Rankings

P+P Law Firm of the Year 2007

On 11 October 2007 P+P won Deutsche unquote’s inaugural Private Equity Award as Law Firm of the Year. The award was open to law firms active in the German/Austrian/Swiss private equity area (either in fund construction or transaction services), which have demonstrated consistent excellence throughout 2006. Key criteria the judges were looking for included efficiency of execution, sector knowledge, advisory and negotiating skills, value-adding capability, vision and the overall development of the business. Additionally for this category, the judges were looking for evidence the division has provided novel advice to clients, citing aspects of specific deals within the year.

The Legal Media Group guide to the World's Leading Real Estate Lawyers 2008

Stefan Lebek, P+P partner in Berlin, is selected to be one of the portrayed advisors in this special guide, for which more than 4,000 questionnaires of senior practitioners or in-house counsels are compiled and updated every second year.

WHO'SWHOLEGAL - The International Who's Who of Business Lawyers 2008

In the current Corporate Tax edition, 28 lawyers in all were listed in the German section. No other law firm had more names mentioned than P+P, with highly reputed tax experts Reinhard Pöllath and Richard Engl (Munich), Andreas Rodin and Wolfgang Tischbirek (Frankfurt), and Thomas Töben (Berlin).

JUVE Handbook 2008: German Commercial Law Firms 2008 - Analysis of Europe's Largest Legal Market

In general, P+P is seen as a specialist in private equity, M&A and tax, but is also strong in real estate. Some lawyers have an excellent market reputation in multiple practice areas, e.g. Matthias Bruse and Andrea von Drygalski are "…enjoying a place at the top of the German market" for their M&A and private equity practice, but the younger generation is also very promising, "…generating a steady flow of midsized transactions, with which barely any other firm can keep up." In real estate, the Berlin office has a very good reputation: Stefan Lebek (a "driving force"), Carsten Führling and Dr. Matthias Durst are praised for their real estate practice. In private equity and venture capital, P+P has an "…outstanding reputation for advice to management, fund structuring …few competitors enjoy such a good standing and market presence in this field... Andreas Rodin for fund structuring (is) not only a specialist himself, he has also developed an outstanding team." In company succession and trusts, Reinhard Pöllath and Andreas Richter are mentioned as leading names for advice to high-net-worth individuals. As such, Reinhard Pöllath is also mentioned as one of 10 leading senior partners in M&A and tax. P+P "boasts outstanding transaction lawyers as well as excellent tax specialists". In M&A, Matthias Bruse, Andrea von Drygalski, Andres Schollmeier, Philipp von Braunschweig, Otto Haberstock are also recommended. Furthermore, all of these lawyers, including Benedikt Hohaus for management advice and Frank Thiäner, are highly recommended for PE and VC. "In terms of the deal flow in the midcap field, P+P can lay claim to the top spot in the market." In tax, Richard Engl and Reinhard Pöllath are mentioned as leading senior partners, Thomas Töben is named a leading partner (age 41-50). By offering transactional as well as ongoing tax advice to funds and their management (tax investigations, compliance), P+P represents an "absolute niche field".

Chambers Europe 2008

P+P is mentioned in six categories, mostly with more than one partner. In fund formation, P+P is clearly seen as "a leader in the market, this firms private equity practice successfully combines fund structuring with transactional work, performing at the highest level in both areas." P+P is recognised as an "…excellent firm with vast experience in the market and a full grasp of it's requirements" and "…highly reputed for its individual approach and personal advice". According to peers, P+P is "highly regarded among competitors for its excellence in private equity" and "…continues to enjoy an enviable position … Clients agree in giving it [P+P] full marks for the advice it provides in the areas in which it specialises". In real estate practice, "the consensus among interviewees is that this is 'one of the most improved domestic teams in the market'". In the tax area, P+P is "known for its extraordinary expertise in all things related to private equity, …. It adopts an attitude that is perfectly right, neither too aggressive nor too conservative".

