Allen & Overy LLP offers private equity funds, national and international investors and companies a cross-practice approach and accompanies large and upper-mid-cap transactions in various sectors, such as chemicals, technology, financial services and healthcare. Clients benefit from in-depth experience in transaction-related disciplines such as banking, finance and tax law. The team is led by Nils Koffka, who advises on PE as well as M&A transactions and leveraged buy-outs. Newcomer Hendrik Röhricht (July 2021, formerly at Weil, Gotshal & Manges LLP ) advises on private equity transactions across all investment phases and focuses on the technology, healthcare and payments sectors. Roman Kasten made partner in May 2022 and specialises in investments in private and listed companies.
Transactions in Germany
Allen & Overy LLP
Testimonials
‘Large, experienced and very dedicated private equity team.’
‘Roman Kasten: Outstanding lawyer, also masters ambitious transactions and always has the deal under control.’
Key clients
Advent International
Apollo Management
BC Partners
Bridgepoint
Charterhouse Capital Partners
CVC Capital Partners
Deutsche Beteiligungs AG (DBAG)
EQT Partners
Lamont Capital Partners
One Equity Partners (OEP)
Partners Group
The Riverside Company
Waterland Private Equity
Work highlights
- Advising Advent International on the sale of the allnex group to the Dutch PTTGC International (Netherlands) BV for approx. €4 billion.
- Advice to Bridgepoint and its portfolio company PTV Group, a joint venture between Bridgepoint and Porsche SE, on the acquisition of Econolite, the leading provider of intelligent traffic management solutions in North America.
- Advising BC Partners LLP on the acquisition of the laboratory group Tentamus Group GmbH from Auctus for approx. €1 billion.
Arqis Rechtsanwälte
Arqis Rechtsanwälte focuses on national and international transactions in the mid-cap segment and is also experienced in platform deals with add-on business prospects. The advice to private equity funds recently further expanded, in part due to the expertise of Mauritz von Einem. Practice head Jörn-Christian Schulze is well versed in corporate law as well as private equity and M&A.
Testimonials
‘Jörn Schulze: Entrepreneurial thinking. ‘
‘Adaptation/empathy to counterparties without transaction experience.’
Key clients
Active Capital Company
BME SHK Deutschland-Gruppe (Blackstone)
Quadriga Capital
Liberta Partners
Omnes Capital – Capenergie
Upside Equity AG
Parte NV
Sereni Deutschland GmbH
Ashurst LLP
Ashurst LLP advises on mid-cap transactions in the infrastructure, renewable energy, healthcare and technology sectors. Clients benefit from the cross-practice collaboration with teams from the areas finance and regulatory law as well as compliance. The team is led by Benedikt von Schorlemer, who has longstanding expertise in private equity and private M&A.
Testimonials
‘Ashurst has an excellent team that combines corporate/M&A with energy issues.’
‘Benedikt von Schorlemer and Maximilian Uibeleisen are outstanding legal advisors who both follow a very pragmatic and efficient approach. Both are characterized in particular by a very accessible manner, which is beneficial in the context of difficult negotiations.’
Key clients
ABC Technologies
Bullfinch Asset AG
DIF Capital Partners
ECENTA AG
Green Investment Group Limited
Planet Home Group
Realport AG
Work highlights
- Advising the global infrastructure fund manager DIF Capital Partners (DIF) on the acquisition of a majority stake of 51% in ib vogt GmbH for its Infrastructure VI fund. In addition, advice on the shareholder agreement concluded between DIF and DVV and in connection with the concluded management participation.
- Advising the Kima-Tech venture capital investor Bullfinch Asset AG on transactions in connection with various investments in energy infrastructure projects, most recently on a joint venture with Impax Asset Management, which invests in the German sector of decentralized renewable energies.
Bird & Bird LLP
Bird & Bird LLP assists numerous private equity investors as well as companies from the technology sector and is regularly instructed on mid-cap transactions and technology-related financings. Practice head Hans Peter Leube offers expertise in the telecoms sector, where he frequently advises lenders and investors on fibre optic operation and expansion projects.
Key clients
Antin Infrastructure Partners
CapMan
Cube Infrastructure Fund II
Deutsche Beteiligungs AG
Equistone Partners
Eve Systems GmbH
Deutsche Giga Access GmbH
FAST LEAN SMART Group GmbH
Global Connect Holdings S.a.r.l.
Hamburg Commercial Bank
Kinexon Beteiligungsgesellschaft mbH
Nimbus Health GmbH
Netzkontor Gruppe
shopware AG
Smarp OY
Solvares Group
Vitronet Gruppe
Vitruvian Partners LLP
WASCOSA
Work highlights
- Advising the French investors Hy24 and Mirova on the acquisition of shares in the German Hy2gen AG, a pioneering company for green hydrogen.
- Advising the founders of shopware AG on the investment of the US private equity company The Carlyle Group and the global online payment service PayPal, who are investing a total of $100 million in shopware.
- Ongoing advice to the PE company Antin Infrastructure Partners and sole shareholder of Eurofiber on further financing rounds of a joint venture between Eurofiber and Vattenfall.
BMH BRÄUTIGAM
Thanks to the integration into a best friends network, BMH BRÄUTIGAM increasingly assists with cross-border private equity matters. The team specialises in the mid-cap segment and supports PE funds and investors in company acquisitions and sales and, thanks to comprehensive experience, in the venture capital sphere. Practice head Jan-Peter Heyer offers expertise in PE, VC, M&A and corporate law as well as pharmaceuticals; clients also benefit from experience due to his previous work at a respected German PE house.
Testimonials
‘Very diverse and innovative team, extremely pragmatic and precise legal advice.’
‘Dr. Alexander Wulff is highly recommended. Super helpful coaching for founders to negotiate deals with VCs.’
