Gleiss Lutz delivers top-tier corporate services to listed companies and international corporations, with expertise in corporate governance, board advisory, capital markets, restructurings, ESG, compliance, insurance law, and commercial litigation. Its clientele operates across a variety of sectors, including automotive, agriculture, media, banking and finance, and consumer goods. Practice head Peter Steffen Carl possesses in-depth knowledge of corporate governance, capital markets compliance and group reorganisations. Michael Arnold remains the first port of call for boardroom matters, stock corporation and group law, while Adrian Bingel is rated for his handling of cross-border M&A, public takeovers, and corporate investigations. In May 2025, the team was further enhanced by the arrival of counsel Johannes Hieronymi from Sullivan & Cromwell LLP, who brings a wealth of experience in corporate governance, supervisory board matters, and corporate reorganisations.

One of Germany’s preeminent law firms for corporate law, Hengeler Mueller is regularly instructed by companies of all sizes for legal and organisational matters. Its work involves corporate structuring, reorganisations, restructurings, joint ventures, M&A, and spin-offs. Another central focus is supporting management and supervisory boards on governance, compliance, capital markets law, remuneration issues, and shareholder relations and disputes. The core team includes Maximilian Schiessl, who advises boards on corporate, M&A, and restructuring matters; Christian Wentrup, who places a strong emphasis on corporate succession and shareholder disputes; Jochen Vetter, who focuses on shareholders’ meetings, securities law, and public takeovers; and Lucina Berger, who specialises in corporate governance and compliance, as well as board and director liability matters. The partnership recently added Christian Strothotte and Theresa Lauterbach to its roster, while Joachim Rosengarten retired in December 2024.

Linklaters is at the forefront of driving transformative restructurings, reorganisations, joint ventures, public takeovers and M&A, while also advising on regulatory, corporate governance, and compliance matters. The firm is prolific across the insurance, energy, fintech, and healthcare sectors. Practice head Marco Carbonare, who also co-leads the equities team, provides expertise in IPOs, spin-offs, and corporate reorganisations. Ralph Wollburg, head of the global corporate and M&A group, advises major automotive and financial services clients on high-profile M&A and public takeover transactions. Hans-Ulrich Wilsing, acclaimed for his grasp of stock corporation and group law, frequently represents management and supervisory boards on boardroom matters, shareholder disputes, and governance issues. In October 2024, Dirk Horcher left the firm to join Baker McKenzie.

A&O Shearman is particularly well-positioned to handle major M&A transactions, while also excelling in corporate advisory work. The team is frequently instructed on corporate governance and compliance matters for management and supervisory boards, as well as reorganisations, public takeovers, and regulatory issues. Practice head Nicolaus Ascherfeld has extensive experience in corporate structuring, shareholders’ agreements, carve-outs, and corporate governance within strategic partnerships. Hans Diekmann and Dorothée Kupiek-Vas are regarded as team assets, with their combined expertise in capital markets compliance, public takeovers, AGM and shareholder meeting governance, and capital measures. The department underwent several changes in 2025, including the promotions of Michael Fink, Sebastian Remberg, and Hauke Sattler, alongside the departure of Michiel Huizinga to Jones Day and the retirement of Nils Koffka.

The practitioners at Clifford Chance manage a corporate workload that includes joint ventures, M&A, private equity, public and private takeovers, restructurings, and delistings. The practice also oversees ongoing corporate housekeeping, covering governance, compliance, board advisory, shareholder matters, corporate reorganisations, and general contractual and regulatory support. The department is co-chaired by Jörg Rhiel, who focuses on M&A, joint ventures, private equity, and corporate structuring, and Christoph Holstein, who specialises in cross-border M&A and reorganisations in the healthcare, life sciences, and chemicals sectors. Across 2024 and 2025, the practice was enhanced by the promotions of Tobias Nogami Kamerling, Annette Röhder, and Samuel Frommelt, who collectively bring expertise in M&A, takeovers, investments, joint ventures, and corporate reorganisations.

