White & Case LLP > Frankfurt, Germany > Firm Profile

White & Case LLP > The Legal 500 Rankings

Banking and finance > Project finance Tier 1

Florian Degenhardt heads the team at White & Case LLP, which is regularly instructed by banks, institutional investors and sponsors in the context of financing energy and infrastructure projects. In addition to gas and LNG projects, the latter area also includes various projects in the renewable energy sector. The practice routinely handles cross-border matters.

Capital markets > Debt capital markets

White & Case LLP's combined German, English and US capital markets expertise is sought after not only by investment banks but also increasingly by issuers, who also benefit from the team's cross-practice capacities. Notably, the Frankfurt office's US expertise has resulted in the team's strong presence in the high-yield area, which is led by Rebecca Emory. Karsten Wöckener (also Head of Germany) usually advises on classic debt transactions; most recently these have included various green bonds and securities backed by digital assets. Cristina Freudenberger (DCM, ECM, hybrid corporate finance products) joined Clifford Chance in June 2024. However, the following month, Felix Biedermann (DCM as well as banking regulatory law) joined from Simmons & Simmons.

Industry focus > Energy

White & Case LLP is renowned for cross-border M&A and financing support and advises major national and international financial institutions, investors and energy companies. The team also has regulatory expertise, which is drawn on in connection with project and transaction support, contract negotiations and disputes. Project financing is another core strength, where the practice advises on power plants, LNG terminals, hydrogen and battery storage projects. Practice head Thomas Burmeister as well as Petra Kistner offer comprehensive expertise, which extends to transactions, regulatory matters and litigation. Jörg Kraffel recently retired and Lisa Reichstein left the team.

Information technology > IT transactions and outsourcing Tier 1

White & Case LLP boasts expertise in cooperation agreements, financing rounds and M&A transactions, where the team regularly assists with cross-border transactions and outsourcing programs, including related contract matters, thanks to the international network. Most recently, the team comprehensively advised across various sectors, including finance, life sciences, technology and energy. Practice head Jost Kotthoff is experienced in IT infrastructure outsourcing, application management, business process outsourcing (BPO) and cloud computing. Mathias Bogusch focuses on technology-related outsourcing projects and joint ventures.

Restructuring and insolvency > Insolvency Tier 1

White & Case LLP is well versed in advising companies from the automotive, healthcare, aviation, retail and shipbuilding sectors on all aspects of insolvency law. Amon the mainstays are the support in insolvency proceedings and the drafting of insolvency plans. Sylvia Fiebig is a key contact for matters pertaining to the shipping industry. She is part of the practice led by Sven-Holger Undritz, who regularly acts as insolvency administrator, and also includes Biner Bähr and Bero-Alexander Lau, who were recently appointed insolvency administrators of the fashion group Ahlers. Other key contacts include Jan-Philipp Hoos (insolvency administrator and trustee), Felix Höpker (group insolvencies and insolvency administration), Andreas Kleinschmidt (insolvency administration and self-administered insolvency proceedings/protective shield proceedings) and Daniel Schwartz (insolvency administration, acquisitions out of insolvency, restructuring, self-administration and protective shield proceedings).

Banking and finance > Financial services: regulatory Tier 2

White & Case LLP‘s regulatory know-how across the financial services sector includes transaction support, owner control procedures as well as BaFin licensing procedures, securities regulation and regulatory disputes before the European courts, including various annulment proceedings before the European Court against the European Union’s Single Resolution Board (SRB). Another focus is on new technologies, such as crypto custody and digital securities transactions. Practice head Henning Berger combines expertise in German and European regulatory law with capacities in administrative, European and constitutional law and is supported by Woldemar Häring, who comprehensively covers regulatory issues.

Banking and finance > Lending and borrowing Tier 2

The Frankfurt-based finance experts at White & Case LLP act integrated into the international network and cover relevant matters under German, English and New York law, thus, the team impresses with expertise in cross-border financing. Large companies and syndicated lenders are supported in large-volume acquisition and corporate financing, including refinancing and sustainability-related financing. Led by Vanessa Schürmann, the practice also handles financing transactions at the capital markets interface, while Andreas Lischka increasingly advises on restructuring and recapitalisation.

Capital markets > Structured finance and securitisation Tier 2

White & Case LLP continues to be particularly adept in restructuring-related advice and within a distressed M&A context. The group recently handled a number of NPL transactions on European level, including portfolio sales and structured securitisations, while other matters concerned true sale securitisation transactions and synthetic securitisations of loans and asset-based financing. The practice routinely advises across borders - most recently in the Benelux and Northern Europe in particular - which is not least due to the international orientation of practice head Dennis Heuer, who, in addition to heading the German group, also co-leads the EMEA team for structured finance. He is also part of the firm-wide ESG practice and subsequently counts ESG components among his strengths.