Key clients
capiton
Contus Holding
Coveris Deutschland
EVP
HTG
Prefere resins
Raith
Work highlights
- Corporate and contract law advice to EVP on the merger with Vitafy Brands.
- Advising capiton on the acquisition of the Stürtz Group.
- Advising capiton on entering Betonbau Gruppe.
Clifford Chance
Clifford Chance team has strong relationships with large and mid-cap PE houses and focuses on large and mid-cap deals in the healthcare, financial services, energy, technology and infrastructure sectors. The close cooperation with the ECM, public M&A and antitrust teams covers all transaction-related matters, while the team also accompanies cross-border PE transactions thanks to the firm’s global network. Practice head Anselm Raddatz has longstanding experience in transactions in the regulated industries and private equity investments. The group welcomed Volkmar Bruckner (advising financial investors, strategic investors and management teams) and Mark Aschenbrenner (advising PE houses and their portfolio companies) from Kirkland & Ellis International LLP in July and September 2021 respectively. Sonya Pauls is the key contact for fund structuring matters.
Other key lawyers:
Frederik Mühl; Thomas Krecek; Sonya Pauls; Nicole Englisch; Volkmar Bruckner; Mark Aschenbrenner
Key clients
Commerzbank AG
Telefonica
Software AG
Trinseo S.A.
Block.one
DPE Deutsche Private Equity
3i Infrastructure
Technip Energies NV
Volkswagen AG
Willy Bogner GmbH & Co. KGaA
Airbus
Werhahn-Gruppe
Work highlights
- Advising Commerzbank AG on the conclusion of an exclusive cooperation agreement for the areas of stock trading and sales as well as stock research with the German-French private bank ODDO BHF.
- Advising the Spanish technology company Telefónica on the acquisition of the Leipzig cloud specialist BE-terna GmbH.
- Advising Software AG, listed in the MDAX, on entering into a strategic partnership with Silver Lake.
CMS
The CMS team covers mid- and large-cap transactions and is particularly well versed in the technology, life sciences and energy sectors. Interfacing tax matters are also handled by the team, which advises national and international companies. In line with the cross-locational approach, the team is headed by Igor Stenzel in Berlin and Oliver Wolfgramm in Frankfurt. Jessica Mohaupt-Schneider (PE, M&A, VC and restructuring), Astrid Roesener (M&A, joint ventures and restructuring) and Christopher Freiherr von Lilien-Waldau (PE and M&A, including distressed M&A) made partners in January 2022.
Other key lawyers:
Tobias Schneider; Holger Kraft; Jörg Lips; Jessica Mohaupt-Schneider; Astrid Roesener; Christopher Freiherr von Lilien-Waldau
Testimonials
‘CMS is an absolute team player and fits seamlessly into the in-house team in complex transactions.’
‘Flexible and responsive at all times; solution-oriented and pragmatic.’
‘Jessica Mohaupt-Schneider: Expertise; service idea; team spirit.’
Key clients
Afinum
BE Investment Partners
capiton
Finch Capital
Finexx
Greencoat Renewables
Harald Quandt Industriebeteiligungen
Luxcara
Mutares
NORD Holding
Partners Group
RSBG SE / RAG Stiftung
Turn / River Capital
WOW Tech Group
Work highlights
- Advising WOW TEch Group on the €1 billion business combination with Lovehoney Group (Telemos Capital).
- Advising Greencoat renewables on the acquisition of a total of 50% of the Borkum Riffgrund I offshore wind farm in the German North Sea from Kirkbi Invest and William Demant Invest for around €350 million.
- Advising RSBG SE on the expansion of the Advanced Manufacturing technology division; Acquisition of Multiphoton Optics (MPO), a specialist supplier in the field of micro-optics and acquisition of Surface Nano Analysis (SPECS), a technology leader in the area of device development for the production of advanced semiconductor structures.
Dechert LLP
Dechert LLP accompanies national and cross-border mid-cap transactions and advises on funds launches, venture capital, build-ups, exits and IPOs, both on the sponsor and corporate side. The team, led by Federico Pappalardo, focuses on the automotive, TMT, e-commerce, apps, financial services and investment management sectors. Dominik Stuhler joined the team from Allen & Overy LLP in May 2021 and strengthened the capacities in leveraged buy-outs, restructuring and real estate transactions.
Testimonials
‘The Dechert team not only does excellent legal work, but also impresses with their negotiating skills.’
‘Perfect balancing of the client’s economic interests and special commitment at any time of the day or night. Excellent work!’
‘Good business acumen and ability to recommend practical, realistic solutions.‘
‘The team is very responsive and reliable.‘
Key clients
OneFootball GmbH
AWARE Health GmbH
EyeEm Group
Resolve Biosciences GmbH
Safran Corporate Ventures und STAR Capital
Special Situations Venture Partners III (SSVP III)
Vestiaire Collective
VIA optronics AG
Cathay Capital
gridX
Summit Partners
BC Partners
Castik Capital
Equistone
Work highlights
- Advising OneFootball GmbH on its Series D financing round with an investment volume of over €300 million. The lead investor in the financing round was Liberty City Ventures.
- Advising Vestiaire Collective, a global community for luxury and premium second-hand fashion, on a new €178 million financing round involving SoftBank Vision Fund 2 and Generation Investment Management.
- Advising Special Situations Venture Partners III (SSVP III) on the sale of nox NachtExpress to Groupe Sterne, a portfolio company of Tikehau Capital.
Dentons
Jointly led by Volker Junghanns and Robert Bastian, Dentons covers the whole value chain of private equity, with a primary focus on buy-out transactions, fund advice and structuring, distressed M&A and infrastructure transactions. The client roster includes German family businesses as well as small-cap and mid-cap funds; increasingly, large funds are also advised on global transactions. Christopher Mayston in Munich (PE, VC, M&A, banking and capital markets law, corporate law) made partner in May 2022.
Testimonials
‘Volker Junghanns: Very good commercial understanding, always clear opinion, “to the point”, it’s fun to work with him!’
