Cerha Hempel > Vienna, Austria > Firm Profile

Cerha Hempel
PARKRING 2
1010 VIENNA
Austria

Austria > Capital markets Tier 1

The group at Cerha Hempel is led by the trio Volker Glas, Peter Knobl and Thomas Zivny, each with complimenting areas of expertise in the capital markets space. Praised as ‘one of Austria’s leading capital markets regulatory lawyers‘, a recent mandate for regulatory expert Knobl involved advising a large German financial services company on e-signatures for remote services agreements and the related compliance issues. Zivny, described as ‘accurate, efficient, available, and competent‘, often advises banks in relation to project financings. Glas is the key contact for corporate transactions, and Christian Aichinger is the primary name as senior counsel level.

Practice head(s):

Volker Glas; Peter Knobl; Thomas Zivny

Other key lawyers:

Andrea Harrich; Christian Aichinger

Testimonials

‘Thomas Zivny is accurate, efficient, always available, and competent.’

‘The practice is dedicated to delivering outstanding quality in its legal advice combined with general client-friendly behaviour. Peter Knobl is one of Austria’s leading capital markets regulatory lawyers.’

‘The team consisted of partner Peter Knobl and has always delivered advice to our full satisfaction. Follow-up questions have consistently been answered promptly and extensively as well.’

Key clients

AT&S

Morgan Stanley Investment Funds SICAV

Raiffeisenlandesbank Niederösterreich-Wien AG

WELSER Profile Beteiligungs GmbH

SPAR

S IMMO AG

Work highlights

  • Advised AT&S Austria Technologie & Systemtechnik Aktiengesellschaft on the issuance of a hybrid bond with a total volume of €350m.
  • Advised Morgan Stanley Liquidity Funds (MSLF) and Morgan Stanley Investment Funds (MSIF) on the conversion of their whole fund range consisting of 62 UCITS subfunds offered in Austria.
  • Advised Raiffeisenlandesbank Niederösterreich-Wien AG on the issuance of two benchmark size covered bonds (mortgage-backed pool of assets), with a volume of €750m each.

Austria > Commercial, corporate and M&A Tier 1

The ‘exceptional industry sector knowledge‘ within the team at Cerha Hempel reaches all areas of corporate and commercial work, and the team provides the full range of services, from strategic corporate governance advice to private equity and venture capital assistance to work on cross-border transactions. The cross-border work leans heavily towards the CEE region, owing to the firm’s offices in the region. Leading the team are Clemens Hasenauer, Albert Birkner and Johannes Aehrenthal. The trio are well supported by senior associate Wolfgang Sindelar, who regularly advises on high-value M&A transactions. Nadine Leitner was promoted to partner in February 2022.

Practice head(s):

Clemens Hasenauer; Albert Birkner; Johannes Aehrenthal

Other key lawyers:

Johannes Prinz; Wolfgang Sindelar; Thomas Trettnak; Heinrich Foglar-Deinhardstein; Nadine Leitner

Testimonials

‘Exceptional legal knowledge and ability. Exceptional industry sector knowledge. Exceptional responsiveness and accessibility.’

‘Johannes Prinz is an extremely knowledgeable and hard-working lawyer.’

‘They have suitable and accessible teams that take care of our issues. I see particular strength in the team’s ability to handle a number of transactions. They are reliable partners in our legal affairs.’

‘Great collaboration between team members and good gender equality.’

‘The team sees the wider picture. They are excellent problem solvers, but do not create additional problems and focus on the issues that matter. Their legal expertise is outstanding. It is combined with business understanding.’

‘For me, Albert Birkner is the best legal adviser for M&A, and other corporate matters. He stays on top of things and gets the job done without getting lost in unimportant aspects. He understands his client’s business and has loads of valuable experience. It is a delight to work with him.’

‘Cerha Hempel has a strong full service team in all major areas of business law. In my view they can perfectly handle numerous transactions at the same time. Accessibility and meeting timelines is never an issue.’

‘Excellent legal expertise and responsiveness, and outstanding partner availability.’

Key clients

XXXLutz Group

B&C Group (in particular B&C Industrieholding GmbH and B & C KB Holding GmbH)

OMV AG

Advent International

AVS Group

RHI Magnesita Group

Teufelberger Group

Minerals Technologies Inc.

AIK Banka a.d., Gorenjska Banka d.d. and Agri Europe Cyprus Limited

Saubermacher Dienstleistungs AG

MK Group

Andlinger & Co GmbH

Astara group

Moodys Corporation

Poke House

San Venture Service GmbH

Work highlights

  • Advised XXXLutz Group on a share acquisition establishing a 50/50 partnership in Black Red White Group.
  • Advised Austrian major stakeholder B&C Group on with the acquisition of 80% shares in the German Atlas Flexibles GmbH, the top holding company of the Schur Flexibles Group, from the US-based private investment firm Lindsay Goldberg.
  • Advised OMV as transaction counsel on the sale of OMV’s filling station business in Germany to the British EG Group, encompassing 285 filling stations in southern Germany with a focus on Bavaria and Baden-Württemberg.

Austria > Dispute resolution: white-collar crime (including fraud) Tier 1

Cerha Hempel’s white-collar crime department is in high demand for solving complex legal issues at the intersection of public, criminal, economic, and EU law. Public and private clients, including prominent national and international companies, financial institutions and individuals, value its expertise leading to regular mandates with cross-border elements in high-profile political matters, particularly in the CEE region; these often include allegations of fraud, breach of trust, embezzlement, and bid rigging. Key contacts include esteemed specialist Peter Lewisch; internal investigations specialist Hans Kristoferitsch; Stefan Huber, who specialises in crime and trade law matters; and Holger Bielesz, who typically acts in corporate criminal liability matters.

Practice head(s):

Peter Lewisch; Hans Kristoferitsch; Stefan Huber

Other key lawyers:

Testimonials

‘There is no other white-collar crime team in the Austrian market offering the same range of capabilities and qualities, from academic input to high-class white-collar crime litigation and in-depth knowledge not only of criminal law, but also of other relevant fields of law.’

‘The lawyers are well respected by the prosecution, the courts and other lawyers. They are skilful and easily accessible. When it comes to billing, their invoices are always transparent and fair.’

‘Peter Lewisch is maybe the most prominent Austrian white-collar crime lawyer, and rightly so! His knowledge, but also his legal skills as well as his handling of prosecutors is unparalleled.’

‘Hans Kristoferitsch is very diligent and has broad knowledge not only in criminal law, but also in administrative and data protection law. Moreover, he literally knows the whole Austrian legal community.’

‘Stefan Huber has maybe the shortest turn-around times I have seen with a lawyer and is always available. He is a strategic thinker with in-depth criminal law knowledge.’

‘The teams renders hands-on support that is relevant for the business and does not “over-legalise”. There is no need to translate the advice to decision makers from the business.’

‘Hans Kristoferitsch is the go-to person for any difficult questions when it comes to white-collar crime.’

Key clients

Gas Connect Austria GmbH

GATX Rail Austria GmbH

Wiener Stadtwerke

STRABAG SE

WIEN ENERGIE GmbH

Gal Barak

3P GmbH

Work highlights

  • Successfully represented Gas Connect in a high-profile corporate criminal trial for alleged environmental crimes, leading to a full acquittal of the client and its staff.
  • Advising managers of GATX Austria as well as the company (a subsidiary of the NYSE-listed GATX corporation) in criminal proceedings with regard to charges of negligent killing in the so-called Viareggio trial (relating to a railway disaster causing 38 casualties).
  • Representing high-ranking public officials in regard to questioning by a parliamentary investigation committee.

