The practice at White & Case LLP continues to assist clients in high-profile insolvency proceedings as administrators, whilst also advising on preventive restructuring and distressed M&A across sectors such as real estate, energy, retail, and healthcare. Practice leader Sven-Holger Undritz is highly experienced in insolvency and corporate reorganisation law, with recent deals involving renewable energy companies and airlines. He works alongside Biner Bähr, who is recognised for his expertise in insolvency proceedings, especially in matters with cross-border corporate structures. Christoph Schulte-Kaubrügger is regularly appointed as an insolvency administrator, custodian, or restructuring officer in complex matters, while Sylvia Fiebig handles formal insolvency proceedings, as well as restructuring deals, with particular focus on operational reorganisation and change management. Andreas Kleinschmidt is another key member of the team.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
- 'Biner Bähr is characterised by his very calm, level-headed and determined manner. Its excellent network enables above-average results in the liquidation of large company complexes in the context of insolvencies. Even in tricky situations, he keeps a cool head and makes it possible to negotiate the best possible solution for the parties involved through targeted discussions.'
- ‘The team has outstanding expertise in insolvency and restructuring. It is helpful that this is rounded off by knowledge of corporate and tax law, as these two areas of law are often affected in the context of insolvency proceedings. The team succeeds in keeping the perfect balance between strict legal processing and pragmatic economic solution and achieving a good result for all stakeholders and also justifying this.'
- ‘If you’re navigating a high-stakes restructuring or insolvency situation with international dimensions, White & Case is undoubtedly one of the top firms to consider. Their global reach, technical sophistication, and experience in complex cross-border cases make them a strong partner when the stakes are high and the playing field is international.’
- ‘Excellent legal knowledge compared with deep economic sense.'
- 'Sylvia Fiebig is a power woman who is simply unbeatable in regulating the most difficult situations. She can compress her incredible expertise in such a way that even the most difficult facts are ultimately understood by all parties involved, so that a negotiation at eye level and with sound knowledge of the facts becomes possible.'
- ‘We’ve worked with Andreas Kleinschmidt and that experience has been nothing but positive. He’s not only highly skilled and experienced in insolvency law, but also a true team player. He brings a calm, pragmatic mindset and a sharp focus on getting to workable solutions.’
Work highlights
Advising The Body Shop Germany GmbH on a successful restructuring and sale process, resulting in the transfer of the majority of its German retail locations in autumn 2024 following the opening of insolvency proceedings.
Advising on the insolvency proceedings of Leipzig-based Gröner Group GmbH and its founder, including the continuation of business operations amid ongoing criminal and financial investigations and intense media scrutiny.
Advising Gerhardi Kunststofftechnik GmbH, a German automotive supplier, on its insolvency proceedings and the full continuation of business operations across three sites following the appointment of a preliminary insolvency administrator in November 2024.
Lawyers
Leading partners
The strongest partners in their field, leading on market-leading deals and endorsed by peers and clients alike.
Practice head
Sven-Holger Undritz
Other key lawyers
Biner Bähr; Christoph Schulte-Kaubrügger; Sylvia Fiebig; Philipp Hackländer; Jan-Philipp Hoos; Andreas Kleinschmidt; Bero-Alexander Lau