Watson Farley & Williams LLP > Frankfurt, Germany > Firm Profile
Watson Farley & Williams LLP Offices
ULMENSTRASSE 37-39
60325 FRANKFURT AM MAIN
Germany
Watson Farley & Williams LLP > The Legal 500 Rankings
Industry focus > Energy
Watson Farley & Williams LLP impresses with its expertise in transactions and related regulatory issues. The advice focuses on the offshore wind sector, but also covers LNG, hydrogen, waste-to-energy and geothermal energy projects. Malte Jordan regularly takes the lead here; he advises on M&A transactions and corporate restructuring and is regularly instructed by investors, project developers and banks on financing and investment matters. Jordan jointly heads the team with Thomas Hollenhorst, who has banking and capital markets expertise and routinely advises on the financing structuring of energy and infrastructure projects. Regulatory issues are covered by Thorsten Volz (also M&A) frequently advises on regulatory matters pertaining to power plant projects and grid infrastructure as well as renewable energies, emissions trading and joint ventures.Practice head(s):
Malte Jordan; Thomas Hollenhorst
Other key lawyers:
Marcus Bechtel; Thorsten Volz; Christian Bauer; Felix Siebler; Sven Fretthold; Carolin Woggon; Wolfram Böge; Riko Vanezis
Testimonials
‘Above average level of commitment, strong team and proactive management of problems and challenges.’
‘Marcus Bechtel is characterized – of course in addition to his excellent expertise – by his calm and mediating manner. He recognizes and points out problems early on and also suggests proactive solutions for them.’
‘Completion of all tasks in a timely manner, even under time pressure.’
Key clients
CIP
DIF
BayWa
BayWa re.
CommerzReal
Deutsche Bank
Deutsche Erdwärme
EDF
EnBW
Encavis AG
enercity Erneuerbare GmbH
Enervie Group
EWE
Goldman Sachs International
GP Joule
Greencoat Renewables PLC
HCOB
HKZ Investor Holding B.V.
Höegh LNG AS
ING Bank
KfW-IPEX
Macquarie
Marguerite
MEC Energy GmbH
Nextwind Management GmbH
NIBC Bank N.V.
NORD/LB
NWG Charging GmbH
Orsted
PNE Group
RWE Supply & Trading
Thüga Erneuerbare Energien GmbH & Co. KG
Unicredit
Work highlights
- Advising Goldman Sachs as arranger on the €400 million financing of the acquisition of 49% shares in the Wikinger offshore wind farm from Iberdrola by Energy Infrastructure Partners.
- Advising a consortium of international banks on the financing of BASF’s investment in the Hollandse Kust Zuid offshore wind farm, which comprises 140 wind turbines and has a total output of approximately 1.5 GW.
- Legal and tax advice to enercity Erneuerbare GmbH, a subsidiary of enercity AG, on the acquisition of the Horizon wind farm portfolio, which includes 60 onshore wind farms with 166 wind turbines and a total output of 365MW, from the owners of the Norderland Group.
Transport > Maritime and shipping
Watson Farley & Williams LLP focuses on transactions and financing and advises shipowners, lenders and cruise operators on ship and container financing and leasing structures as well as shipbuilding contracts. A key contact here is practice head Christian Finnern, who assists with shipbuilding and sales as well as matters pertaining to flag flying and the registration of ships; he also supports insolvency proceedings in the maritime sector. The financing expert Clemens Hillmer is well versed in leasing contracts and restructuring.Practice head(s):
Christian Finnern
Other key lawyers:
Testimonials
‘Long-term, excellent client support at the highest level.’
‘Very easy to contact, quick response times, consistently good quality.’
‘Clemens Hillmer is a very pleasant personality who usually comes up with very pragmatic ideas.’
‘WFW offers excellent knowledge and many years of experience in the area of ​​financing. Due to its positioning as a globally represented law firm and its many years of experience, the law firm is often able to offer quick, one-stop solutions in international cases.’
‘Clemens Hillmer is characterized by high flexibility and competence. He finds practical solutions even in difficult situations and negotiations.’
‘Very experienced team.’
Key clients
MPC Capital Group
MPC Container Ships ASA
Hurtigruten Group
TUI Cruises
HCOB
HSH Portfoliomanagement AöR
Berenberg Bank
Eurazeo Investment Manager – EIM
Work highlights
- Advising MPC Capital Group on the contract to build four ultra-modern, environmentally friendly 5,500 TEU container ships awarded to the South Korean shipyard HJ Shipbuilding and Construction.