‘Volker Junghanns: Excellent partner, extremely competent, very deal-focused, yet accessible and down-to-earth.’
Key clients
LFPI
Accursia Capital
Q-Energy
marbis/Nitrado
WDM-Gruppe
KKR / Global Infrastructure Partners
Domo Investment Group
Quartum Kapital
Work highlights
- Advising the private equity company KKR and the fund manager Global Infrastructure Partners on the takeover of the data center operator CyrusOne.
- Advising the French LFPI Group on the acquisition of a majority stake in the global private equity specialist HQ Capital.
- Advising the WDM Group, a Cross portfolio company, on the acquisition of Deutenberg Drahttechnik GmbH.
DLA Piper
DLA Piper predominantly advises clients on mid-cap transactions and has a strong focus on the technology and IT sector, particularly fintech and blockchain-related matters. Thanks to cross-practice cooperation, other sectors include the life sciences, logistics and gaming. Practice head Nils Krause advises German and foreign companies on national and cross-border company and investment acquisitions, public takeovers and on corporate and group law issues. In September 2022, Lars Jessen joined the team from Paul Hastings LLP (including restructurings, joint ventures and management equity programs).
Flick Gocke Schaumburg
Flick Gocke Schaumburg focuses on the mid-cap segment and, with a team of corporate and tax lawyers, advises both investors and companies across all phases of a transaction. Martin Oltmanns, Mathias Bülow and Alexander Goertz are among the key contacts and cover the interfaces to M&A, corporate law and capital markets law.
Testimonials
‘Combination of legal excellence/experience, the necessary pragmatism in finding solutions and fun working together.’
‘Outstanding expertise and high commercial understanding.’
‘Very efficient work.’
Gibson, Dunn & Crutcher LLP
Gibson, Dunn & Crutcher LLP accompanies large and mid-cap transactions nationally and internationally, thanks to close collaboration with locations in London, Paris and the US. The key contacts include Markus Nauheim, who is experienced in M&A, private equity investments and venture capital deals, and Dirk Oberbracht. The latter counts families and management teams among his clients and has expertise in supporting minority investments and corporate restructuring as well as management participations.
Other key lawyers:
Markus Nauheim; Dirk Oberbracht; Lutz Englisch; Ferdinand Fromholzer; Wilhelm Reinhardt; Jan Schubert
Testimonials
‘Pragmatism combined with very high legal expertise.’
‘Good negotiation skills with willingness to find a quick compromise that is acceptable to both parties.’
‘Jan Schubert: Outstanding deal management, good problem solver.’
Key clients
Advent International Corporation
Oaktree
Platinum
Tiancheng/Creat Group
Deutsche Private Equity
First Reserve
Perusa
Triton
Work highlights
- Advising Advent International Corporation and Centerbridge Partners, LP and the bidder company in connection with a voluntary public takeover bid for Aareal Bank.
- Advising Platinum Equity Advisors, LLC on the acquisition of Solenis from BASF SE and private equity investor Clayton, Dubilier & Rice.
- Advising First Reserve and its portfolio company Dresser Utility Solutions on their acquisition of the global gas control business and European commercial and industrial gas measurement business from Itron, Inc.
Gleiss Lutz
Gleiss Lutz‘ team acts integrated into a European network and supports financial investors throughout the entire life cycle of an investment. Large and mid-cap transactions are the core areas within the PE framework, including buy-outs, acquisition financing and management participation as well as add-on acquisitions and sales. The team is led by Jan Balssen, who specialises in cross-border transactions and is also experienced in financial services, M&A and merger control. Christian Cascante is well versed in PE, public takeovers and cross-border transactions.
Testimonials
‘Great team and concise advice.’
‘Excellent and very practical advice and great dealings with the counterparty.’
Key clients
Apax
Apollo
Blackstone
Deutsche Beteiligungs AG
H.I.G. Capital
HQ Equita
Investindustrial
KKR
Lindsay Goldberg
Porterhouse Group
Tiger Global
Triton
Work highlights
- Advising Investindustrial on the acquisition of Aakamp Group by Farmaceutici Procemsa S.p.A, a company owned by Investindustrial Growth LP.
- Advising H.I.G Europe on the acquisition of a majority stake in the comcross group.
- Advising Tiger Global on a variety of investments in technology assets in Germany, including Alaiko GmbH, Taxdoo GmbH, Hive Technologies GmbH, Xentral GmbH, Pitch Software GmbH, BRYTER GmbH and Mambu GmbH.
GLNS Rechtsanwälte Steuerberater
GLNS Rechtsanwälte Steuerberater maintains good relationships with numerous mid-cap funds. These are frequently based in Munich and advised across the entire investment cycle, including financings, platform transactions, national and international add-ons as well as exits. Private equity investors and foreign PE houses also benefit from the internationally-oriented approach, thanks to a global network of partner law firms, as well as cross-practice cooperation with the tax and financing experts. Key contacts include Ludger Schult and Georg Lindner, who both cover M&A, VC and corporate matters in addition to PE.
Other key lawyers:
Ludger Schult; Georg Lindner
Testimonials
‘Pragmatic, goal-oriented and down-to-earth.’
‘Creative compromise solutions – good commercial understanding.’
‘Ludger Schult is characterized by an extremely high level of professional competence and experience. He exudes incredible calm even after long rounds of negotiations and is therefore able to defuse even difficult situations.’
Work highlights
- Advising FSN Capital and ecovium on the acquisition of the Greek Mantis Group.
- Advising the founders and shareholders of the Intermate Group on the entry of ECM.
- Advising Afinum Management on the acquisition of Fishing King and the Hartl Group.