Dispute resolution > Arbitration (including international arbitration) Tier 2

In addition to representing national and international clients, particularly from the automotive, chemical, pharmaceutical and construction sectors, in complex arbitration proceedings, White & Case LLP is particularly renowned for its experience in energy and post-M&A disputes. Led by Markus Burianski, the practice also has particular expertise in disputes relating to supply contracts and liability issues. Christian Theissen, who is both active in arbitration proceedings and appointed as an arbitrator, concentrates on technology-based industries, including the automotive sector, while Alexandra Diehl  focuses on disputes relating to post-M&A, international investment law, IP and liability issues.

Dispute resolution > Commercial litigation Tier 2

White & Case LLP has particular expertise in energy sector disputes, but also deals with complex conflicts in the automotive, pharmaceutical, chemical and technology sectors. In the financial services industry, the team is regularly instructed by banks and listed companies to assist with contentious capital market matters. Practice head Markus Langen is considered the key contact for liability disputes linked to financial market crises. Another practice central pillar, and in particular of Gero von Jhering and counsel Marlene Maesch, are disputes relating to insolvency and restructuring proceedings, while Markus Burianski is dedicated to supply contract, liability and insurance conflicts. Christian Theissen specialises in disputes arising from supply contracts and infrastructure projects, and Alexandra Diehl, in addition to a focus on mass proceedings in the automotive, energy and pharmaceutical sectors, also acts in post-M&A, product liability and IP disputes.

Private equity > Transactions

White & Case LLP focuses on PE transactions across the large- and mid-cap segment, including carve-outs, majority participations and strategic cooperations, and offers additional expertise in relevant capital markets, corporate, M&A as well as regulatory issues. The client roster includes investors, portfolio companies and companies from the technology and healthcare sectors. Practice head Stefan Koch regularly advises major PE firms on domestic and cross-border matters.

Restructuring and insolvency > Restructuring Tier 2

White & Case LLP boasts longstanding expertise in financial restructuring, particularly in a cross-border context, and is also assists with insolvency, restructuring and StaRUG-related proceedings. The practice is regularly instructed by clients from the automotive, real estate, retail and energy sectors, and also acts for banks, private debt funds and companies from the shipping industry. Sven-Holger Undritz focuses on restructuring and reorganisation proceedings in the maritime industry; Undritz currently acts as sole practice head since former co-head Riaz Janjuah (restructuring in the shipping industry) moved to Linklaters in September 2024.

Banking and finance > Fintech Tier 3

White & Case LLP traditionally focuses on transaction support, which also extends to the fintech sector, where the team advises national and international fintechs as well as various major banks and investors on acquisitions, financing rounds and capital markets transactions. Most recent instructions include the assistance with digitisation projects as well as regulatory and supervisory issues. Further competencies are crypto and blockchain-related matters, where renowned capital markets lawyer Karsten Wöckener regularly leads. Woldemar Häring is experienced in banking supervisory law, transactions as well as regulatory matters.

Banking and finance > Real estate finance Tier 3

The real estate financing team at White & Case LLP regularly acts in cross-location and cross-practice cooperation thanks to the international network. Among the core topics is the expertise at the interface with venture capital law as well as financial restructuring, where the team also covers insolvency-related aspects of the restructured financing products. This offering is frequently requested by banks and real estate investors.

Capital markets > Equity capital markets Tier 3

White & Case LLP's ECM practice has had a turbulent year: after Oliver Seiler, David Rath and counsel Camilla Kehler-Weiß joined from Latham & Watkins LLP in July 2024, the team rejoined its previous firm in December of the same year. Rebecca Emory and Gernot Wagner, who are experienced in advising under US law, and due to their integration into the international network, however continue to focus on cross-border matters. Supported by its cross-location cooperation, the practice regularly acts for banks and, to a lesser extent, for issuers in the context of capital increases and IPO preparations. Cross-border capacities are complemented by expertise in adjacent areas; Emory assists with DCM matters and Wagner with M&A- and restructuring-related issues.

Compliance Tier 3

White & Case LLP is experienced in advising companies from the financial, automotive and pharmaceutical sectors as well as online services providers on anti-corruption and anti-money laundering as well as on gambling law matters, AFC, liability, ESG and HR compliance. Recently, the team increasingly acted on behalf of companies from the digital sector in connection with the EU Digital Services Act. In April 2024, Julia Sophia Habbe, who is well versed in ESG compliance, joined from Noerr and has since co-led the team with Daniel Zapf; the latter is experienced in the implementation of compliance management systems and anti-money laundering.

