Private Equity: High End | Germany

Freshfields is a well-reputed international law firm that showcases activity across the whole spectrum of private equity deals. The team regularly caters to a prominent clientele consisting of international private equity funds and investors, as well as banks. Mid to large-cap acquisitions, carve-outs and squeeze-outs, as well as divestments, are key areas of strength. The firm is also equipped to assist clients with competitive auction processes as well as portfolio refinancing and share acquisitions. Clients additionally benefit from the firm's interdisciplinary and cross-border offering, assisting with capital markets, M&A and financing-related issues. Freshfields enjoys a strong presence in regulated industries, including life sciences, healthcare and IT.

Hengeler Mueller houses one of Germany's most renowned private equity practice groups, which is present across mid and large-cap transactions. Top international as well as domestic private equity funds and portfolio companies seek the firm's excellence in acquisitions, sales and investments. The handling of SPACs and their reversals also forms a key area of strength. With its excellent capital markets and M&A departments, Hengeler Mueller is in a prime position to handle interdisciplinary mandates. Its holistic coverage of the energy, transport, financial and technology sectors serves as a further testament to Hengeler Mueller's market position.

Kirkland & Ellis houses a highly renowned private equity practice based in Munich. The firm recently opened an office in Frankfurt, strengthening its capabilities in Germany. Prominent and often international high-end private equity funds mandate the law firm for its strength in acquisitions and divestments of German targets. The team also assists investment banks and asset managers on bidding processes and public takeover offers. Kirkland & Ellis's excellent connections in the USA and UK render it a strong candidate for international investors and deals. The practice's sector coverage ranges from technology to manufacturing and retail, with the firm taking a prominent position on large-cap transactions.

Latham & Watkins houses an esteemed German private equity department. Its team is highly active on large-cap transactions, handling acquisitions, sales and investments across a broad industry spectrum. The setting up of strategically important joint ventures, as well as auction processes, is also handled by the firm. Latham & Watkins' notable strength in the TMT, healthcare and manufacturing sectors renders it an excellent choice for diverse transactions. The firm is particularly strong at handling cross-border mandates due to its expansive global office network.

Clifford Chance is well suited to advise on a raft of transactions in the private equity space. Prominent private equity houses instruct the team for its strength in large-cap and mid-cap acquisitions and divestments as well as investments. Portfolio and fund restructurings and mergers are also handled by the firm. Thanks to its interdisciplinary and full-service offering, Clifford Chance is well positioned to offer regulatory and sector-specific expertise related to transactions. In addition to the TMT sector, the firm is highly active in the pharmaceutical and manufacturing industries, with clients benefiting from its global office network.

Linklaters houses a skilled team that is able to advise on the full range of private equity transactions. Prominent international private equity houses frequently instruct it due to the lawyers' strength in acquisitions, divestments and investments in German assets. Due to its well-integrated European practice, the firm is able to handle large cross-border mandates. Linklaters covers a variety of industries and deal types, including a focus on infrastructure transactions.

International firm Milbank houses a highly reputable private equity team, most noted for its strength in large-cap deals. The department is highly active advising domestic and international private equity funds and investors on complex cross-border transactions, aided by its robust international network. Sales and acquisitions, as well as exits and financing rounds, constitute key areas of expertise. The firm is also mandated by shareholders, with further expertise in handling mid-cap transactions. The technology, life sciences, healthcare and manufacturing sectors form key industries for Milbank.

Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher & Flom regularly advises domestic and international private equity firms on acquisitions and sales in the German market. Partnership agreements between equity houses and corporates as well as participation in bids are also handled by the firm. Prominent corporate clients seek the firm's assistance with carve-outs and sales to private equity funds. Due to its strong presence in the USA and the UK, the firm is well equipped to handle cross-border transactions.

A&O Shearman often advises high-profile international private equity houses on large and mid-market acquisitions as well as investments in German targets. Prominent domestic corporates also seek the law firm's assistance with partnership agreements with private equity houses for investment purposes. Its expertise ranges across various sectors, including technology, pharmaceuticals and energy, while the practice is also experienced in infrastructure deals. The firm boasts an expansive global network, rendering it a strong choice for high-volume multi-jurisdictional mandates, which the German team co-leads with its London and New York colleagues.

Gibson, Dunn & Crutcher has an impressive private equity practice that advises prominent private equity firms. It primarily advises US and German clients on investments in the German mid-market space, and assists with the German aspects of global private equity acquisitions and mergers. The practice's expertise covers bidding processes, voluntary public takeovers and investments in regulated entities. The team additionally acts in cooperation with its US and UK offices to advise on large multi-jurisdictional mandates.