Greenberg Traurig Germany
Greenberg Traurig Germany‘s private equity team, led by Peter Schorling, Henrik Armah and Nicolai Lagoni, primarily advises investors from the technology, telecoms and media sectors on mid-cap transactions and strengthened its capacities in the healthcare, life sciences and business services sectors with the partner appointment of Oliver Markmann in January 2022 as well as the real estate sector with the simultaneous partner appointment of Philipp Osteroth. International clients also benefit from the cooperation with the offices in London, Warsaw, Amsterdam and the US.
Testimonials
‘Peter Schorling is precise and strong in negotiations. He’s usually three steps ahead of the other side.’
‘Very good communication and availability of contact persons.’
‘Good internal coordination and distribution of tasks, punctual delivery of contract documentation.’
‘Strong in legal arguments in direct contract negotiations.’
‘Peter Schorling: Very entrepreneurial, knows PE by heart.’
‘Very responsive, deep understanding of the market, high quality, always timely. In addition, very likeable personalities.’
Key clients
Activum SG Capital Management
Tuscan Holdings Corp.
KKR
Gilde Healthcare
AEW Europe
Ares Management Limited
Pinebridge Benson Elliot
Black Dragon Capital
Castlelake L.P.
Crestview Partners
Peakside Capital Advisors
Quilvest Private Equity
Shore Capital Group
SJL Partners
The Carlyle Group
Tristan Capital Partners LLP
Work highlights
- Advising KKR and Velero on the acquisition of a real estate portfolio with around 14,400 residential units.
- Advising the private equity investor Gilde Healthcare on the acquisition of the medical technology manufacturers ActiMed and EUROPIN.
- Advising Tuscan Holdings on its merger with Microvast Inc., a US-based global manufacturer of next-generation battery solutions for commercial and specialty vehicles.
Hengeler Mueller
Hengeler Mueller has a good track record of supporting transactions in the upper market segment, with a particular focus on regulated industries such as finance, energy, healthcare and insurance. PE houses, start-ups and companies are advised on regulatory matters, including ESG, as well as interfacing issues thanks to cross-practice collaboration. Real estate law expert Thomas Müller offers additional expertise in sector-specific transactions, while Christof Jäckle, among others, covers matters at the M&A interface. Hans-Jörg Ziegenhain is a key contact for advising investors. This offer is complemented by experience in technology-driven transactions, which is requested by IT companies.
Other key lawyers:
Christof Jäckle; Hans-Jörg Ziegenhain; Emanuel Strehle; Thomas Müller; Daniel Wiegand; Daniel Möritz
Hogan Lovells International LLP
Hogan Lovells International LLP advises founding teams, start-ups, financial investors and venture capital investors on mid- and large-cap transactions, where the team covers the life sciences, technology and healthcare sectors. Practice head Matthias Jaletzke advises national and international clients and handles PE as well as M&A transactions. The M&A and venture capital interfaces were strengthened at the end of 2021 with the additions of Christoph Naumann and Torsten Rosenboom (both formerly at Watson Farley & Williams LLP).
Other key lawyers:
Hanns Jörg Herwig; Nikolai Sokolov; Volker Geyrhalter; Nikolas Zirngibl; Christoph Naumann; Torsten Rosenboom
Testimonials
‘The team was always reliable and helped quickly when needed.’
‘Matthias Jaletzke has given us excellent support with every project and has always ensured a smooth and accurate DD process, including valuable support in signing and closing deals.’
‘Strong lead partner Hanns Jörg Herwig, good use of innovative / convincing tools.’
‘Hanns Jörg Herwig: Structured, prepared, strong leader.’
Key clients
Adagia Partners
All4Labels
Bregal Unternehmerkapital
Castik Capital
Chequers Capital
Cygna Labs Group
Econnext
Halder
HR Group
Maguar
Merz
myStromer
Naxicap Partners
Quadriga Capital
Teufel-Gruppe
Ventiga Capital Partners
Vice Sporting Goods GmbH
Work highlights
- Advising the private equity company Adagia Partners on a majority stake in SCHWIND eye-tech-solutions GmbH.
- Advising the European investment company Naxicap Partners and its portfolio company G&D Group on the acquisition of Tritec Electronic Aktiengesellschaft based in Mainz and LXCO Technologies AG from Berlin.
- Advising the All4Labels Group (Triton portfolio company) on the acquisition of LIMO LABELS A/S, Denmark, and on the acquisition of Flexoprint Labels SA, Brazil.
Jones Day
Jones Day 's PE team operates in the large-cap space and regularly advises pure financial investors as well as investment departments of large corporations and investment banks. Internationally, the company was recently increasingly active in China matters, including the support for China-related transactions as well as advising Chinese clients. Practice heads Ansgar Rempp and Ivo Posluschny have extensive experience in the private equity sector.
Kirkland & Ellis International LLP
Kirkland & Ellis International LLP is renowned for supporting private equity transactions in the large-cap sector and advises numerous European and US financial investors, including private equity and real estate funds as well as sovereign wealth and pension funds. The team acts across various industries and covers national and cross-border matters. Recent growth topics include public-to-private matters in connection with German sponsors. Among the key members are Benjamin Leyendecker, who is experienced in advising financial investors on taking-private and M&A transactions, Attila Oldag, who covers cross-border M&A and private equity transactions, and M&A expert Philip Goj. In January 2022, capacities in M&A and the advice to investores was strengthened with the addition of Hendrik Braun (formerly at Freshfields Bruckhaus Deringer).
Key clients
Bain Capital
Brookfield Asset Management
The Carlyle Group
L Catterton
Groupe Bruxelles Lambert
Thomas H. Lee Partners
Apax Partners
BC Partners
TPG Real Estate Partners
SK Capital
Work highlights
- Advising the investment company L Catterton on the acquisition of a majority stake in the BIRKENSTOCK Group.
- Advising The Carlyle Group on the public takeover of Schaltbau Holding AG.
- Advising Brookfield Asset Management Inc. on the public takeover of alstria office REIT-AG.
