Noerr > Munich, Germany > Firm Profile

Noerr > The Legal 500 Rankings

Corporate and M&A > Corporate

Dispute resolution > Product liability Tier 1

Noerr has in-depth experience in complex in-court and out-of-court product liability disputes, regulatory product law, product compliance, particularly in relation to environmental and waste law aspects, as well as expertise in product safety and global product recalls, which are regularly carried out for various German and foreign automotive, mechanical engineering and plant engineering companies. Here, Helmut Katschthaler, who specialises in insurance and reinsurance law, and Arun Kapoor are among the key contacts. The latter jointly leads the practice with Thomas Klindt, who is considered particularly experienced in cross-border product recalls in the medical sector.

Industry focus > Energy

Noerr's energy practice focuses on regulatory and contentious matters and advises federal and state ministries, investors, energy companies and suppliers as well as project developers. A recent highlight was advising the Federal Ministry of Economics and Climate Protection on the introduction of the energy price cap and gas price cap as part of a plan by the federal government. The team has additional expertise in matters pertaining to the renewable energies, on- and offshore wind, hydrogen, as well as e-mobility sectors; Christian Alexander Mayer is a key contact for ​mobility topics. Another mainstay are national and international transactions as well as financing, here, M&A experts Christoph Spiering and Tibor Fedke regularly take the lead. Katrin Andrä advises on corporate contract design and joined Christof Federwisch as practice co-head in early 2024; Federwisch previously headed the practice alone and focuses on large power generation and energy infrastructure projects, where he comprehensively advises international energy suppliers, investors and project developers on the entire lifecycle of a project, including acquisition and litigation. Key contact Cornelia Kermel is well versed in issues pertaining to concession procedures.

Industry focus > Telecoms

Noerr follows an interdisciplinary approach and routinely advises at the interfaces with regulatory, corporate and antitrust law. This expertise is called upon by telecommunications providers, including Deutsche Telekom, companies in the technology sector and increasingly by players from the satellite-based telecommunications segment in connection with transactions, strategic cooperations and regulatory issues. Practice head Tobias Frevert focuses on transactions and project work, while regulatory matters are covered by Tobias Bosch and Julian von Lucius; Bosch regularly assists with regulatory procedures and operational contract negotiations. Pascal Schumacher complements this offering with expertise in interfacing data protection matters.

Information technology > Data protection Tier 1

Noerr comprehensively covers data protection law thanks to cross-practice cooperation with the litigation, regulatory, compliance and cyber risks teams. The team focuses on data breach management and data protection litigation (Sebastian Dienst is a key contact for both areas), including the support and representation in administrative, fine and court proceedings. The practice’s GDPR advice covers the implementation of sustainable data protection compliance systems and data protection governance structures. IT law and data protection expert Daniel Rücker heads the team, which was recently increasingly active at international level in expanding relationships with Chinese companies and law firms. Pascal Schumacher primarily acts across regulated industries and made partner in January 2024.

Information technology > Information technology and digitalisation Tier 1

Noerr combines its competencies in the areas commerce, trade, IT, outsourcing and media and advises on various IT matters. Among the key topics are contract drafting and regulatory matters in the context of digitisation projects and digital business models. Co-head Torsten Kraul is an expert in new topics such as AI, data management, digital healthcare, fintech and e-sports. Kraul jointly leads the practice with Thomas Thalhofer, who supports IT digitisation projects, outsourcing as well as transactions and is experienced in litigation. Peter Braut boasts similar competencies and complements this with expertise in software licensing. Among the client roster are companies from the automotive, pharmaceutical and technology sectors as well as insurance and financial service providers. AI expert David Bomhard joined Aitava in April 2023.

Information technology > IT transactions and outsourcing Tier 1

Noerr supports financial service providers and insurance companies as well as companies from the pharmaceutical, technology and automotive sectors in outsourcing contracts as part of carve-outs, transaction-related license agreements and strategic cooperations. Thomas Thalhofer is a key contact for outsourcing and multisourcing projects and has expertise in IT litigation; he jointly leads the practice with Torsten Kraul, who focuses on outsourcing, IT transactions as well as the implementation of digital business models and the application of new technologies. Peter Braut is another key member and complements this with data protection expertise. In April 2023, AI expert David Bomhard joined Aitava.

