Dentons focuses on transaction support and regulatory advice to companies in the automotive sector, where topics such as e-mobility and autonomous driving, including related AI software, are covered. The co-head of the global autonomous vehicles team, Michael Malterer, regularly takes the lead here; he is also well versed in corporate law and transactions. Alexander von Bergwelt is the co-head of the corporate and M&A practice and focuses on transaction support, corporate law matters, M&A and private equity transactions as well as structuring measures; he frequently assists clients from the automotive and aviation sectors. Interfacing antitrust and merger control issues are handled across all practices; this offer is complemented by experience in advising airports and airlines on state aid and procurement law as well as project support.

Legal 500 Editorial commentary

Testimonials

Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.

  • 'The entire team is very responsive and always strives to provide quick feedback. The approach is often more pragmatic than at other law firms.'
  • 'Assertive, powerful team with a rarely seen understanding of companies. Uncomplicated, personal. Trying to find entrepreneurial solutions. Absolutely clever.'
  • 'Alexander von Bergwelt: Clever, pragmatic, absolutely assertive business lawyer. Absolutely committed and brilliant. Unparalleled understanding of economic relationships.'

Key clients

  • Aeroground Flughafen München GmbH
  • aiMotive
  • Audi
  • Britishvolt
  • CARIAD
  • Duisburger Hafen AG (duisport)
  • GEODIS
  • Mercedes-Benz Group AG
  • Microvast
  • Munich Airport New Jersey
  • Prologis
  • Slate Asset Management
  • Share Now
  • Sono Motors
  • Stadler
  • Toll4Europe GmbH
  • Volkswagen AG
  • Cargo Partners
  • Daimler Truck AG
  • Doppelmayr Group
  • e-mobilio GmbH
  • Erwin Hymer GmbH
  • ESTRA Automotive Systems Luxembourg S.àr.l.
  • Flughafen München GmbH
  • Lucid USA, Inc.
  • NeXovation Inc.
  • Valeo SE
  • Volkswagen
  • Volotea
  • WISAG Aviation

Work highlights

  • Advising GEODIS on the acquisition of trans-o-flex, a logistics service provider specializing in the temperature-controlled transport of pharmaceutical and high-tech products.
  • Advising Volkswagen AG on antitrust law in several jurisdictions worldwide as part of VW's strategic global cooperation with Ford.  
  • Advising the Spanish airline Volotea in the context of a long-standing EU state aid case which was settled in favor of Volotea before the European Court of Justice.

Other key lawyers

Michael Malterer, Florian Wiesner, Alexander von Bergwelt