Latham & Watkins LLP
Latham & Watkins LLP has in-depth expertise in advising on cross-border large and mid-cap transactions and related financing rounds. The client base includes investors, PE companies and companies, which also benefit from cross-practice cooperation. The team covers all sectors, such as financial services, industrials and consumer goods, but demonstrates particular expertise in technology, healthcare and life sciences; here, renowned PE expert Oliver Felsenstein frequently assists shareholders with large-volume transactions. Rainer Traugott is a key contact for corporate acquisitions, sales, public takeover bids and mergers, while Maximilian Platzer, who made partner in October 2021, is well versed in supporting co-investments and management participation. Practice head Burc Hesse focuses on advising financial investors on complex cross-border leveraged buy-out transactions.
Other key lawyers:
Oliver Felsenstein; Rainer Traugott; Leif Schrader; Nils Röver; Sebastian Pauls; Susanne Decker; Ingo Strauss; Maximilian Platzer
Key clients
Activant Capital
Astorg
Blue Earth Capital
Bregal
Cathay Capital
CDH Investments
Dediq
Deutsche Beteiligungs AG
EMZ Partner
Hg
IFM Investors
IK Partners
One Rock Capital Partners
Paragon Partners
Permira
Platinum Equity
Silverfleet Capital
TA Associates
Trilantic Europe
Triton
Linklaters
Linklaters‘ private equity practice maintains long-standing client relationships with investors, which the team advises on large and mid-cap transactions in the energy, technology, healthcare and infrastructure sectors. Also noteworthy is the cross-locational as well as cross-practice cooperation, above all M&A and corporate. This interface is also a key strength of Andreas Müller, who supports clients in strategic investments, M&A transactions and joint ventures, as well as of practice head Ralph Drebes; the latter regularly advises infrastructure and private equity investors.
Testimonials
‘A team that stands out from other practices in this area in many respects, but especially because of its quality.’
Work highlights
- Advising Apax Partners LLP on the acquisition of the Rodenstock Group from Compass Partners.
- Advising Montagu Private Equity on the acquisition of Waystone Group, an Ireland-based global fund management and fund administration company.
- Advising Dutch infrastructure fund DIF Infrastructure IV and EDF Invest (investment arm of multinational utility Électricité de France SA) on the sale of their joint 100% stake in Thyssengas, a major German gas transmission system operator.
Mayer Brown LLP
Founders, family offices and venture capital funds call upon the expertise of Mayer Brown LLP in the context of equity and debt-based mid-cap transactions, co-investments and exits. The team frequently cooperates with the offices in Paris and London on cross-border matters. Thanks to his interface expertise in VC and high-yield bonds, Jan Streer frequently cooperates with the British location; he was appointed partner in January 2022. Additionally, cross-practice cooperation benefits clients in PE projects in the area of distressed M&A and public-to-private matters, where the group regularly joins forces with the acquisition financing, restructuring and public M&A teams. Julian Lemor heads the team, which also includes Carlos Robles y Zepf (M&A, joint ventures, restructurings), who joined from DLA Piper in September 2021.
Testimonials
‘Very proficient and experienced team.’
‘Julian Lemor: Very experienced private equity lawyer, always on the ball and confident in negotiations.’
Key clients
Volpi Capital – Portfoliounternehmen Asolvi
Volpi Capital – Portfolio-Unternehmen Moving Intelligence B.V.
coparion GmbH & Co.KG
Triton – Portfoliounternehmen NORRES
DBG Advising GmbH & Co. KG; DBAG Fund VII
LG Displays Co. Ltd.
Acolad Group – Portfoliogesellschaft von Qualium Investissement
AaviGen GmbH
Sixth Street Partners
McDermott Will & Emery Rechtsanwälte Steuerberater LLP
McDermott Will & Emery Rechtsanwälte Steuerberater LLP follows a full-service approach in supporting mid- and large-cap transactions, thus covering interfacing employment, tax and public law matters, as well as matters in the TMT arena. Clients from various sectors instruct the group, most recently players from the chemical and pharmaceutical industries and the real estate sector. Nikolaus von Jacobs, who has moved to Reed Smith, passed practice management to Michael Cziesla; Cziesla jointly heads the team with Holger Ebersberger, who focuses on the mid-cap segment and is well versed in the digital economy and life sciences sector. Ebersberger joined from Noerr at the beginning of 2023. At the same time, transaction specialist Tobias Koppmann (mid- and small-cap deals as well as M&A) joined PwC Legal (PricewaterhouseCoopers Legal AG Rechtsanwaltsgesellschaft).
Testimonials
‘Outstanding mid-cap team.’
‘Very quick response times.’
‘Very good feeling for contracts in primary transactions.’
‘Excellent strategic thinking around negotiations.’
‘Very pragmatic.’
Key clients
(AMEC) Advanced Micro-Fabrication Equipment
ABL-TECHNIC Entlackung GmbH
ACTICO
Ampersand Capital
Apax Capital Partners LLP
Bridgepoint Europe
Castik Capital S.à.r.l.
Centric Health Holdings Ltd
DCCP Deutsche Credit Capital AG
EMH Partners
Family Trust Investor FTI GmbH
Five Arrows
Gesellschafter der Horst Pöppel Logistik und Transport GmbH & Co KG
Gesellschafter der Labor Dr. Schumacher MVZ GmbH
Gesellschafter der SCL GmbH einschließlich VR Equity Partners
Gesellschafter und CEO der ADWEKO
GIMV NV
Halder VI GmbH & Co. KG
Investcorp Technology Partners
KIRINUS Health GmbH
KSK Beteiligungsmanagement GmbH
Main Capital Partners GmbH
Penta Investments Limited
Servify
Silverfleet Capital
Sono Motors GmbH
Sterling Partners
Süd Beteiligungen GmbH
Tourmalet Holdings Limited
Unsere Champions GmbH
VR Equitypartner GmbH
Windjammer Capital Investors / The Hilsinger Company Inc. (Hilco)
Milbank
Milbank primarily advises on large-cap transactions and comprehensively covers the private equity arena, where national and international clients – including companies and investors – are routinely advised on company acquisitions and sales, joint ventures, M&A and take-privates. The team also covers relevant interface matters such as tax and anitrust law, thanks to cross-practice cooperation. Accordingly, the teams's capacities are equally versatile: Michael Bernhardt is experienced in public-to-private, LBOs and MBOs, and Sebastian Heim is an expert in restructuring, insolvency and distressed M&A, while Markus Muhs and Steffen Oppenländer are well versed in acquisitions and joint ventures and cover the technology (Muhs) and regulated industries (Oppenländer) segments. Leopold Riedl made partner in January 2022 and offers similarly broad skills. Global Corporate Head Norbert Rieger leads the team and has in-depth experience in PE, corporate law and M&A; he also handles tax law matters in the context of takeovers and transformations.
