness, responsiveness and great economic understanding.‘
‘Hans Diekmann: An absolute top consultant!‘
‘Extremely professional. Excellent legal knowledge, in-depth experience and an economical and practical approach. This also applies to the team led by Nicolaus Ascherfeld.‘
Key clients
Uniper SE
alstria office REIT-AG
BMW Group
Scout24 SE
Scout24 AG
TUI AG
Knorr-Bremse AG
Zurich Gruppe
Deutsche Börse AG
Allianz SE
Work highlights
- Advising Uniper SE on key elements of a stabilization package totaling €15 billion agreed by Uniper and the German government as well as Uniper’s major shareholder Fortum Oyi.
- Advising alstria office REIT-AG on Brookfield’s public takeover offer.
- Advising the BMW Group on the extension of the joint venture agreement and the increase in its equity stake in BMW Brilliance Automotive Ltd. (BBA) from 50% to 75%.
Clifford Chance
Clifford Chance's corporate team demonstrates in-depth expertise in cross-border transactions and projects, including joint ventures and structural measures, as well as in relation to IPOs and the preparation of general and shareholder meetings. Led by transaction expert Thomas Krecek, the group cooperates closely with the firm's stock corporation, takeover and capital markets practices to advise its automotive, technology and financial services sectors client base on public and private equity deals; Anselm Raddatz in particular is an experienced contact for the latter. Christoph Holstein advises on demergers and general corporate law, while Christian Vogel has experience in stock corporation matters.
Practice head(s):
Other key lawyers:
Testimonials
‘Excellently organized and coordinated, especially for cross-border transactions.’
CMS
CMS' corporate practice is well equipped for cross-border corporate restructurings and possesses special expertise in SE conversions and business unit spin-offs. The team also advises on large transactions and joint ventures in the automotive, energy and telecommunications sectors, often in close cooperation with the firm's employment and tax teams, and further assists with governance and risk compliance; here, ESG issues as well as transaction and restructuring risks are becoming increasingly prevalent alongside classic matters such as executive board duties and due diligence. The team is led by corporate expert Antje Becker-Boley, transaction and restructuring specialist Richard Mitterhuber and private equity lawyer Jacob Siebert. The team also includes equity and capital markets attorneys Richard Mayer-Uellner and Karsten Heider as well as transaction expert Eckart Gottschalk, who is particularly visible in the aerospace, infrastructure and defense sectors.
Practice head(s):
Other key lawyers:
Testimonials
‘Excellent team that we have trusted on cross-border mergers and acquisitions of various sizes. Flexible and always ready to respond promptly to our requests and to support us in any way.’
‘M&A proceedings are staffed with necessary expertise. In addition to the professional expertise, the communication with those involved and their availability is very good.’
‘CMS has a number of first class corporate/M&A lawyers. It should be emphasized that the partners do not “stick” to clients, but do not shy away from recommending a colleague if they think they are better suited for a matter. The regional coverage with our own offices in Europe is excellent.’
Key clients
Bundesrepublik Deutschland – Finanzagentur GmbH
Daimler Truck AG
Dr. Ing. h.c. F. Porsche AG
Volkswagen AG
450connect GmbH
ABB AG
Deutsche Lufthansa AG
DZ BANK AG Deutsche Zentral-Genossenschaftsbank
Savills (Overseas Holdings) Limited
SFS Group AG
Work highlights
- Advising Porsche on the establishment of the joint venture Cell Force Group together with start-up Custom Cells to set up a factory for high-performance battery cells for electric cars.
- Advising a consortium of regional energy suppliers on the participation in the 450connect GmbH joint venture.
DLA Piper
In addition to corporate governance, compliance and ongoing corporate project management, DLA Piper places a strong focus on cross-border restructuring, structural measures and conversions. The group is also active in the transaction and project sphere, in the context of which practice heads Benjamin Parameswaran, who was also appointed co-head of the firm's global corporate law practice in October 2022, and Nils Krause (also corporate and corporation law), advise clients from the automotive and other sectors on M&A deals and joint ventures. Cornelius Frie complements the practice's capacities with his focus on joint ventures and corporate reorganizations, primarily acting for clients in the real estate, energy, IT and banking sectors. Governance, compliance and D&O liability issues represent another part of advisory services offered by the team, which also includes Kerstin Schnabel (well versed in stock corporation, group and capital market law) and Andreas Meyer-Landrut; the latter has experience in executive and supervisory board matters as well as in corporate litigation.
Practice head(s):
Other key lawyers:
Testimonials
‘The cooperation is exceptionally good. Contracts and documents are almost always perfectly prepared from a legal and formal point of view and are of outstanding legal quality.’
‘Cornelius Frie: Technically excellent, extremely service-oriented, very likeable, masters the entire range of corporate law, transformation law and corporate law transactions. Perfect knowledge of English.’
‘DLA and Ben Parameswaran are my first choice when I need an M&A lawyer. I have completed large, worldwide projects with the team and found them to be highly competent and perfectly client-oriented. Work is carried out in the shortest possible time and always on time. And all this on a very fair price offer. Anyone who has DLA by their side is in an excellent position.’
Key clients
ATOSS Software AG
Deutsche Beteiligungs AG
DIC Asset AG
Drägerwerk AG & Co. KGaA
Envista Holdings Corporation
Freytag & Petersen GmbH & Co. KG
GELSENWASSER AG
Gigaset AG
HanseYachts AG
Heidelberger Druckmaschinen AG
International Flavors & Fragrances Inc
Jungheinrich AG
KGAL
KOMSA AG
LPKF Laser & Electronics AG
McKesson Europe AG
q.beyond AG
TRATON GROUP
TTL Beteiligungs- und Grundbesitz-AG
VARTA AG
Work highlights
- Advising Heidelberger Druckmaschinen AG on the conclusion of a strategic partnership with insurance group Munich Re to further expand business with their digital usage-based subscription offering.
- Advising TRATON GROUP on the establishment of a €500 million joint venture with Volvo Group and Daimler Truck to set up a high-performance public charging network for battery-electric heavy-duty long-distance trucks and coaches in Europe.
- Advising BASF on entering into a partnership with Vattenfall in the field of offshore wind farms.
Eversheds Sutherland
DAX40 companies, large corporations and corporate bodies from the energy, automotive, life sciences and corporate real estate sectors are among the clients of Eversheds Sutherland's corporate and M&A team which advises on international restructurings as well as post-M&A disputes in close cooperation with its tax and dispute resolution practices. Led by transaction expert Christof Lambert, the practice also assists with M&A deals, joint ventures and post-M&A conversions, thereby frequently acting for private equity and venture capital companies. Christian Mense, who is also adept at capital market matters, is an experienced contact for supervisory boards seeking advice on corporate governance and compliance. Michael Prüßner and Maximilian Findeisen (both extensively active in corporate and M&A) joined Norton Rose Fulbright in September 2022.
Practice head(s):
Other key lawyers:
Key clients
All for One Group SEAllegion (Trelock, Kryptonite)
BioNTech SE
Bourns Inc.
CEWE
Funkwerk AG
Glanbia Nutritionals
Hanwha Q Cells
Hörmann Industries
Kering
Knorr-Bremse AG
Montanhydraulik
Sonnedix
SP Group
Work highlights
- Advising All for One Group on the conversion from a German to a European stock corporation (Societas Europaea, SE).
- Advice to the CEWE Foundation on the virtual general meeting.
- Advising a semiconductor company on the international spin-off of a business unit.
Gleiss Lutz
Gleiss Lutz's team, led by stock corporation and capital market expert Peter Steffen Carl , is experienced in advising supervisory boards, most recently particularly often in the automotive sector, and offers multifaceted expertise: Eike Bicker covers the interface to compliance and investigations, Gabriele Roßkopf advises on governance and restructuring, Michael Arnold on stock corporation and group law, while Adrian Bingel is well versed in corporate and capital markets law matters; the team is also adept at assisting with IPOs. Advice on stock corporation and group law for listed companies also forms part of the practice's expertise. Dirk Wasmann is experienced in appeal and appraisal proceedings while Vera Rothenburg assists with ordinary and extraordinary general meetings among other matters. Martin Schockenhoff advises large and medium-sized companies as well as family offices on M&A deals and joint ventures. Counsel Thomas Kreuz (corporate compliance, supervisory board advice, insolvency law interface) joined Oppenländer Rechtsanwälte in January 2023.
Practice head(s):
Other key lawyers:
Gabriele Roßkopf; Dirk Wasmann; Michael Arnold; Martin Schockenhoff; Vera Rothenburg; Eike Bicker; Adrian Bingel
Testimonials
‘Gleiss Lutz has competent partners and employees and is able to solve even the most complex and difficult cases quickly.’
‘Dr Schockenhoff: Competent, highly qualified, efficient, fast, pragmatic, always available.‘
Key clients
Audi AG
Bayer AG
Carl Zeiss Meditec
Daimler AG
Deutschen Telekom AG
Dr. Ing. h.c. F. Porsche AG
HeidelbergCement AG
Henkel AG & Co. KGaA
Hornbach Holding AG
Infineon AG
KION GROUP AG
LEG Immobilien AG
Munich Re
Nemetschek SE
NORMA Group SE
Northern Data AG
Puma SE
SAP SE
Schaltbau Holding AG
TUI AG
voestalpine AG
Volkswagen AG
Wirecard AG
ZF Friedrichshafen AG
Work highlights
- Advice to supervisory boards of Volkswagen AG, Audi AG and Dr. Ing. hc F. Porsche AG in clarifying the causes of the diesel issue.
- Advising the supervisory boards of Volkswagen AG, Audi AG and Dr. Ing. hc F. Porsche AG on the conclusion of settlement agreements regarding claims in connection with the diesel issue.
- Advice on corporate law to the new management board of WireCard AG until the opening of insolvency proceedings, followed by representation of the insolvency administrator in liability claims against former management board members.
