Department profile
Freshfields

Corporate/M&A: High-end Capability

Global Guide 2026 : Germany

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Freshfields

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Provided by Freshfields

Please visit the Freshfields website for more details about our work in this category:

https://www.freshfields.com/en-gb/capabilities/services/mergers-and-acquisitions/

Chambers Review

Provided by Chambers

Corporate/M&A: High-end Capability - Germany

Band 1

What the Team is Known For

Freshfields' highly regarded corporate and M&A practice is renowned across the market for handling large-cap, complex deals. It is well equipped to manage both public and private M&A, as well as corporate advice and international reorganisations. It boasts a broad range of expertise, including joint ventures, investments and divestments. A strong international network allows the team to manage large-scale cross-border deals. Close links to the law firm's US offices are of particular advantage for its German blue-chip clients and US investors in Germany. The team shows broad sector expertise, covering financial services, technology, manufacturing and life sciences.

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Work Highlights

Provided by Chambers

  • Freshfields assisted the Abu Dhabi National Oil Company with its EUR14.7 billion takeover of Covestro.

Strengths

Provided by Chambers

  • They give in-depth legal advice and are very client-centric. There is always an answer.

    Corporate/M&A: High-end Capability respondentGlobal

  • Freshfields distinguish themselves through their deep industry expertise, extensive global network, client satisfaction and proven track record of closing high-value, complex transactions.

    Corporate/M&A: High-end Capability respondentGlobal

  • The team offers very clear explanations of the process and legal implications, balancing commercial and legal viewpoints. We appreciate the speed of service and solid industry network.

    Corporate/M&A: High-end Capability respondentGlobal

  • Freshfields are absolutely on the spot, on time and always a step ahead, thinking about potential aspects of certain transactions. We fully trust them for big-stakes matters.

    Corporate/M&A: High-end Capability respondentGlobal

  • Freshfields are easily adaptable to the needs of large corporations, guiding us in a direction that works well and giving solutions.

    Corporate/M&A: High-end Capability respondentGlobal

Notable Practitioners

Provided by Chambers

  • Christoph Seibt
    Christoph Seibt

    Christoph Seibt

    Christoph Seibt is one of the leading figures in the German market. He particularly stands out for his expertise in large public M&A transactions across a range of industries, among them pharmaceutical and manufacturing industries. He also has notable experience in corporate governance matters.

    • Christoph Seibt is brilliant and innovative – it is a pleasure to work with him. Seibt knows the answer to everything and understands the development of the legal systems and global markets.

      Corporate/M&A: High-end Capability respondentGlobal

    • Christoph is simply the best in the market.

      Corporate/M&A: High-end Capability respondentGlobal

    • Christoph Seibt is a very well-known expert in this space.

      Corporate/M&A: High-end Capability respondentGlobal

    • Christoph has remarkable ability in corporate governance.

      Corporate/M&A: High-end Capability respondentGlobal
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  • Rick van Aerssen
    Rick van Aerssen

    Rick van Aerssen

    Freshfields' global managing partner Rick van Aerssen advises high-profile industrial clients on complex partnership agreements as well as large takeovers in the pharmaceutical and energy sectors spanning various jurisdictions.

    • Rick van Aerssen is a very good commercial lawyer.

      Corporate/M&A: High-end Capability respondentGlobal

    • Rick is just amazing. He is super strong and really admired.

      Corporate/M&A: High-end Capability respondentGlobal

    • Rick van Aerssen is an excellent lawyer for high-end matters. He is very responsive and has great commercial awareness.

      Corporate/M&A: High-end Capability respondentGlobal
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  • Stephan Waldhausen
    Stephan Waldhausen

    Stephan Waldhausen

    Stephan Waldhausen has notable expertise in highly complex international mandates. His practice covers multi-jurisdictional transactions that include sophisticated carve-out structures and acquisitions, in addition to high-value takeover matters.

    • Stephan is undoubtedly the right guy for complex, high-end deals. I can highly recommend him for this work.

      Corporate/M&A: High-end Capability respondentGlobal

    • Stephan is a very good commercial lawyer.

      Corporate/M&A: High-end Capability respondentGlobal
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  • Arend von Riegen
    Arend von Riegen

    Arend von Riegen

    Arend von Riegen has experience in complex cross-border transactions, especially corporate acquisitions in the manufacturing sector.

    • Arend von Riegen provides strong support.

      Corporate/M&A: High-end Capability respondentGlobal

    • Arend is a very prominent M&A lawyer.

      Corporate/M&A: High-end Capability respondentGlobal

    • He is a fantastic lawyer.

      Corporate/M&A: High-end Capability respondentGlobal
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  • Patrick Cichy
    Patrick Cichy

    Patrick Cichy

    Patrick Cichy leads the firm's global transaction practice and possesses impressive experience across corporate, asset and liability sales. He frequently advises financial institutions on complex, multi-jurisdictional transactions.

    • Patrick displays strong partner leadership on transactions.

      Corporate/M&A: High-end Capability respondentGlobal

    • Patrick is a very smart practitioner and is good in negotiations.

      Corporate/M&A: High-end Capability respondentGlobal
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  • Sabrina Kulenkamp
    Sabrina Kulenkamp

    Sabrina Kulenkamp

    Sabrina Kulenkamp advises leading German and international clients on high-value acquisitions and mergers. Her expertise includes public takeovers and corporate governance.

    • Sabrina possesses exceptional legal expertise and a deep understanding of commercial strategies. She has strong analytical skills, effective communication and a proactive approach to problem solving.

      Corporate/M&A: High-end Capability respondentGlobal

    • Sabrina is an excellent professional. She is highly responsive, thoughtful and clear with her advice. She is well connected and demonstrates deep expertise in P2P transactions.

      Corporate/M&A: High-end Capability respondentGlobal
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  • Stephanie Hundertmark
    Stephanie Hundertmark

    Stephanie Hundertmark

    Stephanie Hundertmark advises well-known German and international clients, with a particular focus on life science, technology and manufacturing deals.

    • Stephanie Hundertmark is a great professional who is highly responsive and clear in her approach. She is creative with proposed solutions and possesses very solid commercial understanding.

      Corporate/M&A: High-end Capability respondentGlobal

    • Stephanie is a great lawyer and a fast thinker who understands the commercial situation.

      Corporate/M&A: High-end Capability respondentGlobal
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Ranked Individuals at Freshfields (8)

Germany

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