- Advising HSH portfoliomanagement AöR on the due diligence relating to the sale of some ships, which are part of the client’s remaining ship loan portfolio, to a bidding consortium consisting of Bank of America and Davidson Kempner Capital Management LP.
- Advised Hamburg Commercial Bank on a new $180 million banking facility provided to an intermediary holding company by MPC Container Ships ASA.
Banking and finance > Project finance Tier 3
Watson Farley & Williams LLP's traditional strength is the financing support for onshore and offshore wind projects, where the team and co-practice leader Thomas Hollenhorst assist national and international companies, banks and investors, with ECA and general trade financing as well as acquisition financing. This is complemented by expertise in the asset finance area, which is headed by co-head Clemens Hillmer. The focus here is on advising shipping companies and shipyards on ship and container financing, while interfacing matters pertaining to shipping and energy are also covered; this was recently demonstrated in advising on the refinancing of floating storage and regasification units and the financing of the construction of a liquefied gas investor.Practice head(s):
Thomas Hollenhorst; Clemens Hillmer
Other key lawyers:
Stefan Kilgus;Â Florian Kutzbach;Â Sven Fretthold;Â Riko Vanezis
Testimonials
‘Service was prompt and timely with good problem solving and guidance.’
‘Florian Kutzbach is a very good advisor in the area of ​​project financing, for example structured loans, refinancing and restructuring.’
‘Their combination of solid legal expertise, strong industry knowledge and down-to-earth mentality makes them our preferred law firm for any project financing.’
‘Working with Sven Fretthold is great. He is responsive, very knowledgeable, reliable and solution-oriented.’
‘Long-term, excellent client support at the highest level.’
‘Very easy to reach, quick response times, consistently good quality.’
Key clients
ABN Amro
Bayern/LB
Commerzbank
Deutsche Bank
Ellomay
Encavis
Goldman Sachs
Hamburg Commercial Bank
Investec Bank Limited
JA Mitsui Leasing, Ltd.
Joh. Berenberg, Gossler & Co. KG
Nord/LB
UniCredit
Warburg Bank
Work highlights
- Advising a consortium of international banks on the financing of BASF’s investment in the Hollandse Kust Zuid offshore wind farm.
- Advising Deutsche Bank AG as mandated lead arranger and lender, as well as a large consortium of lenders, on the refinancing of an existing $250 million loan facility for the 470 MW Karadeniz Powership Osman Khan through a senior secured repayment loan.
- Advising Höegh LNG Ltd on the $685 million refinancing of the Höegh Esperanza and Höegh Gannet floating storage and regasification units, which will serve Germany’s new floating LNG unloading station at the North Sea ports of Wilhelmshaven and Brunsbüttel.
Public sector > Public procurement Tier 4
Watson Farley & Williams LLP has recently attracted numerous new instructions, particularly in the healthcare and transport sectors, and impresses with comprehensive procurement and antitrust expertise as well as PPP knowledge. On both the contracting authorities and bidder side, the team regularly acts in award and negotiation proceedings for public transport expansion, the digitalisation of the health system and for various energy and broadband projects. Practice head Felix Siebler not only advises on the implementation of procurement proceedings, but also on the structuring of internal procurement systems. With the arrival of counsel Norbert Schleper (previously at Waldeck Rechtsanwälte PartmbB) in July 2022, the team gained a contract law expert.Practice head(s):
Felix Siebler
Other key lawyers:
Testimonials
‘Uncomplicated, quick help, available at any time, top know-how.’
‘Complete service concept.’
Key clients
Abellio Transport Holding B.V.
Alstom Transport Germany
Autobahn GmbH des Bundes
Bayerisches Staatsministerium für Wohnen, Bau und Verkehr
GP Joule GmbH
Eurofiber Germany GmbH
HJS Emission Technology GmbH & Co. KG
Kliniken Südostbayern AG
Klinik Kompetenz Bayern eG
Klinikum Landkreis Erding
Klinikum Passau
Laber-Naab Infrastruktur GmbH
LANCOM Systems GmbH
Naturwärme Kirchweidach-Haslach GmbH
NS Groep N.V.
STATKRAFT
Vodafone GmbH
Work highlights
- Advising Klinik-Kompetenz-Bayern eG and Bavarian Hospital Society eV on the conception and implementation of a Europe-wide tender process for an IT bundle framework agreement for the introduction of a patient portal and data center operation using funding.
- Advising the Bavarian State Ministry of Housing, Construction and Transport on the conception and implementation of a Europe-wide tender for a master agreement for employee bicycle leasing for more than 300,000 employees of the Free State of Bavaria, Bavarian University Hospitals and Bavarian State Forests.
