Latham & Watkins is an excellent law firm that covers the full breadth of finance work. Due to its market visibility, holistic offering and bench strength, the team is frequently mandated by banking consortiums and direct lenders as well as corporate borrowers on complex acquisition finance deals, refinancings and corporate finance. The law firm also advances in the Regulatory rankings due to its increased presence in the market. Clients benefit from the team's expertise in issues such as AML, licensing procedures and investigations. The regulatory aspects of investments and M&A transactions are also handled by the group. As an international law firm, Latham & Watkins is an attractive choice for large and multi-jurisdictional projects.

"Latham & Watkins demonstrates a high level of commercial thinking and advice as well as deep understanding of financial matters."

"The practice group is hands-on, has deep knowledge of relevant matters and is able to take on members of other teams to provide fully fledged advice."

"The firm's ability to not only provide advice in relation to actual questions but also to anticipate potential future matters to be considered is highly valuable."

"The team's process management skills and ability to explain complex matters adequately at different company levels helps to get projects managed successfully."

"Latham & Watkins has a very strong team of leading finance lawyers in Germany, who are supported by corporate, tax and enforcement experts. They are always available to support their clients and provide excellent service."

Latham & Watkins advised BayWa on a EUR1.7 billion ESG-linked syndicated financing coordinated by DZ BANK, LBBW and UniCredit Bank AG as bookrunners.

Alexandra Hagelüken continues to be a towering figure in the German banking and finance world. She is renowned for her excellence in acquisition, corporate and leveraged finance. She is a go-to for well-known bank consortiums as well as corporate borrowers and sponsors. "Alexandra Hagelüken is extremely strong: there is very little we need to ask because she thinks of everything in advance and also has a view on the commercial issues. Working with her is a breeze." "Alexandra Hagelüken is one of the greatest lawyers." "She is clearly one of the strongest in the market." "Alexandra Hagelüken provides great support, with a straightforward and no-nonsense approach."

Thomas Weitkamp remains a strong adviser to prominent private equity and asset management firms for his prowess in handling large-scale acquisition finance and syndicated finance mandates. While also covering traditional lending, including high-volume transactions on both the borrower and bank sides, he is particularly regarded for his focus on direct lending and LBOs. "Thomas Weitkamp has a very calm demeanour and is an extremely good sparring partner and adviser in this area." "I can recommend him anytime." "I feel that I am in very good hands with Thomas Weitkamp."

Banks and private equity funds frequently mandate Christian Jahn for his strength in acquisition finance and refinancing mandates, especially those with cross-border elements. "Christian Jahn is very good and visible in the market."

Markus Krüger showcases a broad regulatory practice with particular expertise in handling M&A transactions and investments in the financial services sector. He also assists with investigations and supervisory proceedings.

Following strong endorsements from market observers Sibylle Münch rises in the rankings. She is praised for her strength in refinancing mandates as well as acquisition financings, where she often acts for large bank consortiums. "Sibylle Münch is one of the rising stars."