Hogan Lovells International LLP
Firmly integrated into its global law firm network, Hogan Lovells International LLP offers comprehensive corporate and M&A advice that is primarily drawn upon by DAX-listed companies and large corporations in the technology, media, life sciences and aviation sectors. The firm has a particular focus on US companies, assisting them with entering the European market and subsequently expanding their business. Public takeovers, squeeze-outs and restructurings as well as delistings are among the practice’s mainstays as well as corporate litigation; in the latter area Olaf Gärtner and Kim Lars Mehrbrey are particularly active in disputes relating to directors’ liability and antitrust claims. Practice heads Volker Geyrhalter and Nikolas Zirngibl are experienced M&A advisors who also assist with project management and venture capital. In addition to his transactional expertise, Lutz Angerer also advises on corporate issues as well as on corporate governance and compliance, while Michael Rose‘s broad practice includes restructurings, joint ventures, M&A and general corporate matters. Alesya Pavlynska (transactions, corporate restructurings and shareholder agreements) joined from Arzinger Law Offices in July 2022.
Practice head(s):
Other key lawyers:
Lutz Angerer; Michael Rose; Olaf Gärtner; Kim Lars Mehrbrey; Alesya Pavlynska
Testimonials
‘The team assisted us with several transactions. They have always been reliable and helped us quickly when needed.’
‘Hands-on mentality, very committed, good and pragmatic negotiation.‘
‘The whole team was highly professional and dedicated throughout the transaction. Furthermore, the human component also fitted 100%. A great team, a collaboration that I have never experienced before.‘
‘Lutz Angerer: Very creative, solution-oriented, pragmatic – solid as a rock.‘
Key clients
ADVA Optical Networking
AGROB Immobilien AG
Akasol AG
BMW und Mercedes
Daimler AG und Daimler Truck AG
DEMIRE Deutsche Mittelstand Real Estate AG
econnext
International Business Machines Corporation (IBM)
NRW.BANK
NRW.BANK und NordLB
Quadriga Capital
S&T AG
Saurer Netherlands Machinery Company BV
Talanx-Gruppe
Bundesrepublik Deutschland – Finanzagentur GmbH
Delticom AG
FlixMobility
Pareto Securities AS
Teufel Gruppe
voxeljet AG
Work highlights
- Advising the Federal Republic of Germany – Finanzagentur GmbH on the granting of a stabilization measure by the Economic Stabilization Fund (WSF) to GALERIA Karstadt Kaufhof GmbH.
- Advising DEMIRE Deutsche Mittelstand Real Estate AG in connection with a possible sale of shares in the company by its major shareholders Apollo and Wecken & Cie.
- Advised Pareto Securities AS in connection with the private placement and listing of shares in Pyrum Innovations AG.
Latham & Watkins LLP
Latham & Watkins LLP is well equipped to advise on corporate transactions and thus assists with joint ventures, carve-outs and structural measures among other matters. The team also has expertise in public takeovers, delistings and the integration of listed companies. Nikolaos Paschos focuses on international transactions and jointly heads the team with corporate lawyer Heiko Gotsche, who also has expertise in public and private M&A matters; this also represents the focus of Ingo Strauss. Henning Schneider has experience in advising healthcare clients and private equity houses on stock corporation law as well as on transactions.
Practice head(s):
Other key lawyers:
Testimonials
‘Very resilient, high level of competence in stock corporation law and directors’ liability law as well as banking supervisory law, high quality of communication.’
‘Nikolaos Paschos: Very resilient competence, fast response times and availability, high practical usability of the advice.’
‘Niko Paschos: An extremely good consultant – on point, hands-on, exactly what the client needs.’
‘Nikolaos Paschos and his team have in-depth knowledge of German corporate law. They are excellent communicators and able to translate complex issues into practical legal advice. Despite the time difference, Niko and his team are very responsive.’
‘Comprehensive industry and market knowledge as well as regulatory expertise in the healthcare market and relevant players.’
‘Henning Schneider has accompanied us on transactions for almost two decades, to our great satisfaction. Manages to lead the counterparties to a mutually acceptable result with his pleasant and goal-oriented manner, but tough on the matter. It’s nice that there’s no egocentric thinking and that corresponding behavior of the other side is intercepted.’
Key clients
Aareal Bank AG
ADAC
Authentic Brands Group
Bankenkonsortium zu Vitesco
BayWa AG
Berenberg
BioRad, Inc.
Brenntag SE
Körber AG
Munich Re
Nagarro SE
Nielsen Capital
Renk AG
RWE AG
Swiss Life Asset management AG/Vauban Infrastructure Partners
TeamViewer AG
ZF Friedrichshafen AG
Work highlights
- Advising the supervisory board of Aareal Bank on a €1.86 billion takeover bid by Centerbridge and Advent.
- Advised Authentic Brands Group on the acquisition of Reebok.
- Advising a consortium of banks on the demerger and listing of Vitesco Technologies.
Noerr
Noerr's corporate practice is regularly instructed by German and international listed companies and their supervisory boards to advise on corporate governance matters, virtual general meetings and directors' liability issues. The practice group's corporate and capital markets wings cooperate closely on transactions and, led by Michael Brellochs and Martin Neuhaus, assist with corporate aspects of cross-border acquisitions, joint ventures, compliance and shareholder activism. Christine Volohonsky heads the corporate and financial litigation department which also includes Rainer Wilke and Oliver Sieg, who are both well versed in arbitration proceedings. Tobias Bürgers focuses on assisting family offices with capital market transactions and governance issues.
Practice head(s):
Other key lawyers:
Rainer Wilke; Tobias Bürgers; Rainer Wilke; Christine Volohonsky
Testimonials
‘In a very complex project, Noerr developed very convincing solutions to all legal issues and problems. Necessary experts were available at all times to deal with all legal issues, and the coordination of legal issues was excellent. We would instruct Noerr again for comparable projects.‘
‘Great experience in different fields; incredible effort.‘
‘Noerr is characterized by a high level of technical expertise and the use of AI to handle large amounts of data.‘
‘Very good expertise also in all related subject areas.’
‘A truly integrated and collegial team!‘
‘Rainer Wilke: As the lead partner in a large transaction, he provided excellent advice because he was knowledgeable, committed and result-oriented. Brought the transaction across the finish line.‘
Key clients
Adidas AG
Allianz Capital Partners GmbH
Andritz AG
Arla Foods Deutschland GmbH
Audi AG
AURELIUS Equity Opportunitties SE & Co KGaA
Autodoc GmbH
A.T.U Auto-Teile-Unger Handels GmbH & co.
BayWa Aktiengesellschaft
BBDO Group Germany GmbH
Befesa S.A.
Brookfield Asset Management
Bundesministerium für Wirtschaft und Energie (BMWi)
Bundesrepublik Deutschland -Finanzagentur GmbH
CECONOMY AG
Cellex Gruppe
Cherry AG
CompuGroup Medical SE & Co. KGaA
Condor Flugdienst Gmbh
Dehner Holding GmbH & Co. KG
Deutsche Industrie Grundbesitz AG
DFV Deutsche Familienversicherung
Dieter Schwarz Stiftung gGmbH
Deutsche Finanzagentur
Deutsche Lufthansa AG
Deutsche Telekom
DuMont Mediengruppe GmbH & Co. KG
Eismann Group
EnBW
Evonik Industries AG
Fashionette AG
Flughafen Berlin Brandenburg GmbH
Greiffenberger AG
Groneweg Unternehmensgruppe
Henkel AG & Co. KGaA
Hertha BSC GmbH & Co. KGaA
HOWOGE Wohnungsbaugesellschaft mbH
H2 Mobility Deutschland GmbH & Co. KG
ISS Facility Services Holding
J.C. Flowers & Co. UK LLP
Jumia Technologies
KAMAX Holding GmbH & Co. KG
Kaufland Stiftung & Co. KG
Kering S.A.
KRONES AG
Lidl Stiftung & Co. KG
Lufthansa Airplus Servicekarten GmbH
Mercedes-Benz Group AG
Mutares SE & Co. KGaA
Nordmann Unternehmens-gruppe GmbH
ODDO BHF
Omnicom Group Inc. / Omnicom Holding Germany GmbH
PreZero Stiftung & Co. KG
Reimann Investors Advisory GmbH
RIB Software SE
Ringmetall AG
Rocket Internet SE
SachsenEnergie AG
Schaltbau Holding AG
Schwarz Gruppe
Scout24 SE
Sedlmayr Grund und Immobilien AG
Semper Idem Underberg AG
SIGNAL IDUNA Bauspar AG
Stada Arzneimittel AG
Stadtwerke Weimar Stadt-versorgungs- GmbH
Swisspower Renewables
UniCredit Bank AG
Volkswagen Financial Services AG
Wacker Chemie AG
Wacker Neuson SE
Westwing Group AG
windeln.de SE
Work highlights
- Advising Befesa SA on the acquisition of US company American Zinc Recycling Corp. and a capital increase to finance the acquisition.
- Advising CECONOMY AG on the preparation and implementation of the ordinary and extraordinary general meetings in 2021 and 2022; on non-cash capital increase; on the issuance of convertible bonds and backing with authorized capital and in the event of subsequent actions for annulment.
- Advising Deutsche Telekom AG on the sale of a 50% stake and a joint venture agreement in a structured bidding process in a joint venture for the construction and operation of four million fiber optic connections.
Baker McKenzie
Baker McKenzie advises listed and large foreign corporations in the automotive, financial and life sciences industries on cross-border corporate restructurings, including carve and squeeze-outs as well as mergers, and also assists with the preparation of general meetings; the team has further expertise in representing supervisory boards in litigation related to executive liability, governance and antitrust law. The practice group is jointly headed by M&A specialists Christian Atzler and Berthold Hummel who both advise clients on international transactions as well as on private equity and venture capital deals. In addition, Peter Wand assists with joint venture matters, with a special focus on institutional investors and funds, while Christian Vocke is the key contact for stock corporation and group law. In March 2022, stock corporation and capital market lawyer Katharina Stüber joined from Allen & Overy LLP.