- Representation of the Federal Autobahn GmbH in review and appeal proceedings before the 2nd Federal Public Procurement Chamber and the Düsseldorf Higher Regional Court due to the rollout of fast-charging infrastructure at managed rest areas in accordance with the Fast-Charging Act.
Real estate and construction > Construction (including construction litigation) Tier 4
Watson Farley & Williams LLP focuses on construction law advice in the energy and infrastructure sectors as well as plant construction. Christian Bauer is a key contact person here, which was recently demonstrated in the advice on geothermal energy and motorway projects. He also has expertise in construction law in the area of ​​deep drilling contracts. He jointly heads the practice with Philipp Kärcher, who is well versed in ​​infrastructure-related litigation. The team assists investors, project developers and public sector clients.Practice head(s):
Christian Bauer; Philipp Kärcher
Key clients
Aachener Grundvermögen Kapitalverwaltungsgesellschaft mbH
Deutsche ErdWärme GmbH
Die Autobahn GmbH des Bundes – Niederlassung Nordwest
Die Autobahn GmbH des Bundes – Zentrale
Die Autobahn GmbH des Bundes, Aussenstelle Heilbronn
H. Angers Söhne Brunnenbohrgesellschaft
Kirchweidach Energie GmbH
Eavor Erdwärme Geretsried GmbH
Work highlights
- Advising the Autobahn GmbH des Bundes – Nordwest branch on the project implementation of the PPP project A7 AS Bockenem AS Göttingen with a project volume of more than €1 billion.
- Advising Eavor Erdwärme Geretsried GmbH on the drafting of drilling contracts for drilling work worth more than €180 million as well as advice on drilling site construction, power plant construction, supply contracts and supplementary defense for the Geretsried deep geothermal energy project.
- Supporting HOCHTIEF Infrastructure GmbH in the lawsuit before the LG Mannheim against the city of Mannheim regarding the payment of wages in connection with the new construction of the Mannheim fire station.
Transport > Advice to the transport sector Tier 4
Watson Farley & Williams LLP demonstrates particular strength in ship financing and also advises on financing transactions in the rail and aviation sectors. Head of Germany Christian Finnern heads the group and is well versed in financing, construction matters as well as ship registration and management. Clemens Hillmer, head of the German assets and structured finance team, is another key contact for financing in the transport sector.Practice head(s):
Christian Finnern
Other key lawyers:
Testimonials
‘Long-term, excellent client support at the highest level.’
‘Very easy to reach, quick response times, consistently good quality.’
Key clients
MPC Capital Group
MPC Container Ships ASA
Hurtigruten Group
TUI Cruises
HCOB
HSH Portfoliomanagement AöR
Eurazeo Investment Manager – EIM
GP JOULE Hydrogen GmbH
KfW IPEX-Bank GmbH
Work highlights
- Advising a consortium of lenders and bondholders led by KfW IPEX-Bank GmbH on a €1.07 billion financing for Railpool.
- Advising MPC Capital Group on a contract to build four state-of-the-art, environmentally friendly 5,500 TEU container ships awarded to South Korean shipyard Hanjin Heavy Industries and Construction Group, now known as HJ Shipbuilding and Construction.
- Advising HSH Portfoliomanagement AöR on the due diligence for the sale of some ships, which are part of the client’s remaining ship loan portfolio, to a bidding consortium consisting of Bank of America and Davidson Kempner Capital Management LP.
Corporate and M&A > M&A Tier 5
Watson Farley & Williams LLP's client roster includes private equity funds, investors, banks as well as municipalities and German companies, most of which stem from the transport and energy sectors, and advises them on joint ventures and mid-cap cross-border transactions. Christian Finnern has led the M&A practice since May 2022 and has particular expertise in joint ventures, investments and M&A transactions in the maritime sector. Marcus Bechtel acts for companies from the energy, infrastructure and real estate industries as well as private equity investors in joint ventures and M&A deals, while Dirk Janssen focuses on leveraged buyouts and cross-border deals.Practice head(s):
Christian Finnern
Other key lawyers:
Testimonials
‘Marcus Bechtel is characterised – of course in addition to his excellent expertise – by his calm and mediating manner. He recognises problems very early, not only names them, but also provides proactive solutions for many problems at hand.’
‘Above average level of commitment, team strength and proactive management of problems and challenges.’
Key clients
NeXtwind Management GmbH
Alpina Capital
Aukera B.V.
