Ashurst LLP > Frankfurt, Germany > Firm Profile

Ashurst LLP > The Legal 500 Rankings

Capital markets > Structured finance and securitisation

Ashurst LLP's range of advice reflects the individual focus of practice heads Tobias Krug and Martin Kaiser; Krug often handles hybrid and convertible bonds as well as securitised and OTC derivatives and banking regulatory issues, while Kaiser, as head of the European securitisation team, frequently assists with matters related to the true sale securitisation of loan, lease and trade receivables. Most recently, these have mostly been car loans. Kaiser also handles German and European regulatory issues related to securitisation.

Industry focus > Artificial Intelligence Tier 3

Ashurst LLP offers longstanding expertise in regulatory, data protection, copyright and liability issues pertaining to AI and is regularly instructed by clients from the financial, insurance and automotive sectors on autonomous driving, aspects of the AI ​​Act and AI use in software development. Practice head Alexander Duisberg is renowned for his expertise across the entire spectrum of IT and data protection law.

Industry focus > Telecoms Tier 3

Ashurst LLP fields a renowned financing practice and is routinely instructed by banks, financial institutions and asset managers, which the team advises on fibre optic expansion and data center projects. The firm also has an experienced M&A team, where practice head Stephan Hennrich is a key contact; the latter is well versed in digitisation matters, such as passive mobile communications infrastructure. The team strengthened its IP law expertise with the arrival of Roman Brtka, who joined from Bird & Bird LLP in May 2024.

Banking and finance > Lending and borrowing Tier 3

Ashurst LLP advises a loyal client roster consisting of German and international financial institutions and private debt funds and increasingly acts on behalf of private equity sponsors in connection with acquisition financing. The practice is well versed in expansion matters and refinancing and advises various lenders on restructuring issues and corporate takeover financing. The team is led by Anne Grewlich, who specialises in cross-border leveraged buyouts, and also regularly handles complex transactions with unitranche, mezzanine and high-yield structures.

Banking and finance > Real estate finance Tier 3

Ashurst LLP supports national and international banks, debt funds, asset managers, insurance companies and project companies in refinancing, restructuring and insolvency-related issues as well as acquisition financing. The team is well versed in restructuring in connection with project developments and regularly advises across the residential, commercial, office, logistics and hotel asset classes. Here, practice head Filip Kurkowski frequently takes the lead; Kurkowski's focus corresponds with the team-wide competencies. He is supported by Derk Opitz, who covers asset and real estate financing, and counsel Alexander Vorndran (project financing).

Real estate and construction > Real estate Tier 3

Ashurst LLP's real estate practice has recently been focusing on asset management and real estate finance issues, including the refinancing of projects, as well as insolvency and restructuring-related situations and sustainability measures. Practice head Liane Muschter, who also advises regulated funds on portfolio transactions and project developments, is one of the key contacts for financing structures. Nicolas Deuerling (real estate and property law; asset deals and share deals) joined Gowling WLG at the end of 2024.

Banking and finance > Investment funds Tier 4

Capital markets > Equity capital markets Tier 4

Corporate and M&A > Corporate Tier 4

In addition to leading German companies, Ashurst LLP advises banks and financial services providers on changes of legal form, including SE conversions, shareholding acquisitions and board issues. When former practice head Benedikt von Schorlemer (M&A, PE and joint ventures) joined McDermott Will & Emery Rechtsanwälte Steuerberater LLP in April 2024, Florian Drinhausen took over the practice lead; he covers the entire spectrum of corporate issues and frequently advises listed companies and financial sector players. In March 2024, the team was strengthened by the arrival of Stefan Bruder (Public M&A, Private M&A) from Clifford Chance and Marina Arntzen (ESG, transactions) from Norton Rose Fulbright.

Restructuring and insolvency > Restructuring Tier 4

Capital markets > Debt capital markets Tier 5

Ashurst LLP's Global Markets practice particularly offers banks a wide range of expertise in ​​structured finance, including regulatory experience. Most recently, the practice advised on basic and registered bond programs as well as on the refinancing of bonds. The team is led by Tobias Krug (structured finance and banking regulatory law) and Martin Kaiser (securitisation).

Corporate and M&A > M&A Tier 5

Dispute resolution > Arbitration (including international arbitration) Tier 5

Ashurst LLP represents clients in domestic and international commercial arbitration proceedings and conducts proceedings under arbitration rules of all major arbitration institutions. Since May 2024, the global international arbitration practice group has been headed by Arne Fuchs, an experienced arbitrator and party representative with particular expertise in complex international disputes. Fuchs also heads the German arbitration practice together with Nicolas Nohlen, who regularly handles complex litigation before state courts, arbitration proceedings and out-of-court dispute resolution.

Information technology > Data protection Tier 5

Ashurst LLP is well versed in advising on data-driven business models and service offerings. Further mainstays include the support in current legislation matters and international data transfers. Andreas Mauroschat heads the data protection practice, which acts integrated into the firm's Digital Economy Group led by Alexander Duisberg (IT and data law). Roman Brtka (IP law) joined the group from Bird & Bird LLP in May 2024.

Private equity > Transactions Tier 5

Ashurst LLP focuses on supporting strategic investors in traditional PE transactions across the mid-cap segment, including equity investments, debt funds, distressed M&A and minority investments. Florian Drinhausen took over the management of the German corporate practice following the departure of Benedikt von Schorlemer (cross-border transactions in the renewable energy and infrastructure sectors) to McDermott Will & Emery Rechtsanwälte Steuerberater LLP in April 2024.

Information technology > Information technology and digitalisation