Practice head(s):
Other key lawyers:
Testimonials
‘Christian Atzler: Globally connected, especially in Asia, experienced and pragmatic, highly responsive.’
Key clients
Pfeiffer Vacuum Technology AG
Birlasoft (India) Ltd.
SK Telecom
Insolvenzverwalter der Maple Bank
Air Liquide
ALLNEX Group
Daimler AG
McDonalds Deutschland LLC
Dassault Systèmes
Work highlights
- Ongoing corporate advice to Pfeiffer Vacuum Technology AG (including the general meeting and the conclusion of an IT framework agreement with Busch SE Group).
Gibson, Dunn & Crutcher LLP
Gibson, Dunn & Crutcher LLP covers the entire spectrum of corporate law, with a particular focus on corporate governance, compliance, restructuring and delisting issues, on which it advises listed corporations as well as family offices and their governing bodies. With Ferdinand Fromholzer, the group also specializes in advising supervisory boards and on general meetings as well as transactions, while also supporting traditional M&A transactions and private equity deals in cooperation with the capital market and compliance teams. Lutz Englisch, Dirk Oberbracht and Markus Nauheim focus on cross-border M&A deals and are also active in the PE area where they assist with stock corporation law, joint ventures and management participations. Wilhelm Reinhardt is experienced in public takeovers on both buyer and seller side, while of counsel Silke Beiter advises private and listed companies on general meetings, corporate governance issues and structural measures.
Other key lawyers:
Lutz Englisch; Ferdinand Fromholzer; Markus Nauheim; Dirk Oberbracht; Wilhelm Reinhardt; Silke Beiter
Key clients
4SC
Allianz
Atlas Copco
Baur Versand
Bosch
Centrotec
Douglas
Heska Corporation
HolidayCheck Group
Lotto24
VIB Vermögen
Wacker Chemie
Work highlights
- Advising the supervisory board of Allianz SE on court and administrative proceedings in the US regarding the Structured Alpha Fund and related corporate issues.
- Advising the supervisory board of VIB Vermögen AG on the voluntary public purchase offer in form of a partial offer by DIC Asset AG.
- Advising Lotto24 AG on its delisting.
Glade Michel Wirtz - Corporate & Competition
The corporate team at Düsseldorf boutique Glade Michel Wirtz advises family and medium-sized as well as DAX-listed companies and their supervisory boards on corporate and related capital market matters as well as on compliance issues and general meetings. The case load also includes cross-border mergers and spin-offs, in the context of which the team assists with structural measures under stock corporation and transformation law. The practice, and especially Jochen Markgraf, also has experience at the interface to insolvency law where it advises on pre-insolvency restructuring and subsequent proceedings. Alexander Retsch and Friedrich Schulenberg are both experienced in stock corporation and capital market law, while founding partner Achim Glade is primarily visible in joint ventures and transactions; Marco Sustmann focuses on corporate and capital market law and further possesses compliance expertise; and Andreas Merkner, who has accumulated extensive experience in general meetings and structural measures, also has a focus on corporate and capital market law.
Practice head(s):
Achim Glade; Marco Sustmann; Andreas Merkner; Jochen Markgraf; Alexander Retsch; Alexander Retsch
Testimonials
‘Small teams and flat hierarchical structures, excellent legal advice, willingness to provide attractive fees, know-how beyond the actual instruction.’
‘Andreas Merkner: Very good corporate law expertise, fast, pragmatic and solution-oriented corporate advice. Dr Marco Sustmann: Excellent capital market law expertise with a very good and experienced eye for key issues.’
‘The GMW team is extremely competent, reliable, available at all times and extremely hard-working! The knowledge of capital market law in particular, but also of corporate law is exceptionally good! Clear language, a clear opinion and a clear point of view facilitate the discussion and lead to convincing solutions! There is no better law firm that I have come to know in my more than 40 years of work!’
Key clients
Apothekerverband Nordrhein e.V.
Continental AG
Daimler Truck Holding AG
Deutsche Fonds Holding AG
GEA Group Aktiengesellschaft
Gesellschafter der vliepa GmbH
Mercedes-Benz Group AG
RHÖN-KLINIKUM AG
Voff Premium Pet Food Sweden AB
ZF Friedrichshafen
Work highlights
- Advising Daimler AG on the carve-out of its commercial vehicle business from Daimler Group by way of spin-off of a majority stake in Daimler Truck AG.
Heuking Kühn Lüer Wojtek
Heuking Kühn Lüer Wojtek's sizeable team covers the entire range of corporate issues and places particular emphasis on supporting cross-border M&A and private equity deals on buyer and seller side, while the practice is also regularly instructed by international companies from the financial, e-commerce and energy sectors to assist with general corporate matters. Capital and banking law expert Thorsten Kuthe and private equity and venture capital specialist Boris Dürr jointly head the practice which also includes compliance and stock corporation lawyer Mirko Sickinger and corporate and M&A lawyer Martin Imhof. In November 2022, salary partner Slaven Kovacevic (in addition to M&A, joint ventures and restructuring also PE and VC) joined from Simmons & Simmons while Patrick Müller (corporate housekeeping, restructuring) made partner in January 2023.
Practice head(s):
Other key lawyers:
Martin Imhof; Mirko Sickinger; Slaven Kovacevic; Patrick Müller
Testimonials
‘Networking with other law firms and specialists in tax and corporate law were excellent. Sometimes meetings with changing members were possible within a few hours and sometimes even on weekends. The communication between partners was correct, which was a small feat in view of the different complexities in our society.’
‘Without HKLW we would never have been able to conduct the negotiations so successfully.’
‘The team is very pragmatic, straight to the point, no vague explanations, uncomplicated, pleasant cooperation.’
‘Martin Imhof: Broad knowledge, uncomplicated.’
‘Dr. Mirko Sickinger impresses with his outstanding legal knowledge, confident demeanor and sovereign charisma. He is informed about complex issues down to the last detail and yet never loses sight of the bigger picture and the strategic goal.’
‘It’s the mix of absolute professionalism and personal attention at the same time.’
‘Heuking has all the necessary legal skills in (but also on more extensive topics) on offer and can cover all topics with its own team and partners. We were particularly impressed by the team’s commitment to successfully completing our deal on the ambitious schedule.’
Milbank
Milbank's corporate team advises on classic corporate issues, international M&A transactions, general meetings, corporate governance, compliance, contracts and shareholder activism but is also well versed at the interface to stock corporation, group and capital market law. Ulrike Friese-Dormann focuses on advice and court representation of listed stock corporations while Christoph Rothenfusser,who is also experienced in stock corporation and capital market law, represents clients in appeal and appraisal proceedings. Norbert Rieger is an experienced contact for company acquisitions, private equity and transformation law.
Practice head(s):
Ulrike Friese-Dormann; Norbert Rieger; Christoph Rothenfußer
Testimonials
‘Norbert Rieger: Unique and a top consultant in every respect. He is technically and strategically brilliant and always available. It couldn’t be better and it’s just fun to work with him. Partners Christoph Rothenfusser and Ulrike Friese-Dormann are on par with Mr. Rieger in terms of excellence, technical and strategic competence and availability.’
Key clients
ADAC SE
Airbus Defence & Space
Auto1 Group
Axel Springer
Bilfinger
Ceconomy AG
Dermapharm Holding SE
Evoco AG
F.C. Bayern München
Hauck & Aufhäuser Privatbankiers AG
Hauptaktionär der mediantis AG
KSBG Kommunale Verwaltungsgesellschaft GmbH
Mylan
Otto Group
PartnerFonds AG
ProSiebenSat.1 Media SE
Reimann Investors KGaA
RHI AG
SHW AG
Sixt Leasing SE
Sixt SE
Work highlights
- Advising PartnerFonds AG in connection with the holding of a virtual general meeting to resolve on a dissolution and capital reduction.
- Advising a member of the executive board of Wirecard AG on liability claims in connection with the accounting scandal.
- Ongoing corporate and capital market law advice to AUTO1 Group, including advice on the general meeting and board remuneration issues.
Taylor Wessing
Taylor Wessing advises large, often listed companies and stock corporations and their supervisory boards on restructuring, the drafting of company and control agreements, amendments to the articles of association, mergers and spin-offs, takeovers and general meetings. The practice also easily covers US-related matters and further advises on corporate aspects of project development and contract within its internal China group. Klaus Grossmann heads the corporate and M&A practice and focuses on cross-border transactions, including joint ventures. Listed companies can rely on experienced capital market and corporate expert Sebastian Beyer who also assist with M&A and capital market transactions as well as IPOs; Lars-Gerrit Lüßmann has the same focus and joined Gowling WLG in spring 2023.
Practice head(s):
Other key lawyers:
Testimonials
‘Due to the large number of transactions, TW has very broad and in-depth knowledge of all legal areas relevant to a transaction in the IT industry. Coordination within the team and with the client runs smoothly. Special situations, such as those that occur again and again in transactions, are responded to with confidence, even at short notice. In short: a full service that makes you feel like you’re in good hands.’
‘Very good regional and sectoral positioning. The partners deliver.’
‘What renders the practice unique is, in addition to its broad expertise, maximum professional negotiating power in controversial situations also in peripheral areas through the use of many really experienced lawyers.’
Key clients
123fahrschule Gruppe
Brockhaus Capital Management AG
Bundesrepublik Deutschland
Farasis Energy
Giesecke+Devrient GmbH
Haemato AG
PCF GmbH
Provinzial Versicherungsgruppe
Téléfonica SA
Villeroy & Boch AG
Vivoryon Therapeutics AG
Work highlights
- Corporate advice to Farasis Energy on the construction of a battery cell, module and pack production facility in Bitterfeld-Wolfen, Germany.