Aventron AG
BayWa AG
Boards & More Group
Commerz Real
CL GmbH (former CrossLink GmbH)
enercity Erneuerbare GmbH
Enervie Group
FFW Group
Findos Investor GmbH
Fire Holding GmbH
Germanedge
HQ Equita GmbH
R+R Heming
Peter Möhrle Holding, GP Capital UG
Tentamus
Work highlights
- Comprehensive legal and tax advice to enercity Erneuerbare GmbH, a subsidiary of enercity AG, on the acquisition of the Horizon wind farm portfolio from owners of Norderland Group.
- Advising an international consortium consisting of Commerz Real, Ingka Investments and KGAL on the joint (indirect) acquisition of 20% of shares in the 402MW Veja Mate offshore wind farm from Siemens Financial Services.
- Advising the founders of energy service provider NWG Power on their e-charging joint venture with Shell Recharge Solutions.
Germany > Employment Tier 5
Watson Farley & Williams LLP's employment team focuses on restructuring and reorganisation advice and therefore routinely assists with staff reduction measures, negotiations on interest and social plan agreements, the introduction of new group structures and associated works council structure adjustments; Andreas Wiegreffe and practice head Nikolaus Krienke usually lead here. Expertise in the representation before conciliation bodies complements its service offering. Philipp Byers (compliance, employee data protection) joined Dentons in May 2023.Practice head(s):
Other key lawyers:
Testimonials
‘Well coordinated and committed partner-led teams with particular expertise in the areas of restructuring and works constitution law.’
‘WFW provides a clear perspective and prospect of success for all issues or proceedings from the outset, which has always been correct or, through good litigation, has sometimes led to significantly better results than the facts of the case actually permitted.’
‘In my opinion, there are no weaknesses in the firm at all, but WFW does an excellent job in all necessary areas. This is always tailored to the customer’s wishes and the price-performance ratio is right. Even as a smaller customer you feel very well taken care of; WFW is always available.’
‘Nikolaus Krienke: Extremely competent and committed, very experienced and talented in all kinds of negotiations, understands the client’s position very well and finds practical solutions even in seemingly hopeless situations.’
‘Andeas Wiegreffe: High level of expertise paired with pragmatic solutions. Very well connected and able to convey complex issues to different groups of recipients in a clear and comprehensible manner. Important stylistic tool in works council negotiations.’
‘Offer extremely practical suggestions and negotiation preparations that never contain a theoretical legal perspective, but are always goal-oriented and therefore lead to very good results, especially in difficult negotiations. Particular mention should be made here of negotiations with the works council, on company agreements and negotiations with the unions, which have led to good results despite very hardened fronts.’
‘Practical team with in-depth specialist knowledge and a positive work attitude throughout the entire collaboration. Always respond to customer and market needs.’
‘Very reliable, supportive team that always acts in a friendly manner and at eye level. The team is super professional, but always focused on pragmatic solutions that make sense for the client. Fast response times, great support and good solutions.’
Key clients
ADAC Gruppe
Akro Plastic GmbH
Ambient Solution GmbH
ABERLAND Kliniken
Audi AG
Biesterfeld Gruppe
BayWa r.e.
BioNTech SE und Tochtergesellschaften
BNP Paribas S.A.
Becker & Aliyeva Partnerschaft SPFH
Belimed GmbH
Bentley Motors Ltd.
Bilacon GmbH
Bracco Imaging GmbH
Capgemini Deutschland GmbH
CCC Germany GmbH
Columbia Shipmanagement GmbH
Covivio Immobilien GmbH
DooYano GmbH
ENERVIE – Südwestfalen Energie und Wasser AG
econnext GmbH & Co. KG
Elbe-Werkstätten GmbH
Ellecom GmbH
Empolis Information Management GmbH
e-shelter security GmbH
Evos Hamburg GmbH
EDF Renewables Deutschland Gruppe
Fujitsu Technology Solutions GmbH und weitere Fujitsu Tochtergesellschaften in Deutschland wie Fujitsu Services GmbH und Fujitsu TDS GmbH
FOCUS for FAMILY e.V.
Fissler GmbH
FDW Ventures GmbH
Frasers Hospitality Germany GmbH
Fuji Europe GmbH
Gefasoft Beteiligungs GmbH
GFT Technologies SE
Gems Sensors Inc.
