Law Firm

Kanzleien in Deutschland 2012 

Corporate Law/M&A
The renowned corporate law practice group of Heisse Kursawe Eversheds is headed by Dr. Matthias Heisse, name partner of the law firm [...]. In addition to the day-to-day provision of corporate law advice, it is particularly the consultancy and representation services rendered with regard to general meetings that play an important role. 27 listed companies now trust the firm's expertise in this field. After having conducted general meetings successfully, the law firm was recently also able to acquire other matters for the respective clients. In this way, Heisse Kursawe Eversheds first advised Tognum AG in 2010, then on the occasion of Tognum's general meeting in 2011 and consequently Heisse Kursawe Eversheds was instructed in connection with the tender for take-over of Daimler and Rolls Royce worth EUR 3.2 billion. The project was headed by Dr. Oliver Maaß, an appreciated and very active lawyer with Heisse Kursawe Eversheds. Apart from Heisse and Maaß, Christof Lamberts, Sybille Flindt and Dr. Carola Rathke were also part of the team with respect to the very important transaction project [...]. The law firm's clients are major international groups as well as medium-sized companies and family business owners from Germany and abroad. Last year the law firm proved its excellent practice by acquiring new major clients such as DuPont and EADS. In the area of Private Equity the number of clients has also increased in the last few years, not least because of the large Eversheds network. As a result, a new practice group was formed, headed by the renowned specialists Dr. Matthias Heisse and Dr. Christophe Samson; Sven Schweneke, who worked for Dechert before, was hired as an experienced Private Equity lawyer.

Labour law
The Labour Law practice group is primarily under the responsibility of the very renowned name partner Dr. Stefan Kursawe. Dr. Susanne Giesecke, who was appointed head of the practice group last year, Frank Achilles and Dr. Robert Gorschak also majorly contribute to the wealth of client work. [...] The law firm advises more than 250 national and international companies and groups on labour law issues. An important pillar with regard to this is the provision of advice to so-called top clients, i.e. to directors, managing directors and supervisory boards, e.g. for Merck Pharma. A further important pillar is the strategic labour market advice under the aegis of Dr. Susanne Giesecke. For this purpose, the firm cooperates with personnel consultants and psychologists. The practice group international labour law under the aegis of Frank Achilles is also vitally important for the law firm. Well-known large businesses and groups are amongst the law firm's clients. Dr. Daniel Scheerer is also very active in this regard. Philip Morris GmbH, Nemetschek AG, Flughafen München GmbH as well as the recruitment consultancy Heads! are new clients recently acquired by the practice group.

Banking, Finance and Capital Market Law
In the last few years, the law firm has continually expanded its range of offered services in banking, finance and capital market law. The services provided range from financing measures, initial public offerings and asset management to banking supervision law. A very important project is the comprehensive and ongoing provision of advice to and representation of the investor J.C. Flowers in the proceedings against the de facto expropriation of the private shareholders of the scandal-ridden Hypo Real Estate; the team is headed by the renowned banking law expert Dr. Alexander Honrath. Last year, the law firm advised two Chinese companies on their IPOs in Germany; Dr. Honrath was also in charge of these projects. Thomas Ziegler has made an excellent name for himself with respect to advice to banks regarding financing transactions.

IP and Patents
Intellectual property law has always played an important role with Heisse Kursawe Eversheds in Munich, where both the German Patent and Trade Mark Office and the European Patent Office are located. Under the aegis of Axel Zimmermann, head of the IP practice group, and Christof Lamberts, head of the commercial practice group of Heisse Kursawe Eversheds, the law firm has gained an excellent reputation in trade mark and competition law. Numerous German and international clients trust the good performance of the lawyers; for instance Zimmermann, Dr. Alexandra Bergmann and Hannah Eckermann manage the trade mark portfolio of Tyco International (USA). In addition, Heisse Kursawe Eversheds also has created outstanding credentials in the areas of media and IT law. Dr. Alexander Niethammer is head of this team. In this area, too, numerous German and international trade mark companies are amongst the law firm's clients. [...]

Other legal fields
Heisse Kursawe Eversheds has a new practice group, Litigation & Dispute Management, which is headed by Fabian Volz and Dr. Joos Hellert; it comprises a total of ten partners and their teams of different specialist areas. The practice has established itself fast; last year it provided advice to Via Vadis Controlling GmbH in the court proceedings against Skype; the subject matter of this dispute was the infringement of patent laws by Skype's telephone services via the Internet. Dr. Christophe Samson and Thomas Ziegler are in charge of real estate law - as well as with reference to the advice in connection with real estate financing. Counsel Dr. Adrian Birnbach was hired from Linklaters as further support in this area. [...] Dr. Stefan Diemer is in charge of the tax law practice group, and Fabian Volz is in charge of the product liability and insurance law practice group.