CMS’ wide-ranging corporate practice encompasses complex governance issues, group law, restructurings, joint ventures, cross-border corporate transformations, delistings, and spin-offs. Its diverse client base consists of private equity firms, government bodies, listed companies and multinational corporations across the industrial, automotive, energy, financial services, and manufacturing sectors. The team is under the leadership of Hilke Herchen, who specialises in corporate and group law, including corporate governance, joint ventures, and restructurings; Jacob Siebert, who handles investments, corporate structuring, governance, and regulatory compliance; and Kai Wallisch, an authority on global carve-outs, shareholder agreements, and structural corporate matters.

Noerr is a key contact for listed and private companies, financial investors and public sector clients seeking assistance with group reorganisations, including carve-outs, SE conversions, and cross-border mergers, public takeovers, shareholder activism, AGMs, and capital markets compliance. The corporate group, led by the quartet of Michael Brellochs, Martin Neuhaus, Gerald Reger, and Ralph Schilha, is also well-positioned to advise on restructurings, spin-offs, squeeze-outs, delistings, joint ventures, and governance matters. The team welcomed two promotions in January 2025: Silvia Sparfeld, an expert in corporate reorganisations, was promoted to counsel, while Timm Gaßner, who focuses on shareholder meetings, corporate governance, and capital markets compliance, was promoted to partner. Tobias Hueck departed the firm in April 2025 for a consultancy.

SZA Schilling, Zutt & Anschütz Rechtsanwaltsgesellschaft‘s corporate practice continues to flourish in reorganisations, cross-border M&A, governance, regulatory matters, and boardroom advisory. The team works closely with the private client and capital markets practices, enabling them to handle public takeovers and succession planning challenges, as well as shareholder and other corporate disputes. Practice head Jochem Reichert brings deep expertise in corporate and group law, complemented by his experience in arbitration and litigation. Cäcilie Lüneborg is recognised for her strengths in board advisory, corporate governance, regulatory compliance, and internal investigations. In 2024, the team welcomed Andreas Herr as a partner and notary, bringing his broad financing insight to corporate transactions. 2025 saw Maximilian Goette promoted to counsel; he advises across all corporate law areas, including company formations, governance, compliance, and disputes.

DLA Piper is capable of advising publicly listed companies, their boards, and investors on the full gamut of corporate law issues, including corporate governance, regulatory compliance, complex reorganisations, public takeovers, and related disputes. The department is led by Benjamin Parameswaran, who deals with a multitude of reorganisations, joint ventures, and corporate governance matters, and Andreas Füchsel, whose practice encompasses M&A and capital markets deals. The team recently welcomed corporate and M&A specialist Sebastian Goslar, who arrived from Linklaters in January 2025, and celebrated the promotions of Hanna Lütkens, Christoph Dachner and Till Burmeister.

Eversheds Sutherland’s corporate practice advises a roster of domestic and international clients across diverse industries, including TMT, industrials, finance, and welfare foundations. The team offers proficiency in corporate governance, stock corporation law, capital markets, restructuring, regulatory compliance, and corporate litigation. Practice head Steffen Schniepp specialises in complex corporate transactions, with a particular interest in cross-border M&A and private equity. The team welcomed Matthias Kiesewetter, well-versed in public M&A, joint ventures, and growth investments from White & Case LLP in February 2025, following David Smith, who focuses on M&A and venture capital advisory, arriving from the same firm in November 2024.

Gibson, Dunn & Crutcher LLP is frequently engaged on high-profile corporate mandates, covering corporate governance, annual general meetings, squeeze-outs, joint ventures, and shareholder matters, such as valuation and appraisal proceedings. Led by Ferdinand Fromholzer, Markus Nauheim, Dirk Oberbracht, Wilhelm Reinhardt, Sonja Ruttmann, Jan Schubert and Dennis Seifarth, the practice is also highly capable in stock corporation law, cross-border M&A, and private equity transactions. Silke Beiter is a key team member who advises on the full gamut of corporate-related issues, including shareholder meetings, corporate structuring, governance, and capital markets compliance.