Austria > Employment Tier 1

Cerha Hempel’s employment group is praised by clients for its 'excellent strategic approach'. Under Julian Feichtinger’s leadership, the practice advises clients both on day-to-day matters, and on larger projects including cross-border work, with an increasing focus on termination of employment and transfer of operations. In February 2023, Christopher Peitsch, noted for his expertise in employment litigation and employment-related administrative proceedings, made partner. Senior counsel Susanne Molitoris brings arbitration experience to the team, and is particularly focused on employment disputes, M&A-related employment matters, restructurings and European labour issues.

Practice head(s):

Julian Feichtinger

Testimonials

‘They have a great team dedicated to clients’ business needs with strong professional expertise in employment law, always responsive and finding the best solution.’

‘Christopher Peitsch is a confident team leader with great knowledge in employment law. I can always rely on him, his expertise and guidelines. He is not just a lawyer but an irreplaceable business partner managing his team in a way to ensure maximum satisfaction of the clients’ needs.’

‘Julian Feichtinger is a standout. Great experience and always able to provide valuable insights and pragmatic advice.’

‘Incredibly fast and focused advice, excellent strategic approach. They understand the company’s situation and look for the best solution to the problem at hand rather than focusing on what can’t be done.’

‘Christopher Peitsch has an extremely quick perception and can react immediately to new arguments. He is always very well prepared and knows the cases. He has a very pragmatic approach and focuses on solving problems instead of discussing theoretical details. Especially in negotiations, I want to be represented only by him. He is always available and responds quickly, it is the best assistance I have ever had in a law firm.’

‘The employment law team has excellent knowledge. At all times we feel well advised by the team. The department is human, competent and sophisticated.’

‘Christopher Peitsch is an excellent and sophisticated lawyer who has the know-how and knows how to apply it accordingly. Even in court, we feel well represented by his friendly manner and that our company is represented accordingly. Explanations are always very obvious and practice-oriented, and often accompanied by humor.’

‘Christopher Peitsch is a killer in court and an incredibly well versed, smart and seasoned advocate with highly persuasive writing skills. We never worked with someone stronger in employment cases and we’re really glad he’s on our side.’

Key clients

Flughafen Wien (Airport of Vienna)

Ecolab Group

PRIMARK

SV Group

Dentsu Aegies Network

Emirates

Lead Horizon

GATX

Kyocera AVX

Ritter Sport

Grünenthal

Universität für Bodenkultur (University for Agriculture and Life Sciences)

Knorr Bremse

Transaktionssysteme Austria

Unibail Rodamco

Work highlights

  • Advised a management and business consulting company on its market entry into Austria.
  • Advised Moody’s Corporation on the employment-related part of the acquisition of  start-up 360kompany.

Austria > EU and competition Tier 1

Cerha Hempel’s diverse EU and competition team is well equipped to act for domestic and international corporations, and its typical workload includes co-ordinating international, EU and Austrian merger notifications, cartel investigations and proceedings, civil damage and enforcement proceedings, FDI screenings, and state aid matters, as well as advising on the implementation of compliance systems across multiple jurisdictions and, in particular, across the CEE region. Headed by Bernhard Kofler-Senoner, the team often appears in high-profile cases before the European Commission, with strength and expertise in litigation at the intersection of digital markets, sustainability and supply chains. Key contacts include Anna Wolf-Posch, Hans KristoferitschStefan Huber and Michael Mayer.

Practice head(s):

Bernhard Kofler-Senoner

Testimonials

‘Beyond the high-level legal expertise, the team provides very hands-on business advice and pays great attention to the specific situation of their clients.’ 

‘In our opinion, the strengths of the team lie in their ability to tailor their opinions to the needs of their clients, their professionalism, efficiency, responsiveness, and their deep knowledge and understanding of Austrian and EU competition and antitrust law.’ 

‘The cooperation has always been very professional and smooth. They are very well connected with the authorities and always up to date with current events and developments. We are always impressed by the efficiency, responsiveness and ability of practitioners to deal with challenging situations in a professional manner.’ 

‘Quality and service are exceptional. The response times are short and agreed response dates are kept reliably. Highly committed and professional team, coordinated, works quickly and efficiently.’

‘Bernhard Kofler-Senoner is our man regarding competition law and compliance. He has a singular knowledge about our group’s business fields and the people involved. In particular, our senior management relies upon his advice.’

‘It is a pleasure to work with them. Team’s strengths comprise super responsiveness and know-how about our industry environment, as well as our organisation.’

‘Bernhard Kofler-Senoner is passionate about competition law and knows all the trends and developments. He also quickly develops insight into the industry and relevant markets and understands the business aspects of the legal matter. The junior members of his team are always approachable, friendly and ready to jump in and answer our follow-up questions.’ 

‘Anna Wolf-Posch and Bernhard Kofler-Senoner are both top Austrian competition lawyers.’ 

Key clients

PIERER Mobility AG / KTM AG

RHI Magnesita N.V.

OMV AG

B&C Industrieholding GmbH

Teufelberger Holding AG

SPAR Holding AG

City of Vienna (Stadt Wien) & WIENER STADTWERKE

Hexagon AB

Pernod Ricard SA

Pittel + Brausewetter Gesellschaft m.b.H.

iMedia Brands, Inc.

Vienna International Airport

Republic of Austria

Austrian Power Grid / VÜN

Rundfunk und Telekom Regulierungs-GmbH (“RTR GmbH”)

MDR Media GmbH

Welser Profile Beteiligungs GmbH

Work highlights

  • Advised PIERER Mobility on the establishment of a joint venture with MAXCOM for the production of e-bikes in Bulgaria.
  • Advised RHI Magnesita on the establishment of a recycling joint venture with the Horn & Co. Group.
  • Advising B&C Industrieholding on the merger control aspects of its acquisition of 80% of the shares in Schur Flexibles Holding.

Austria > Tax Tier 1

The deep bench at Cerha Hempel comprises ‘brilliant specialists with extensive knowledge and in-depth experience' and covers all important areas of tax law, from reorganisations, to wage taxes and VAT, as well as many others. Heading up the team are Johannes Prinz and Benjamin Twardosz. Elsewhere Christoph Schimmer, who joined from DLA Piper Weiss-Tessbach Rechtsanwälte GmbH in January 2022, has experience advising on the tax aspects of M&A deals and on corporate tax law issues. Prinz is particularly prolific in the banking and energy sectors, and also acts in contentious matters.

Practice head(s):

Johannes Prinz; Benjamin Twardosz

Other key lawyers:

Testimonials

‘The strengths are mainly the ability to quickly understand the needs of a company in terms of taxation of financial products, to respond in a timely manner to questions asked, and to provide a detailed analysis of the problems encountered.’

‘It is an excellent team. It has brilliant specialists with extensive knowledge and in-depth experience. The team is very dedicated and committed to producing the best results.’

‘I have been working with Christoph Schimmer. He understands the business needs of the client and his advice is always on point and on time. I find him to be a highly competent professional who demonstrates excellent knowledge.’

‘Very competent, very responsive. They understand the needs of the client. They employ successful tactics.’

‘High level expertise, excellent communication, very competent, structured and calm.’

‘The advice provided is clear, concise and packaged in a way that is user-friendly for a commercial organisation.’