Private equity > Transactions

Noerr focuses on the upper-middle and large-cap segment and regularly supports cross-border transactions. The team offers industry expertise in the digital, healthcare and technology sectors, which is complemented with cross-practice cooperation in the structuring of acquisitions and assets as well as financing and the development of MEP models; related contentious matters are frequently handled by Georg Schneider. Another mainstay is the advice on restructuring to PE investors which specialise in crisis-related matters, where Christian Pleister is a key contact. A growth area is the support in fund structuring and secondary transactions. Holger Ebersberger (sector focus on digital economy, life sciences, TMT, healthcare, industry) left the practice and joined McDermott Will & Emery Rechtsanwälte Steuerberater LLP in March 2023; Markus Braun (PE, M&A, Corporate, VC) joined the team shortly afterwards from Gleiss Lutz and Julian Lemor (PE and M&A) arrived from Mayer Brown LLP. At the turn of the year 2023/2024, Schneider and Pleister handed over the practice management to Christoph Thiermann and Felix Blobel (focus on VC).

Private equity > Venture capital Tier 1

Noerr‘s cross-practice approach draws on relevant regulatory, digital business, data protection and tax law expertise in the comprehensive advice to investors, companies and start-ups on venture capital matters, including early-stage financing as well as exit and capital market law issues. The transaction support is a particular strength, where the team frequently cooperates with the locations in New York and London on cross-border matters. This is complemented by expertise in corporate venture capital advice thanks to the firm’s overall focus on medium-sized business suppport. The team is led by Christian Pleister (investments, transactions) and Georg Christoph Schneider (transactions, investments, restructurings).

Real estate and construction > Construction (including construction litigation)

Noerr project support focuses on the residential, retail, energy, logistics and healthcare sectors. The team advises well-known clients on construction and plant construction matters and is additionally well versed in the enforcement of and defence against claims. Further capacities include the advice on traditional construction and architectural law as well as related transactions, financing and leasing issues. Co-head Volker Bock focuses on matters in national and international plant, mechanical and industrial construction; he jointly heads the team with Stefan Weise, who is experienced in plant construction, project development and real estate law.

Trade and distribution > Foreign trade law Tier 1

Noerr increasingly advises on investment control and sanctions law in addition to its traditional focus on supporting blue chip clients in export control and customs law matters. Led by Bärbel Sachs, the team is instructed by large industrial companies and associations on the support in Russia exits; the practice also advises on sanctions compliance. A growth area is the support for clients with Chinese trade relationships in anti-dumping matters and investment control. Claus Zimmermann is well versed in WTO and EU regulatory law and regularly leads in criminal proceedings and litigation.

Trade and distribution > Trade, distribution and logistics Tier 1

Noerr focuses on commercial and distribution law at the interfaces with IP and IT law. This expertise is utilised in the advice to the e-commerce sector: practice head Michael Reiling, alongside banking contract lawyer Tom Billing, is regularly instructed on the design of digital distribution systems and the structuring of innovative franchise agreements. The team also covers traditional distribution law topics, particularly in the automotive industry. Albin Ströbl and Cathrin Wentzel regularly assist large corporations with distribution antitrust issues and contract litigation. Counsel Karsten Metzlaff focuses on franchise and cooperation agreements.

Compliance Tier 2

Noerr‘s preventive compliance expertise is called upon by clients from various industries, including MDAX companies. The team comprehensively advises on money laundering, corporate compliance, EU-Russia sanctions and supply chain due diligence matters. The practice is led by Torsten Fett who is regularly instructed by banks and financial services providers, and Sophia Habbe, who focuses on ESG compliance as well as diversity and inclusion issues. Product compliance is a key strength of Thomas Klindt, while the arrival of Andre Happel from Fieldfisher in February 2023 and the appointment of Alida Gölz to associated partner in January 2023 strengthened the strategic focus on tax and trade compliance. Stefanie Bischof (corporate, capital markets and financial regulatory compliance) moved to an in-house position in June 2023.