Acclaimed for its corporate advisory services, Glade Michel Wirtz - Corporate & Competition advises on shareholder meetings, corporate restructuring, share buyback programs, spin-offs, and regulatory approvals. The team also represents clients in civil disputes, arbitration, and shareholder litigation. Its leadership comprises seven practitioners: Achim Glade, Marco Sustmann, Alexander Retsch, Andreas Merkner, Friedrich Schulenberg, Jan Hermes, and, as of October 2024, Jens Poll. Collectively, they bring significant experience across corporate governance, capital markets, restructuring, M&A, and joint ventures. In 2025, Philipp Elixmann and Felix Bangel were promoted to counsel, while Reinhard Romme, Annika Dippel, and Martin Gerding departed.

Heuking is a one-stop shop for corporate and capital markets matters, covering public listings, reverse IPOs, spin-offs, equity investments, capital increases, annual general meetings, and the activation of shell companies. Its clients include both publicly listed and private companies across industrial, technology, and financial services. The practice is steered by Thorsten Kuthe, who has a strong track record in M&A, capital markets, corporate compliance, and internal investigations, alongside Jörg Schewe, whose key focus areas include corporate law, M&A, private equity, and venture capital.

The practitioners at Latham & Watkins LLP boast deep proficiency in corporate and stock corporation law, regulatory compliance, and high-level board advisory work. Typical mandates for the team include assisting large corporates, financial sponsors, and institutional investors with joint ventures, carve-outs, public takeovers, delistings, restructurings, and governance matters. The practice is co-led by Heiko Gotsche, known for his strong track record in carve-outs, joint ventures, corporate governance, reorganisations, and board-level advisory, and Alexander Stefan Rieger, who is recognised for his capabilities in corporate structuring, governance, strategic investments, and regulatory issues. In October 2024, Tobias Larisch left the firm to join Kirkland & Ellis International LLP.

Luther Rechtsanwaltsgesellschaft mbH advises medium-sized businesses, large groups, and financial investors on the full spectrum of corporate law. The firm’s acumen encompasses joint ventures, private equity and venture capital investments, corporate structuring and governance, as well as reorganisations and restructurings. Acquisition financing remains a core strength of the practice, which is also continuing to build its prominence in public M&A transactions. The team is spearheaded by Stefan Galla, who specialises in international restructurings, corporate acquisitions, and joint ventures. The practice was recently bolstered by the promotion of Joachim Heinemann and the addition in London of David von Saucken in January 2025 – both advise on cross-border M&A, restructuring, and financing matters.

Clients praise Milbank for its pragmatic corporate law and capital markets compliance advice. The firm provides counsel on corporate governance, manager liability, shareholder meetings, and responses to shareholder activism and takeover situations. It also handles stock corporation law, IPOs, capital increases, stock repurchases, and take-private transactions. The department is led by the trio of Norbert Rieger, who specialises in corporate and M&A, private equity, and public takeovers; Christoph Rothenfußer, who excels in corporate advisory, reorganisations, and shareholder disputes; and Philipp Klöckner, who concentrates on capital markets, public takeovers, and general securities and corporate law.

White & Case LLP has cemented itself as a leading corporate law advisor, with expertise across M&A, capital markets, joint ventures, reorganisations, takeovers, and financings, as well as executive, shareholder, and ESG-related matters. The practice is led by Alexander Kiefner and Stefan Bressler, whose combined capabilities cover M&A, squeeze-outs, corporate governance, compliance, and complex reorganisations and restructurings. Recent team changes include the departures of Matthias Kiesewetter to Eversheds Sutherland and Sebastian Pitz to Kirkland & Ellis International LLP.

ARQIS combines deep sector knowledge in financial services, construction, healthcare, energy, and consumer goods with strong capabilities in corporate transactions, advising on acquisition financing, joint ventures, restructurings, and reorganisations. The practice is jointly led by corporate and M&A specialists Shigeo Yamaguchi and Jörn-Christian Schulze, who bring considerable experience in joint ventures, venture capital and private equity investments, and strategic corporate structuring.