Compliance > Internal investigations Tier 3

White & Case LLP supports companies from the finance, automotive, pharmaceutical and online services sectors in HR compliance, environmental and tax offenses as well as allegations of corruption and money laundering. The financial and tax law expertise extends to cover AFC systems as well as cum-cum and cum-ex issues, while most recent instructions pertain to whistleblower protection and liability issues. Julia Sophia Habbe joined as practice head in April 2024; she was previously at Noerr and focuses on ESG compliance and related investigations. She replaced Daniel Zapf (financial and criminal tax law), who remains part of the team.

Corporate and M&A > Corporate Tier 3

White & Case LLP applies its corporate expertise in restructurings and capital measures among other matters and, due to its integration into the global network, regularly acts in a cross-border capacity. The team further uses its cross-practice cooperation for ongoing corporate, capital market, antitrust and regulatory assistance, which frequently form part of its advice to management and supervisory boards and on general meetings. The client base also includes listed and growth companies. Practice head Alexander Kiefner regularly handles award proceedings as well as public M&A and corporate structural measures. Thyl Haßler, who made partner in January 2024, is the key contact for clients from the energy, infrastructure and chemicals sectors.

Corporate and M&A > M&A

White & Case LLP's client base, which consists of European corporates and international PE houses, particularly draws on the team's expertise in large and mid-cap cross-border M&A as well as joint ventures and also benefits from the team's competencies in the energy and energy transition, infrastructure as well as financial services sectors. This industry expertise is partially due to its close cross-practice cooperation, while cross-location collaboration has boosted its cross-border skills. The practice is led by Stefan Koch, who predominantly advises PE investors on M&A transactions, public takeovers, carve-outs and joint ventures. His team includes Thyl Haßler, who made partner in January 2024 (public and private mergers and acquisitions in the energy, infrastructure and chemicals sectors), and Thomas Sacher, who joined from Ashurst LLP as of counsel in June 2024 (sector focus on automotive, energy, infrastructure, industry). Murad Daghles (M&A, distressed M&A and joint ventures) left for DLA Piper in January 2024 and Sebastian Pitz (M&A and PE) for Kirkland & Ellis International LLP in October 2024.

Dispute resolution > Financial services: litigation Tier 3

White & Case LLP is routinely instructed by banks and listed companies to assist with capital market disputes. Alongside practice head Markus Langen, who has extensive experience in the financial services sector and across the entire spectrum of liability disputes related to financial market crises, Sonja Hoffmann advises both national and multinational clients on complex national and cross-border commercial disputes with a particular focus on financial services. Christian Wirth specialises in the banking and financial services sector as well as the insurance industry.

Information technology > Data protection Tier 3

White & Case LLP follows a cross-location approach thanks to the international network and is regularly instructed by international companies on various issues, including expertise in intra-group data transfers and clients' representation in fine proceedings as well as the support in data protection matters in the course of M&A transactions. Practice head Detlev Gabel combines know-how in technology law with expertise in data protection and routinely advises on cross-border data transfers.

Information technology > Information technology and digitalisation Tier 3

White & Case LLP impresses with particular expertise in the automotive and financial industries, where the team recently advised on software updates in diesel vehicles and regulatory requirements for payment service providers, including matters pertaining to the Digital Operational Resilience Act (DORA). Other mainstays include the advice on cloud computing, outsourcing and the comprehensive support in contract drafting, such as software licensing and R&D agreements; clients also benefit from cross-border competencies thanks to the international network. Practice head Jost Kotthoff is well versed in technology transactions and IT infrastructure outsourcing and regularly takes the lead in cross-border matters.

Intellectual property > Unfair competition Tier 3

White & Case LLP is a sought-after address for complex, internationally oriented competition and trade mark matters. The practice is particularly well represented in the technology, automotive and consumer goods sectors, although companies in the financial services sector also regularly rely on the team's expertise. Markus Mette manages the practice with a focus on IT and IP issues, particularly advertising and licensing strategies. Counsel Stefan Haiplik contributes extensive experience in the development of advertising measures and brand strategies.

Public sector > Commercial administrative law Tier 3

White & Case LLP applies its expertise in commercial and administrative law to advise ministries, states and members of parliament as well as high-profile international companies; the practice has particular regulatory and litigation experience, especially in the automotive and transport industries, the media and telecommunications as well as the financial services and energy sectors; it also has expertise in constitutional law. Norbert Wimmer (media, telecommunications, transport and infrastructure) and Henning Berger (financial services), who are both well versed in public commercial law, jointly lead the practice. Erasmus Hoffmann, who made partner in June 2024, focuses on sustainability requirements and regulatory issues related to critical technologies and infrastructure.