- Advising Giesecke+Devrient GmbH, the main shareholder of secunet Security Networks AG, which is listed in the Prime Standard of the Frankfurt Stock Exchange, on the reallocation of 250,000 secunet shares.
- Advising the federal government on the exercise of an acquisition right with regard to up to 25.1% of shares in the listed Hensoldt AG (including carrying out an international, legal due diligence of the HENSOLDT Group).
White & Case LLP
As part of the firm's global network, White & Case LLP's German practice is particularly well equipped to handle complex cross-border M&A, private equity and venture capital transactions which it often handles for listed companies, including group and stock corporation law aspects and structural measures. Practice head Alexander Kiefner is the key contact for large cross-border deals and related structural measures as well as corporate disputes, in particular appeal, approval and arbitration proceedings; alongside Julia Sitter, he also advises on general meetings and corporate governance. Hans-Georg Schulze, who made partner in January 2022, focuses his transactional advice on the automotive, energy and technology sectors.
Practice head(s):
Other key lawyers:
Testimonials
‘Practice-oriented – hands-on – legally versed in detail and at the same time solution-oriented and practical. The team works together in a transparent and well-structured manner.’
‘Alexander Kiefner: A highly specialized partner who knows the legal situation in detail and at the same time offers a practical solution that is legally secure and viable.’
‘Professionally very good and responsive. Very pleasant to work with.’
‘Alexander Kiefner: Technically very good and responsive. Very pleasant to work with.’
‘Alexander Kiefner: Practice-oriented advice of excellent quality with a strong sense of special situations! An excellent advisor!’
Key clients
aam2core
About You
Adler Group S.A.
Allianz Global Investors
Arjun Infrastructure Partners
Battery Ventures
ceoconomy
Deutsche Börse
DIC Asset
Faurecia
Goldman Sachs
Holding der Landeshauptstadt Düsseldorf
InVision
Jost Werke
Korian
Deutsche Lufthansa AG
maxingvest
ANDREAS STIHL AG & Co. KG
Symrise
Vereinigung Baden-Württembergische Wertpapierbörse
Work highlights
- Advice to Faurecia on the €6.8 billion takeover of the listed Hella including subsequent group integration.
- Advice on Lufthansa’s €2.1 billion capital increase with subscription rights using the special economic stabilization legislation.
- Advising maxingvest on determining primary responsibilities for the investments in Beiersdorf and TCHIBO.
Arqis Rechtsanwälte
In addition to general corporate issues, Arqis Rechtsanwälte is regularly instructed to advise on employment- as well as insolvency-related matters and is also frequently active in post-M&A disputes and other corporate conflicts. Conversions, and in particular SE conversions, are another focus of the team which also impresses with a deep understanding of the Japanese market; notably, Shigeo Yamaguchi supports German and Japanese clients in M&A transactions and joint ventures. He jointly heads the practice with Jörn-Christian Schulze who advises on cross-border M&A deals as well as VC and PE matters.
Practice head(s):
Other key lawyers:
Key clients
Contemplas GmbH
D3 Technologies AG (jetzt Skyroads AG)
Hydrogen Rise AG
Neogym Group
NxFoods
SkyFive AG
Smart Mobile Labs AG
Sumitomo Electric Industries Ltd. Group
Upside Equity AG
Work highlights
- Advising SkyFive AG on a general meeting and ongoing corporate matters.
Ashurst LLP
Ashurst LLP focuses its advice on the automotive, energy, real estate and consumer goods sectors, the digital economy as well as healthcare and life sciences and rests it upon two pillars: on one hand, it comprehensively assists with corporate and stock corporation matters, where the internationally embedded team advises on relevant aspects of cross-border M&A and private equity deals as well as on contracts and joint ventures. Practice heads Benedikt von Schorlemer, who focuses in particular on private M&A, Thomas Sacher and Jan Krekeler are all active in these areas; furthermore, Gerrit Clasen assists listed companies with capital increases and delistings and is also experienced in structural measures. The practice's other mainstay focuses on corporate governance and compliance, for which Sacher and Drinhausen are key contacts. Notably, the practice strengthened its corporate advisory capacities in June 2021 with the addition of former Deutsche Bank GC Florian Drinhausen (SE law, corporate governance, M&A).
Practice head(s):
Other key lawyers:
Jan Krekeler; Gerrit Clasen; Thomas Sacher; Florian Drinhausen
Key clients
1&1 AG
Bullfinch Asset AG
DNick Holding Limi-ted
FINN GmbH
Grammer AG
John Laing Group
Sartorius-Herbst Verwaltungs GmbH
Eschenbach Optik GmbH
Vivonio Holding GmbH
Dentons
In cooperation with the firm's capital markets and tax teams, Dentons focuses on advising public companies on restructurings, including reorganizations, cross-border transfers, mergers and acquisitions, shareholder meetings and management liability issues. Robert Weber, who is also well versed in corporate and stock corporation law, focuses primarily on restructuring and jointly heads the practice with the M&A-experienced Alexander von Bergwelt and Rebekka Hye-Knudsen, who predominantly advises joint venture and private equity investors as well as on corporate restructuring. The group further possesses expertise in corporate governance and compliance, covering sanctions, data protection and competition law among other matters.
Practice head(s):
Testimonials
‘Exact recording of the mandate and targeted solution proposals.’
‘Solution-oriented and interdisciplinary advice and the willingness to leave the beaten track and break new ground with the client. All areas of law that are relevant to us are very well covered by our partners and associates. Good knowledge of the Berlin market and the public sector. The colleagues are always solution- and service-oriented.’
‘Very good understanding of clients and their individual needs and requirements as well as the adaptation to them within the instruction’s scope. Always structured development of the facts and early qualitative assessment of possible developments and results. Accordingly, as the client, we always feel that we are in good hands and have clarity about the current status and possible results.’
‘High professional specialization in the field of stock corporation and corporate law.’
‘Dr. Weber: Outstanding knowledge of stock corporation law. Very constructive discussion culture.’
Key clients
AIG
ALBA
ATAI Life Sciences
Bionorica SE
Deutsche Leasing AG
Daimler AG
e-mobilio GmbH
Flughafen München GmbH
Investitionsbank Berlin
Munich Airport International
Puma
Pyrum Innovations AG
Revell GmbH
SHS Stahl Holding Saar
Stabilus S.A.
Work highlights
- Advising ATAI Life Sciences on the preparation of its IPO on the US technology exchange NASDAQ via a Dutch holding company.
- Advising Stabilus SA, which is listed in the Prime Standard of the Frankfurt Stock Exchange, on its conversion into a European stock corporation (SE) and on the subsequent relocation of its registered office from Luxembourg to Germany.
- Advising Investitionsbank on the creation of a new corporate structure with the aim of enabling transparent and efficient investment management by founding a new holding company in the legal form of a public-law institution.
Greenfort
Greenfort's corporate law expertise extends to stock corporation and LLC law, company formations and restructurings as well as shareholder and general meetings, while the practice also possesses capacities in corporate disputes including post-M&A litigation. Carsten Angersbach's instructions often entail US references, Andreas von Oppen is well versed in M&A disputes, Daniel Röder focuses on commercial and corporate law and Gunther Weiss is considered a compliance and corporate governance specialist. The core team also includes financing lawyer Ahn-Duc Cordalis, restructuring and joint venture expert Martin Asmuß and Tobias Glienke, who specializes in dispute resolution.
Practice head(s):
Andreas von Oppen; Gunther Weiss; Carsten Angersbach; Daniel Röder; Anh-Duc Cordalis; Tobias Glienke; Martin Asmuß
Testimonials
‘I have been extremely impressed with Greenfort’s availability, responsiveness and legal command. Their ability to convey German legislation to a client in the client’s language is exceptional.’
‘It is hard to believe that such a small, streamlined team could deliver the scope of legal services we require with so few people – efficiently, knowledgeably, with practical solutions and accessible.’
‘We are very happy to work with Greenfort. We have been working with them for ten years and we appreciate their availability and professionalism.’
Key clients
Acquasourca
ACTAQUA
Agilent
Bertelsmann/arvato
Cantel Medical Gruppe
CRONIMET Mining AG
CSL Behring
Ditabis AG
Elanders Gruppe
European Net ID Stiftung
Glatfelter Gruppe
InnoEnergy GmbH
5Interfer Gruppe
IRIS Analytics GmbH
Knight Frank-Gruppe
Lifco Gruppe
LGI Gruppe
libertatem Stiftung Lichtenstein
McKesson/GEHE
MDH AG
Mediengruppe RTL
MHT Mold & Hotrunner Technology AG
Montana Tech Components Gruppe
Oase Gruppe
Otting Zinger
Panasonic Gruppe
Partex Capital
Phatebo GmbH
Praesidad
Remondis Gruppe
Shopify Inc.
Stratasys-Gruppe
Tottenham Hotspur Football & Athletic Co. Limited
Triton/Bormioli Pharma
Urban Sports Club
v. Rundstedt & Partner GmbH
VARTA AG
Yaveon/Afinum
Work highlights
- Advice on a joint venture between arvato financial solutions and Experian.
- Advising TSR Recycling (Remondis Group) on a joint venture with Aurubis in the field of scrap cable recycling.
- Representation of a former member of Hypo Real Estate Holding AG’s supervisory board in in the largest compensation proceeding related to the financial crisis.
GSK Stockmann
In addition to the healthcare and energy sectors, GSK Stockmann has a special focus on companies in the financial services and real estate sectors which the team advises on compliance and corporate governance issues, transactions and restructuring as well as corporate and executive bodies disputes. Thus, practice head Markus Soehnchen advises banks, venture capital and private equity funds as well as fintech companies on the design and structuring of new funds and M&A transactions as well as contracts. Michael Stobbe specializes in joint ventures and is also well versed in stock corporation and LLC law. Andreas Bauer left the firm in December 2022 to become self-employed.