JUVE Manual 2011/2012

With their very individual concept for success - full service at fixed prices and a service orientation for which clients praise the law firm - HKE has risen fast during the last few years. In particular, its work regarding difficult annual general meetings resulted in the law firm gaining a reputation of being pragmatic and solution-oriented. In 2010/11 the law firm has started to expand its mid-sector with experienced lawyers, inter alia from Linklaters, P+P Pöllath + Partners, Dechert and also Audi; transaction specialists with a distinctive focus on private equity are amongst them. Since October 2011 the law firm has also presented itself with a small team in Hamburg inter alia in order to be within easier reach for Eversheds clients from the Netherlands and Scandinavia.

Labour law
The practice group appreciated with respect to labour law has recently benefitted from both, the good contacts of their lawyers to German businesses and from the worldwide Eversheds network which provides for a regular inflow of clients, often involving an international dimension. In particular, the younger lawyers make use of the possibility here to position themselves e.g. with regard to cross-border projects or the provision of advice to foreign businesses in Germany, especially because of the fact that the advice for and against executives in Kursawe's practice group has taken up a large area in the meantime. Moreover, a counsel supplements the team who joined the firm from the employers' association (AGV) and particularly adds experience in the area of collective bargaining law. Frequently recommended lawyer: Dr. Stefan Kursawe

Corporate law
A law firm frequently recommended for corporate law which, like few other medium-sized law firms, has proven its ability to use its strongest feature, i.e. advice with respect to annual general meetings, as a door-opener for attracting ongoing corporate work and, consequently, to generate transaction matters from the connections established in this way. The prime example of last year: Tognum. Also the activity for international clients continued to increase which was recently proven by the promising advice provided in the context of several China IPOs. Frequently recommended lawyers: Dr. Matthias Heisse ("clear problem analytics, well-founded advice, highly professional implementation - there is nothing to which he does not have an answer", client), Dr. Alexander Honrath, Dr. Stefan Diemer, Dr. Sebastian Zeeck, Christof Lamberts, Dr. Christophe Samson.

Product liability
Appreciated practice group regarding proceedings which closely links its two pillars, i.e. the comprehensive activity in the product liability sector as well as the contacts to insurers. The small team has established several good contacts in the areas of automotive, consumer goods and mechanical engineering. In addition, the Eversheds network and recommendations from US law firms entail demanding cross-border matters.

M&A
A recommended law firm for M&A which has continued its expansion strategy: Two young corporate lawyers with a focus on private equity came from P+P Pöllath and Dechert, which, with a view to the good connections to various family offices, looks very promising. Moreover, the HKE transaction lawyers expanded their client base by several reputable large businesses (e.g. EADS Astrium) and increased their transaction activity for several long-term clients again (e.g. Tognum, Cewe Color). Frequently recommended lawyers: Dr. Matthias Heisse, Christof Lamberts

Trademark law and design law / competition law
The Munich office of the law firm recommended for trademark and competition law recently continued to position itself as an IP centre of the worldwide Eversheds network. Even if the integration of the patent law team from Hammonds still tied up resources, the practice group around Mr. Zimmermann has often been able to benefit from the synergies at hand and offer their clients comprehensive services in the IP area. The law firm advises a comprehensive trademark client base with frequent follow-up business for the enforcement of claims; in particular, the German Act against Unfair Competition (Gesetz gegen unlauteren Wettbewerb, UWG) gained increased importance while the team often works at the interface to the German Act on Advertising the Health Sector (Heilmittelwerbegesetz, HWG). Frequently recommended lawyers: Axel Zimmermann, Dr. Alexandra Bergmann

Patent law
After a brilliant start HKE had a solid year during which Munich continued to position itself as the competence centre in IP. Patent prosecution as well as patent proceedings take up a large part in this area. It was also possible to create synergies with the trademark and competition law practice group. (three patent attorneys, three lawyers)

Private equity & venture capital
With good contacts to financial investors in Munich as well as local family offices, HKE became more visible recently. The venture capital practice group also benefits from the law firm's corporate law and stock corporation law expertise. (2 partners, 1 counsel, 1 associate)

Distribution systems / franchise law
In addition to the international large clients acquired up until now (Tyco, Smiths Medical), the law firm recommended in distribution law and frequently recommended in franchise law also considerably expanded its client base with respect to the provision of advice in franchise matters, e.g. in the food sector. The credit for this mainly belongs to Mr. Hellert, who returned from Burger King in 2010. The international cooperation with the Eversheds association also continued successfully – in particular regarding US clients which are comprehensively advised with reference to the system selection when entering the market in Germany and which recently approached HKE increasingly with issues on compliance and data protection. Frequently recommended lawyers: Dr. Joos Hellert ("unique experience in the provision of advice, drafting and implementing franchise agreements", "brilliant strategist", clients)

Law Firms in Germany 2011

Corporate Law/M&A
The corporate law practice group is led by the name partner Dr. Matthias Heisse, who also represents the German office at the law firm's international executive committees. In addition to the day-to-day provision of corporate law advice, it is particularly the consultancy and representation services rendered with regard to general meetings that play an important role in this field. Over 20 listed companies trust the firm's expertise in this field. The second focus lies on the transaction business. The clients are predominantly medium-sized companies and family business owners from Germany and abroad, but now also include major international groups. In the last year for instance, the firm advised Körber AG with respect to the acquisition of the machine manufacturer Winkler & Dünnebier.