Ashurst LLP is highly rated for its corporate services, particularly in M&A, private equity, and regulatory advisory. The firm supports companies on acquisitions, spin-offs, fund launches, and joint ventures, with expertise in both domestic and cross-border deals. With strong credentials in financial sector matters, Florian Drinhausen provides guidance on stock corporation and group law, corporate restructuring, governance matters, and the conduct of general meetings. The team expanded in 2025 with the addition from Freshfields of Sascha Arnold, who focuses on infrastructure mandates, Sebastian Daub, previously of Linklaters, who is oriented towards corporate, M&A, and private equity, and former Goodwin partner Florian Hirschmann, who advises on private equity, M&A and joint ventures.

Dentons guides clients through the complexities of corporate structuring, governance and compliance, shareholder disputes, and critical boardroom advice. The corporate group is led by the talented duo of Thomas Schubert, who advises on acquisitions and strategic partnerships, and Robert Weber, who oversees insolvency proceedings, capital increases, and the entry of new shareholders. The team was strengthened with the arrival of Kerstin Henrich from Ernst & Young Law in October 2024, who is immersed in corporate governance and structuring work across the renewable energy and infrastructure sectors.

Norton Rose Fulbright‘s corporate advisory portfolio includes corporate structuring, shareholder agreements, regulatory compliance, insolvency, and general corporate housekeeping. Valerian von Richthofen brings deep energy sector specialisation and experience in M&A and corporate regulatory matters, while in February 2025, Simon Weppner joined, contributing his corporate tax and M&A skillset. Recently, Sven Schweneke and Tino Duttiné departed for Taylor Wessing and Ashurst LLP respectively. Michael Prüßner departed the firm for Orrick, Herrington & Sutcliffe LLP in December 2025.

Oppenländer Rechtsanwälte holds a well-established position in corporate law, with a proven track record across sectors such as energy, healthcare, technology, transport, and industrials. The practice advises national and international corporations, private equity funds, and publicly controlled entities on a broad range of matters, including M&A, corporate governance, regulatory compliance, shareholder disputes, contracts, and restructuring. Department lead Thomas Trölitzsch manages a diverse caseload covering corporate finance, M&A, and company succession. In December 2024, Thomas Kreuz left the firm to join Heuking, while in 2025, Arthur Eichmann was promoted to partner.

Corporate law is the cornerstone of orka’s practice, with the firm well-positioned to advise on restructurings and reorganisations, complex M&A, joint ventures, corporate governance, shareholder rights, and disputes. The group is led by a versatile quartet of Boris Körner (M&A, financing, and corporate transactions), Christian Meyer (corporate compliance issues), Kai-Michael König (directors’ and officers’ liability and distribution law) and Marc Henze (M&A and corporate restructurings). In April 2025, Robert Orth founded the law firm ORTHPARTNERS Rechtsanwaltsgesellschaft mbH & Co. KG with other partners.

Operating at the intersection of commercial and corporate law, Pinsent Masons Rechtsanwälte Steuerberater Solicitors Partnerschaft mbB assists clients with market entry, governance structures, M&A, corporate compliance, contracts, restructuring, and corporate finance. The group is under the leadership of Ronald Meißner, who is highly regarded for his work on M&A, joint ventures, restructurings, reorganisations and general corporate law mandates. Rainer Kreifels departed the firm in June 2024.

Drawing on Taylor Wessing’s international platform, the corporate team regularly assists with corporate governance, restructurings, reorganisations, M&A, and strategic partnerships. The firm is also competent in adjacent areas such as capital markets, private equity, venture capital, competition, and tax. Department head Christian Traichel, appointed in October 2024, counsels German and international clients on corporate, M&A, and restructuring transactions. Klaus Grossmann, who now serves as head of industrials, continues to advise on cross-border M&A and joint ventures, while Philip Cavaillès is instrumental in acquisitions and disposals, financing rounds, reorganisations, and carve-outs.

avocado rechtsanwälte, well-versed in corporate law, contract law, and governance, advises clients across the private equity, technology, healthcare, and real estate sectors. The corporate team supports clients on M&A transactions, restructurings, joint ventures, corporate housekeeping, and regulatory compliance. Christian Berger, head of the practice, provides guidance on all aspects of corporate and commercial law, with a particular focus on company reorganisations. Andrea C. Ziegler, who joined the practice as counsel in 2024, contributes her extensive experience in M&A, restructuring, and joint ventures.