Practice head(s):
Other key lawyers:
Testimonials
‘GSK Stockmann is a safe bet when it comes to M&A deals. GSK Stockmann is doing a great job. Well done!’
Key clients
Aptiv Global Operations Ltd.
aTmos-Gruppe
Becken TopCo GmbH
BRIGHT Industrial Investment GmbH; Patron Capital Advisers LLP
Catella Real Estate AG
Colliers International Deutschland AG
coparion
Daily Mail and General Trust Group (DMGT), Landmark Information Group Ltd.
degewo AG
Duisburger Hafen AG
Hines Immobilien AG
Hubel Digital Group Limited
Swiss IT Security Group
Work highlights
- Further comprehensive advice to Aptiv Global Operations Ltd. on an internal restructuring for the better integration of a German-based subsidiary into the German organizational structure.
- Advice on corporate law to the management of Swiss IT Security Group on the exit of the company by Ufenau Capital Partners to Triton and on the reinvestment together with Triton.
- Advising venture capital fund coparion on the conversion of the stake in the InsureTec company CLARK into an SE and on the non-cash capital increase as part of the contribution of Finanzen Group by Allianz SE.
Luther Rechtsanwaltsgesellschaft mbH
Luther Rechtsanwaltsgesellschaft mbH‘s puts particular emphasis on cross-border mergers, SE group foundations, joint ventures and other partnerships. As a member of international law firm network unyer, founded in 2021, the practice cooperates closely with international law firms to advise on corporate governance issues and assist supervisory boards of medium-sized and large companies in Germany and abroad, while primarily focusing on regulated markets such as healthcare, telecoms and energy; alongside general corporate matters, the group also regularly assists with corporate disputes. Practice head Stefan Galla advises medium-sized and large companies as well as financial investors on restructuring issues and also accompanies company acquisitions and joint ventures. Family offices and institutional investors have an experienced contact for contractual and capital market law issues in Björn Simon.
Practice head(s):
Other key lawyers:
Testimonials
‘We feel that we are in good hands and looked after.’
‘Well positioned in all areas relevant to commercial enterprises. Good network of international partner firms. Very service oriented.’
‘Extremely professional team. The understanding of service is exceptional. Very reliable, fast, efficient.’
Key clients
Chiron Group SE
MGM International Television Productions (Germany) GmbH
Vorwerk & Co. KG
Douglas
Ottobock SE & Co. KGaA
Warsteiner
MET Holding AG
Neuss-Düsseldorfer Häfen
E.ON SE
Avancis GmbH
Alloheim Senioren Residenzen SE
Atlas Copco Holding GmbH
Open Grid Europe GmbH
MIBRAG Mitteldeutsche Baunkohlengesellschaft mbH
Hamburg Trust Asset und Fonds Management HTAF GmbH
Work highlights
- Comprehensive corporate, transformation, insurance, supervisory and employment law advice and support for the cross-border merger of Luxembourg Lebensversicherung SA with R+V Lebensversicherung AG.
- Representation of Mr. James H. Freis as a secondary intervener, who assisted Effecten-Spiegel AG in the lawsuit against Wirecard AG (Dr. Jaffé), Dr. Braun, EY AG.
- Legal advice to Ottobock SE & Co. KGaA on its international restructuring.
McDermott Will & Emery Rechtsanwälte Steuerberater LLP
McDermott Will & Emery Rechtsanwälte Steuerberater LLP advises large and medium-sized companies in the real estate, media and automotive sectors on international reorganisations, conversions and joint ventures and also has expertise at the interface to insolvency, restructuring and capital market law. Practice head Clemens Just advises strategic and financial investors on public and private takeovers and on general corporate issues, as does Philipp Grenzebach who also possesses experience in corporate governance and capital market compliance.
Practice head(s):
Other key lawyers:
Testimonials
‘Very dedicated team with extensive skills. In addition to consistently sound advice, I particularly liked the honesty of my contacts.’
‘Very quick turnaround times in the corporate area, very knowledgeable.’
‘Outstanding competence in the different areas, very good cooperation between the partners and employees from the different practices. Pace of work is unique.’
Key clients
Agilent Technologies, Inc.
Apontis Pharma AG
Atruvia AG
Celanese Germany
Friedrich Vorwerk SE
Hanwha Solutions Corporation (HSC)
Intersnack Group
Mainova AG
Merck KGaA
Nagel Logistik + Beteiligungs GmbH
SIGNA
Softhale N.V.
Sport1 Medien AG
Volkswagen Financial Services AG
Work highlights
- Advising Intersnack Knabber-Gebäck on the group-wide corporate restructuring of its German business, including a conversion to Intersnack Deutschland SE.
- Advising SIGNA Group on the joint venture with Central Group and the acquisition of Selfridges Group with activities in the UK and EU.
- Advising SIGNA Sports United GmbH (SSU) on the merger with Yucaipa Acquisition Corporation (YAC), a listed Special Purpose Acquisition Company (SPAC). In the course of this so-called De-SPAC transaction, the group structure of the SSU was fundamentally changed.
Norton Rose Fulbright
Norton Rose Fulbright advises real estate and automotive companies on M&A and joint ventures, including subsequent structural measures and conversions, but also supports medium-sized companies in negotiations with private equity investors. The practice is also increasingly visible in the area of corporate governance and advises particularly frequently on sustainability issues. Nils Rahlf, who took over the practice management from Frank Regelin in January 2022, advises strategic and financial investors on complex, cross-border M&A transactions as well as private equity and venture capital deals. Notably, the firm opened an office in Düsseldorf in September 2022 and was able to recruit Michael Prüßner and Maximilian Findeisen from Eversheds Sutherland; both focus on corporate matters and M&A transactions.
Practice head(s):
Other key lawyers:
Testimonials
‘In depth and always up-to-date detailed knowledge of all content-related topics, both with partners as well as counsels and associates. Excellent process management and goal-oriented negotiation, which always leads to excellent results.’
‘Very good team spirit, very good coordination. All are extremely performance- and solution-oriented. Very good expertise.’
Key clients
ADLER Real Estate AG
Auto-Scout24 GmbH
DNV GL SE
ERWE Immobilien AG
Fattal/Leonardo Gruppe
mantro
MOBOTIX AG
paragon GmbH & Co. KGaA
Richard Ditting GmbH & Co. KG
Voltabox AG
Westgrund AG
Oppenländer Rechtsanwälte
Oppenländer Rechtsanwälte advises listed and medium-sized companies on corporate governance, compliance and stock corporation law, but also has a extensive experience in corporate litigation; here, it represents shareholders, managing directors and board members in liability proceedings and other disputes. Practice head Thomas Trölitzsch advises on compliance and corporate succession as well as M&A transactions and, like Rolf Leinekugel, also on commercial law issues. Thomas Kreuz, an expert for corporate compliance, supervisory board advice and insolvency-related issues, joined from Gleiss Lutz in January 2023.
Practice head(s):
Other key lawyers:
Testimonials
‘The best team in more than 30 years of my professional activity. Very good to excellent in all respects. Understands the client, its environment, special features and requirements. Open and clearly focused advice; extremely competent in legal terms.’
‘Reliable, fast, punctual, successful.’
‘Dr. Leinekugel doesn’t care about showmanship and flash in the pan. Focused on long-term success, gets to the heart of the problem very convincingly and quickly and convinces with very good solutions.’
Key clients
Patrimonium Asset Management AG
Wendelin von Boch-Galhau
KW Karosseriewerk Weinsberg GmbH
UDI GmbH
Rieker Investment AG
Orrick, Herrington & Sutcliffe LLP
Orrick, Herrington & Sutcliffe LLP's corporate practice focuses on advising companies in the technology, infrastructure and financial services sectors, representing a range of start-ups as well as established international companies. The practice is led by Thomas Schmid (corporate and capital market law) and also assists with issues related to restructuring and insolvency as well as capital market and stock corporation law; notably, the group also contributes its corporate expertise in the context of cross-border joint ventures and venture capital transactions. Jörg Ritter represents companies in disputes, while Oliver Duys and Christoph Rödter, who made partner in January 2022, are experienced in M&A transactions, VC deals as well as reorganizations and restructurings; Sven Greulich advises technology companies on expansion projects in Europe and the US as well as on international restructuring.
Practice head(s):
Other key lawyers:
Testimonials
‘Thomas Schmid: One key contact for all corporate law matters. He is always available and thinks very pragmatically and creatively. I am in a scaling phase so need creative legal minds and Thomas is exceptional at finding ways to reduce risk and support the growth of the business.’
‘High level of service, very good accessibility and very reliable. Excellent quality.’
‘Quick, perfect solutions even for complex issues.’
Key clients
auxmoney
Careforce
creditshelf
Coatue Management
Convergenta Invest
Goldman Sachs
Headline
Ionity
Lilium
Luxempart S.A.
RAG-Stiftung Beteiligungsgesellschaft
STEAG
Uberall
Work highlights
- Corporate advice to Goldman Sachs on the merger of its portfolio company Raisin with Deposit Solutions.
- Advising Convergenta Invest on the long-standing, comprehensive corporate dispute with Ceconomy AG (formerly Metro AG) over Media Saturn Holding GmbH, which ended with an €815 million transaction at the beginning of June 2022.
- Corporate law advice to IONITY, the JV of BMW, Ford, Hyundai, Daimler and VW, in connection with the entry of BlackRock as part of a €700 million investment by the previous shareholders and BlackRock.
Orth Kluth Rechtsanwälte
Orth Kluth Rechtsanwälte focuses its corporate advice on medium-sized financial investors, companies and start-ups, which the group supports from foundation to sale and recently often stemmed from the energy sector. Contracts, transactions and joint ventures as well as representation in corporate disputes all form part of the team's advisory capabilities, but it is also well versed in corporate governance and housekeeping. The group and transformation expert Marc Henze, D&O liability specialist Kai-Michael König, financing lawyer Boris Körner, Christian Meyer, who specializes in D&O proceedings, and Robert Orth, who specialises in commercial and inheritance law as well as corporate succession, jointly lead the team.