‘Personable, attentive and value-adding responses to legal queries.’

Key clients

Deutsche Beteiligungs AG

Ground Truth Solutions

Deutsche Telekom AG

Polar Capital Funds Plc

MFS Meridian Funds SICAV

Dutch Infrastructure Fund (DIF)

William Hill

Work highlights

  • Advised Deutsche Beteiligungs on several tax structuring matters, in particular in relation to M&A transactions.
  • Advising multiple UCITS umbrella funds on the Austrian supplement for UCITS’ prospectuses and related issues.
  • Representing the former managing director of an Austrian stock corporation in financial criminal proceedings.

Austria > Administrative law and public sector Tier 2

Cerha Hempel is regularly instructed to plead cases before both Austrian courts and the ECJ, arguing cases that are at the intersection of public and EU law. Beyond this, the firm focuses on advising clients in regulated industries on matters of environmental, public procurement, hospital and higher education law as well as consumer goods regulations. EU, state aid and data protection expert Hans Kristoferitsch leads the team alongside Stefan Huber, who is a specialist in higher education law. Armin Schwabl advises on product regulation, focusing on the food, pharmaceuticals and medical devices sectors.

Practice head(s):

Hans Kristoferitsch; Stefan Huber

Other key lawyers:

Testimonials

‘I am particularly impressed by the quality of the whole team. If one lawyer is not available, I can call any of his colleagues who is not only fully briefed but always gives the same top level advice. Their legal knowledge is as fantastic as is their strategic thinking.’

‘Hans Kristoferitsch is very diligent and has broad knowledge not only in administrative law, but also in criminal and data protection law. Moreover, he literally knows the whole Austrian legal community, which is a real asset.’

‘Stefan Huber has maybe the shortest turn around times I have seen with a lawyer and is always available. He is a strategic thinker with in-depth legal knowledge.’

‘Customer focused, speak in plain language.’

Key clients

SES Spar European Shopping Centers

RHI Magnesita

Universität für Bodenkultur Wien

Stadler Rail AG

ASFINAG

Republic of Austria

Austrian Power Grid AG

Vienna International Airport

SPAR

Via donau

Philip Morris Austria GmbH

ISTA (Institute of Science and Technology Austria)

(Österreichische) Hochschüler_innenschaft

Wien Holding

Wiener Stadtwerke GmbH

WIEN ENERGIE

Work highlights

  • Acted for European shopping centre giant SES in various administrative and court proceedings on the enlargement of one of Austria’s largest shopping malls.
  • Represented Austrian University Boku in the first Austrian proctoring supreme court case.
  • Advised RHI Magnesita on the legal aspects of introducing circular economy aspects into the Austria wide waste management.

Austria > Banking and finance Tier 2

Work at the forefront of Cerha Hempel's broad practice spans financing transactions, bank regulatory work, and bank contract matters.  The multidisciplinary group, which regularly works on real estate and project finance transactions, is headed up by Peter Knobl, Volker Glas and Thomas Zivny; Knobl is described as a ‘profound expert in Austrian and international banking regulation law’. Another key team member is Christian Aichinger, who clients value for his ‘overall expertise of the legal side of financings services’.

Practice head(s):

Peter Knobl; Volker Glas; Thomas Zivny

Other key lawyers:

Christian Aichinger; Clemens Hasenauer

Testimonials

‘They have vast experience and deep knowledge in handling administrative law cases in areas relevant for a bank, therefore very useful guidance is offered in these proceedings. Any drafts are always delivered on time.’

‘Very broad knowledge of banking supervision law.’

‘Sophisticated and broad knowledge in banking and finance regulatory work. Excellent solutions for complex topics and excellent network within Cerha Hempel, high commitment and availability to our firm (especially by ad hoc topics).’

‘We have worked with Cerha Hempel for more than 10 years. Their pragmatic, solution-oriented approach is outstanding. They have learned how we think and that makes the difference.’

‘Thomas Zivny as partner has huge capabilities in the field of banking and finance. As a long-term business partner, he truly understands our needs. Based on his huge knowledge, his solution oriented pragmatic approach is refreshing when it comes to tougher negotiations. He is quick in his response and is able to focus on key issues without being over-complicated.’

‘Christian Aichinger has overall expertise of the legal side of financings services. A really supportive. outstanding cooperation.’

‘We experienced Cerha’s banking and finance team as a very reliable partner, even in the wake of a developing crisis.’

‘We got to know Peter Knobl as a profound expert in Austrian and international banking regulation law.’

Key clients

AIK Banka a.d., Gorenjska Banka d.d. and Agri Europe Cyprus Limited

Commerzbank AG, Austrian branch

Commerzbank AG, Frankfurt head office

Deutsche Vermögensberatung Bank AG

ekspert SA

Energy Exchange Austria (Austrian Electric Power Spot Exchange, EXAA)

Erste Group Bank AG (EGB)

RHI Magnesita

RiverRock European Capital Partners LLP

Verbund Energy4Business GmbH

Work highlights

  • Advised EXAA (Energy Exchange Austria (Austrian Electric Power Spot Exchange)) on its cooperation with CCP.
  • Advised RiverRock on five securitisation transactions with an aggregate value of €195m with a true sale legal opinion on underlying receivables governed by Austrian law and the corresponding security documents.
  • Advised AIK Banka a.d., Gorenjska Banka d.d. and Agri Europe Cyprus Limited on the purchase of Sberbank Europe AG’s CEE/SEE subsidiary banks in five jurisdictions on a set of guarantees to ensure the full collectability of the active loan portfolio.

Austria > Dispute resolution: arbitration and mediation Tier 2

The substantial team at Cerha Hempel, headed by 'expert arbitrator' Irene Welser, has recently experienced a steep increase in mandates. The group is particularly proficient in arbitral proceedings and enforcement of arbitral awards at the intersection with contractual and corporate disputes relating to a breadth of industries, including construction and energy. Holger Bielesz is another key senior contact. At senior associate level, Alexandra Stoffl and Paul Krepil are recommended.

Practice head(s):

Irene Welser

Other key lawyers:

Testimonials

‘The team has a very qualified and consolidated knowledge of the international litigation sector and local law. In addition to experience, the team responds incisively, comprehensively and promptly to customer requests.’

‘Holger Bielesz and Samuel Mimnagh have both been extremely attentive, punctual, and professional, with an excellent technical preparation and meticulous attention to details. They have also great human and empathic skills.’

‘Highly collaborative and cross-functional team with strong legal and commercial knowledge.’

‘Highly collaborative and integrative.’

‘Irene Welser: expert arbitrator, excellent and very experienced lawyer, great strategic mind.’

‘Alexandra Stoffl: excellent lawyer with vast knowledge concerning arbitration.’

‘Samuel Mimnagh’s abilities and knowledge have topped the opponent’s team, they were not hardly close to him.’

‘Irene Welser was very professional, calm and led her team with strict logic to eliminate the opponent.’ 

Key clients

MACON A.B.

Work highlights

  • Representing MACON, a Swedish manufacturer of refractory materials, in a VIAC proceeding against the owner of a steel mill.

Austria > Dispute resolution: commercial litigation Tier 2

Cerha Hempel‘s dispute resolution team is ‘a highly solution-oriented and excellently skilled group of lawyers, who work together in a seamless manner'. Helmed by Irene Welser, the group receives instruction from leading names spanning the real estate, retail, energy, banking and finance, and IT sectors. Michaela Siegwart and Holger Bielesz  are also recommended. Senior associate Paul Krepil, formerly of Wolf Theiss Rechtsanwälte GmbH & Co KG, joined the firm at the end of 2021, with a strong focus on investor disputes.