Corporate and M&A > M&A

Noerr's client base includes technology, healthcare and energy companies as well as financial services providers and advises them on high-volume, cross-border transactions, including public takeovers, joint ventures and, most recently, exits from Russia. Natalie Daghles, who is experienced in cross-border public takeovers and primarily acts for financial services providers and healthcare clients, and Laurenz Tohlen (M&A and PE) jointly lead the practice; the latter took over co-management from Alexander Hirsch, who specialises in company acquisitions and joint ventures and primarily acts for strategic investors, in December 2023. Harald Selzner advises DAX40 companies on corporate and capital markets law, while Martin Neuhaus and Christian Pleister assist large German companies with M&A and private equity transactions as well as public takeovers. Holger Ebersberger (private equity and venture capital) joined McDermott Will & Emery Rechtsanwälte Steuerberater LLP in January 2023 and Armin Bartsch (venture capital and national and international M&A transactions) left for Taylor Wessing in September 2022. Vanessa Hoffmann Linhard (M&A) made associated partner.

Dispute resolution > Arbitration (including international arbitration) Tier 2

Noerr primarily acts in high-profile investment disputes, but also advises on energy-related disputes and competition damages claims; Meike von Levetzow, who acts as a party representative and arbitrator in international and national arbitration proceedings, is particularly highly regarded in this context. The German dispute resolution practice is co-led by Oliver Sieg, who specialises in insurance disputes, and Anke Meier, who focuses on international arbitration proceedings with particular emphasis on German-American legal communication.

Germany > Employment Tier 2

Noerr impresses with expertise in restructuring, transactions, collective agreement negotiations and operational changes, including reconciliation of interests and social plan negotiations, as well as in pension obligations and co-determination issues. In the contentious and preventive sphere, the practice advises on employment law compliance and associated internal investigations and assists with court and conciliation board proceedings that are based on management separations, among other matters. Competences in outsourcing, data protection, the use of external personnel and company pension schemes complement the group's offering; Stefan Schwab and Benjamin Jahn are among the key contacts for the latter, although both are also experienced in transactional support. Practice head Andreas Butz in Düsseldorf and Patrick Mückl focus on restructuring and reorganisation, while Mückl also handles insolvency-related issues. Boris Blunck (regulated remuneration, termination of employment and service relationships with managers and board members) made partner in January 2024.

Insurance > Insurance litigation Tier 2

Both policyholders and insurers call upon Noerr's insurance law expertise and litigation experience. Among the core competencies are major loss monitoring, D&O, product liability as well as financial loss and liability insurance; including cross-border issues, where Oliver Sieg is a key contact. He jointly heads the practice with Helmut Katschthaler, who is an expert in product liability and recall cost insurance and regularly acts in reinsurance arbitration proceedings. This is complemented by expertise in W&I, cyber insurance and political risk insurance, which is a recent growth topic.

Intellectual property > Trade marks Tier 2

Noerr's German trade mark practice cooperates closely with the firm's office in Alicante, which focuses on prosecution and strategic advice, while the German dependency specialises in trade mark disputes and IP contracts. Practice head Tobias Dolde also divides his time between Munich and Alicante and can therefore provide clients with comprehensive advice on cross-border litigation and intellectual property rights at international level. With a focus on the consumer goods industry, Christoph Rieken's expertise covers transaction-related and strategic issues as well as representing clients before courts and authorities such as the DPMA and EUIPO. Valentina Nieß (pharmaceutical and consumer goods industry) made associated partner in January 2023.

Intellectual property > Unfair competition Tier 2

Noerr focuses on competition disputes concerning trade secrets and advertising measures on one hand and on IP contract-related matters on the other. The group is predominantly instructed by clients from the gaming, pharmaceutical, automotive as well as retail sectors and led by Tobias Dolde, who specialises in trade mark and design law and divides his time between Alicante and Munich. Important team members include Christoph Rieken and Jessica Loew, who act across the entire soft IP spectrum, including product piracy and domain disputes. Valentina Nieß, who is experienced in competition law violations, made associated partner in January 2023.