Bird & Bird LLP delivers business-focused corporate advice to multinational corporations, technology companies, and financial institutions. Its services include company formation, governance, compliance, M&A, restructuring, and ongoing corporate advisory. Practice head Stefanie Orttmann continues to be a key contact for M&A, venture capital investments, and reorganisations. The team recently strengthened its capabilities with corporate and M&A specialist Sebastian Weller, formerly of ADVANT Beiten, and M&A, private equity, and joint venture expert Sandra Schuh, previously at Pinsent Masons Rechtsanwälte Steuerberater Solicitors Partnerschaft mbB, while Peter Veranneman retired in May 2025.

Brandi Rechtsanwälte stands out for its strength in ongoing corporate housekeeping for healthcare institutions and investment entities, among others. The practice also advises on reorganisations, carve-outs, stock corporation law, and M&A transactions. Practice head Carsten Christophery is a recognised reference in the corporate law market, particularly for company law matters, M&A, and related tax issues.

Deloitte Legal Rechtsanwaltsgesellschaft mbH draws on its tax, financial, and competition know-how to provide all-encompassing advice on M&A, carve-outs, group reorganisations, joint ventures, restructuring, and corporate governance matters. The department is co-headed by Julia Petersen, who leads on M&A, corporate restructurings, and shareholder conflicts, and Volker Schulenburg, who advises on carve-outs, mergers, capital measures, and inter-company agreements. Recent team expansions include the August 2024 recruitment of Christof Bremer, previously at DWF Germany Rechtsanwaltsgesellschaft mbH, and the promotions of Klaus Pilz, Marc Oliver Stock, and Nikolaus Malottke.

Fieldfisher's full-spectrum corporate practice advises on joint venture formation, annual general meetings, and governance matters. The team assists major financial services, investment, retail, entertainment, and tech clients. Jan Hartmann, who heads the department, specialises in cross-border M&A, private equity, restructuring, and corporate disputes across the technology, healthcare, and automotive sectors.

Renowned for its strengths in corporate and regulatory advisory, Flick Gocke Schaumburg conducts high-value transactions for leading financial and insurance clients. This work includes M&A, corporate governance, restructuring, and supervisory board consulting. Practice heads Christoph Bode and Matthias Merkelbach cover the full gamut of corporate law matters, including compliance and governance, capital markets, complex structural measures, and corporate litigation. Stefan Thilo exited the firm in January 2025 for RSM Ebner Stolz.

Friedrich Graf von Westphalen & Partner is acknowledged for its corporate housekeeping services, helping clients remain compliant and well-positioned for growth. The firm’s transactional and advisory expertise further encompasses corporate structuring and formation, reorganisations, restructurings, capital increases, and share acquisitions. Under the leadership of Arnt Göppert, Annette Bödeker, Albert Schroeder, Hendrik Thies, and Alexander Hartmann, the team also advises clients on general and shareholders’ meetings, compliance audits, and related corporate governance matters. Detlef Koch joined from ADVANT Beiten in January 2026.

Gowling WLG regularly advises on post-M&A issues, shareholder rights, annual general meetings, and directors’ and officers’ duties. Under the leadership of Lars-Gerrit Lüßmann and Andreas Woelfle, the team is highly experienced in cross-border restructurings, joint ventures, and share sales for both private owners and listed companies. In addition to transactional work, the practice is regularly engaged in shareholder disputes, appraisal proceedings, and auditor liability cases.

Focused on driving clients’ growth and international expansions, Greenberg Traurig Germany assists institutional investors, real estate companies, and proptech firms with a plethora of corporate matters, including corporate structuring, shareholders’ agreements, governance, capital increases, financing rounds, and strategic investments. The practice is co-chaired by managing shareholder Peter Schorling, who advises on M&A, corporate restructurings and insolvencies, and Henrik Armah, who focuses on M&A and joint ventures. Cross-border M&A is also an area of expertise for Oliver Markmann, who oversees buyouts, minority investments, and joint ventures. The team recently added M&A and private equity advisors Stephan Rau and Björn Biehl to its roster.

