Corporate/M&A - Germany
What the team is known for
Gleiss Lutz has a robust team that is well regarded for its capabilities in high-end transactions, advising a range of DAX 40 companies. It routinely handles inbound investments and acquisitions for international clients. The scope of its expertise encompasses divestitures and public takeovers whereby the team is often sought after by financial advisers and prominent corporates, while also showing expertise in take-private mandates. The department has an impressive reputation for advising management and supervisory boards of high-profile companies on complex corporate law and governance issues, as well as corporate investigations. It is particularly active in the industrial, automotive, technology and financial services sectors.
Strengths
"The lawyers at Gleiss Lutz take their commitment to providing high-end legal services very seriously."
"Gleiss Lutz is very responsive and willing to go the extra mile."
"The lawyers display very strong sector and specialist expertise with a team-based approach and seamless integration."
"Gleiss Lutz can understand differences and help bridge the gaps between parties."
"Gleiss Lutz shows depth and breadth in its team. All members of the team share the sophisticated legal minds and flexibility that we value."
Work highlights
Gleiss Lutz advised Deutsche Telekom on the auction process for the sale of a majority stake of 51% in its EUR17.5 billion-valued GD Towers business.
Foreign desks
The firm's China desk assists German companies with the formation of joint ventures and large-scale M&A transactions in China as well as advising Chinese investors on acquiring targets in Germany. A key contact for Chinese and other East Asian matters is Michael Burian.
Notable practitioners
Christian Cascante is a well-known market participant with many years of experience in M&A transactions and a strong reputation for public takeovers. He is especially focused on cross-border deals, often advising US-based investment companies as well as financial advisers on acquisitions of German and other European targets. "Christian Cascante is always good."
Cornelia Topf is sought after by prominent domestic corporates as well as private equity firms for her experience in large-scale acquisitions and sales, including those with cross-border elements.
Michael Arnold advises on corporate advisory, compliance and investigations with a particular focus on the automotive sector, whereby he is sought after by supervisory boards.
Ralf Morshäuser regularly advises on M&A deals in the startup scene especially in the TMT sector. His clients include large international venture investors and traditional German companies. "Ralf is brilliant I must say; he is really good in an M&A deal." "He is a very good lawyer, loyal and very responsive."
Michael Burian is highly experienced in advising Japanese clients on transactions in Germany, including equity capital markets deals in relation to German targets. He speaks Japanese and previously worked at an international law firm in Tokyo.