This extraordinary standing is generated by the high quality work of P+P partners. Reinhard Pöllath "…remains a respected name in the private equity market" and "…holds a great reputation within the market." Matthias Bruse is considered to be "an extraordinary transactional lawyer with huge amounts of experience" and is "recognised as one of the most prominent lawyers in the country." With Michael Inhester, one of the 'youngblood-partners' gains more and more prestige. He is "lauded by peers as 'a good dealmaker and an excellent allround lawyer… who is making a name for himself' … [and] praised for his diligent and proactive approach". Matthias Durst is mentioned in the real estate sector as a "…talented and hard-working lawyer, who is also admired by peers for his 'good-natured approach to negotiations.'". In tax practice, Thomas Töben is described as "a fine individual with a hands-on approach to his work, who will work tirelessly until he gets the job done." Michael Best "… is often brought into high-profile transactions as the tax specialist … he is said to be 'one of the promising younger faces' at the firm." According to the market, Andreas Rodin is "the number one fund structure specialist in Germany. Described as 'an outstanding practitioner with profound knowledge and more than 20 years of experience', he divides his time between fund structuring and tax advice… [He] has built an extraordinary reputation over the last 20 years …as one of the leading fund structuring lawyers … He has been characterized … as 'a true professional who is astoundingly energetic and superbly informed, and who can deliver quality end results regardless of the pressures involved."

The Legal 500

P+P is lauded in the fields of corporate and M&A, private equity, investment funds, real estate and construction and tax. In general, P+P wins praise as "…one of the strongest private equity practices in Germany for, in particular, fund structuring... The firm has built up particular expertise in fund formation and the tax-related issues that arise during a fund's lifetime… The investment funds team at P+P is staffed by outstanding experts, who are very specialised in funds structuring. Led by Andreas Rodin, …who is excellent, brilliant, and consistently good". Clients are impressed by his "…great experience on fund taxation". He is "…one of the few layers to combine legal and tax expertise in fund work in Germany." Amos Veith and Michael Inhester were mentioned for their "…pragmatic and skilled" advice in private equity matters. Philipp von Braunschweig is someone who knows what he is doing in transactions, while Reinhard Pöllath is one of the most experienced lawyers in Germany for tax work. Clients appreciate …that the firm is strong in advising on the tax aspects of transactions [and has an] …excellent tax practice,…bolstered by Richard Engl, who has experience in cross-border corporate tax planning and tax audit defence and is admired for his no-nonsense approach in the area of transfer pricing and reorganisations". Thomas Töben is complimented for his "very good communication skills." P+P also has a strong real estate practice and Matthias Durst is "…singled out by clients for being hands-on, pragmatic and solution-oriented, while Carsten Führling and Stefan Lebek are considered to be excellent and efficient and Wolfgang Tischbirek… has special expertise in real estate and tax."

The Legal Media Group: The Best of the Best 2008

In this international survey, Matthias Bruse and Reinhard Pöllath are portrayed as belonging to 'the Best of the Best 2008'. Matthias is one of five German lawyers mentioned in the private equity area and Reinhard is one of two luminaries acknowledged for his tax expertise.

The Legal Media Group: Guide to the World's Leading Mergers and Acquisitions Lawyers 2008

This international expert guide, known for its extensive research, selected Reinhard Pöllath and Matthias Bruse to be portrayed in their guide. More than 4,000 questionnaires were compiled, analysed and screened for firm, network and alliance bias. The list of experts is then discussed and refined with advisers in legal centres worldwide.

AZUR Anwaltskarriere 2008

P+P is ranked in the top twenty as one of the TOP 50 employers for lawyers in Germany, with an excellent markt reputation for M&A lawyers as well as tax advisors. Associates rank P+P at place 15 of the TOP 50 and praise P+P as a "true alternative to a large firm".

WHO'S WHO LEGAL Private Funds 2008

P+P partner Matthias Bruse and upcoming partner Patricia Volhard are praised as "superb colleagues" of Andreas Rodin, who is recommended as 'truly excellent' and listed as one of the 'most highly regarded individuals'. As such, no other German law firm is mentioned in this international ranking.

WHO'S WHO LEGAL Corporate Tax 2008

The jury of Corporate Tax 2008 highlights that "…P+P has the strongest contingent in the country, with a team of five making the final publication". Reinhard Pöllath is named as one of the "most highly regarded individuals" and praised as "a 'leading' practitioner and 'very well known' according to rivals. Andreas Rodin in Frankfurt, a 'prolific speaker and author' joins Pöllath as 'a big name' in the market." This singular reputation also accompanies Richard Engl, noted on a number of occassions, and "…well recognised by independent rankings as one of Germany's leading senior tax advisers". He is specialised in restructuring and "…does a great deal of post-acquisitions reorganisation for national and international clients. Wolfgang Tischbirek in Frankfurt is especially knowledgeable when it comes to real estate investments and transactions and the tax aspects of asset management and estate planning. He is also 'an expert' in tax planning for both domestic and foreign investors and in the structuring of cross-border acquisitions and reorganisations." Last but not least, Thomas Töben, based in P+P's Berlin office, is mentioned for his advice on the restructuring and reorganisation of businesses and partnerships, M&A transactions, taxation of real property investments, cross-border leasing and the privatisation of state-owned companies.