GenoTec GmbH
Global Maritime Deutschland GmbH
Grabarz & Partner Gruppe
HR Group GmbH & Co. KG
HausVorteil GmbH
Hoegh LNG AS
HGH Hotelgesellschaft mbH
HR Group GmbH & Co. KG
Inreal Technologies GmbH
Investa Holding GmbH
IK Umwelt Gruppe
K.D. Feddersen Hol-ding + KD. Feddersen GmbH & Co. KG
Kienbaum Consultants International GmbH
Kleffmann Digital RS GmbH
Liacon GmbH
LPA Lucht Probst Associates GmbH
Lego GmbH
MAHAG Automobilhandel und Service GmbH & Co. oHG
Macquarie Gruppe
Manpower Gruppe
Mediaopt GmbH
Markert Filtration GmbH
MECo Bau GmbH
MES solutions Verwaltungs GmbH
MSC GERMANY S.A. & CO. KG
München Klinik gGmbH
NTT Germany AG & Co. KG
NTT Global Data Centers GmbH (vormals e-shelter facility Germany)
MSC GERMANY S.A. & CO. KG
Neef + Stumme GmbH
Oceanbulk Maritime Deutschland GmbH
Otto Markert & Sohn GmbH
Patrizia AG
Provinzial Holding AG sowie sämtliche Konzerntochtergesellschaften
Protofy GmbH
Skyborn Renewables offshore solutions GmbH
PSD Bank Nord eG
Sparda Bank München
Autobahn Tank & Rast Gruppe
QDA SOLUTIONS GmbH
Quality Services GmbH
Reafina AG
Real I.S. AG Gesellschaft
Rechtsanwälte Banff & Graf Egloffstein PartmbB
Reederei Thomas Schulte GmbH & Co. KG
Reliable Fire Sprin-kler GmbH
Rheinmetall Electro-nics GmbH
Royal Caribbean Cruises Limited
SAF-Holland SE
Sandbox Interactive GmbH
Schaltbau Holding GmbH
Sportfive Germany GmbH (früher Lagardère Sports Germany GmbH)
Stabilus GmbH
Stadt Oldenburg
Stadtsalat GmbH
Tentamus Group GmbH
Tektronix Inc.
TITAN Wind Energy GmbH
TUI Cruises GmbH
UniCredit Bank AG
United Planet GmbH
Vonovia SE
VEACT GmbH
Vesta GmbH
VGRD GmbH
Viking River Cruises AG
VR-SMART FINANZ AG
WindMW GmbH
Yaskawa Europe GmbH
ZITON A/S
Work highlights
- Advising and managing all employment law negotiations for the integration of Deutsche Wohnen SE Group into the Vonovia SE Group, including negotiations with various employee committees, implementation of the integration and job cuts.
- Advising Fujitsu Technology Solutions GmbH on restructuring and reorganisation; including the creation of a completely new works council structure, the transfer of employees within the group and the negotiation of new works agreements.
- Advising Orsted Services A/S on collective bargaining with IG Metall; IG Metall called for a recognition collective agreement with regard to the association collective agreements as well as the negotiation and conclusion of a special offshore collective agreement; Supervision of the current negotiation of a company collective agreement.
Industry focus > Telecoms
Watson Farley & Williams LLP > Firm Profile
Dedicated to client care, industry focus and investment in our people
We are a sector specialist international law firm in the Energy, Infrastructure and Transport sectors advising on complex transactions and disputes through local knowledge and an integrated international network.
Our business exists to help our clients achieve their goals, partnering with them to meet the challenges they face today and will face tomorrow.
Our values rest on developing deep and long-lasting relationships externally and internally through respect, sharing, communication and integrity.
We strive for excellence in all that we do and view investment in our people as key to achieving our business goals and values.
Our teams are integrated across legal disciplines and offices delivering consistently high levels of service locally and in combination across borders.
History: Sector focus has been at the heart of our strategy since we opened for business in 1982. Having started life as an asset finance boutique focussing on the maritime and aviation industries, our transport focus quickly expanded to other supply-chain led industries, most notably, renewable and conventional energy and infrastructure across these industries.
Through our offices around the world, we provide a full suite of services within our core sectors enabling us to deliver exceptional value to our clients.
Facts
- Founded 1982
- 200+ partners
- 700+ lawyers
- 19 offices
Senior Partner:Â George Paleokrassas
Managing Partner:Â Lindsey Keeble
Key Contacts
Aviation: Jim Bell, Charles Viggers
Energy:Â Malte Jordan, Henry Stewart
Infrastructure: Florian Kutzbach, Jose Maria Anarte
Maritime:Â George Macheras
Mining & Commodities: Sumeet Malhotra, Jan Mellmann
Oil & Gas: Chris Kilburn
Lawyer Profiles
Photo | Name | Position | Profile |
---|---|---|---|
Dr Nikolaus Krienke | Nikolaus advises national and international companies on individual and collective employment law… | View Profile |