Practice head(s):
Michael Bernhardt; Sebastian Heim; Markus Muhs; Steffen Oppenländer; Norbert Rieger; Leopold Riedl
Testimonials
‘Excellent advice.’
‘Very good understanding and customer orientation.’
‘Pragmatic, fast, excellent accessibility.’
Key clients
Allianz X
Altor
CPPIB
The Carlyle Group
EMH Partners
EQT Partners
General Atlantic
H.I.G. Capital
LEA Partners
PAI Partners
Pamono
Planet First
Work highlights
- Advising Allianz X on the integration of the Finanzen-Gruppe into CLARK and the associated participation of Allianz X in CLARK.
- Advising General Atlantic on the minority stake in a joint venture comprising the online marketplaces of TX Markets and Scout24 Switzerland.
- Advising EQT Future on the acquisition of Anticimex, including co-investments and syndication.
Noerr
Noerr covers the mid and large-cap segment, with a focus on the digital, healthcare and technology sectors. Clients benefit from a full-service approach based on cross-practice cooperation, thus including buy-out and restructuring support. Georg Schneider has particular experience in fund structuring and shareholder disputes, while Christian Pleister focuses on the media, telecoms, financial services and energy sectors. Laurenz Tholen is an expert in M&A transactions, private equity investments and restructuring and made partner in January 2022. Holger Ebersberger (digital economy and life sciences) joined McDermott Will & Emery Rechtsanwälte Steuerberater LLP in the spring of 2023 as co-head.
Other key lawyers:
Christoph Thiermann; Natalie Daghles; Martin Neuhaus; Sebastian Voigt; Florian Sippel; Laurenz Tholen
Testimonials
‘Very good and pragmatic approach to any legal issue.’
‘Excellent internal coordination for complex and possibly cross-departmental issues. This results in fast and yet well-founded results.’
‘Outstanding transaction expertise, uncomplicated settlement processing.’
Key clients
KPS
Bregal Unternehmerkapital
Summit Partners
Orlando/ESSVP Funds
AEQUITA
Apollo
Alteri
EMERAM
DPE Deutsche Private Equity
Ergon Capital
DBAG
Nordholding
Bridgepoint
DICP Deutsche Invest Capital Partnres
Work highlights
- Advising Summit Partners on setting up a platform of asset managers in the DACH region (Cinerius Financial Partners AG) and the acquisition of the first four target companies (buy-and-build structure) as well as setting up a management equity participation program.
- Advising Bregal Unternehmerkapital on the acquisition of Theobald Software GmbH, a SaaS-based business model at the interface to SAP.
- Advising Emeram Capital Partners on the partial sale of a stake in ]init[ AG for digital communication to funds advised by Gilde Buy Out Partners. In addition to the transaction, comprehensive advice to Emeram on the reorganization of corporate governance as part of the club deal structure.
Norton Rose Fulbright
Norton Rose Fulbright advises well-known national and international private equity investors and focuses primarily on the sectors technology, digitisation, financial services, healthcare, energy, mobility and infrastructure. The transactional support primarily covers the mid-cap segment. Frank Henkel (PE, VC, corporate, M&A, fintech as well as investment and banking regulatory law) and Nils Rahlf (PE, VC, corporate, M&A and capital market) jointly head the practice from Munich and Frankfurt respectively.
Key clients
AnaCap Financial Partners
Ancala Partners LLP
Arcus Capital AG
Armira Beteiligungen GmbH & Co. KG
AutoScout24 GmbH
Chaos
ConUti GmbH
Cube II Communications
Dradura Gruppe
European Investment Bank (EIB)
FSN Capital VI
Gamut Capital / JPW Industries
H.I.G. European Partners
Löwenstark Digital Group GmbH
Purplebricks Group Plc
Stürtz Gruppe
SUSI Partners
Tiger Infrastructure Partners
Vitruvian Partners
Work highlights
- Advising FSN Capital VI on an investment in MEGABAD, a leading e-commerce retailer of sanitary products and accessories in the DACH region.
- Advice to AnaCap Financial Partners on their investment in SaaS fintech company fintus, a provider of low-code software for the financial services sector.
- Advising the shareholders of CONUTI GmbH in connection with the investment by the PE investor NORD Holding.
Orrick, Herrington & Sutcliffe LLP
Orrick, Herrington & Sutcliffe LLP's team, headed by Christoph Brenner and Oliver Duys, advise a loyal client base, consisting of national and international players from the life sciences and healthcare sectors on transactions in the mid-cap segment, whereas technology-related transactions constitute a recent growth area. In January 2022, Christoph Rödter (industry focus on technology and life sciences) was appointed partner and in July 2022, the team welcomed PE, VC and M&A specialist Damien Simonot (previously at Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher & Flom LLP).
