Chambers Europe 2023

Chambers research teams work year-round contacting lawyers and clients directly. 200 research analysts communicate in over 24 languages, with 6 research directors overseeing all the work. Their role is to review the submissions and conduct selected interviews with the references provided. Submitting a submission does not guarantee a ranking. Whilst every submission is reviewed and assessed, only the best receive a ranking.

POELLATH is represented by 11 professionals and once again receives  a top-tier ranking for its excellent corporate M&A and venture capital advice.

The firm has a “stellar mid-market practice” advising clients on M&A and corporate and commercial law, including joint venture deals. The “market-leading team” acts for German companies in both domestic and international transactions.

The firm advises company management on the corporate aspects of IPOs and collaborates closely with the firm’s “highly regarded” private equity practice. POELLATH also demonstrates an affinity for advising start-up companies and their founders.

In particular, references point out that the firm has “a very good commercial understanding and is able to focus on the essential topics”. “They have a good common sense of what is worth looking at” and [the firm] “enjoys a particularly strong standing among management boards”.

Dr. Eva Nase “enters the rankings due to her growing presence” in the market. “She regularly advises executive boards and founders on corporate law related to prominent IPOs while also assisting with M&A transactions in the healthcare sector.”

Dr. Matthias Bruse and Dr. Michael Inhester also receive recognition by name:

“Matthias Bruse is widely appreciated for his longstanding expertise in the German market, advising on cross-border transactions across various industries.”
“Matthias Bruse is well-known.”
“He has a very friendly personality besides being a really good lawyer.”

His colleague Dr. Michael Inhester is “sought after by prominent corporates for his strength in acquisitions and start-up investments”.

POELLATH is “very strong in the entire private equity sector” and “houses also a renowned venture equity practise” with “excellent strength in investments, sales and large financing rounds”.

The team acts for prominent international banks, as well as domestic family offices, and startups from the technology and finance sectors. The firm often assists international investors with small to medium-cap transactions and is known for handling the participation programmes in larger private equity deals. Its expertise in the ancillary areas of transactions, such as tax, further strengthens the firm’s holistic offering.

Clients commend: POELLATH offers a “high level of creativity and a large team that can work quickly”. “I particularly value their quality, pragmatism and speed. They know exactly where the market stands, are pragmatic, and are extremely fast at providing high-quality responses.”

Christian Tönies “is our lawyer of choice because he is very good in his area and you can really rely on his judgement, so we feel very well taken care of.” He is “fast, knowledgeable, pragmatic and fun to work with. I also value that he is not afraid to give his opinion and the fact that he is very good at getting the transaction over the finish line.” Also, prominent private equity houses, startups and founders seek Christian Tönies’ “excellent advice” on cross-border financing rounds, sales and investments, as well as fund formation issues.

His colleague Dr. Benedikt Hohaus is “market-leading for anything to do with management participation”. He “remains a trusted advisor” for management boards and private equity houses for prominent transactions and incentive programmes.

Philipp von Braunschweig also finds mention for his consulting on private equity, as well as to investors and corporates on divestitures, add-on acquisitions and strategic partnership agreements across various sectors, including energy and manufacturing. He has a focus on mid-cap transactions, including those involving traditional German Mittelstand targets.

The investment fund practice also receives high praise: POELLATH has a “highly regarded funds practice” with strong expertise across a variety of investment law areas. The firm “excels in complex tax, regulatory and contractual issues around fund structuring”. Its client list includes both domestic and international institutional investors, as well as private equity and venture capital firms.

Clients evaluate the firm as follows:

“POELLATH is one of the best-equipped players in the DACH market.” “The team is able to handle everything; it is a real one-stop shop”. “Issues are seen to very quickly and solved in the best possible way.”

Dr. Peter Bujotzek enters the rankings this year after a strong showing in the market and recognition from his peers. Bujotzek advises on the contractual, tax and regulatory aspects of high-value funds for institutional investors, with significant experience in cross-border matters. „He is solution-focused and knows everything in detail.”

His colleague Amos Veith is an established practitioner who advises well-known national and foreign investors on all matters pertaining to fund structuring, including tax, regulatory and contract law. His expertise includes investments in private equity, debt and infrastructure funds. Clients praise:

“He is a problem solver and very hands-on.”
“It was an international transaction and he approached it in a methodical way.”

In the real estate sector, POELLATH is a “respected national law firm representing clients in real estate transactions across a number of asset classes - most notably retail, office, residential and healthcare facilities”. It has extensive experience in single-asset and portfolio transactions on both the buy and sell sides and is often active on project development mandates, including forward deals.

The team also advises on sale and leaseback transactions, as well as the conclusion of lease and asset management agreements. Its client base consists of investors, funds, private equity firms and financial institutions.

According to references, the team is distinguished by the following characteristics:

“POELLATH are always solution-oriented and efficient.”
“POELLATH offers small, efficient teams led by senior partners who run the show themselves on a day-to-day basis.”
“The team consists of very strong individuals in terms of experience and commercial mindset.”
“The lawyers are quick and smart. They not only show a strong emphasis on detail but are also able to prioritise and advise on highly complex transactions.”
“Commercial awareness is one attribute of POELLATH that we value the most. The law firm understands and is able to differentiate on which point to stay strong and on which point compromises can be accepted.”
“Matthias Durst has excellent legal and soft skills.”
“Stefan Lebek has broad knowledge and massive experience.”
“He is fast and provides very good quality.”

The firm often closely cooperates with its very reputable tax practice to assist with tax-related real estate questions. In this field, the firm is known for its handling of the taxation of M&A, real estate deals and company reorganisations for a core client base of private equity houses and real estate companies. It is noted for advising investors on the taxation of private equity and other investment funds.

The firm has additional strength in handling structural advice, succession planning and issues of international tax law for family-owned companies, as well as high net worth individuals.

Quotes from clients:

“I have been very pleased with POELLATH’s assistance.”
“The team is always responsive in a timely manner.”
“The team is fast and experienced.”
“POELLATH’s tax and legal advice always takes into account the commercial, economic and operational components.”

Dr. Michael Best receives special mention: Michael Best is well-known for advising private equity firms and investors on fund structuring and the tax aspects of domestic and international transactions. “Michael shows a high level of professionalism and very good knowledge.”