Practice head(s):
Marc Henze; Kai-Michael König; Boris Körner; Christian Meyer; Robert Orth
Testimonials
‘Hands-on mentality, pragmatism with high legal quality.’
‘Marc Henze and Christian Meyer: careful negotiation, high expertise in transactions and corporate law.’
Key clients
ASM Assembly
Chubb Insurance Company
Chiho Environmental Group Limited
CoCoNet AG
Demag Cranes & Components GmbH
juwi AG
Precise Vision GmbH
Sumitomo Deutschland GmbH
TK Elevator GmbH
WE Chem International GmbH
FinLab AG
Terex Gruppe
FG Holding GmbH
FCF Holding GmbH
Pinsent Masons Rechtsanwälte Steuerberater Solicitors Partnerschaft mbB
The corporate practice of Pinsent Masons Rechtsanwälte Steuerberater Solicitors Partnerschaft mbB advises clients from the life sciences, technology, energy and real estate industries on the entire spectrum of corporate matters and was recently frequently involved in assisting with restructuring and integration measures related to joint ventures and post-M&A matters. Practice head and since October 2022 also Head of Germany Thomas Peschke oversees M&A transactions comprehensively, including bidding processes, share agreements and due diligence, while Nina Leonard assists with transactions as well as restructuring and shareholder disputes. Sven Schulte-Hillen's corporate advice primarily extends to disputes and insolvency-related matters.
Practice head(s):
Other key lawyers:
Testimonials
‘The team is characterized by the fact that, in addition to the partner, long-standing associates also develop their own viable ideas and are valued contacts. There is a good atmosphere in the team and that also has an effect on the matter.’
‘Dr. Thomas Peschke is characterized by his always solution-oriented, pragmatic and factual style. Thanks to his excellent knowledge of our company, he is able to develop tailor-made solutions.’
‘Very focused, thorough and competent. They contribute creative solutions.’
Key clients
Aker Offshore Wind Europe GmbH
Alps Alpine Europe GmbH
Autogyro Investment Holding Ltd.
Everfuel A/S
Getrag Ford Transmissions GmbH
Honda Trading Europe Ltd.
Johnson Controls Inc.
Kempinski Gruppe
Nippon Chemi-Con Corporation
Soteria Battery Innovation Group Inc.
Work highlights
- Advising Aker Offshore Wind on entering the German/European market via a newly founded GmbH, Aker Offshore Wind Europe GmbH.
- Advised Getrag Ford Transmissions, a 50/50 joint venture between Ford of Europe and Magna Powertrain, on the sale of production sites and investments and the complete takeover of the company by Ford.
SERNETZ • SCHÄFER
SERNETZ • SCHÄFER advises investors, companies and shareholders on general and shareholders' meetings, capital measures, conversions and matters relating to insolvency law, but places a particularly strong focus on corporate litigation. The team assists with high-volume D&O liability conflicts, shareholder disputes and stock corporation proceedings and is also well versed in compliance. Practice heads Fabian Dietz-Vellmer and Jörg Mimberg, Ferdinand Kruis as well as Frank Schäfer all advise on corporate and stock corporation disputes as well as on restructuring, while Andreas Höder is the key contact for D&O liability proceedings; he is also experienced in compliance.
Practice head(s):
Other key lawyers:
Testimonials
‘Outstanding professional personalities who are also very good team members.’
‘High level of expertise, quick familiarization with complex issues, clear recommendations for action.’
‘Andreas Höder: Fast, uncomplicated and practical advice on corporate law.’
Key clients
Deutsche Pfandbriefbank
Sparta AG
WealthCap Gruppe
Wirecard AG
Britischer Investor
Wirecard Bank AG
Work highlights
- Representing Deutsche Pfandbriefbank in a management liability claim.
- Advising a British investor who invested in the real estate company Adler Gruppe and played a key role in uncovering the fraudulent activities of this company.
avocado rechtsanwälte
avocado Rechtsanwälte advises international companies as well as German medium-sized companies and their bodies on corporate and contractual issues, including restructuring and conversions, corporate governance, company and external audits as well as capital measures. Transaction and restructuring partner Christian Berger heads the practice which also assists its clients with investor control proceedings and other corporate disputes. Udo Zietsch and Ralph Hummel are well versed in cross-border transactions and subsequent restructuring, while Justus Heldt focuses on company formation and financing as well as insolvency issues.
Practice head(s):
Other key lawyers:
Testimonials
‘The practice is extremely client- and goal-oriented.’
‘Dr. Christian Berger: A very experienced, calm and pleasant business partner.’
‘The avocado team is absolutely professional. The cooperation was always fruitful and very pleasant. avocado’s statements were always very transparent and comprehensible. In the last 20 years there has not been a case in which we have complained about billing or hourly rates. Avocado was also absolutely fair in this regard and very professional too.’
‘All employees are absolutely fit in their legal area, have integrity and are loyal. Response times to a phone call or email have always been super fast. It was fun and reassuring to have such competent and pleasant partners bz your side in business life.’
Key clients
Acushnet GmbH
Adyton Real Estate GmbH
Algeco GmbH
Allmed Group und deren deutsche Tochtergesellschaften
Alluto LLC
ANSYS Germany GmbH
ASI DataMyte, Inc.
Best Gaming Technology GmbH
Beyond Trust GmbH (früher Bomgar Germany GmbH)
BGT Deutschland GmbH
Came Deutschland GmbH
Carlisle Fluid Technologies GmbH
Carlisle Holdings GmbH
Dinkle International Co.
Donnelley Financial Solutions
DÜRR DENTAL SE
FE fundinfo (Germany) GmbH
Genovac GmbH
Gleason Corporation
GMS Management Spanien; GMS Solutions Deutschland GmbH
Grote Industries Europe GmbH
Humanic Deutschland GmbH
imc Test & Measurement GmbH; imc Meßsysteme GmbH
ITecon GmbH
L & S Deutschland Schuhhandels GmbH
Leder & Schuh AG
Luxoft GmbH
M.A. Med Alliance SA
Media Frankfurt GmbH (FRAPORT-Konzern)
MFG GmbH
Mirado Real Estate GmbH
musico GmbH
Nordisk Büro Plus GmbH
North Channel Bank GmbH & Co. KG
Norwex Germany GmbH
PARTSLIFE GmbH
PharmacoSoftware GmbH
PharmacoVision GmbH
Portwell Deutschland GmbH
PrinterLogic GmbH
R.A.M. Realtime Application Measurement GmbH
Recurity Labs GmbH
Schiff-Martini & Cie. GmbH Wirtschaftsprüfungsgesellschaft Steuerberatungsgesellschaft
SECITRADE e.V.
Semperit AG Holding, Semperit Gummiwerk Deggendorf GmbH, Semperflex Rivalit GmbH
SMC Deutschland GmbH, SMC Corporation
Stampin’Up!
Stark Power GmbH
Stiefelkönig Schuhhandels GmbH Deutschland
Taipei Design Center
Telia Carrier Germany GmbH
Top Tools GmbH
Trans World Hotels Germany GmbH
USANA Germany GmbH
USANA Health Sciences, Inc.
Ventec International, Taiwan
VIAC GmbH
Bird & Bird LLP
Bird & Bird's corporate advice focuses on company creations, financing and restructuring as well as mergers and insolvency-related matters,while IPO-related private capital contributions and joint venture structuring represent further mainstays. Due to its close interaction with other practice groups and as part of an international network, the team is well positioned for international matters and, under the leadership of Hans Peter Leube , regularly advises on M&A transactions, PE and VC investments as well as on the sale of companies and business areas. In addition to its strong focus on new technology, the firm has been increasingly active in the medicinal cannabis field. Kai Kerger and Stefan Gotttreu are well versed in providing corporate support related to joint ventures and restructuring.
Practice head(s):
Other key lawyers:
Key clients
Aareon AG
Aphria Inc.
Bolt Technology OÜ
BS Wiesmann GmbH
Cooper Standard
Cummins Inc.
Infront ASA
KAZ Europe Sàrl
Helen of Troy group
Midea Europe GmbH
Northern Green Canada Inc.
Tillomed Pharma GmbH
Verizon
Tilray
Vwd group
Cleary Gottlieb Steen & Hamilton
Cleary Gottlieb Steen & Hamilton advises on all corporate issues with a particular focus on corporate governance, where the team assists executives and supervisory boards with duties and liability risks. It also advises chemical and healthcare companies on structural measures, including mergers, demergers and business unit spin-offs, and is also active in the transactional sphere; Michael Ulmer is among the key contacts for M&A and subsequent restructuring. Michael Brems, who is also well versed in employment law, advises on cross-border M&A transactions, while Jens Hafemann signs responsible for tax-related issues. With the arrival of Nico Abel (previously at Herbert Smith Freehills LLP) in June 2022, the group was able to enhance its corporate and M&A capacities in the fintech arena.
Other key lawyers:
Testimonials
‘Communicative and competent, hands-on.’
‘Michael Brems: Competent partner, good communication skills and hands-on.’
Key clients
Agfa-Gevaert
DCC
Falabella
GN Store Nord
MAX Automation
Mitsubishi Chemicals
Polypore International
RIMOWA
The Walt Disney Company
Westlake Chemical
Deloitte Legal Rechtsanwaltsgesellschaft mbH
The corporate team at Deloitte Legal Rechtsanwaltsgesellschaft mbH assists companies with transactions, restructuring, shareholder disputes and mass proceedings, but also houses expertise in contract management, SE structuring and IPOs. Andreas Jentgens, who also heads the Japan desk, focuses on corporate acquisitions and restructurings and jointly leads the practice with Julia Petersen, who supports strategic and financial investors in cross-border deals and restructurings and is also well-versed in corporate disputes. Martin Wittmann, a corporate lawyer who works for ministries and local authorities and is also experienced in liability law and corporate dispute resolution, joined the team from EY Law in January 2023.