Public sector > Planning and environment Tier 3

White & Case LLP's environmental and planning law team covers a wide range with particular expertise in network expansion,  energy transition and decarbonisation. The group is also experienced in transport infrastructure projects, most recently with regards to ​​e-mobility and associated charging infrastructure, as well as in approval and planning approval procedures, transaction-related project work and emissions issues. Practice head Norbert Wimmer frequently advises public bodies and companies on infrastructure projects, while Anna Burghardt-Kaufmann impresses with experience in emission control, water and soil protection law. Erasmus Hoffmann (regulatory, ESG) joined the team in June 2024 from Hengeler Mueller.

Real estate and construction > Real estate Tier 3

White & Case LLP's real estate focus lies on transactional matters, which is not least in line with the personal focus of practice head Rostyslav Telyatnykov, who also acts as a notary. In addition to classic real estate transactions, the practice also assists national and international investors and project developers with real estate issues within M&A transactions. Most recent acquisitions and sales involved industrial sites, logistics parks and various residential and commercial real estate portfolios. This is complemented by expertise in tenancy law and various interface skills, such as those required for industry-specific financing.

Germany > Antitrust Tier 4

White & Case LLP focuses on antitrust investigations, cartel damages and distribution antitrust law and is also well versed in transaction support as well as related merger and investment control matters. The team regularly advises across the consumer goods, pharmaceuticals, automotive, technology and life sciences sectors. Practice head Tilman Kuhn is experienced in merger control and antitrust proceedings, while Ingo Brinker, who joined from Gleiss Lutz at the beginning of 2024, is experienced in cartel and abuse proceedings. Anna Lubberger (industry focus on pharmaceuticals and automotive) left the team in March 2024 and moved to Covington & Burling LLP.

Insurance > Insurance litigation Tier 4

White & Case LLP follows a cross-practice and cross-locational approach and focuses on high-end matters, where the team is regularly instructed by multinational companies, insurers and reinsurers in the D&O and W&I context. Most recently the practice also took the lead in the defense against and enforcement of credit insurance claims and various damage cases, including cyber attacks. Conflict resolution expert Christian Wirth heads the practice, which also includes Sara Vanetta (D&O).

Private equity > Venture capital Tier 4

White & Case LLP advises technology and fast-growth companies as well as investor consortia and corporate investors, including Zalando, H&M and HSBC Venture Capital, which the team advises on financing rounds. Stefan Koch heads the German private equity practice and routinely acts across the regulated sectors.

Public sector > State aid Tier 4

Trade and distribution > Foreign trade law Tier 4

White & Case LLP's German foreign trade law team acts integrated into the firm's Global FDI Reviews practice and primarily advises on investment control, with a particular focus on regulated and digitised industries in addition to advising sovereign wealth funds. Thilo Wienke regularly takes the lead here and is supported by Erasmus Hoffmann, who joined the team from Hengeler Mueller in June 2024; the latter also boasts expertise in ESG.

White-collar crime > Advice to companies Tier 4

White & Case LLP‘s expertise in white-collar crime is routinely called upon by banks and companies across various sectors and frequently pertains to cum-ex, money laundering, corruption, cyber fraud and bribery, as well as regulatory risks, although the group’s interdisciplinary cooperation also covers various interface topics, such as data protection violations, criminal insolvency law and investigations related to environmental pollution. Daniel Zapf, who is extensively active in white-collar crime matters and criminal tax law, heads the practice. The internal investigations department was strengthened in April 2024 with the addition of Julia Sophia Habbe, previously at Noerr; she has headed the Investigations Germany practice since then.

Media > Entertainment Tier 5

Germany > Tax Tier 6

Germany > Employment Tier 7

Not least due to its cross-practice cooperation, White & Case LLP's employment practice focuses on transaction- and insolvency-related matters and thus routinely assists with restructuring and reorganisation, staff reduction measures, operational changes and conversions as well as negotiations with works councils and unions. The group is also experienced in managing outsourcing projects. Hendrik Röger leads the team and regularly advises on restructuring measures.

Oman > Dispute resolution Tier 2

United States > Tax > US taxes: non-contentious Tier 2

Sweden > Commercial, corporate and M&A

White & Case Advokat AB‘s commercial practice in Stockholm is jointly led by private equity specialist Shoan Panahi and Darragh Byrne who splits his time between Stockholm and Frankfurt, alongside tech expert Patrik Erblad who also works from the firm’s London office. The team regularly advises sponsors and other financial investors on acquisitions, sales, co-investments, and minority and growth capital investments. Key sectors for the group are health tech, fintech and payment services. Johan Steen has experience advising on domestic and cross-border M&A. Henrik Wireklint and Sebastian Wallin are also key contacts. Private equity expert and former co-lead alongside Steen Jan Jensen has relocated from Stockholm to Dubai.