Transportation: Rail & Aviation Asset Finance | Germany

Bird & Bird has a standout asset finance group that acts for a range of domestic and multinational companies. The team has a particular focus on acquisition finance and leasing transactions in the rail sector as well as significant experience in aviation mandates. Its clientele mainly consists of infrastructure funds and asset managers while also including rolling stock leasing companies, airlines and aircraft lessors. Aided by its international network, Bird & Bird is well placed to handle cross-border mandates.

Freshfields houses one of Germany's leading asset finance practice groups, particularly on the aviation side. Prominent airlines, banks, leasing companies and asset managers mandate the team for its strength in aircraft financing and refinancing, portfolio acquisitions and sale-and-leaseback transactions. The law firm is also particularly recognised for matters involving complex lease arrangements and insolvencies as well as large restructurings. Freshfields' global office network renders it a strong candidate for cross-border work.

K&L Gates remains a leading adviser to public transport companies and banks due to its excellent position in the asset finance world. The law firm enjoys an enviable market share in prominent rail sector mandates ranging from rolling stock financings and vehicle financings to acquisitions and lease transactions. The firm also boasts expertises in aviation transactions. Besides its incredible strength in advisory work, K&L Gates also represents clients in disputes. Furthermore, in conjunction with its public law department, the team regularly assists with public tender procedures, especially those concerning new mobility concepts and rail and bus transport procurements.

A&O Shearman often assists investment funds, banks, lessors, airlines and transport companies with a variety of financing and refinancing matters. The law firm's mandates range from syndicated loans to debt and equity financings as well as lease transactions and loan portfolio deals. In conjunction with its regulatory and public law department, it handles tender review proceedings and other administrative mandates.

The internationally active law firm Ashurst offers expertise in transport asset financings, operating from its office in Frankfurt. The law firm predominantly advises lenders on the financing of rolling stock, including both freight and passenger vehicles. Banking consortiums as well as individual lenders and investors seek the law firm's assistance with asset financings in the rail sector. A further area of expertise of the law firm lies in PPP mandates.

Clifford Chance is recognised for its strength in asset finance transactions, especially those concerning the railway sector. Its team represents rolling stock leasing companies and banks in rail financings, leasings and restructurings as well as refinancing transactions. The law firm is also well placed to assist investors with the sale and acquisition of rail companies and assets. Due to its expansive global office network, Clifford Chance is in a prime position to support cross-border projects.

CMS offers expertise across the full spectrum of shipping law. Its team represents shipping companies, investment funds and banks. The law firm evidences a solid track record in complex shipping litigation, concerning issues such as collision or delivery failure as well as contract disputes. In addition, the law firm advises on a range of shipping transactions, covering tender procedures as well as emergency financings. Its strength in asset financings in the rail sector further boosts the law firm's offering. With its international office network, CMS is also well placed to assist with cross-border work.