Germany: Mergers & Acquisitions
In the first half of 2011 there was a feeling of cautious optimism among German M&A lawyers. Although big ticket deals had not returned to Germany, mid-market activity was picking up momentum. With uncertainty across Europe as a result of the European debt crisis and recent stock market turmoil, the mood has returned to one of caution. Our research uncovers 23 lawyers who lead the field for M&A.
In the last three years, Hengeler Mueller has handled more than 60 M&A transactions, each with a transaction value of more than €1 billion. We list five of the firm’s leading M&A practitioners. Maximilian Schiessl is a “star of the market” and Oleg de Lousanoff is “exceptional” for his knowledge of domestic and international transactions. The highly regarded Andreas Austmann is credited for his “presence in the industry” and Munich-based Hans-Jörg Ziegenhain receives praise from peers for his corporate expertise. Completing the list is Michael Hoffmann-Becking who is described by contemporaries as an industry “heavyweight”.
Gleiss Lutz fields four impressive names. Head of the firm’s corporate and M&A practice Christian Cascante is respected for his expertise in public takeover, private equity and cross-border transactions. Gerhard Wegen has a broad practice that involves advising international clients in all aspects of cross-border M&A projects. The “excellent” Andreas Rittstieg’s clients range from large family owned businesses to institutional investors. He is also often appointed as an arbitrator in disputes related to M&A transactions. In Frankfurt, Jan Bauer is a recognised name in the market for his work with private equity investors. His expertise extends to advising on joint ventures, public takeovers and restructurings.
A trio of names feature from Freshfields Bruckhaus Deringer LLP. One of the most highly nominated individuals in our research overall, Andreas Fabritius is a “top notch, very practical strategist”. Based in the Frankfurt office, his clients include domestic and international banks, companies and private equity houses. The “brilliant” Arend von Riegen is a “leading name” for public takeovers and M&A. Düsseldorf-based Axel Epe is praised for his “experience and knowledge” in corporate matters and is described as a “distinguished” practitioner.
At P+P Pöllath + Partners, two founding partners make the list. The “legendary” Reinhard Pöllath is a renowned industry specialist and is joined by the “outstanding” Matthias Bruse, who is lauded for his technical ability.
Georg Thoma at Shearman & Sterling LLP is a “very prominent” name. Together with Harald Selzner, he acts as co-managing partner of the German offices. The “formidable” Selzner is also the co-head of the M&A group and has expertise across a host of industries including healthcare, insurance and mining.
At Milbank Tweed Hadley & McCloy LLP the “superb” Norbert Rieger has over 20 years experience in corporate transactions. Recent work includes advising NYSE Euronext on the combination with Deutsche Boerse and acting for The Carlyle Group on the acquisition of Primondo Specialty Group.
In the Hamburg office of Latham & Watkins LLP, Christoph von Teichman’s practice has a particular focus on the financial services industry. Referred to as a “pragmatic and experienced” practitioner, he is highly respected among his peers.
At Baker & McKenzie, Florian Kaestle is head of Germany’s M&A practice group and is credited for his work in acquisitions, sales, public takeovers, joint ventures and post-merger integrations, having recently advised Air Liquide on the acquisition of Lurgi AG from GE and Siemens on the sale of a business division of Siemens VDO to Mahle.
The “phenomenal” Ralph Wollburg is based in Linklaters LLP’s Düsseldorf office. He is praised by his contemporaries for his work regarding public takeovers and is also a specialist in German stock corporation law.
Arndt Stengel at Clifford Chance is a “top name” in the market. He is singled out for his expertise in the energy and infrastructure sectors.
The “legendary” Rolf Koerfer at Oppenhoff & Partner has over 20 years of experience in corporate transactions. With a focus on national and cross-border M&A transactions, his expertise also covers the reorganisation of enterprises.
Robert Wethmar at Taylor Wessing is “highly regarded” and his clients hail from a cross section of industries such as fashion, aerospace, IT, food and biotechnology.