Practice head(s):

Irene Welser

Testimonials

‘I know them as a highly solution-oriented and excellently skilled group of lawyers, who work together in a seamless manner. I have been working with them repeatedly and what impresses me most is their ability to put together the right type and number of people for the task at stake. They are my go-to group.’

‘Very focused, intelligent, holistic understanding of commercial implications, extremely thorough, precise elaboration of issues – and still unpretentious people.’

‘The cooperation with the lawyers is excellent, uncomplicated and very professional.’

‘Holger Bielesz: innovative, thinking out of the box, very experienced.’

‘Paul Krepil knows the case in depth, quick and useful responses. He typically knows even minor details by heart.’

‘Irene Welser is extremely experienced with an outstanding performance in court as a litigator; always friendly and open to discussing different aspects of cases.’

‘The team works very professionally and purposefully. There are corresponding experts for every possible question. The systematic approach with the involvement of the client should also be emphasised.’

‘The law firm works very precisely and always takes all eventualities into account during the case. The assignments are completed quickly. They are always ready to answer queries, which are also dealt with quickly. The procedural tactics are very clear.’

Key clients

SPAR AG/ASPIAG Management AG

NOVOREAL Immobilieninvest AG

City of Vienna / WIENER STADTWERKE SES

Spar European Shopping Centers GmbH

UNIQA Versicherungen

DUNAKESZI JÁRMŰJAVÍTÓ KORLÁTOLT FELELŐSSÉGŰ TÁRSASÁG

HERVIS Sport- und Modegesellschaft m.b.H.

Wiener Linien GmbH & Co KG

SmartStream Technologies Limited

ASFINAG

ÖBB Infrastruktur AG

McDonald’s GmbH

Apleona HSG GmbH

Hey Communications & Production GmbH

INTERSPAR Gesellschaft m.b.H.

Mona Naturprodukte GmbH

MACON A.B.

Work highlights

  • Represented SPAR, as a minority shareholder of dm drogeriemarkt, in a number of corporate disputes.
  • Representing NOVOREAL in proceedings against a coffeehouse operator in Vienna pertaining to unpaid rent due to lockdown measures during the Covid-19 pandemic.
  • Advising Stadt Wien and WIENER STADTWERKE on their antitrust damage claims against five truck manufacturers involved in the truck cartel.

Austria > Private client Tier 2

Cerha Hempel is active at the crossroads between private client and corporate law, supporting individuals, foundations and trusts across a range of matters. The team is sought after for advice regarding the structuring of foundations and businesses, and is active on generational succession, wealth management and real estate issues. One half of the leadership duo, Albert Birkner, also leads the firm’s takeovers and antitrust department and sits on the supervisory boards of a number of major Austrian foundations, advising on the structures of foundations and handling corporate matters for the businesses held within them. Birkner’s co-head, Heinrich Foglar-Deinhardstein, specialises in corporate reorganisations and international transactions, in addition to representing clients involved in familial and trust-related disputes. Thomas Trettnak and Johannes Aehrenthal are further key contacts in the team.

Practice head(s):

Albert Birkner; Heinrich Foglar-Deinhardstein

Testimonials

‘CERHA HEMPEL has a strong full service team in all areas of business law. In my view, they can handle numerous transactions at the same time perfectly. Accessibility and meeting timelines is never an issue. The team composition makes them a reliable partner. This is what I expect, timely and high quality service, and I have not been disappointed.’

‘I mainly work with Albert Birkner. I appreciate his pragmatic and solution-oriented approach and I really like the way he makes complicated things easy. When it comes to M&A and private clients, Albert really is my go-to lawyer in Austria. He is down to earth, does not complicate things and provides value for money.’

‘CERHA HEMPEL is a strong business law firm. Over the years, Albert has built up a strong team, and I see particular strength in the team’s unity in handling numerous transactions. I like the team’s seamless advice.’

‘My main point of contact is Albert Birkner. He is a strong negotiator. Albert compromises, but never when he feels it is unfair or against our explicit interest. He is pragmatic and solution-oriented, but never to our detriment.’

‘Outstanding team, work great together and when necessary delegate work internally. Someone is always there for our requests.’

‘The individuals are responsive, determined and know exactly how to play on our side as clients.’

Key clients

Kwizda

Karl Wlaschek Privatstiftung (KWPS)

Pichler Privatstiftung

ITI – International Theological Institute

Batthyany-Strattmann

St Johanns Club

Ronald McDonald Kinderhilfe (Children Charities)

Souveräner Malteser Ritterorden

Alex Schütz Familienstiftung (C-Quadrat)

Work highlights

  • Advising the Karl Wlaschek Privatstiftung on all corporate, M&A and real estate issues, and represented the client in proceedings against a well-known coffee house operator in Vienna regarding unpaid rent due to the Covid-19 lockdown.
  • Advised Welser Profile on various structuring and corporate-related issues, in particular a comprehensive review and revision of the current shareholders and intra-group agreements and various joint ventures in Austria and China.
  • Advised Ronald McDonald Kinderhilfe on the legal aspects of a housing facility, as well as new housing facility developments.

Austria > Projects and energy Tier 2

The cross-practice group at Cerha Hempel is a strong player in the Austrian market, with a client base is formed of both public and private entities; the group advises the Austrian state as well as Wiener Stadtwerke and all of its subsidiaries. In terms of sector specialisms, the group is active in energy, infrastructure, electronic tolling, oil and gas, and real estate. Hans Kristoferitsch, Clemens Hasenauer, Johannes Aehrenthal, and Peter Vcelouch are the key names at leadership level.

Practice head(s):

Clemens Hasenauer; Johannes Aehrenthal; Hans Kristoferitsch; Peter Vcelouch

Other key lawyers:

Claudia Hanslik-Schneider

Testimonials

‘I am particularly impressed by the quality of the whole team. If one lawyer is not available, I can call any of their colleagues who is not only fully briefed but also gives the same top level advice. Their legal knowledge is as fantastic as is their strategic thinking.’

‘Hans Kristoferitsch is very diligent and has broad knowledge. Moreover, he knows the whole Austrian legal community which is a real asset.’

‘Claudia Hanslik-Schneider gives top quality advice.’

Key clients

OMV

ASFINAG

Vienna International Airport

Republic of Austria

CEGH

Austrian Power Grid AG

EnBW Trust e.V.

via donau

Wiener Stadtwerke GmbH and all of its subsidiaries, including Wien Energie GmbH

Voith Group

STRABAG AG

Elin Motoren GmbH

TSR Recycling Holding GmbH and TSR Recycling GmbH & Co KG (part of Remondis Group)

RHIM

Stadler Rheinthal AG

Work highlights

  • Advised OMV on the sale of its filling station business in Germany.
  • Advising Austrian Power Grid on the conclusion of contracts to cover peaks in energy demand with energy producers.
  • Advising the Austrian operator of all waterways on the implementation of a pan-European communication and logistics system which is to be used for all vessels in the EU.

Austria > Public procurement Tier 2

Cerha Hempel has a strong relationship with public bodies, and is regularly instructed to assist with the reorganisation of public holdings. The group has latterly seen an uptick in work on the bidder side, although the team retains its stellar track record advising on the contracting authority side. Michaela Siegwart has experience in both areas, and leads the group alongside Georg Konrad and Stefan Huber. In terms of sector specialisms, the group has seen an increase in activity in the IT and media fields.