Key clients
Access Industries
AGIC
Ardian
CRCI China Renaissance Capital Investment
Core Equity
DBAG Deutsche Beteiligungsgesellschaft AG
EQT
Findos Investor
Genui
Gimv NV
GII Gulf Islamic Investments
HANNOVER Finanz
Kennet
Knauf Family Office
Luxempart
MCP Monitor Clipper Partners
Rigeto
RSBG SE
SHS Gesellschaft für Beteiligungsmanagement
SüdBG
VREP VR Equitypartner
Waterland Private Equity
Work highlights
- Advising the Dutch Main Capital and its portfolio company Textkernel on the acquisition of the US software group Sovren Group.
- Advising Luxempart on the sale of the Austrian education provider eduPRO Group to the Switzerland and Germany-based investment company Invision.
- Advising Genui and its portfolio company Mindcurv on the acquisition of the data & AI specialist initions GmbH and six other add-on acquisitions.
POELLATH
POELLATH accompanies national and cross-border mid- and large-cap transactions, including related areas such as financing, distressed M&A, insolvency and restructuring as well as tax structuring and planning. The firm is renowned for its expertise in advising management teams; Benedikt Hohaus is a key contact here, while Amos Veith frequently assists with fund structuring. Transaction specialists Eva Nase and Jens Hörmann lead the team and cover private equity as well as corporate and capital markets law. Ralf Bergjan (PE, M&A, corporate, restructuring) left the team in May 2021 and now works as an in-house counsel.
Other key lawyers:
Benedikt Hohaus; Tim Kaufhold; Tobias Jäger; Philipp von Braunschweig; Amos Veith
Testimonials
‘Excellent experience and advice on both legal and practical tips and advice.’
‘Philipp von Braunschweig is a legal advisor who knows his field 100%, but also keeps a deal manageable and ensures fast and efficient execution with valuable advice and practical guidance. Mr. von Braunschweig’s advice went far beyond the usual legal framework.’
‘Know the market inside out and offer the right solution for every constellation.’
Key clients
EQT
Investorenkonsortium OMERS
EMERAM Capital
Ingentis Softwareentwicklung
Mgm. Ceramtec
Mgm. Polygon
Equistone Partners Europe
Pinova Capital
acura/Investcorp
HPE Growth
EMP Partners
Work highlights
- Advising EQT on the management participation in the SUSE IPO.
- Advising an investor consortium consisting of OMERS Infrastructure, Goldman Sachs Asset Management and AXA IM Alts on the management participation in the takeover of the amedes group from the previous investor Antin Infrastructure Partners with a volume of €1.5 billion.
- Advising the management of Polygon on the acquisition of shares in Polygon.
Sidley Austin LLP
Sidley Austin LLP advises private equity houses, strategic investors and portfolio companies on mid-cap transactions, leveraged buy-outs and growth capital investments. The team, led by Christian Zuleger, frequently acts in close cooperation with other locations as well as across practices with experts from the corporate law, leveraged finance, capital markets law, restructuring and tax law teams. Jan Schinköth (PE, M&A and financial restructuring) joined Goodwin in June 2021.
Key clients
ARDIAN France S.A.
BBI Solutions GmbH
Centrient Pharmaceuticals
Compass Partners
IDEX Corporation
proALPHA
Rivean Capital
TonerPartner
Work highlights
- Advice to ARDIAN on the acquisition of a majority stake in the GBA Group together with the management of GBA and Quadriga Capital.
- Representation of Compass Partners and their portfolio company Rodenstock GmbH on the acquisition of the Rodenstock Group by Apax.
- Advice to Centrient Pharmaceuticals, a portfolio company of Bain Capital, on the acquisition of Astral SteriTech Private Limited, an international manufacturer of sterile antibiotic injectables.
Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher & Flom LLP
Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher & Flom LLP advises German and international companies and investors on mid and large-cap transactions, which frequently include cross-border aspects. Practice head Jan Bauer is experienced in private equity as well as corporate law and M&A.
Testimonials
‘Confident, very high quality and entrepreneurial advisor helping to close the deal.’
‘Dr. Jan Bauer is an absolute top lawyer and excellent negotiator with a high EQ.’
Key clients
American Industrial Partners
A.P. Møller Holding
Armira Beteiligungen GmbH & Co. KG
Blackstone
Castik Capital
CVC
Deutsche Beteiligungs AG
Energy Infrastructure Partners
FINN
Francisco Partners
Hg
H.I.G. Capital
I Squared Capital
Ontario Teachers Pension Plan
Silver Lake
The SCP Group
TSG Consumer Partners
Work highlights
- Advising Armira and Boxine on the business combination with 468 SPAC I SE.
- Advice to Silver Lake on its strategic partnership with and investment in Software AG.
- Advising Ontario Teachers’ Pension Plan on the sale of their stake in CeramTec.
Taylor Wessing
Taylor Wessing focuses on mid-cap transactions in the technology and healthcare sectors as well as advising PE houses and their portfolio companies. The team also assists with exits, buy-and-build strategies and with distressed matters. Practice head Walter Henle is experienced in corporate and stock corporation law, he jointly leads the team with Maria Weiers, who is an expert in buy-out and exit constellations.
Testimonials
‘Maria Weiers embodies the combination of legal excellence/experience, the necessary pragmatism in finding solutions and the fun of working together.’
‘One contact person in Germany, broad support across many jurisdictions.’
‘Reasonable price-performance profile, pragmatic, practical approach, no legally sophisticated theorists with too little reference to reality.’
Key clients
AFINUM
Alpina Partners
Borromin Capital Fund III, L.P.
Cordet Capital Partners
Credo Partners AS
Dead Presidents Invest
ECM Equity Capital Management GmbH
Euro Vital Pharma
Hardinge, Inc.
H.I.G. Europe
Invision VI LP/ Invision VI SCSp
IU Group NV (vormals Career Partner Group)
Pinova Capital
Equistone
Regent L.P.
Nord Holding
Oberberg Gruppe (Portfoliogesellschaft von Trilantic)
REWE digital
Trilantic
Wermuth Asset Management / Green Growth Fund 2
Work highlights
- Advice to Dead Presidents Invest on the sale of freiheit.com to Deutsche Beteiligungs AG.
