Large-cap transactions are the focus of Kirkland & Ellis International LLP‘s private equity offering and the firm is a trusted advisor to leading financial investors. The firm has broadened its horizons by opening a Frankfurt office in August 2024, with Tobias Larisch and Sebastian Pitz, who joined from Latham & Watkins LLP and White & Case LLP respectively, heading the new location. They complement the Munich-based team that was already firmly ingrained at the top of the market. Key contacts there include Benjamin Leyendecker, who acts for major US financial investors, mid-cap funds, and sovereign wealth funds on cross-border transactions; and Philip Goj, who has experience in a broad range of large-cap deals. Christoph Jerger is another contact to note, forging a strong practice in corporate transactions. Florian Sippel departed for Freshfields in January 2026, while Sebastian Heim joined the firm in March of the same year from Milbank.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary
Accolades
Client satisfaction: Sector knowledge
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
- ‘High quality execution, strong team for high-speed deal execution, strong judgement and market knowledge in deal situations, especially around financial services and founder-owned businesses. Strong team spirit and mentality in the Frankfurt office, having hired a high-calibre team which comes across highly motivated, aligned and with deep rigour. Never thought that lawyers on a transaction could make such a difference on a live deal situation!’
- ‘Excellent commercial mindset. Focus on finding a solution, not only identifying the problem. Always driving the process, never reactive. You will be chased by them, rather than the other way around.’
- ‘We recommend Benjamin Leyendecker for his incredible acumen regarding public takeover situations; Tobias Larisch for his thought-through negotiation skills and perspectives both regarding PE and strategic counterparties; and Sebastian Pitz for his relentless drive and deep FS expertise, going above and beyond for his clients.’
- ‘K&E offers an exceptional combination of strong legal expertise, good commercial understanding and high commitment to client service and availability. Their focus on PE clients enables them to understand our needs and requirements better than other law firms who are more generalists.’
- ‘Benjamin Leyendecker is an exceptional lawyer - not only in P2Ps, where he is second to none in Germany. but also in M&A in general. He combines rigorous legal expertise with strong commercial acumen and pragmatism.’
- ‘I don't think there is any other person with as much of a commercial mindset and knowledge of the sector as Tobias Larisch.’
Key clients
- PPF
- Cinven
- TPG
- TKE and its majority shareholders
- TA Associates
- Audi Group
- Triton
- Bain Capital
- CPP Investments
- L Catterton
- BC Partners
- TASARU Mobility Investment
Work highlights
Advised PPF IM LTD on a public acquisition offer, in the form of a partial offer, to the shareholders of ProSiebenSat.1 Media SE to increase its shareholding in ProSiebenSat.1 to up to 29.99%.
Advised Bain Capital on the acquisition of the Apleona Group from PAI Partners.
Advised funds advised by Triton on the agreement to acquire the security and communications technology product business from Bosch Group.
Lawyers
Leading partners
The strongest partners in their field, leading on market-leading deals and endorsed by peers and clients alike.
Next Generation Partners
Junior partners with significant recognition from clients and peers in the market and key roles on multiple matters.
Sebastian Heim
Other key lawyers
Benjamin Leyendecker; Tobias Larisch; Sebastian Pitz; Philip Goj; Christoph Jerger; Sebastian Heim