Media > Entertainment Tier 2

Noerr's digital business team combines media law expertise with competencies in e-commerce, IT and corporate law and supports clients from the film industry in transactions and contract negotiations as well as digitisation projects. A particular strength is the support in film project-related  joint ventures and the launch of new digital NFT platforms. The key contacts here are Thorsten Kraul, who jointly leads the practice with digitisation expert Thomas Thalhofer, and Hans Radau, whose advisory focus is on the intersection between M&A and media law. The team is also frequently instructed by collecting societies in antitrust negotiations and proceedings, while Ulrich Michel is well versed in copyright matters.

Germany > Private clients and non-profits Tier 2

Noerr‘s private clients team acts in close cooperation with the corporate law practice and supports family offices and their foundations in inheritance and succession planning as well as in cross-border transactions. The team also assists with contentious matters, including inheritance disputes, as well as with the structuring of investements and funds. Practice head Tobias Bürgers acts at the corporate law interface and advises family businesses and foundations on governance structures. Michael Tommaso made partner in January 2023 and is a key contact for tax law issues; he regularly acts on behalf of companies and foundations. Frank Schuck is well versed in tax optimisation and also advises on the establishment of foundations and contentious proceedings. The former practice co-head Wolfram Theiss (company succession, establishment of foundations and inheritance disputes) moved to HASS DROSS THEISS RECHTSANWÄLTE PARTNERSCHAFT MBB in August 2023.

Public sector > Commercial administrative law Tier 2

The main pillars of Noerr's consulting services include, on the private side, regulatory and project-related advice to companies in the energy and financial services sectors, and on public level, advice to and representation of federal ministries in relation to their legislative and regulatory projects. In close cooperation with its energy group, practice head Holger Schmitz advises on the design of a regulatory framework for electric vehicles, the introduction of an energy price cap and the setting up of various federal research projects; the team's energy expertise also comes to the fore in representing the Federal Republic of Germany in two ICSID arbitration proceedings as well as in infrastructure projects. Funding issues, particularly in the context of the Covid-19 pandemic, represent another mainstay. Carsten Bringmann is increasingly advising various casino operators on gambling law matters.

Public sector > Planning and environment Tier 2

With expertise in energy law, environmental regulation and litigation, Noerr's broad expertise is primarily aimed at energy suppliers, real estate developers and public sector players seeking advice on urban development projects as well as at large companies in need of ESG advice. Energy lawyer Christof Federwisch represents clients in a variety of approval and planning proceedings in connection with offshore wind farm projects and is also involved in energy litigation, while practice head and compliance expert Holger Schmitz provides policy-oriented and litigation advice on large urban developments. Christian Alexander Mayer is considered a key contact for electromobility projects and has additional expertise in ​​product compliance.

Real estate and construction > Project development Tier 2

Real estate and construction > Real estate Tier 2

Noerr regularly assists with private equity, financing and restructuring-related matters in the real estate sector and frequently cooperates with the banking and finance experts as well as the restructuring practice; another key strength is asset management. Practice head Annette Pospich focuses on transactions as well as financing and structuring issues. She specialises in transactions in the retail, office and logistics asset categories, including related financing and investment law matters. Tim Behrens (transactions) was appointed to partner in January 2023.

Restructuring and insolvency > Restructuring Tier 2

Noerr's restructuring expertise is requested by investors, companies in crisis and creditors, which the team advises on financial restructuring as well as distressed M&A. Additionally, the team assists with reorganisation measures as well as a dedicated distressed disputes team covering relevant contentious matters. The practice is led by Thomas Hoffmann, who is experienced in trusteeships, and Marlies Raschke, who handles distressed M&A matters and out-of-court restructurings. Further key contacts are Dorothee Prosteder (restructuring, distressed M&A, insolvency law) and Simone Schönen (restructuring and refinancing, bond structuring).

Germany > Antitrust Tier 3

Noerr is well versed in national and cross-border merger control, compliance, cartel damages compensation proceedings as well as supporting clients in antitrust investigations by the Federal Cartel Office and the European Commission. Practice head Fabian Badtke (finance, healthcare & life sciences sectors) regularly acts at the interface with EU state aid law, while Kathrin Westermann routinely leads in cartel, abuse and merger control proceedings before the relevant authorities. Alexander Birnstiel has expertise in digital antitrust law and also covers matters at the IP law interface.