Practice head(s):
Other key lawyers:
Key clients
Aedifica
Amadeus FiRe AG
Arodo
Barilla
Birkenstock
BITO-Lagertechnik Bittmann GmbH
Bundesärztekammer
CA Immo Deutschland GmbH
DAIKIN CHEMICAL EUROPE GmbH
DATEV eG, Nürnberg
Deutsche Automobil Treuhand GmbH
Deutsche Wohnen
DMK Deutsches Milchkontor GmbH
GETINGE/MAQUET-Gruppe
Gläserne Molkerei GmbH
Hamberger Instruriewerke GmbH
Helu Kabel GmbH
Henkel
IKO
Innoviz Technology Ltd.
Karlruher Sport Club Mühlburg-Phönix GmbH & Co. KGaA, Karlsruhe
Main Capital Partners
Maynards Europe GmbH
Mitsubishi International GmbH
MK Battery (KCM Marketing Inc.)
Nippon Steel
PRISMA-Verlag GmbH & Co. KG
RECARO
Refresco Holding B.V.
Salzgitter Maschinenbau AG
Samsonite Europe NV
SAP SE
Siltronic AG, München
Stadt Neuss
TA Triumph-Adler GmbH
Teamware GmbH
Teekanne
Tripadvisor Inc.
VMware
Weber Maschinenbau GmbH
Wüstenrot Holding
Wüstenrot Stiftung Freunde deutscher Eigenheim e.V.
Work highlights
- Advising Birkenstock on the preparation and sale of a majority stake to a US investor.
- Advising Main Capital on various corporate structuring projects.
- Advising Teekanne on complex corporate restructuring.
Flick Gocke Schaumburg
Flick Gocke Schaumburg advises on all major corporate issues, but places a particular focus on compliance, corporate governance and corporate structures, including reorganizations, mergers, spin-offs and reorganizations; Michael Erkens and capital market and group lawyer Jan Giedinghagen are the main contacts here, while Fred Wendt supports public and private companies as well as PE funds in transactions and restructuring. Dieter Leuering and Christoph Bode often act on behalf of family offices in corporate disputes. The team's expertise also includes the drafting and reviewing of contracts as part of corporate housekeeping.
Other key lawyers:
Dieter Leuering; Michael Erkens; Fred Wendt; Jan Giedinghagen; Christoph Bode
Testimonials
‘Fast communication and many specialists who are called in when needed. Furthermore, there is good accessibility.’
‘Very quickly involved in respective topics and very personable and good at communication.’
‘Fred Wendt: Precise, experienced and solution-oriented.’
‘Fred Wendt and his team are outstanding and well-versed corporate lawyers, particularly well versed in advising management and supervisory boards, as well as in the area of D&O liability and related areas of banking, capital market and tax law.’
‘Fred Wendt: Very experienced, pragmatic and commercial-minded and actually has a clever solution/answer to any problem. The legal department and corporate bodies greatly appreciate his advice.’
‘Very personal and long-standing, trusted support. Absolute excellence and professionalism in corporate and tax law. Highly professional and therefore on equal footing with other international law firms. Available 24/7, broadly adept at all subject areas. From our point of view, the first address for medium-sized companies. Highly recommended!’
Friedrich Graf von Westphalen & Partner
Friedrich Graf von Westphalen & Partner advises German and international medium-sized companies on all corporate issues, with a particular focus on companies from the life sciences and healthcare sectors. The practice is especially adept at assisting with M&A-related corporate aspects, corporate governance and contracts as well as with contentious matters, particularly manager liability litigation. Since Gerhard Manz, Barbara Mayer and Jan Barth joined ADVANT Beiten in August 2022, the practice has been jointly led by transaction specialists Arnt Göppert and Annette Bödeker, transformation expert Albert Schröder, commercial lawyer Hendrik Thies and financing lawyer Alexander Hartmann.
Practice head(s):
Arnt Göppert; Annette Bödeker; Albert Schröder; Hendrik Thies; Alexander Hartmann
Testimonials
‘Very good knowledge of various specialist areas and very well-connected, also in the international arena.’
‘Arnt Göppert: Excellent negotiation skills and outstanding expertise. Always fully focused, even in extreme situations.’
‘Profound and goal-oriented advice. Also outstanding in litigation and very quick and successful in defending against injunctions. Clear positioning and legal opinions that are understandable for committees and shareholders.’
Key clients
Aston Martin UK
Eps Holding GmbH
Essilor-Gruppe
Fastlane Marketing GmbH
flatexDEGIRO AG
flatexDEGIRo Bank AG
Freiburg Wirtschaft Touristik und Messe GmbH & Co. KG
Getinge AB
Getinge Gruppe: Maquet Medical Systems AG
Getinge Gruppe: Pulsion Medical Systems SE
Haufe Gruppe
HAVE Group AG
Herder Gruppe
JobRad GmbH
Metropolitankapitel der Hohen Domkirche Köln
Omega Immobilien GmbH
Raith Engineering & Manufacturing Co.
Stratosphere Games
Sympatient GmbH
XPO Logistics (Transport Solutions Europe)
Yolda Lojustik Ve Teknoloji Servisleri A.S.
Work highlights
- Advising Maquet Medical Systems AG on the conclusion of appraisal proceedings after the takeover of the listed Pulsion Medical Systems SE.
- Advice on the cross-border merger of Dutch DeGiro BV into flatexDEGIRO Bank AG and thus the creation of one of the largest online brokers in Europe.
GÖRG Partnerschaft von Rechtsanwälten mbB
GÖRG Partnerschaft von Rechtsanwälten mbB primarily advises on restructuring, joint ventures and group financing systems, in particular cash pooling systems. At the interface of M&A, corporate and insolvency law, the practice also frequently assists with liability issues, particularly in the area of executive and group liability; here, the practice fields an experienced advisor in Alexander Kessler who is further adept at corporate structuring and emergency meetings in the private equity field. For M&A, PE and VC advice, clients from the technology, media and internet, healthcare, financial services and automotive industries turn to practice heads Bernt Paudtke and Tobias Fenck, while Matthias Menke assists with complex joint venture structures, corporate governance and compliance.
Practice head(s):
Other key lawyers:
Testimonials
‘Excellent internal agreement and coordination, very high adherence to deadlines, form a team with the client.’
‘Excellent technical expertise coupled with the necessary degree of pragmatism. Client requests are understood and implemented.’
Key clients
First Sensor AG
Frankfurter Allgemeine Zeitung GmbH
Heidelberg Pharma AG
Huf Hülsbeck & Fürst GmbH & Co. KG
HUK-Coburg
ifesca GmbH
IFM Immobilien AG
Jamestown
Main-Kinzig-Kreis
Morphosys AG
Pacifico Renewables Yield AG
Penta Fintech GmbH
Stadt Bad Nauheim
Tech Mahindra
Trianel Gruppe
Ufenau Capital Partners AG
Verimi GmbH
Zeitfracht Gruppe
Work highlights
- Advising Zeitfracht Group on the takeover of the insolvent Adler Modemärkte AG.
- Comprehensive advice to Heidelberg Pharma AG on the strategic partnership with Huadong Medicine Co. Ltd. based in Hangzhou (China).
- Advising Frankfurter Allgemeine Zeitung GmbH on the restructuring of the newspaper and magazine delivery business.
Greenberg Traurig Germany
Greenberg Traurig Germany's corporate team focuses on cross-border structural measures and matrix structures, but also advises on general meetings, corporate governance, transformations and joint ventures as well as corporate disputes. Peter Schorling, who assists public sector clients with M&A transactions and joint ventures, leads the practice together with transaction lawyer Henrik Armah, who also advises companies from the life sciences, technology, media and telecommunications sectors on conversion law and joint ventures. Josef Hofschroer acts in capital market-related matters and insolvency transactions, while Oliver Markmann, who made partner in February 2022, assists PE clients with international joint ventures.
Practice head(s):
Other key lawyers:
Testimonials
‘Super accessibility, very high commitment, very good knowledge of the market.’
‘Henrik Armah: Always available or calls back immediately. His commitment is very high. Very service-oriented and very good work results. Dr. Oliver Markmann is also very service-oriented and shows a high level of commitment. Nevertheless, you can also rely on him for precise and correct work results.’
‘Structured, capable team. Communicative and personable. Good and focused advice on essentials.’
‘Likeable, technically strong, stick to specifications.’
‘Henrik Armah: Objective and pragmatic. Pleasant cooperation, gladly again.’
‘Henrik Armah: Very pleasant, calm, unpretentious way of negotiating. Very responsive.’
Key clients
Best Western International, Inc.
GlobalLogic Inc.
Halloren Schokoladenfabrik AG
HanseMerkur Gruppe
NIVIDIA Corporation
Verbaudet Deutschland GmbH
ZTE Corp.
Taiyo Nippon Sanso Corporation (TNSC)
Tempur Sealy Deutschland GmbH
Dream Unlimited Corporation
Röhlig Deutschland GmbH & Co. KG
CCC S.A.
GASAG
Inpixon
Work highlights
- Advising Berlin tech start-up expertlead on a joint venture with Volkswagen subsidiary CARIAD.
- Advice to Halloren Schokoladenfabrik AG on all corporate issues, in particular the preparation and implementation of the general meeting, duties and organization of the board of directors and the supervisory board, and corporate structural measures.
- Advising logistics service provider Röhlig Logistics on the establishment of a joint venture with Penske Logistics.