Practice head(s):

Georg Konrad; Stefan Huber; Michaela Siegwart

Key clients

Consortium D-TOLL (Atlantia S.p.A., Kapsch TrafficCom AG, Autostrade Tech S.p.A.)

Stadler Rail Management AG

Wien Energie

Republic of Austria

GATX Rail Austria GmbH

Work highlights

  • Assisted Stadler Rheintal with securing a tender for rail wagons from ÖBB.
  • Advised GATX on the introduction of measures all over Europe to qualify for public tenders after convictions in Italy.

Austria > Construction Tier 3

Cerha Hempel advises clients at each stage of the construction life cycle, ranging from the acquisition of land, right through to the sale of the projects.  The workload includes regulatory law advice and public procurement matters, as well on advising on disputes. Practice head Peter Vcelouch handles construction-related litigation and arbitration proceedings as well as general dispute resolution matters. Manfred Ton is a go-to lawyer in the team when it comes to transactional work, and recently advised a large German asset and investment management company on the acquisition of retail parks within its portfolio.

Practice head(s):

Peter Vcelouch

Other key lawyers:

Manfred Ton

Key clients

LIDL Österreich

Flughafen Wien AG

SES Spar European Shopping Centers

thyssenkrupp Industrial Solutions AG

Value One

numa group

Aberdeen Standard Investments

Work highlights

  • Advising thyssenkrupp Industrial Solutions AG on a large-scale industrial construction project in the south of Austria.
  • Advised numa group GmbH on its expansion in the Austrian hospitality market.
  • Advising Lidl Österreich on several real estate development projects, real estate acquisitions concerning new shop locations (“Lidl” markets) in Austria and on several construction law issues.

Austria > Data privacy and data protection Tier 3

Referred to as a ‘dynamic team', Cerha Hempel works with a varied client base on IT and telecommunication mandates. Such cases include technical data privacy and data security, as well as complex IT outsourcing projects and international data transfers. Group practice head Hans Kristoferitsch and technical data protection expert Boris Treml have ‘comprehensive and practical knowledge‘ in data protection and at associate level Stephanie Maier-Herbeck’s forte lies in representing clients in proceeding before the Austrian Data Protection Authority.

Practice head(s):

Hans Kristoferitsch

Other key lawyers:

Testimonials

‘Dynamic team with modern advice. The team works together as a practice and is solution-oriented.’

Hans Kristoferitsch and Boris Treml have comprehensive knowledge and practical knowledge. They offer quick client-oriented solutions that are formulated precisely and understandably, and a good understanding of the needs of our company.’

‘Responsive, open minded and creative.’

‘Great knowledge and unique empathy.’

‘Service level is very high. The response times are short and agreed response dates are kept reliably. Highly committed and professional team that is coordinated, works quickly and works efficiently.’

‘Hans Kristoferitsch is an expert and advises using his experience. His advice is always legally sound.’

Key clients

SPAR

Wiener Stadtwerke GmbH including its subsidiaries

Wien ENERGIE GmbH

Wiener Netze GmbH

Wiener Linien GmbH

ASFINAG Autobahnen- und Schnellstraßen-Finanzierungs-Aktiengesellschaft

NTS Netzwerk Telekom Service AG

CA Immobilien Anlagen AG

Hervis

Institute of Science and Technology Austria (IST Austria)

Via donau – Österreichische Wasserstraßen GmbH

Land Vorarlberg

Österreichischen Fonds zur Dokumentation von religiös motiviertem politischen Extremismus (Dokumentationsstelle Politischer Islam)

OMV AG

Coloplast

ÖRAG Immobilien Vermittlung GmbH

Hervis Sport- und Modegesellschaft m.b.H.

Austrian Power Grid AG

COVID-19 Finanzierungsagentur des Bundes GmbH

HeldYn Care GmbH

Fundermax GmbH

Isovolta AG

Work highlights

  • Advised Wiener Stadtwerke GmbH and all of its subsidiaries on a group-wide project introducing a Single-Sign-On mechanism and a centralized user account for customers of all group entities.
  • Advised Hervis on the introduction of an app-based members club, which is targeting customers in seven countries.
  • Advised via donau on the successful implementation on an EU-wide data hub for waterway RIS-data.

Austria > Insolvency and corporate recovery Tier 3

Cerha Hempel‘s restructuring and insolvency team is lauded as being extremely ‘capable of managing and solving complex problems in this field‘. The group has a strong focus on creditor protection and insolvency defense. Another key element of the practice is its cross-border work, and the firm’s international network means that the group is able to seamlessly work with international clients on multi-jurisdictional issues. Thomas Trettnak is at the helm.

Practice head(s):

Thomas Trettnak

Other key lawyers:

Wolfgang Sindelar; Heinrich Foglar-Deinhardstein; Holger Bielesz

Testimonials

‘They are always so willing to help, they inform us immediately if there is some legislation/practice change that affects our company. They have a high rate of immediate responses to our questions.’

‘Thomas Trettnak is responsive and gives us immediate, well-thought-out legal responses.’

‘We believe that each member of their team is really capable of managing and solving complex problems in this field. Their communication skills are also appreciated and they are always very professional.’

‘Thomas Trettnak has very strong knowledge of corporate and insolvency law and makes his client feel safe when it comes to corporate decisions. He has always strong capacity to understand the client’s market dynamics and is ready to involve and guide his clients when needed. He is always very responsive, even under very limited time pressure.’

‘The team provides high-quality and accurate advice even in tight timeframes. The team internally distributes work efficiently to the necessary level.’

‘The law firm offers exceptionally complete, concise and quick answers while maintaining a business attitude towards the problem being solved.’

Key clients

CELEBI Aviation Group

EMIRATES Airlines Group

NORTHWOOD International Acquisitions Ltd.

Johnson Controls Austria GmbH & Co OG

FIAT/CNH Group

SB Slipform Limited

PharOS Group

Polymed Medizin Technik Group

Shipyard de Hoop Group

Landesbank Baden Württemberg

SMS group GmbH

TechnipFMC plc

Οlympic Holidays SA-NEPTUNE HOTELS and MEDITOURS SA-Hotel Caravia Beach

RAFAKO S.A. w restrukturyzacji

Crown Worldwide GmbH

Outokumpu Ges.m.b.H.

Work highlights

  • Advising Loesche Group on a complex trusteeship model regarding their contractual trust agreement with a German association that holds a large deposit in an Austrian bank.
  • Advising Outokumpu group on the voluntary liquidation of its Austrian operations.

Austria > Real estate Tier 3

The deal-oriented team at Cerha Hempel is spearheaded by Peter KnoblManfred Ton and Mark Krenn, the last of whom ‘combines the highest levels of legal and industry knowledge with impressive negotiation and project management skills'. The offering is particularly focused on real estate funds, and practitioners represent every open real estate fund domestically. Generally, the group operates as a one-stop-stop, and regularly works on complex multi-jurisdictional real estate projects.

Practice head(s):

Peter Vcelouch; Manfred Ton; Mark Krenn

Testimonials

‘In addition to providing excellent legal advice, the team is exceptionally deal-oriented.’

‘Due to the empathetic approach in difficult negotiations and the highest professional competence, the success rate for a deal is certainly high.’

‘Excellent lawyers who have high quality. They deliver comprehensible advice instead of complicated statements. Very well organised, good team spirit.’