Banking and finance > Financial services: regulatory Tier 3

Noerr‘s multidisciplinary approach focuses on cross-practice cooperation, such as the advice on remuneration matters at the employment law interface, topics pertaining to IT security, data-driven business models and banking secrecy at the IT and data protection intersection as well as M&A transactions. Among the client roster are banks, payment services providers, asset managers, investors and companies, which regularly instruct the team on compliance matters, including MiFID and MiFID II in the securities area, AML matters as well as cooperation agreements and BaFin procedures and issues pertaining to payment services law. The team is led by insurance supervisory law experts Thomas Heitzer and Jens Kunz, who comprehensively cover financial regulatory, investment and money laundering law. The regulatory expertise in transactions was strengthened with the partner appointment of Dominik Kloka in January 2024.

Banking and finance > Lending and borrowing Tier 3

Noerr's recent work includes the advice to banks on syndicated loans in the context of M&A and restructuring transactions, such as the advice to a banking consortium in connection with the large-scale restructuring of STEAG. Practice head Andreas Naujoks frequently took the lead in these restructuring matters; he has additional expertise in corporate and acquisition financing as well as real estate financing, where the practice is also instructed by companies. Other competencies include ESG-related finance transactions, promissory note loans, refinancing and mezzanine financing as well as venture debt and leveraged buyouts.

Banking and finance > Real estate finance Tier 3

Noerr focuses on acquisition financing in connection with ESG-related performance indicators and is regularly instructed by banks, sponsors and other financial institutions. Most recently, the team advised on senior, mezzanine and bridge financing as well as refinancing and joint ventures in the real estate sector, frequently in connection with the construction of logistics centers, although the team covers various asset classes. Practice head Andreas Naujoks routinely assists with national and international financing transactions and has experience in corporate financing and restructuring. Counsel Doreen Pape (real estate and acquisition financing, corporate finance) is another key contact.

Capital markets > Debt capital markets Tier 3

DAX and MDAX companies as well as banks recently instructed Noerr's DCM practice to advise on the set-up EMTN programs and debt issuance programs, on bond issuance, including Nordic bonds, and bond restructuring. In capital market transactions with a US connection - this applies in particular to the high-yield sphere and US placements - the group cooperates with US firms. The practice is jointly led by Holger Alfes and Julian Schulze De la Cruz, both of whom are experienced in DCM and ECM as well as in ongoing corporate and M&A matters. Dominik Kloka (DCM, regulated products, financial regulatory law) made partner in January 2024.

Capital markets > Equity capital markets Tier 3

In addition to IPOs, Noerr's capital markets expertise also includes capital increases and subscription rights issues; the practice recently saw an increase in instructions on the banking side, but nonetheless still has numerous companies among its clients. Holger Alfes is experienced in ECM as well as in M&A and financing transactions and jointly leads the practice with Julian Schulze De la Cruz, who advises shareholders, banks and listed companies. Philip Schmoll is another key contact, particularly for corporate- and compliance-related matters.

Compliance > Internal investigations Tier 3

Noerr primarily assists DAX companies in the financial services, manufacturing and technology sectors with internal investigations and advises on allegations in connection with regulatory and tax law, sanctions, ESG, data protection and HR compliance. Torsten Fett is well versed in stock corporation and capital markets law and jointly heads the team with Sophia Habbe, who regularly supports cross-border investigations in connection with diversity and inclusion. Christian Pelz is experienced in corruption, fraud and embezzlement-related investigations, while Alida Gölz, who was appointed to associate partner in January 2023, covers regulatory issues and internal investigations. Senior associate Jana Hanke handles the criminal law interface. Stefanie Bischof (regulatory investigations) left the firm in June 2023 for an in-house position.

