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Mergers & Acquisitions
Strategic transaction consulting for medium-sized companies, investors and group subsidiaries
We manage national and cross-border transactions – with deal logic, clear communication, and a focus on results.
M&A transactions shape businesses for the long term.
Whether acquiring a company or preparing a sale, transactions require structure, speed and clear priorities. As a Frankfurt-based M&A law firm, we advise entrepreneurs, shareholders and investors on company acquisitions and disposals – from transaction preparation and due diligence to the negotiation and execution of the SPA. Our approach is pragmatic and risk-focused, ensuring legally robust solutions that support commercial objectives.
Our range of services
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Corporate acquisitions and disposals: share and asset deals, purchase price structuring, earn-outs, due diligence, negotiation of SPAs
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Joint ventures & minority investments: structuring, shareholder agreements, exit arrangements
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Restructuring & restructuring: mergers, spin-offs, changes of legal form, group reorganization processes
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Regulatory transaction issues: merger control procedures, foreign trade approvals, sector-specific approvals at national and EU level
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Financing advice & covenants: transaction financing, security structure, covenants, post-closing adjustments
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Corporate Governance & Liability: Board liability, directors' remuneration, managing potential compliance risks
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Subsequent integration & implementation: Process-oriented support of the closing, implementation of corporate governance and contracts
Who we work for
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Sell-side and buy-side
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Equity and Debt investors
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Private Equity and Their Porfolio Companies
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Shareholders
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Small and Medium-Sized Companies
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Group Companies and Their Subsidiaries
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Family Offices
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Consortia (Club-Deals)
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Managing directors (MBO/MBI)
Our approach
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Transactional experience meets pragmatism. Structured advice without unnecessary complexity.
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Economically strategic. We think in terms of deal logic, not just document logic.
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Risk-oriented. Early analysis and management of regulatory and liability aspects – particularly merger control and corporate governance (e.g., merger control under EU and national law).
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Interface expertise. Integration with corporate law, banking and finance law, private sector lawyers, and tax consulting.
Do you want to sell your company?
FAQ
What does M&A mean and why is it important for medium-sized companies?
M&A refers to company acquisitions, sales or mergers in which ownership structures are changed – a strategic way to achieve growth, market share expansion or succession solutions.
What are some typical M&A transactions in the SME sector?
This includes share deals, asset deals, management buyouts/buy-ins and strategic minority investments.
How does an M&A process generally proceed in medium-sized businesses?
An M&A process includes strategy, preparation (M&A readiness), target selection, due diligence, contract negotiation, closing and integration.
What is M&A readiness and why is it crucial?
M&A readiness describes how well a company is prepared legally, financially, and organizationally for a deal. Good preparation increases the chances of a successful transaction.
What risks should I, as a medium-sized business owner, be aware of in the M&A process?
Typical risks include incorrect company valuation, legal or tax pitfalls, lack of integration, or unknown liabilities.
What is the difference between a share deal and an asset deal?
In a share deal, company shares are transferred, while in an asset deal only selected assets and liabilities are transferred.
How do you prepare a legally sound due diligence?
Due diligence should cover all relevant legal, tax, financial and operational areas in order to identify risks early on.
What is the significance of business valuation in medium-sized companies?
The valuation determines the economic value of the company and is crucial for purchase price negotiations and fair deal structures.
What are earn-out clauses and when are they used?
Earn-out clauses link parts of the purchase price to future performance by the company or management – often in situations of uncertain forecasting.
What are the special features of international M&A transactions?
International deals involve additional legal, tax and regulatory aspects that go beyond the national level.
How does merger control affect transactions involving medium-sized companies?
Depending on certain size criteria, transactions must be reported to and approved by national or EU competition authorities.
What role does integration play after closing?
Integration is crucial to realizing synergies, adapting organizational processes, and combining cultural aspects of companies.
How do I find potential buyers or investors for my company?
Strategic buyers, financial investors (e.g., private equity) or management teams can be identified through networks, investment banks and specialized consultants.
What does M&A consulting typically cost for deals involving medium-sized companies?
Costs vary considerably depending on complexity and scope of services – from project-based fees to success fees. An individual cost estimate is part of the initial consultation.
Why is legal support advisable in the M&A process?
Legal expertise protects against risks, ensures fair contract terms and navigates safely through regulatory requirements.
How long does a typical M&A process take in medium-sized businesses?
Transactions involving medium-sized companies can take from a few months to over a year, depending on the scope, complexity, and due diligence.
What strategic goals can a medium-sized company achieve through M&A?
Objectives include, for example, market expansion, strengthening the product portfolio, or succession planning.
How can I, as a seller, improve my negotiating position?
Through solid preparation, clear financial and legal data, transparent communication and professional advice.
What role do tax aspects play in M&A?
Tax structuring can significantly influence purchase price design, liability and future company profits and should be planned early.