‘Our key contact is Mark Krenn. He is very fast and reliable, always taking into account the commercial aspects of a matter. He heads a team of high quality lawyers.’

‘The real estate team of Cerha Hempel is a very well established practice that covers all legal aspects of real estate at the highest level, from transactions to solving complex legal issues. They are virtually always available and you can count on them.’

‘I would like to single out Mark Krenn, who is a very versatile lawyer. He combines the highest levels of legal and industry knowledge with impressive negotiation and project management skills, making him a real asset in particular in transactions.’

‘High quality every time. Huge network within the firm, so that the firm can cover nearly every subject.’

Key clients

ARE Austrian Real Estate

Raiffeisen Immobilien Kapitalanlage GmbH

United Benefits Holding GmbH

SPAR Austria Group

Hervis Sports Group

Institute of Science and Technology Austria (ISTA)

Quantum AG

You Will Like it Group

Value One

SES Spar European Shopping Centers

numa group

AVEST Immobilien

LifeNet Health

areos development

Aberdeen Standard Investments

CA Immo

BUWOG

ÖRAG

Lidl Österreich

KWPS / AMISOLA Immobilien AG / NOVOREAL Immobilieninvest AG / ESTRELLA Immobilieninvest AG

ACRON

Raiffeisen Property International

VGP European Logistics

Flughafen Wien AG

Thyssenkrupp Industrial Solutions AG

Work highlights

  • Acting as trustee for a project developed by United Benefits Holding in Vienna, encompassing more than 40 apartments.
  • Advising SES Spar European Shopping Centers on joint ventures, lease agreements, transactions and construction matters.
  • Advising Lidl Österreich on several real estate development projects and real estate acquisitions concerning new shop locations.

Austria > TMT Tier 3

With strong ties to the firm’s corporate and M&A, IP and regulatory teams, Cerha Hempel‘s TMT practice is active in assisting telecoms and technology companies with matters ranging from IT and software projects to data protection and cybersecurity. Telecoms regulation and questions of state aid are further areas of strength, as is advising on M&A transactions. The team is led by Hans Kristoferitsch, who advises clients on outsourcing projects, cloud computing, behavioural advertising and e-commerce matters.

Practice head(s):

Hans Kristoferitsch

Other key lawyers:

Georg Konrad; Armin Schwabl

Testimonials

‘State-of-the-art legal knowledge, empathic team members.’

‘In TMT we work with Hans Kristoferitsch who in our view perfectly combines technical understanding with legal expertise. We were impressed with his business-oriented and holistic approach and will definitely involve Hans again in our next IT projects!’

‘The firm is characterised by outstanding professional competence as well as comprehensive practical expertise.’

‘It is particularly noteworthy that the practitioners of the firm are always easy to reach, almost at any time.’

‘Hans Kristoferitsch is an outstanding partner.’

Key clients

SPAR

Wiener Stadtwerke GmbH and all of its subsidiaries

Wien Energie GmbH

Wiener Netze GmbH

ASFINAG Autobahnen- und Schnellstraßen-Finanzierungs-Aktiengesellschaft

SES Imagotag Group

CA Immobilien Anlagen AG

web eXXpress Medien Holding GmbH

via donau – Österreichische Wasserstraßen-Gesellschaft mbH

NTT

Walt.id

VERO

HeldYn Care GmbH

JIPP.IT

Leadbacker IT

XUND

Solifi

Scout24 Group

MPG Group

IntegrySign

Stadler Rail AG

AT & T

NTS Netzwerk Telekom Service AG

Hervis Sport- und Modegesellschaft m.b.H.

ÖRAG Immobilien Vermittlung GmbH

Wirtschaftskammer Österreich

Work highlights

  • Advising SPAR on all matters of IT and technology law, including assisting with the implementation of logistics solutions, consolidation of customer data and implementation of a new app-based members club.
  • Assisted Walt.id with its set-up and financing.
  • Advised Wirtschaftskammer Österreich and RTR on EU state aid law and Austrian subsidy law in connection with funding of films and media and a digitalisation subsidy for media companies.

Austria > Intellectual property Tier 4

Cerha Hempel provides support on a range of IP matters, having strengthened its patents capacity in the past year through the acquisition of new clients in the life sciences sector, while continuing to stand out for its knowledge of food-related IP issues. The firm is active in administering trade mark portfolios and advises on IP licensing, the protection of trade secrets and the handling of employee inventions. Mark Krenn, who specialises in distribution and licensing agreements, heads the team.

Practice head(s):

Mark Krenn

Other key lawyers:

Alina Alavi Kia

Testimonials

‘Deep understanding of the company’s IP issues.’

‘Good understanding of the subject matter, fast responses to our requests.’

‘Alina Alavi Kia is immensely convincing with her expertise in trademark law. Practice-oriented solutions and legally sound advice, quick availability and uncomplicated communication are among her strengths.’

Key clients

McDonald’s Corporation

SPAR Österreichische Warenhandels-AG

LEAD Horizon GmbH

Michael Pachleitner Group

Polimaster Holding GmbH

Meero SAS

Work highlights

  • Administering McDonald’s Austrian trade mark portfolio, including conducting trade mark clearance searches for McDonald’s in relation to the Austrian market and new product launches.
  • Advising LEAD Horizon on multiple unfair competition and IP issues in relation to product marketing and advertising due to certain restriction of such measures within the healthcare sector.
  • Advising SPAR Austria in relation to food law, copyright, IT agreements and licensing, consumer protection, media law and unfair competition.

Firm overview: CERHA HEMPEL is one of the leading corporate law firms in Central and Eastern Europe with its headquarters in Vienna. With a team of over 200 lawyers, the firm guarantees its clients experience and expertise in all areas of corporate and commercial law, both in Austria and Central and Eastern Europe.

CERHA HEMPEL is proud to be able to look back on a very successful history. Over the past 25 years, CERHA HEMPEL has been involved in a large number of the most significant transactions in Austria. The fact that the firm understands its clients’ businesses has helped CERHA HEMPEL achieve a high rate of success. It is no coincidence that CERHA HEMPEL is the first port of call for a number of long-term clients whom the firm advises comprehensively on all of their day-to-day legal matters. This expertise – combined with the firm’s years of experience in Central and Eastern Europe and its Lex Mundi network – ensures that its clients receive high-quality and sound advice, across disciplines and across borders.

Main areas of practice

M&A and corporate: The focus at CERHA HEMPEL is not only on classic M&A, but also on private equity transactions, and on resolving complex, often cross-border issues in a practical and commercially oriented manner, as well as providing ongoing corporate legal advice and handling and overseeing corporate reorganisations. CERHA HEMPEL has particular expertise in public M&A, including takeover law and regulatory compliance under financial markets laws.

Banking and finance: CERHA HEMPEL supports its clients in the borrowing and investment decisions they make, such as in the context of financial and liquidity planning and treasury operations. It advises both borrowers and lenders alike. Recognised as a leading corporate law firm in the regulatory sector, CERHA HEMPEL advises international banks on establishing Austrian branches and offices and with respect to selling and trading securities in Austria. As advisor to over 100 managed investment funds which it represents in Austria regarding trading and compliance issues, CERHA HEMPEL has extensive expertise in the banking and finance sector.

Capital markets: As one of the leading law firms specialising in capital markets law, CERHA HEMPEL has handled the largest capital markets transactions in Austria over the past 25 years and has set the standards for this area. It handles all aspects of IPOs, capital increases and bond issuances, advising potential issuers and underwriters on due diligence issues, as well as preparing prospectuses in accordance with international standards and drafting documentation for capital increases.