ITR – World's leading tax transactional practices

International Tax Review nominated P+P as one of the top firms in the field of tax transactional practice in Germany. Tax transactional practice includes M&A and capital markets work in addition to transfer pricing, indirect taxes and tax structuring. The results were compiled from an international poll, executed in three continents. This confirms the leading position of P+P in tax and M&A, also acknowledged by other international and national surveys.

PLC Which lawyer? Yearbook 2008 – Legal market analysis

PLC praises P+P as one of the dominant law firms in some of the key corporate and financial sectors. Reinhard Pöllath is mentioned as one of the "national frontrunners" in M&A and is classified as a highly recommended individual not only in tax, but also in private equity and corporate/M&A. Andreas Rodin and Matthias Bruse are also mentioned as highly recommended individuals - Andreas for his expertise in private equity/fund formation and buyout practice and Matthias for his know-how in private equity buyouts and tax. As such, P+P is ranked as one of the leading law firms in the private equity sector and is recommended in corporate real estate (Berlin partner Stefan Lebek), as well as highly recommended in corporate/M&A and fund formation.

WHO'S WHO LEGAL Internet & E-Commerce 2008

Dr. Margot von Westerholt is recommended for her practice work in the fields of Internet and e-commerce law. She focuses on information technology, IP-related transactions, license agreements and distribution law.

Margot was a long-term partner at the German firm Linklaters in Munich before she joined P+P’s Munich office as a partner in 2005. She began her career as a civil law judge at the Munich District Court.

WHO'S WHO LEGAL Real Estate 2008

Stefan Lebek, partner in P+P Berlin's office, is nominated for his real estate practice. The nominees have been selected based upon comprehensive, independent survey work and were listed only if they have met the independent international research criteria.

PLC Cross-border Handbooks 2007/2008 - Private Equity

Reinhard Pöllath  "…enjoys a reputation as a prominent rainmaker" and is portrayed as a "vastly experienced transactional lawyer".  P+P partner Andreas Rodin (Frankfurt) is mentioned in the German private equity – fund formation and private equity – buyout sections as "…highly regarded in the market as a private equity fund structuring specialist". Matthias Bruse, P+P partner in Munich, is described as an "established dealmaker known for his involvement in major private equity-backed buyouts.”

JUVE Handbook 2007/2008

P+P is ranked in the first half of the TOP 50 law firms in Germany, although a niche boutique and specialized in M&A (particularly in combination with PE and VC), real estate, fund-structuring, foundations and tax. With Richard Engl as a new partner in the tax business,  P+P has the chance to become more important in the fields of corporate tax planning.

In addition to such well-known senior partners as Reinhard Pöllath, Matthias Bruse, Andreas Rodin, Otto Haberstock, Andres Schollmeier, Philipp von Braunschweig, Benedikt Hohaus, Michael Inhester and Andrea von Drygalski, the new and upcoming partners are gaining in importance: Andreas Richter as forward looking specialist with his unique combination of asset structuring and private equity, Stefan Lebek as a driving force in real estate and Frank Thiäner as an upcoming partner in the M&A business.

Legal 500 Germany, 2007 - 2008

Legal 500 recommends P+P especially in the fields of real estate, including project development and tax aspects, M&A and private equity practice and fund-structuring. In this context, Andreas Rodin is emphasized as the "fund-structuring guru" and Matthias Bruse praised for his perceptive transaction practice. P+P is very strong in combining its outstanding tax practice with other fields such as M&A, private equity and fund-structuring.

World Tax 2008 The comprehensive guide to the world's leading tax firms

Reinhard Pöllath named as "incredibly knowledgable" M&A specialist

The Best of the Best 2007 Legal Media Group Expert Guides

• Reinhard Pöllath listed as one of "The Best of the Best 2007" in M&A.
• Numerous P+P partners listed for tax, M&A, private equity and corporate governance: Michael Best, Matthias Bruse, Otto Haberstock, Reinhard Pöllath, Andreas Rodin, Wolfgang Tischbirek, Thomas Töben, Philipp von Braunschweig;
  some of them are ranked in more than one category.

The Legal Media Group Guide to the World's Leading Capital Markets Lawyer

Otto Haberstock listed as one of the world's leading experts in M&A, private equity and venture capital transactions, as well as adviser for management buy-outs, IPO or similar transactions.

IFLR1000 The Guide to the World's Leading Financial Law Firms

• Matthias Bruse pointed out as one of the outstanding private equity lawyers in Germany.
• P+P mentioned as a market leader in fund structuring and a "very strong private equity firm".

