Corporate
We have vast experience in corporate activity, including corporate governance, mergers and acquisitions, takeovers, private placements of securities, partnership structures, private equity, venture capital, joint ventures, project support and company secretarial services.
Financial Services
Our team has a strong focus on capital markets and other finance industry-related transactions, in particular securitization, real estate-related finance, acquisition and asset finance and other forms of structured finance and capital markets instruments. We advise German and international banking and other financial institutions in their capacity as lenders, arrangers or originators, as well as other investors, insurers, trustees, servicers, special servicers, funds and rating agencies, with respect to transactions and instruments.
Intellectual Property (IP) and Technology
We regularly advise on patent, trademark and copyright services to diverse companies such as aerospace and avionics, the internet, semiconductors, computer hardware and software, life sciences, medical devices, pharmaceuticals, retail and publishing. Our familiarity with IP law, combined with our ability to handle large litigated cases and all forms of dispute resolution, enables us to help you protect and enforce your IP rights, and to provide defense from charges of violating the IP rights of others.
International Dispute Resolution
Disputes involving multinationals and multiple jurisdictions can present complex challenges. With a strong track record in this area, we possess a deep understanding of the governing laws and applicable rules. We are one of the few international legal practices able to serve your dispute needs globally. Having prior experience of the various bodies involved in arbitration is essential for a successful outcome. We are well versed in conducting arbitrations held under the auspices of institutions such as DIS, ICSID, ICC, ICDR (AAA), SCC, LCIA, CIETAC, GAFTA, LME, CEPAMI, CMAP, ICE, Madrid Arbitration Centre, and HKIAC.
Labor and Employment
We have the experience and depth of resource necessary to meet all your employment advice needs in Germany. We can advise you on both collective and individual labor law issues, including negotiations with trade unions and works councils on the amendment or termination of collective agreements, and the development of social plans as the need arises. We counsel national and international corporate clients, especially in relation to merger and acquisition processes, site closures and restructurings.
Real Estate
Our comprehensive real estate service covers all aspects of real estate transactions in Germany and internationally, from acquisition, planning and construction through to disposition of properties.
We take innovative approaches to addressing the rapidly changing political and business climate and legal regulations that shape the real estate sector. Our strategies will optimize the results of your transactions and help you to achieve your long-term goals.
Restructuring and Insolvency
We advise on all formal categories of insolvency, ranging from receivership, administration and liquidation to bankruptcy and voluntary arrangements. In addition, we have a strong disputes team including accredited mediators with successful track records. We handle complex commercial financial reorganizations and insolvencies for clients in many industries and have expertise in restructurings and insolvencies under new German insolvency law (ESUG).
Tax Strategy and Benefits
Often involved in a wide variety of issues, our tax team can work with you to help structure business and financial transactions, as well as self-generating work from German and non-German corporations and groups.
We provide general tax assistance to corporations, advising on corporate income tax, business tax, value added tax (VAT), registration duties, tax planning and general tax issues with Germany’s authorities and before the courts. We also advise on German-based and cross-border mergers and acquisitions, and have significant experience with taxation specific to high net worth individuals.