Real estate and construction: CERHA HEMPEL supports its clients in everything from project development, negotiating and drafting financing agreements, preparing planning and construction agreements, to residential and commercial leases and claims management. CERHA HEMPEL has outstanding contacts with the major market players, enabling it to offer its clients project management services as well.

Litigation and arbitration: Whether it be construction disputes, unfair competition, contractual interpretation, insurance law, warranty issues, or damages in contract or tort, CERHA HEMPEL’s success rate is enviable. The team at CERHA HEMPEL covers the entire spectrum of corporate and commercial law, and focuses on giving its clients a clear picture of the opportunities and risks involved. Members of the firm act as arbitrators, chairpersons and counsel.

Employment:CERHA HEMPEL provides first class legal advice on all aspects of employment law, from drafting contracts including options for greater flexibility in employment relationships, as well as implementing restructuring programmes.

Tax law: CERHA HEMPEL provides integrated tax and legal advice. The firm strives to provide clients with optimised tax solutions whilst taking into account all other legal aspects. CERHA HEMPEL offers clients comprehensive expertise on the tax-optimised structuring of transactions, especially with respect to mergers and acquisitions and corporate restructurings, as well as group taxation, holding structures, inbound and outbound investments, debt and equity financing and the taxation of financial instruments. The tax litigation team handles all aspects of tax disputes.

Public law and european law: CERHA HEMPEL advises and represents clients before public administrative authorities and courts, as well as the European Court of Justice regarding questions of aviation law, public procurement law and telecommunications law, all of which the firm has been handling since such sectors were liberalised by the EU. The firm’s lawyers have achieved an above-average rate of success in such cases. CERHA HEMPEL also has many years’ extensive experience in commercial licensing law, healthcare law, university law, construction law, environmental law, and medical and pharmaceutical law.

International experience: With offices in Bratislava, Bucharest, Budapest, Prague and Sofia, CERHA HEMPEL possesses an extensive network in Central, Eastern and South-Eastern Europe, together with broad-based expertise and many years’ experience. On top of this, the firm maintains close relationships with renowned law firms in those countries in which it does not have an office. All offices employ local, highly qualified and multilingual staff. All CEE offices have continuous access to the resources of the entire CERHA HEMPEL network.