WHO'S WHO LEGAL 2007 Edition

P+P generally receives praise for its "excellent M&A practice". 5 P+P partners are individually ranked in several categories, some of them in different areas:

• 4 P+P partners are mentioned in the Corporate Tax sector (Reinhard Pöllath, Andreas Rodin, Thomas Töben, Wolfgang Tischbirek)
• Reinhard Pöllath is ranked in the list of "Most Highly Regarded Individuals - Global" and is also ranked in the M&A field
• Matthias Bruse is ranked in the M&A business and, together with Andreas Rodin especially recommended for "Private Funds".

Chambers Europe, Europe's Leading Lawyers for Business, The Client's Guide 2007

• P+P is ranked among the leading firms in Corporate/M&A, Private Equity Buyouts, Private Equity Fund Formation, Private Equity Venture Capital, Tax
• 7 Partners recommended as leading individuals in their practice areas

World Tax 2007 – The Comprehensive Guide to the Word's Leading Tax Firms by International Tax Review:

• P+P listed in the top group of tax law firms consisting of 11 firms
• P+P referred to as "leader in M&A and cross-border structuring"
• Wolfgang Tischbirek named as recognized and talented advisor

Private Equity – The Law and Leading Lawyers Worldwide 2006/07 PLC Cross-border Handbook:

• Private Equity Fund Formation: P+P listed as one of only two highly recommended firms in Germany (with no leading firms in this area); Matthias Bruse and Reinhard Pöllath listed as highly recommended individuals
• Private Equity Buyouts: P+P listed as one of 5 leading firms in Germany; Andreas Rodin listed as only highly recommended individual (with no leading individuals in this area)

JUVE Rechtsmarkt 09/06: Erste Klasse am Zug: Die neuen JUVE 40 unter 40

P+P Partner Benedikt Hohaus was singled out as one of the most oustanding lawyers in Germany under 40 years old.

Law Firms in Europe The European Legal 500 – US Special Edition 2006:

• Corporate and M&A: P+P listed among the top 31 firms and in particular noted for its advice for managers and supervisory boards in connection with significant transactions; Reinhard Pöllath and Matthias Bruse named as freqeuently recommended
• Investment Funds: P+P listed as one of the 14 top firms; Andreas Rodin named "private equity funds structuring guru"
• Private Equity: P+P listed among the top 11 law firms with special reference to Andreas Rodin for funds structuring and Matthias Bruse for transactions
• Tax: P+P listed among the top 17 firms with special reference to its tax structuring in private equity transactions; Thomas Töben, Michael Best and Wolfgang Tischbirek named as leading partners

The Best of the Best 2005 Legal Media Group Expert Guides:

Reinhard Pöllath listed as one of only four individuals for Mergers and Acquisitions in Germany.

European Legal Experts 2006 - A Legal Business Report

Several P+P partners listed in P+P's main practices:

• Corporate and Commercial: 6 partners listed
• Construction and Real Estate: one partner listed
• Tax: two partners listed

PLC Which Lawyer 11th Edition Yearbook 2005

• Company and Corporate: P+P listed as recommended firm
• M&A: P+P listed as highly recommended firm; one partner listed as leading individual (out of three) and one partner listed as highly recommended
• Private Equity / Venture Capital: P+P
• Dr. Andreas Rodin listed as one of only two "Leading Individuals"

JUVE-Awards 2005

P+P has been awarded the title "Kanzlei des Jahres" (law firm of the year) in the category Private Clients (Succession, Family Businesses, Trust & Estate Planning).

Private Equity 2005/05 – The law and leading lawyers wordwide

• P+P listed as one out of only three "Leading Firms"
• Dr. Andreas Rodin listed as one of only two "Leading Individuals"

World Tax 2006 – The Comprehensive Guide to the World's Leading Tax Firms

• P+P listed as "Leading Firm" in tax
• 2 P+P partners listed as "Leading Individuals"

European Legal 500 – USA Special Edition 2005 P+P is listed in three areas:

• Corporate and Commercial (including M & A): "P+P Pöllath + Partners has tax and fund structuring expertise coupled with a formidable private equite transactional record. The firm and Reinhard Pöllath in particular is also noted for its advice to company boardrooms and shareholders."
• Private Equity: P+P is listed among the top 8 firms and "noted for fund structuring, leveraging off its fine tax aptitude. Clients recommend Philipp von Braunschweig for transactional aptitude and Matthias Bruse is regularly touted as one of the finest lawyers in this sector.";
• Tax: P+P's hire of Wolfgang Tischbirek in December 2004 "adds further resources to its already notable tax practice. Reinhard Pöllath is regularly praised for his tax structuring expertise in the private equity sector."

