Firm Profile > Eversheds Sutherland > Berlin , Germany

Data protection Tier 2

Eversheds Sutherland has notable expertise handling cross-border projects – with a recent focus on GDPR implementation in large compliance projects – but also provides general advice on data protection management and international data transfer. The firm is assisting Aspen Pharma with GDPR implementation involving over 19 European locations and US thermal management company Modine with GDPR implementation in all of its European locations, including advice on its acquisition of the business group Luvata and the introduction of a data protection compliance system. In the context of transactions, the team also advised Nasdaq-listed US REIT CyrusOne on data protection and IT law aspects during its acquisition of Zenium’s data processing centre. Another focus is data protection advice concerning the design and development of digital products and business models as well as cybersecurity. Alexander Niethammer, who has particular industry expertise in the automotive sector, is assisting Autoliv with the data protection evaluation of offered products in the area of autonomous driving and with IT-security measures. The team is also advising Philip Morris on the implementation of the GDPR particularly with regard to employee data protection, which is another area of expertise; the group is handling a similar matter for new client Rohde & Schwarz. Lutz Schreiber continues to act for key client Microsoft. Nils Müller was promoted to counsel in May 2018.

M&A: mid-sized deals (sub-€500m) Tier 3

Corporate Tier 4

Real estate Tier 4

In summer 2017, Eversheds Sutherland increased its reach by merging with Düsseldorf-based firm Grooterhorst Rechtsanwälte, while also adding finance expert Stefan Schramm from Simmons & Simmons LLP in May 2018 as well as Stefanie Fuerst and counsel Annette Griesbach from Latham & Watkins LLP in December 2017 and October 2018 respectively. Griesbach recently assisted new client Garbe Industrial on the acquisition of a former Ikea logistics building in Wahrbrink, while Thomas Ziegler assisted Invesco with the financing of the acquisition of a pan-European hotel portfolio from Apollo Global for €530m, and advised Real I.S. on the acquisition of Viennese commercial property Wien Westbahnhof A3 by way of a share deal. Other clients of Gerhard Molt’s team include Axa Investment Managers and BNP Paribas Real Estate.

Commercial litigation Tier 5

Clients appreciate the ‘great pragmatism and business acumen’ of Eversheds Sutherland’s dispute resolution practice. The group often handles litigious corporate and antitrust cases, and is experienced in D&O liability cases and banking disputes. Joos Hellert represented Philip Morris, among others, in disputes with distribution partners arising from the introduction of IQOS. The client portfolio also includes Turkish Airlines, Burger King and Securitas. The group has expanded recently and was strengthened by the addition of insurance expert Ralf-Thomas Wittmann from Grooterhorst Rechtsanwälte and a number of associates joining from leading law firms.

Trade marks and unfair competition Tier 5

Clients note Eversheds Sutherland’s team’s ‘very good service level and the very good reaction times and quality of work’. Practice head Tobias Maier is singled out for his ‘very useful advice’ and his ability to find ‘pragmatic and quick solutions’. Under his lead the practice has expanded both at associate level and in terms of the client portfolio. The firm now advises Owens & Minor and Saint Gobain, in addition to existing clients such as Avon Cosmetics and Dennemeyer. It handles classic IP matters, including advising Asos, a client in the fashion and beauty area, on the establishment of online distribution in Germany, and is well versed in matters that require special expertise in healthcare law. In the latter area, the team’s Europe-wide advice to Aspen Pharma on competition law, specifically on drug advertisement law, stands out. In evidence of its international work, Axel Zimmermann, working with the Paris office, advised Kering on the development of a strategy in the face of fast-growing fashion.