DepartmentNameEmailTelephone
Managing Partner, Head of Department of Takeovers & Antitrust, Mergers & Acquisitions, Corporate, Private Clients & Trusts, Private Equity & Venture Capital, Insolvency & Restructuring Albert Birkneralbert.birkner@cerhahempel.com+43 1 514 35 431
Managing Partner, Head of Department Corporate Transactions, Mergers & Acquisitions, Banking & Finance, Capital Markets, Corporate, Compliance & Investigations, Private Equity & Venture Capital Clemens Hasenauerclemens.hasenauer@cerhahempel.com+43 1 514 35 321
Of Counsel, Litigation & Arbitration, Distribution Law Benedikt Spiegelfeldbenedikt.spiegelfeld@cerhahempel.com+43 1 514 35 111
Head of Department Contentious Business, Litigation & Arbitration, Corporate, Public Law & European Law, Real Estate & Construction, IP & Unfair Competition, Private Clients & Trusts Irene Welserirene.welser@cerhahempel.com+43 1 514 35 121
Head of Employment Law Julian Feichtingerjulian.feichtinger@cerhahempel.com+43 1 514 35 191
Capital Markets, Banking & Finance, Corporate, Private Equity & Venture Capital Volker Glasvolker.glas@cerhahempel.com+43 1 514 35 231
Head of Real Estate & Construction, Litigation & Arbitration, Public Law & European Law, Insolvency & Restructuring Peter Vcelouchpeter.vcelouch@cerhahempel.com+43 1 514 35 251
Head of CEE, Head of Department Corporate & Commercial, Mergers & Acquisitions, Corporate, Private Clients & Trusts, Real Estate & Construction, Distribution Law Johannes Aehrenthaljohannes.aehrenthal@cerhahempel.com+43 1 514 35 331
Banking & Finance, Capital Markets, Tax Law, Compliance & Investigations Peter Knoblpeter.knobl@cerhahempel.com+43 1 514 35 241
Head of TMT Practice Group, Corporate, Insolvency & Restructuring, Mergers & Acquistions, Compliance & Investigations, Public Procurement, IT & Privacy, Private Equity & Venture Capital Georg Konradgeorg.konrad@cerhahempel.com+43 1 514 35 561
Banking & Finance, Capital Markets, Mergers & Acquisitions, Corporate Thomas Zivnythomas.zivny@cerhahempel.com+43 1 514 35 131
Real Estate & Construction, Litigation & Arbitration, Mergers & Acquistions, Corporate Manfred Tonmanfred.ton@cerhahempel.com+43 1 514 35 311
Tax Law, Corporate, Mergers & Acquisitions Johannes Prinzjohannes.prinz@cerhahempel.com+43 1 514 35 471
Head of Insolvency & Restructuring, Corporate, Mergers & Acquistions, Private Equity & Venture Capital, Private Clients & Trusts, Distribution Law Thomas Trettnakthomas.trettnak@cerhahempel.com+43 1 514 35 531
Head of Antitrust & Competition, Co-Head of CEE, Compliance & Investigations, Distribution Law, Mergers & Acquisitions Bernhard Kofler-Senonerbernhard.kofler-senoner@cerhahempel.com+43 1 514 35 581
Head of Regulatory & White Collar Department, Public Law & European Law, Antitrust & Competition, Compliance & Investigations, IT & Privacy Hans Kristoferitschhans.kristoferitsch@cerhahempel.com+43 1 514 35 291
Corporate, Insolvency & Restructuring, Mergers & Acquisitions, Private Clients & Trusts Heinrich Foglar-Deinhardsteinheinrich.foglar-deinhardstein@cerhahempel.com+43 1 514 35 541
Tax Law, White Collar Crime, Corporate, Public Law & European Law, Private Clients & Trusts Benjamin Twardoszbenjamin.twardosz@cerhahempel.com+43 1 514 35 571
Responsible for Real Estate Transaction Team, Mergers & Acquisitions, Corporate, CEE Real Estate, IP & Unfair Competition Mark Krennmark.krenn@cerhahempel.com+43 1 514 35 591
Public Law & European Law, Compliance & Investigations, White Collar Crime, Public Procurement, Litigation & Abitration Stefan Huberstefan.huber@cerhahempel.com+43 1 514 35 304
Head of White Collar Crime, Public Law & European Law, Antitrust & Competition Peter Lewischpeter.lewisch@cerhahempel.com+43 1 514 35 181
PhotoNamePositionProfile
Johannes Aehrenthal photoDr Johannes AehrenthalPartnerHead of Department Corporate & CommercialAreas of practice: Mergers & Acquisitions Corporate…
Holger Bielesz photoDr Holger BieleszPartner Areas of practice: Litigation & Arbitration White Collar Crime Compliance &…
Albert Birkner photoDr Albert BirknerManaging Partner Head of Department of Takeovers & Antitrust Areas of practice:…
Julian Feichtinger photoMag Julian FeichtingerPartnerHead of the Employment Law teamAreas of practice: Employment Law
Heinrich Foglar-Deinhardstein photoMag Heinrich Foglar-DeinhardsteinPartnerAreas of practice: Corporate Insolvency & Restructuring Mergers & Acquistions Private Clients…
Volker Glas photoDr Volker GlasPartner Areas of practice: Capital Markets Banking & Finance Corporate Private Equity…
Clemens Hasenauer photoDr Clemens HasenauerManaging Partner Head of Department Corporate Transactions Areas of practice: Mergers &…
Stefan Huber photoDr Stefan HuberPartnerAreas of practice: Public Law & European Law Compliance & Investigations White…
Peter Knobl photoDr Peter KnoblPartner Areas of practice: Banking & Finance Capital Markets Tax Law Compliance…
Bernhard Kofler-Senoner photoDr Bernhard Kofler-SenonerPartner Head of Competition Practice GroupAreas of practice: Antitrust & Competition Compliance…
Georg Konrad photoMag Georg KonradPartnerAreas of practice: Corporate Insolvency & Restructuring Mergers & Acquistions Compliance &…
Mark Krenn photoMag Mark KrennPartner Areas of practice: Real Estate Mergers & Acquisitions Corporate CEE IP…
Hans Kristoferitsch photoDr Hans KristoferitschPartnerHead of Department Regulatory and White CollarAreas of practice: Public Law &…
Peter Lewisch photoUniv Prof Dr Peter LewischSenior CounselAreas of practice: White Collar Crime Public Law & European Law…
Michael Mayer photoMMag Dr Michael MayerCounselAreas of practice: Antitrust & Competition Distribution Law Compliance & Investigations
Lorenz Pracht photoMag Lorenz PrachtPartnerAreas of practice: Mergers & Acquisitions Capital Markets Compliance & Investigations Corporate…
Johannes Prinz photoMMag Johannes PrinzPartnerAreas of practice: Tax Law Corporate Mergers & Acquisitions
Michaela Siegwart photoDr Michaela SiegwartPartnerAreas of practice: Public Procurement Litigation & Arbitration IP & Unfair Competition
Benedikt Spiegelfeld em. photoDr Benedikt Spiegelfeld em.Of CounselAreas of practice: Litigation & Arbitration Distribution Law
Harald Stingl photoDr Harald StinglPartnerAreas of practice: Mergers & Acquisitions Corporate Banking & Finance Insolvency &…
Thomas Trettnak photoDr Thomas TrettnakPartnerAreas of practice: Corporate Mergers & Acquistions Insolvency & Restructuring Private Equity…
Benjamin Twardosz photoDr Benjamin TwardoszPartnerAreas of practice: Tax Law White Collar Crime Corporate Public Law &…
Peter Vcelouch photoDr Peter VcelouchPartnerHead of Department Real Estate and ConstructionAreas of practice: Real Estate &…
Irene Welser photoHon-ProfDr Irene WelserSenior Partner Head of Department Contentious Business Areas of practice: Litigation &…
Anna Wolf-Posch, LL.M. photoDr Anna Wolf-Posch, LL.M.Partner Areas of practice: Antitrust & Competition Compliance & Investigations Mergers &…
Thomas Zivny photoDr Thomas ZivnyPartnerAreas of practice: Banking & Finance Capital Markets Mergers & Acquisitions Corporate
Number of staff at CERHA HEMPEL : 260
Number of lawyers at the Vienna office : 110
Armenian
Bosnian
Bulgarian
Chinese
Croatian
Czech
Dutch
English
French
German
Hungarian
Italian
Polish
Romanian
Russian
Serbian
Slovak
Spanish
Tagalog
Aktienforum
Alumni association of the University of St. Gallen
American Bar Association
Arbitral Women
ASA
Austrian Bar Association
Austrian Arbitration Association
Austrian-Brazilian Association of Commerce - Associação de Comércio Austro-Brasileira
Austrian Corporate Law Society - Advisory Board
Austrian Council of Shopping Centers
Austrian Franchise Federation
Austrian Spanish Lawyers Association
AVCO - Austrian Private Equity and Venture Capital Organisation
BWG Österreichische Bankwissenschaftliche Gesellschaft
CELA - Chinese European Legal Association
Czech Bar Association
Deutsche Handelskammer
EELA (European Employment Lawyer Association)
Employment Law Alliance
European Community Studies Association Austria (ECSA)
EuroFranchise Lawyers (EFL Group)
FIABCI Austria MB
Founding member of Forum Restructuring and Turnaround Vienna (ReTurn)
German-British Lawyers' Association
German Fiscal Association (DtStJG)
GVÖ
Hungarian Bar Association
IBA (International Bar Association)
ICC Austria
ICDR Young & International
International Fiscal Association (IFA)
International Tax Law Alumni Association
Juridisch-Politischer Leseverein
KSV
LCIA (London Court of International Arbitration)
Lex Mundi - The World's Leading Association of Independent Law Firms
Managementclub Vienna
New York Bar Association
ÖGNI
Österr. Amerikanische Gesellschaft (ÖAG)
Österr.Franchiseverband
Österr. Gesellschaft für Medizinrecht
Österr. Japanische Gesellschaft
Öst.Verein.Schiedsgerichtsarkeit
Österreichische Vereinigung für Gewerblichen Rechtsschutz und Urheberrecht (ÖV)
Real Circle
ReTurn (independent authority center for restructuring, reorganizations and turnarounds)
Scottish Arbitration
Studienstiftung des deutschen Volkes
Studienvereinigung Kartellrecht
The Law Society
Turnaround Management Association
UNION Viennese Society of Attorneys at Law
VDRÖ
Vienna Bar Association
Vienna Bar Association (Council)
Verein der Freunde Rechtswissenschaft.
Wiener Advokatengesellschaft UNION
YAAP Young Austrian Arbitration Practitioners
Young Industry (platform within the Federation of the Austrian Industry for young economic operators from industry and related sectors)
Other offices : Bratislava
Other offices : Bucharest
Other offices : Budapest
Other offices : Prague
Other offices : Sofia

CERHA HEMPEL is an international law firm headquartered in Vienna with offices in Bratislava, Bucharest, Budapest, Prague, and Sofia, whose experts have many years’ experience of advising clients in a wide array of legal fields. Through our international network, we are able to provide fully integrated cross-border services tailored to our clients’ needs. CERHA HEMPEL can count many major international companies as frequent clients.

The team

The members of CERHA HEMPEL’s diverse team have considerable experience of working in other countries. Many partners are also members of the International Bar Association as well as other associations. Furthermore, a large number of languages are spoken by our team, including Armenian, Bosnian, Bulgarian, Chinese, Croatian, Czech, Dutch, English, French, German, Hungarian, Italian, Polish, Romanian, Russian, Serbian, Slovak, Spanish, Tagalog, to name but a few, and advice and assistance can therefore be provided to clients in these languages should the need arise.

The network

CERHA HEMPEL is the exclusive member firm in Austria for Lex Mundi – the world’s leading network of independent law firms – with in-depth experience in 125+ countries worldwide. As part of the Lex Mundi global network, we can provide our clients with preferred access to more than 22,000 lawyers around the world – all from a single point of contact. CERHA HEMPEL is also a member of the International Fiscal Association, the Employment Law Alliance, the EuroFranchise Lawyers as well as a group member firm of the International Bar Association, which enables us to further strengthen our global set up and connections. On top of this, we maintain close relationships with renowned law firms in those countries in which we do not have an office. Each of our CEE offices has constant access to the resources and expertise of the entire CERHA HEMPEL network.