How do I handle confidential information during a transaction?
Confidentiality is ensured through NDA agreements and secure data rooms to exchange sensitive data in a protected manner.
What is succession M&A and when is it more sensible than succession within the family?
Succession M&A refers to the sale of a company to external buyers (e.g., strategists, private equity firms, or management) when no suitable family or internal succession is available or economically viable.
When should I start planning for a business succession through sale?
Ideally, this should be done 3-5 years before the planned exit to optimize legal, tax and organizational issues early on and increase the company's value.
Which buyers are typically considered in a successor transaction?
These are often strategic competitors, financial investors (private equity), family offices, or the existing management as part of a management buyout (MBO).
How does a succession M&A differ from a traditional company sale?
In succession M&A transactions, the focus is often on continuity, employee retention, corporate culture and the role of the previous owner after the sale, in addition to the purchase price.
What role does the entrepreneur play in the subsequent M&A after the sale?
Often, the seller remains on board temporarily as managing director, consultant, or minority shareholder to ensure knowledge transfer and stability.
How can I ensure that my life's work is continued?
Through targeted buyer selection, contractual agreements (e.g., location, employee or brand commitments) and a coordinated transition phase.
What are the special tax considerations for succession transactions?
Tax issues such as tax allowances, partial income procedures, holding structures or reinvestments should be examined and structured early on.
How does succession M&A affect employees and management?
Transparent communication, incentive models and clear future prospects are crucial to retaining key personnel and avoiding uncertainty.
What happens if the entrepreneur becomes incapacitated or dies at short notice?
Without a prepared succession structure, significant risks arise. Early succession and contingency planning is essential to ensure the ability to act.
How does a specialized M&A consultancy support business succession?
It coordinates legal, tax and strategic aspects, structures the process, protects the seller from liability risks and maximizes planning security and results.
Strukturierte Begleitung von Mergers und Acquisitions
Unternehmenstransaktionen gehören zu den anspruchsvollsten strategischen Projekten in der Wirtschaft. Sie erfordern ein Höchstmaß an rechtlicher Präzision und vorausschauender Planung. Als Ihr M&A Anwalt begleiten wir Käufer und Verkäufer bei nationalen sowie internationalen Transaktionen. Wir strukturieren den gesamten Prozess, beginnend mit der initialen Absichtserklärung über die Durchführung der rechtlichen Due Diligence bis hin zum Entwurf und der finalen Verhandlung des Unternehmenskaufvertrags. Wir identifizieren rechtliche Risiken frühzeitig und entwickeln vertragliche Mechanismen, um diese effektiv auszusteuern. Dabei koordinieren wir alle juristischen Disziplinen, die für den Erfolg des Deals relevant sind. Unser Ziel ist es, Transaktionen effizient und reibungslos abzuschließen.
Risikomanagement und Due Diligence
Das absolute Herzstück jeder professionellen Unternehmenstransaktion ist die Due Diligence. In dieser kritischen Phase analysieren wir das Zielunternehmen detailliert auf rechtliche Risiken. Wir durchleuchten bestehende Verträge, arbeitsrechtliche Verpflichtungen, immaterialgüterrechtliche Positionen sowie mögliche Altlasten aus der Vergangenheit. Die Ergebnisse dieser sorgfältigen Prüfung bilden die essenzielle Grundlage für die Bewertung des Unternehmens und die Verhandlung der vertraglichen Garantien im Kaufvertrag. Wir dokumentieren unsere Feststellungen transparent und nachvollziehbar. Durch ein striktes Risikomanagement stellen wir sicher, dass Sie vor unangenehmen Überraschungen nach dem Closing geschützt sind und die rechtlichen Rahmenbedingungen den wirtschaftlichen Wert adäquat widerspiegeln.
Verhandlungsführung und erfolgreiches Closing
Die Verhandlung der finalen Transaktionsdokumente erfordert fachliches Durchsetzungsvermögen und tiefgreifendes rechtliches Know-how. Wir vertreten Ihre Interessen in den Vertragsverhandlungen höchst professionell und ergebnisorientiert. Wir sorgen verlässlich dafür, dass alle vereinbarten Bedingungen für das Closing erfüllt werden und begleiten den rechtlichen Übergang bis zur Post-Merger-Integration. Unser Anspruch ist es, rechtliche Hürden lösungsorientiert abzubauen und den Deal erfolgreich ins Ziel zu steuern. Profitieren Sie von unserer Erfahrung bei komplexen Transaktionen und vertrauen Sie auf unsere juristische Expertise. Wenn Sie eine Übernahme, eine Fusion oder ein Joint Venture planen, stehen wir Ihnen beratend zur Seite. Vereinbaren Sie ein erstes Strategiegespräch – rufen Sie an, schreiben Sie eine E-Mail oder kontaktieren Sie uns per WhatsApp.
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