Legal Media Group: Guide to the World's Leading Corporate Governance Lawyers

Reinhard Pöllath listed as one of Germany's top corporate governance lawyers.

International Financial Law Review (IFLR): Expert Guide to Private Equity Lawyers

Three P+P partners listed among top 19 indiviuals, making P+P the German Private Equity law firm with the most nominations.

Focus 12/2005: Focus-Anwaltsliste

Three P+P partners listed among top 67 recommended tax experts

JUVE-Wirtschaftskanzleien, Handbuch 2004/2005

The 2004/2005 edition again reinforces P+P's position among the top 25 law firms nationwide and as the only narrowly focused "boutique" or most successful and profitable medium-sized firm in this group. Rankings in P+P's practices include:

• a "market leader" in Private Equity & Venture Capital;
• "frequently recommended" in M&A and Tax;
• "valued" in Real Estate.

PLC Which Lawyer? Yearbook 2005

P+P ranked as "leading" or "highly recommended" in their three practices M&A, Private Equity and Venture Capital, Tax. Several P+P lawyers are nominated in their respective fields:

• M&A and Tax: Reinhard Pöllath (one of only three "leading" professionals, "Sound expertise in tax focusing on international M&A and investment matters, in addition to advising family run offices and institutions. Recent experience includes the restructuring of a major consumer goods group and advising in the sale of a major international services business"); Dr. Matthias Bruse ("highly recommended", "Well regarded tax practice with a strong transactional focus, advising in both national and international matters. Client portfolio consists predominantly of major private equity companies. Also heavily involved in venture capital work").
• Private Equity/Venture Capital: Andreas Rodin ("leading").

Guide to the World's Leading Tax Advisers 2004

No other tax or law firm in Germany with more nominations among Germany's 35 leading tax advisers

P+P lawyers and tax advisers named: Dr. Michael Best, Dr. Matthias Bruse, Reinhard Pöllath, Dr. Andreas Rodin and Dr. Thomas Töben
Leading article on Germany written by Reinhard Pöllath

European Legal Experts – Legal Business 2005

Several P+P lawyers named as legal experts in their respective fields and introduced with photo and short c.v.:

1. Construction and Real Estate: Ralph Wagner (out of three lawyers with c.v.)
2. Corporate and Commercial: Dr. Matthias Bruse, Dr. Marc-Olaf Grumann, Reinhard Pöllath, Dr. Andreas Rodin (out of 28 lawyers with c.v.)
3. Tax: Dr. Matthias Bruse, Reinhard Pöllath (out of ten lawyers with c.v.)

The International Who's Who of Private Funds Lawyers – Third Edition

Andreas Rodin listed as one out of 16 Most Highly Nominated Individuals globally; P+P, with special reference made to Andreas Rodin and Matthias Bruse, named as one out of only three Most Highly Regarded Firms in Germany and called "one of the most respected for private funds works in Germany".

International Financial Law Review (IFLR) 1000, 2005 Edition

P+P listed among top 15 leading financial law firms in Germany.

The International Who's Who of Corporate Tax Lawyers – Fourth Edition:

P+P - with special reference to Reinhard Pöllath, Dr. Andreas Rodin and Dr. Thomas Töben - listed as one out of only three outstanding tax firms in Germany; Reinhard Pöllath ranked as one out of 15 most highly nominated individuals and as third most highly nominated tax lawyers outside of the U.S. He is also described as "the best corporate tax lawyer in Germany".

International Tax Review, World Tax 2005:

P+P listed among top 8 firms in Germany; two P+P partners listed among top 9 individuals in M&A, one partner listed among top 7 individuals in capital markets.

Practical Law Company Global Counsel Handbook: Private Equity – The Law and Leading Lawyers Worldwide 2004/05

• P+P is "leading" (among top 4 firms)
• Dr. Andreas Rodin is listed as one of two "leading lawyers" (among top 2 individuals), Dr. Matthias Bruse is listed as "recommended lawyer" (among top 29 individuals)

Chambers Global, The World's Leading Lawyers 2004/5

P+P are listed in three categories: Corporate/M&A, Private Equity, Tax. P+P is one of only seven firms in Germany with a ranking in all three of these practice areas.

Practical Law Company Global Counsel Handbook: Mergers and Acquisitions – The Law and Leading Lawyers Worldwide 2004/05

• P+P is "highly recommended" (among top 12 firms)
• Reinhard Pöllath is listed as one among three "leading lawyers" (among top 3 individuals), Dr. Matthias Bruse is listed as "highly recommended lawyer" (among top 15 individuals)