Through its integration into the international network, the German real estate practice of Latham & Watkins LLP routinely assists US private equity firms with cross-border portfolio transactions, although it continues to also advise on the restructuring of real estate portfolios, including office and residential properties. Practice co-head Carsten Loll is equally committed to advice to private equity clients, asset managers and institutional investors on large transactions across the office, retail and logistics asset classes, as well as assistance with M&A-related real estate issues in the energy and healthcare sectors, among others. Alongside him, Otto von Gruben is one of the key contacts for real estate transactions, particularly for preferred and structured equity structures. Commercial tenancy law issues are handled by counsel Sven Nickel, although he also assists with transactions.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
'The team around Carsten Loll and Sven Nickel always works perfectly; whether by phone, online via Teams or in person. As clients, we don't even know how things are coordinated internally, but it always works perfectly.'
'Sven Nickel is always available to us and extremely committed. The case management is always very quick and of a very high quality. We can count on him at any time and we appreciate that very much.'
'The LW team was available at all times and assisted with a complex transaction under great time pressure. Result-oriented approach, high level of expertise and a very good ability to achieve negotiation results in the client's interest.'
'Incredibly strong in negotiations, substantive impact and competence. Very service-oriented and manage to negotiate highly complicated transactions in a way that is understandable for non-lawyers. A dream!'
'The L&W team is always available and feedback is always quick, even when it comes to complex issues. The team is excellently connected and knows how to strike the right tone in a transaction. Their negotiating skills are remarkable.'
'Carsten Loll is very well connected and has extremely good industry knowledge. He knows what is and is not enforceable in a negotiation at any market phase. He is solution-oriented, highly qualified and offers excellent legal advice.'
'Very responsive and fast law firm, especially for inquiries and requests even "over the weekend". Good professional competence within the team and among individuals.'
'The Latham team is very astute in terms of content and is always fully motivated when it comes to transactions. The well-coordinated specialist departments mean that they can react very quickly and effectively to unforeseen changes in the transaction structure and emerging findings. The advice is always of the highest standard and is always very friendly and pleasant.'
Key clients
- Aermont Capital LLP
- ACCENTRO Real Estate AG
- Advent International
- AFIAA Germany AG
- Angelo, Gordon
- Antin Infrastructure Partners
- Apollo
- Aventos Sigma Objektgesellschaft mbH
- Blackstone
- Catella Real Estate
Work highlights
- Advising Apollo Global Management on two €1 billion investments in the SüDeWo and Norddeutschland portfolios held by Vonovia.
- Advising Digital Realty on a $7 billion joint venture with Blackstone.
- Advising VKB on the €150 million purchase of the Calwer Passage in Stuttgart from Ferdinand Piech Holding GmbH.
Lawyers
Leading partners
The strongest partners in their field, leading on market-leading deals and endorsed by peers and clients alike.
Leading associates
Leading associates with regular involvement in their team's key work, and recognition from peers or clients as being ones to watch.
Practice head
Carsten Loll; Otto von Gruben
Other key lawyers
Sven Nickel