Both public and private companies regularly turn to GSK Stockmann for guidance on high-stakes corporate decisions pertaining to M&A, joint ventures, restructurings, general corporate governance, and disputes. The team is co-led by Max Wilmanns, who typically acts in M&A, private equity, and venture capital transactions, and Jennifer Bierly, who is active across M&A, joint ventures, capital markets compliance, corporate structuring and corporate housekeeping. In 2025, Chara Papagiannidi and Hawa Mahamoud joined the team as counsel, while Alexander Thomas, Tobias Valentin Abersfelder, and Katharina Schiffmann left the firm.

GÖRG Partnerschaft von Rechtsanwälten mbB provides comprehensive corporate law advice across various areas, including corporate housekeeping, governance, group restructuring, joint ventures, and compliance management. The practice is led by Bernt Paudtke, who focuses on M&A, equity financing, general meetings, and takeover offers, and Tobias Fenck, who advises on M&A, joint ventures, restructurings, and ongoing corporate law matters. Recent team changes include the promotions of Markus Beyer and Ruth Büchl-Winter, and Kristin Vogt-Schories joining as counsel from Oppenhoff.

Heussen Rechtsanwaltsgesellschaft mbH advises portfolio holders, HNWIs, family offices and companies on corporate law, governance, succession planning and asset management. The firm also handles M&A, joint ventures, restructuring, and shareholder and board matters. Practice head Christof Schmidt advises across the areas of corporate and tax law.

Kapellmann und Partner navigates clients through corporate structuring, joint ventures, and shareholder disputes, as well as post-M&A litigation, restructurings, and insolvency-related matters. The firm also offers counsel on stock corporation law, directors’ and officers’ duties, and the conduct of AGMs. The group is chaired by Christoph Carstens, skilled in M&A, corporate governance, and compliance, and Antonius Ewers, who counts corporate acquisitions and restructurings as his main areas of focus.

Mayer Brown LLP's practice is anchored in M&A, private equity, and general corporate advisory, encompassing corporate governance, restructurings, joint ventures, spin-offs, and commercial contracts. The team also advises on shareholder matters, board responsibilities, and directors’ and officers’ liability. Practice head Ulrike Binder brings experience across a wide spectrum of corporate law, including stock corporation law, public takeovers, general meetings, and governance matters. In June 2025, corporate and M&A specialist Octávio de Sousa joined the practice from Reed Smith.

Clients benefit from McDermott Will & Schulte’s hands-on approach to M&A, equity investments, share buybacks, joint ventures, and corporate restructurings. The firm offers advisory services across multiple sectors, such as technology, fintech, biopharma, sports, and manufacturing. Philipp Grenzebach, head of the German corporate practice, provides counsel on all aspects of corporate law and M&A, including public takeovers, reorganisations, corporate governance, and capital markets compliance.

Oppenhoff supports corporations in operating efficiently while navigating complex capital market and corporate regulations. The firm also offers guidance on stock corporation law, articles of association, succession planning, and foundation governance, as well as in financing, restructurings, and reorganisations. The practice is headed by Günter Seulen, a strategic advisor in German stock corporation law, directors’ and officers’ liability, compliance, and joint ventures, while Till Liebau excels in M&A, private equity transactions, cross-border investments, and group structuring.

POELLATH primarily advises supervisory boards, shareholders, and executive management of major German and international companies. The practice adeptly handles corporate governance, extraordinary general meetings, restructurings, and corporate disputes, while also overseeing SE conversions, mergers, and carve-outs. Practice head Eva Nase advises on the full array of corporate and capital markets law, including stock corporation law, industrial group law, capital markets regulation, takeovers, and corporate litigation. Michael Andreas Haase joined the team as counsel in June 2025.

Rittershaus provides end-to-end solutions across all areas of corporate law, including restructurings, market entries, joint ventures, reorganisations, spin-offs, insolvency matters, and AGM support. The department is led by a highly knowledgeable trio of Martin Bürmann, who advises on corporate and supply chain compliance, Patrick Certa, who is active in reorganisations, restructurings, shareholder meetings, and corporate governance, and Daniel Berg, a port of call for M&A, corporate financing, and litigation.