- Advising NORD Holding and Zentrum Gesundheit on the acquisition of the REALEYES Group, the market-leading premium provider in the field of ophthalmology.
- Advising Oakley Capital’s portfolio company on the cross-border relocation and formation of 40 subsidiaries and 40 corporate agreements and change of legal form to NV.
Watson Farley & Williams LLP
The team at Watson Farley & Williams LLP, led by Simon Klassenberger and Dirk Janssen, advises private equity investors on transactions in the middle market segment, primarily in the infrastructure sector. This industry expertise is frequently combined with cross-practice cooperation with the tax, employment and financing teams in advising investors, funds as well as start-ups. Christoph Naumann and Torsten Rosenboom (both extensively active in PE, VC, M&A and corporate) joined Hogan Lovells International LLP in November and December 2021 respectively.
Weil, Gotshal & Manges LLP
Weil, Gotshal & Manges LLP advises PE houses and financial investors on various transactions, including private equity and LBO transactions, buy-outs, taking-privates and add-ons. The team primarily acts for the seller side pertaining to the sale of portfolio companies. Practice head Gerhard Schmidt is well versed in cross-border mid and large-cap transactions. Hendrik Röhricht (focus on the technology, healthcare and payments sectors) joined Allen & Overy LLP in June 2021.
Key clients
KKR
Advent International
Berkshire Partners
Bain Capital Private Equity
TCV
PSG
INVEN Capital
Alterna Capital Partners
Work highlights
- Advice to PT Holdings, Parts Town and Berkshire Partners on the acquisition of the REPA Group.
- Advising Bain Capital on the acquisition of Valeo Foods Group.
- Advice to INVEN CAPITAL as an existing investor in the €195 million Series D financing round for Sunfire GmbH.
White & Case LLP
White & Case LLP's team routinely covers cross-border matters, thanks to the firm's international network. In cooperation with locations in Europe, the US and Asia, investors and companies are advised on mid-cap and, increasingly, large-cap transactions as well as exits. Practice head Stefan Koch assists with various transactions, including LBOs, MBOs and takeovers, and is supported by healthcare transaction specialist Tomislav Vrabec and Jan Ole Eichstädt, who is experienced in technology-related transactions. In November 2022, local partner Albrecht Schaefer (PE, M&A and corporate) joined from Linklaters.
Testimonials
‘Stefan Koch: A lot of experience in large-volume deals.’
‘The team has special industry expertise in the healthcare sector and is characterized by a high level of commitment and speed combined with very collegial interaction and effective results.’
‘Tomislav Vrabec has particular knowledge of healthcare M&A transactions. Working with him and his team is a pleasure! Working at an extremely high technical level with very pleasant interactions.’
‘Stefan Koch: Experienced and first-class private equity lawyer.’
‘Stefan Koch is a highly experienced private equity lawyer who can distinguish between the important and unimportant aspects of a deal. He is surrounded by a very good team of lawyers who are always available and willing to put in the extra work to get the deal through.’
‘The respective transaction teams are not too big and not too small, everyone has a clear, assigned role and the team brings added value.’
‘Stefan Koch is simply outstanding. We have rarely seen such a good lawyer, both in technical terms and in terms of entrepreneurial thinking. He’s always in control of the situation and stays calm even when things get heated.’
‘Jan Ole Eichstaedt is hardworking and easy to work with. He has detailed knowledge of the transactions.’
Key clients
Ardian
Battery Ventures
Cobepa
Duke Street
FSN Capital
HDT
IK Investment
JP Morgan
Nordic Capital
Schufa
Summa Equity Fund
Summit Gruppe
Triton
Valedo Partners
Work highlights
- Advising Nordic Capital on the sale of Veonet GmbH, a leading pan-European network of eye clinics, to a consortium consisting of private equity investor PAI and Canadian pension fund Ontario Teacher.
- Advising private investment company Cobepa on the sale of its majority stake in logistics company Hillebrand to Deutsche Post DHL Group for approximately €1.5 billion.
- Advising the private equity investor Nordic Capital on the merger of the financial service providers Baufi24 Baufinanzierung AG, Hüttig & Rompf AG and Creditweb GmbH to form the Bilthouse Group with Nordic Capital as a new investor.
Willkie Farr & Gallagher LLP
Willkie Farr & Gallagher LLP is an experienced advisor to private equity houses and portfolio companies as well as public and private companies from various industries. The team has an impressive track record, especially in the large-cap segment, while also covering the small and mid-cap segment. Practice head Georg Linde has particular expertise in the high-tech sector and is supported by Axel Wahl, who advises comprehensively on national and cross-border transactions, as well as Michael Ilter (PE, M&A, corporate, reorganisations, capital market law) and Miriam Steets (PE, VC and M&A); the latter two were promoted to partner in January 2022.
Testimonials
‘Very commercial and pragmatic in their approach.’
‘Georg Linde, Kamyar Abrar and Michael Ilter are great lawyers. What sets them apart from the competition is their knowledge of the industry, which allows them to be commercial and relevant.‘
Key clients
3i
Adiuva Capital
Apax Partners
ARDIAN
Blantyre Capital
Castik Capital
CVC Capital Partners
EQT Partners
Genstar Capital
GHO Capital
Lone Star Funds
Maxburg Capital Partners
PAI Partners
TA Associates
The Sterling Group
Wendel
Work highlights
- Advising CVC on the acquisition of a majority stake in The Quality Group, a manufacturer of innovative sports nutrition products and low-sugar food alternatives in the DACH region.
- Advising a consortium on the sale of Signavio, a business process intelligence and process management company, to the listed software company SAP SE.
- Advising Sebia on the announced acquisition of the specialty diagnostics market leader ORGENTEC Diagnostika from Water Street Healthcare Partners.