Herbert Smith Freehills LLP
Herbert Smith Freehills LLP's corporate group advises clients from the aviation, automotive and infrastructure sectors as well as financial services providers on corporate aspects of international M&A transactions, joint ventures and restructurings, but also assists various domestic and foreign investors with acquisitions and sales of shares. Sönke Becker covers corporate and transaction issues and is also experienced in crisis management and compliance, Christoph Nawroth focuses on corporate and transaction advice on PE, VC, infrastructure and real estate deals, while Julius Brandt is the key contact for listed companies, especially in public and private M&A transactions. Nico Abel (corporate and M&A with a focus on fintech) joined Cleary Gottlieb Steen & Hamilton in June 2022.
Other key lawyers:
Testimonials
‘Dr. Sönke Becker: Very competent, friendly, service-oriented, pragmatic and solution-oriented.’
‘Experience with complex JV structuring and equity financing.’
‘Julius Brandt combines his well-founded legal expertise in the areas of M&A, classic corporate law matters and capital markets with a distinctive economic understanding. This enables him to develop solutions that balance a strong legal structure on the one hand and pragmatism and feasibility on the other.’
Work highlights
- Advising Deutsche Lufthansa on the spin-off of its European LSG business.
- Advising bp on the joint venture with Daimler Mobility AG and the BMW Group in Digital Charging Solutions (DCS, trading under ChargeNow).
- Advising Unzer on the takeover of Acquires Clearhaus and payment service provider Quick Pay from Denmark.
Heussen Rechtsanwaltsgesellschaft mbH
Primarily acting for German medium-sized companies, Heussen Rechtsanwaltsgesellschaft mbH applies its corporate expertise in the context of company creations, financings, shareholder disputes and share sales. The team around practice head Christof Schmidt, who specializes in tax and financing issues, also advises on transactions in Germany and abroad, including mergers and acquisitions, as well as on restructuring. Dirk von dem Knesebeck, Sven Hoffmann and Michael Frühmorgen act at the interface of corporate and commercial law, while the succession, inheritance and assets department, headed by Frank-Grischa Feitsch, assists family businesses and family offices with corporate and tax matters.
Practice head(s):
Other key lawyers:
Dirk von dem Knesebeck; Sven Hoffmann; Michael Frühmorgen; Frank-Grischa Feitsch
Key clients
Film & Entertainment VIP Medienfonds
Real I.S.
solargrün GmbH
Industria Wohnen
Seventure Partners
CDTI GmbH MULTIVAC Sepp Haggenmüller SE & Co. KG
Fidor Bank AG
ITT Corp.
Heska Corporation
derigo GmbH & Co. KG
Expleo Germany Holding GmbH
Terra Quantum AG
BVT Holding GmbH & Co. KG und Tochtergesellschaften
Berndt GmbH (und 4 weitere Gesellschaften z.B. Berndt Bio Energy GmbH)
Work highlights
- Advising an Austrian group on several company acquisitions in Germany, including a merger into a German subsidiary.
- Advice on inheritance, tax and corporate law to a family office as part of a very complex succession planning and structure.
K&L Gates LLP
At K&L Gates LLP, medium-sized companies and listed companies will find an internationally well-connected practice group that cooperates closely with offices in Europe and the US and focuses on corporate advice with particular emphasis on cross-border M&A. The technology and automotive sectors dominate the client base of the team, which is led by Thomas Lappe and advises investors and corporate bodies on international carve-outs and buy-outs as well as joint ventures and VC investments. In addition to her transactional activities, Martina Ortner is also well versed in restructuring, especially holding structures, and in assisting with general meetings. In cooperation with insolvency expert Georg Bernsau, the team also advises on distressed M&A transactions and restructurings.
Practice head(s):
Other key lawyers:
Testimonials
‘Balanced team that also works well on cross-departmental questions. Both for the support of complete M&A transactions as well as for specific questions in investment projects.’
‘Thomas Lappe: Particularly outstanding, convinces with comprehensive transaction experience and confident, calm negotiation.’
Key clients
ATOS Gruppe
Bundesdruckerei GmbH
Exasol AG
Osram Continental GmbH
Relief Therapeutics Holding SA
Robus Capital Management Ltd.
TriSpan LLP
VTG AG
ZEAL Network SE
Francotyp Postalia Holding AG
Industrie Saleri Italo S.p.A.
Koenig & Bauer AG
Work highlights
- Advising Koenig & Bauer AG on their general meeting; ongoing corporate governance related to Germany and the K&B foreign companies; assistance with the virtual annual general meeting 2021.
- Ongoing commercial advice to VTG AG.
POELLATH
POELLATH advises listed companies, shareholders and family offices on the entire spectrum of corporate issues, including assistance with general and shareholder meetings as well as domestic and foreign restructuring, spin-offs and mergers; the practice also acts in the context of public takeovers. Eva Nase is sought after by both companies and their boards while Stefanie Jahn is well versed in corporate governance, compliance and corporate disputes.
Practice head(s):
Other key lawyers:
Testimonials
‘Eva Nase and colleagues work professionally with customers. Of particular note is the ability to adapt to different corporate cultures in multiple countries and to achieve convincing results for all parties involved.’
‘Excellent technical knowledge, deep understanding of corporate law, quick and accurate response.’
‘Dr. Eva Nase: Very experienced stock corporation lawyer who was able to help us quickly and easily; A leap in quality compared to our previous consultant.’
Key clients
SevenVentures Re/About You SE
Gründer Babbel AG
DN Capital/Piton Capital re Auto1
Vorstand Synlab AG
GERRY WEBER International AG
Eckert & Ziegler
BayWa AG
Fiege Logistik
Holding Stiftung & Co. KG
DN Capital/Acton re IPO Home2Go
Kulczyk Investment re IPO-Vorbereitung/Reorganisation/Transaktion Clark
KME SE
Blue Cap
Picturemaxx AG
Arcandor
Loewe
Hirhohilta Holding AG/Maximilian Stichter
Münchener Hypothekenbank eG
VR-Bank Landshut eG
Gesellschafter/Geschäftsführer der HCl Healthcubator Consulting & Innovation GmbH
Work highlights
- Advising the executive board of Synlab AG on all corporate and capital market law issues in connection with the IPO of Synlab AG and in particular on their new service contracts.
- Advising SevenVentures on all corporate and capital market law issues in connection with the IPO of ABOUT YOU SE.
- Advising the four founders of language learning app Babbel on all corporate, capital market and tax law issues in connection with the planned IPO of Babbel AG.
PwC Legal (PricewaterhouseCoopers Legal AG Rechtsanwaltsgesellschaft)
With excellent international connections, PwC Legal (PricewaterhouseCoopers Legal AG Rechtsanwaltsgesellschaft) advises on cross-border transactions and the entire range of corporate issues; here, post-M&A integration of companies represents a clear focus for the practice. As head of its Global Transformation Group, Simon Dürr assists DAX40 companies with their takeovers of smaller corporations, while Frederic Mirza Khanian oversees international restructuring projects among other matters. Steffen Schniepp and Gerhard Wacker jointly head the team.
Practice head(s):
Other key lawyers:
Key clients
agn-Gruppe
Bayer AG
DFL Deutsche Fußball Liga GmbH
Hewlett Packard Enterprise
MEC Holding GmbH
NOZ MEDIEN/ mh:n MEDIEN Gruppe
SAP SE
Sika Holding CH AG & Co. KG
The Family Butchers Gruppe
Wellergruppe
Work highlights
- Advising Bayer AG on the carve-out of Bayer’s pharmaceutical business for pets and livestock to US company Elanco.
- Interdisciplinary advice to the DFL on the expansion and structuring of the joint venture Sportec Solutions with Deltare Group Ltd.
- Advising SAP SE on the global post-merger integration of CallidusCloud.
Squire Patton Boggs
DAX40 companies, private equity and venture capital investors can rely on a wide range of corporate services at Squire Patton Boggs, including directors' liability issues, joint ventures, conversions and international litigation. Led by transaction and structuring expert Kai Mertens, the team places a special focus on companies in the life sciences and healthcare sectors and advises them on financings, company creations as well as acquisitions. Volker Heidbüchel specializes in advising US companies, particularly in the chemical sector, on corporate and transactional matters.
Practice head(s):
Other key lawyers:
Testimonials
‘Very well-established team with quick response times. Clear and transparent communication channels with precisely defined responsibilities in the team.’
‘Kai Mertens: In-depth knowledge of corporate law and of economic fundamentals of the cases at hand. Large wealth of experience in the M&A area. Very quick response times.’
‘Squire Patton Boggs has a perfectly organised, efficient, personable team.’
‘Kai Mertens: Incomparable. He is not to be disturbed when it comes to technical questions, nor does he accept provocations.’
‘We have been working with Kai Mertens’ team on all corporate law issues for years. Mandates range from capital measures to spin-offs of subsidiaries to general meetings. I particularly appreciated a situation when we needed a quick solution that Mertens and his team were unable to provide due to time constraints. He would rather recommend alternatives than not being able to deliver 100% himself.’
‘Kai Mertens: An outstanding corporate lawyer with an entrepreneurial perspective. He is clear and quick in his recommendations and actions and also supports us beyond the typical client relationship through networking initiatives.’
Key clients
Animoca Brands
Cathay Pacific
Deutsche Kreditmanagement
Deutsche Wohnen
Green Light Group
GSW Immobilien
MLL Münchner Leukämielabor (MLL MVZ GmbH)
Stadt Potsdam und verbundene Unternehmen (Pro Potsdam und Stadtwerke Potsdam)
Work highlights
- Advised Animoca Brands on the formation of a joint venture with One Football, a metaverse football media platform, for the development, production and distribution of football NFTs.
- Conversion of MLL Munich Leukemia Laboratory, a partnership of contract doctors and private doctors, into an MVZ GmbH, including the SGB-V approval process.
- Advising Deutsche Wohnen on the drafting of a business combination agreement with Vonovia and group integration after a public takeover.