act legal covers a full spectrum of work concerning operational restructuring, financial restructuring, and distressed M&A transactions, handling interim management, refinancing, waiver solutions, and distressed debt matters. The practice is jointly led by Sven Tischendorf, who handles work at the interface of restructuring, employment law, and distressed M&A in the private equity sector; Alexander Höpfner, who represents clients in complex self-administration and protective shield proceedings; and Matthias Müller, who specialises in the real estate space. Felix Melzer advises domestic and foreign companies, investors, and shareholders in restructuring and M&A transactions, while Fabian Laugwitz focuses on special situations, restructurings and reorganisation projects.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
‘Highly competent legal advisors who are both strategic and tactical in their approach. Very enjoyable collaboration.’
'Felix Melzer is a trusted advisor in high-stakes restructuring and insolvency scenarios, known for his calm authority, analytical clarity, and exceptional negotiation skills. Someone who “sees the whole board” and remains a step ahead throughout critical phases of a proceeding.'
'‘Act Legal is distinguished by its exceptional strategic insight, transactional precision, and an entrepreneurial approach to complex restructuring and insolvency matters.'
'A combination of deep technical expertise and hands-on partner engagement, ensuring that every mandate is executed with both legal excellence and commercial pragmatism.'
'Fabian Laugwitz brings impressive litigation expertise, often in highly contentious or cross-border insolvency matters. What sets him apart is his tactical thinking, precision in execution, and the ability to break down legally and financially intricate cases into clear, actionable paths.'
'Act Legal Frankfurt delivers consistently high partner attention, swift decision-making, and a seamless cross-practice collaboration, whether the matter involves distressed M&A, complex creditor negotiations, or litigation-heavy insolvency cases.'
'Deep subject matter knowledge, hands on mentality, very experienced.'
'Easy to work with, very motivated and solution oriented, deep know how.'
Key clients
- ACHAT Hotel Group
- Gries Deco Company GmbH – DEPOT
- Müller Fleisch / Müller Fleisch GmbHiinovis Group
- MMC Studios Cologne
- Tupperware Germany GmbH
- Wilhelm Rink GmbH & Co. KG
- Pliezhausen Thermagenix GmbH
- Doering Glass GmbH
Work highlights
Advised DEPOT on its self-administration proceedings, including coordination of more than 300 lease negotiations, the international subsidiaries, and successful M&A transaction resulting in transferring reorganisation.
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.
Felix Melzer
Practice head
Sven Tischendorf; Alexander Höpfner; Matthias Müller
Other key lawyers
Felix Melzer; Fabian Laugwitz