Corporate/M&A
Global Guide 2024 : Austria
Band 1
About
Provided by Wolf Theiss
Wolf Theiss has one of the largest corporate and M&A teams in Austria. We regularly advise on the most complex transactions in Austria and are ideally positioned to do so by working closely with our other market-leading practices at Wolf Theiss, including regulatory, competition, employment, procurement, litigation. IP/IT, dispute resolution, financing, capital markets, tax and real estate.
We regularly advise the global as well as the Austrian elite of investment banks, private equity, corporates and financial institutions on public and private M&A, corporate restructurings, corporate disputes and corporate governance matters. In addition, Wolf Theiss can provide fully integrated corporate and transactional support across offices in 13 CEE/SEE countries, a capability that has earned us the "Law Firm of the Year: Austria Award 2023" from The Lawyer.
We have also built a strong and growing regional foreign direct investment control practice, clearing transactions under a CFIUS-like clearance regime aimed at protecting critical industries from being taken over by non-EU buyers. In addition, we have expanded our offering by providing dedicated ESG advice, both in a transactional context (including ESG diligence) and from a corporate governance perspective.
Chambers Review
Wolf Theiss is a top-rated law firm, with particular strength in transactions involving the CEE and SEE countries, benefiting from its network of local offices and the cross-border experience of the Austrian team. The department assists with cross-border M&A transactions and restructuring issues and is especially active in the transport, life sciences, energy and banking sectors. Wolf Theiss advises prominent corporates and institutional investors, which further illustrates the firm's strong market standing.
The firm's China desk is headed from Vienna by Christian Mikosch and advises Chinese clients on acquisitions and the creation of subsidiaries in Austria. The desk includes several native Chinese speakers.
Work Highlights
- Wolf Theiss advised CPI Property Group on its mandatory takeover offer for all outstanding shares and convertible bonds of IMMOFINANZ AG.
Strengths
Provided by Chambers
"The firm is knowledgeable even in more complex situations."
"The team is interdisciplinary and can enlighten me in other areas of law."
"Lawyers are able to provide sound and well-founded advice on short notice and proactively ask for the required depth of the analysis."
"The firm is knowledgeable even in more complex situations."
"The team is interdisciplinary and can enlighten me in other areas of law."
"Lawyers are able to provide sound and well-founded advice on short notice and proactively ask for the required depth of the analysis."
Notable Practitioners
Florian Kusznier is recognised for his strength in large-scale takeover bids, as well as sales and investments. He is particularly noted for cross-border transactions, especially in the life sciences, energy and technology spaces.
"Florian is commercially minded and cooperative in transactions."
"He's very pleasant lawyer to work with."
Experienced practitioner Horst Ebhardt is appreciated for his strength in large-scale, cross-border sales and acquisitions across the financial services and chemicals sectors.
"He has a great feel for the commercial aspects of the transaction and brings a great value with his ability to find solutions and move the project forward."
"He is reliable, trustworthy, and always has my back and comes to my rescue in stressful times."
"He is solutions-orientated, practical and responds quickly."
Christian Mikosch is well-versed in handling an array of multi-jurisdictional transactions from acquisitions to joint ventures.
"Mr Mikosch is a reliable, business-oriented expert. He always suggests the right solution."
"He is highly recommended in the area of M&A."
"Christian is proactive and pragmatic."
Sarah Wared is particularly active advising in strategic investments. She shows proficiency working on complex, cross-border transactions.
"Sarah is very pleasant to work with. She's service-orientated, highly responsive and super professional."
"She is commercially very good."
Markus Bruckmüller heads Wolf Theiss' Slovenia office and frequently advises on cross-border acquisitions and divestments involving Austria.
Ranked Lawyers at
Wolf Theiss
Austria
Members
Provided by Wolf Theiss
Christian Hoenig
Clara Gordon
Daniel Lungenschmid
Head of Department
Hartwig Kienast
Clients
Provided by Wolf Theiss
Altor Equity Partners
Bain Capital Private Equity
Blackstone
CPI Property Group
Elvaston
Farner Consulting
KKR
One Rock Capital Partners
RWA International
Raiffeisen Bank International
T-Mobile
Tricentis
Vienna Insurance Group (VIG)
Waterland Private Equity Investments
Industries
Provided by Wolf Theiss
Automobiles & Parts
Banks
Consumer Products
Energy
Financial Services
Food & Beverage Producers
Forestry & Paper
Healthcare
Insurance
Media
Pharmaceuticals
Private Clients
Real Estate
Retail
Software & Computer Services
Sports
Technology
Telecommunications
Travel & Leisure