Germany > Consumer goods and food law Tier 3

Noerr's product compliance team advises on food-related product law (including product compliance, product liability and regulatory issues) and focuses on cosmetics, consumer goods and products that come into contact with food. The practice is co-led from Munich by Arun Kapoor (focus on technical compliance, product regulation of consumer products, product recalls) and Thomas Klindt (civil product liability issues and public law). The team regularly cooperates with Evelyn Schulz, who heads the life sciences practice in Dresden, and assists companies in the food and pharmaceuticals sectors with regulatory issues, sales and contract law issues.

Dispute resolution > Commercial litigation Tier 3

Insurance > Advice to insurers Tier 3

Noerr primarily advises banks and insurers, which benefit from the expertise in interfacing corporate, M&A, capital markets, antitrust, tax and employment law matters. Practice head Thomas Heitzer advises insurers and reinsurers on insurance company law, particularly supervisory law matters as well as insurance portfolios and restructuring. In the area of ​​insurance distribution, Lisa Haseloff advises on regulatory requirements, including in the context of digital distribution systems.

Intellectual property > Patent litigation: solicitors Tier 3

Noerr's advice covers forensic infringement and nullity proceedings, including FRAND-related proceedings, while the team acts with a particular focus on telecommunications, connected cars, electronics and pharmaceuticals. Considered an expert for standard-essential patents, Ralph Nack is particularly active in the mechanical engineering and electronics sectors and heads the practice. In addition to patent disputes, associated partner Armin Kühne is further experienced in handling research and development contracts and licensing matters.

Public sector > State aid Tier 3

Noerr houses expertise in state aid law as well as overlapping antitrust issues and represents private companies and public sector clients in various litigation, notification and audit proceedings. EU state aid expert Sarah Blazek jointly leads the practice with antitrust lawyer Fabian Badtke and is particularly experienced in defending public stabilisation and restructuring initiatives pertaining to the Corona and energy crises. Blazek further assists public sector clients with state aid compliant structuring of such measures and advises companies across sectors on eligibility issues and foreign subsidies regulation. State aid advice on real estate transactions represents another practice mainstay.

White-collar crime > Advice to companies Tier 3

Noerr‘s white-collar crime and tax law capacities are underpinned by longstanding experience in internal investigations and extend to criminal, confiscation and (association) administrative proceedings, where the team assists with allegations of money laundering, trade secret violations and cybercrime. Christian Pelz (fraud, embezzlement, criminal accounting, capital markets and employment law; environmental crimes, criminal tax and customs law as well as criminal foreign trade law) and Volker Rosengarten (defence against and management of cyber attacks, trade secret violations and criminal tax law issues) lead the practice together. Alida Gölz (foreign trade law and money laundering) made partner in January 2023.

Industry focus > Healthcare and life sciences Tier 4

Noerr's practice closely cooperates with the M&A team and frequently assists with transactions pertaining to nursing care facilities, hospitals, medical care centers and medical devices. The team offers further cross-practice capacities in the digital healthcare segment, where expertise in digital commerce and life sciences matters is combined. The practice is led by food law specialist Evelyn Schulz; she is supported by Susann Jahn, who is experienced in regulatory matters and joined the partner roster in early 2023.

Germany > Tax Tier 4

Noerr focuses on transaction, fund and group tax law and thus advises large national and international companies, investment funds, insurance companies and wealthy individuals on tax aspects of transactions, investments and restructuring; this is complemented by experience in succession issues and tax proceedings. Tax advisor Carsten Heinz (transactional tax law, corporate reorganisations) and Georg Edelmann, who is experienced in the tax structuring of large medium-sized companies, international companies and financial institutions as well as in tax audits and tax litigation, jointly head the practice. The arrival of Andre Happel from Fieldfisher in February 2023 further strengthened the transactional tax practice, while succession planning expert Michael Tommaso made partner in January 2023.

Public sector > Public procurement Tier 5

In addition to representing bidders in award and review proceedings, Noerr's procurement practice provides interdisciplinary advice on a range of regulatory procurement issues. Practice head Julian von Lucius advises on antitrust and procurement obligations in connection with corporate projects and business model changes. On project level, the practice has accumulated particular industry knowledge in the infrastructure and IT areas; among other matters, the team is increasingly active in tenders for the energy and transport transition.