Capital Markets: Debt
Global Guide 2024 : Germany
Band 1
Contact number
+49 69 27 30 80About
Provided by Freshfields
Please visit the Freshfields website for more details about our work in these categories:
Debt: http://www.freshfields.com/en-gb/what-we-do/services/financing-and-capital-markets/debt-capital-markets/
Equity: http://www.freshfields.com/en-gb/what-we-do/services/corporate-and-ma/equity-capital-markets/
Structured finance: http://www.freshfields.com/en-gb/what-we-do/services/financing-and-capital-markets/derivatives-and-structured-products/
Chambers Review
Freshfields Bruckhaus Deringer offers exceptional strength across a broad capital markets spectrum. The law firm boasts an enviable client base comprising prestigious corporates and financial institutions. The ECM practice enjoys a regular flow of high-profile mandates, advising on cross-border IPOs, dual-track transactions and capital increases. The law firm exhibits further strength in the areas of accelerated bookbuilding and rights issues. The DCM team handles high-value bond issuances, including high-yield, AT1 notes and hybrid products as well as updates and issuances under note programmes. Clients benefit from the department's considerable experience in cross-border mandates involving Europe, North America and Asia.
Work Highlights
- Freshfields advised the banks, including JP Morgan, Berenberg and BNP Paribas, with regard to the IPO of IONOS on the regulated market of the Frankfurt Stock Exchange.
Strengths
Provided by Chambers
"Freshfields has experts in all questions we have, who are always very good in providing solutions and advice."
"We've been very happy with their work and advice and have appreciated their proactive approach."
"The team always provides very fast and targeted answers."
"The team's performance is always very good, and invoices are within the range of what was previously agreed."
"The lawyers speak with one voice and share knowledge internally really well."
"Freshfields has experts in all questions we have, who are always very good in providing solutions and advice."
"We've been very happy with their work and advice and have appreciated their proactive approach."
"The team always provides very fast and targeted answers."
"The team's performance is always very good, and invoices are within the range of what was previously agreed."
"The lawyers speak with one voice and share knowledge internally really well."
Notable Practitioners
Excellent practitioner Christoph Gleske remains a towering figure in both the DCM and ECM worlds. He is highly visible on large-scale note issuances, including AT1 and green bonds, as well as EMTNs and other debt issuance programmes. His further strength lies in acting for well-known manufacturing and telecommunications companies on capital increases as well as advising corporate clients or underwriting banks on IPOs.
"Christoph Gleske is the number one lawyer for AT1 instruments and banking capital."
"He is a good adviser who is pleasant to work with and commercially very strong."
"Christoph Gleske always provides excellent advice in a respectful and pleasant manner."
Acting for underwriters and issuers alike, managing partner Rick van Aerssen is held in high esteem for his excellent expertise in high-profile ECM mandates including prominent IPOs, capital increases and rights offerings. Clients also benefit from his expertise in convertible bonds.
Robin Helmke enters the rankings on the back of positive market feedback and an active practice with sophisticated mandates. He regularly advises on securitisation and receivables transactions. His expertise also covers ABCP and factoring programmes.
"Robin Helmke is a great securitisation lawyer who has experience in large and high-profile deals."
"He has a good market overview and profound knowledge, and is able to speak the same language as the client and bring transactions closer to the finish line."
"I particularly appreciate his proactiveness and how he tackles potential issues."
US and Swiss-qualified practitioner Simone Bono is London-based and well respected for her expertise in cross-border mandates involving Germany. She is well versed in handling ECM and DCM-related matters for German corporates or underwriters, ranging from IPOs and capital increases to high-yield bond and senior note issuances. Bono is particularly well positioned to advise on US aspects pertaining to transactions in Germany and vice versa.