Labour Law
The labour law practice group is primarily under the responsibility of Dr. Stefan Kursawe, one of the law firm’s name partners. In the past, the activities focused on general labour law advice to companies, and clients were mainly located in and around Munich. Recently however, numerous clients were acquired via the international Eversheds network in connection with the implementation of reorganisation programmes, in the context of which the firm also gained valuable experience in the field of international labour law. The labour law practice group now also counts Merck KGaA, a major company with international operations, amongst its clients. Within the Labour Law practice group, an interdisciplinary working group for consulting entities' bodies and executives headed by Dr. Susanne Giesecke has been formed. For this purpose, the firm also cooperates with personnel consultants and psychologists.

Banking, Finance and Capital Market Law
Over the last years, Heisse Kursawe Eversheds has continually expanded its range of offered services in banking, finance and capital market law. The services provided range from financing measures, initial public offerings and asset management to banking supervision law. Probably the biggest deal the law firm concluded recently was the comprehensive provision of advice to and representation of the investor J.C. Flowers in the proceedings against the de facto expropriation of the private shareholders of the scandal-ridden Hypo Real Estate; the project was led by the renowned banking law expert Dr. Alexander Honrath, who however failed to win at least in the first instance at the Munich Regional Court. In 2010, the law firm was given supported several Chinese companies preparing for their IPO. Thomas Ziegler has made an excellent name for himself by rendering advice to banks regarding financing transactions.

Intellectual Property Law
Intellectual Property Law has always played an important role in Munich, where both the German Patent and Trade Mark Office and the European Patent Office are located. Under the aegis of Axel Zimmermann, the law firm has gained an excellent reputation in trademark and competition law. Heisse Kursawe Eversheds also has outstanding credentials in the areas of media and IT law, where Dr. Alexander Niethammer plays an important role. In both fields of law, clients include numerous well-known German and international companies. [...]

Reorganisation, Restructuring and Insolvency
In times of crisis, the clients’ requirements almost inevitably shift from transaction advice to support in restructuring and insolvency matters. Under the aegis of Dr. Sebastian Zeeck, Heisse Kursawe Eversheds advises numerous small and medium sized companies in the context of the insolvency of major customers, but also investors and banks in connection with non-performing loans and the reorganisation of distressed companies.

Distribution Law
Considering the firm's strength in the field of intellectual property law, the next logical step was to extend the activities to include distribution law. Christof Lamberts plays an important role in this respect. The clients include many brand manufacturers from a wide range of industries. Heisse Kursawe Eversheds provides extensive advice on establishing and restructuring distribution systems.

Legal 500 Germany 2011-2012

Labour: At Heisse Kursawe Eversheds, partner and eponym Stefan Kursawe is well-respected for advising executives, including, amongst others, the former CEO of Siemens Greece. The team succeeded in winning several well-known clients, and also Sony, Merck, Securitas Germany, and Intertone belong to its clients.

Banking and Finance: Heisse Kursawe Eversheds’ Banking and Finance team, led by Thomas Ziegler, consists of three partners and specializes in acquisition financing and real estate. The team advised HSBC in respect of a multi-currency loan facility of EUR 135 million to an international group.
Corporate and M&A - medium-sized deals: Heisse Kursawe Eversheds benefits from the Eversheds LLP network and was entrusted with a steadily increasing number of restructuring cases. Bavaria Industriekapital counted on the team's expertise in the context of the acquisition of Alcoa's Spanish aluminum foil plant, as did Experian when acquiring United Mail Solutions. Sybille Flindt and Christophe Samson were named as partners and are members of a team led by Matthias Heisse, who is said to be "very creative", and to "always achieve the best possible result for his client".

Real Estate and Construction (real estate law): Thomas Ziegler at Heisse Kursawe Eversheds specializes in structuring, financing and managing large real estate transactions. The firm advised Invesco Real Estate on the 53 million euro purchase of an office building as well as Institutional Fund on the structuring and purchase of logistics property in Berlin.

IT and Outsourcing: The "efficient, responsive and highly professional" team at Heisse Kursawe Eversheds is led by Alexander Niethammer, who demonstrates "excellent understanding of business". One of the team's many famous clients is Next Group, which the team advised on the establishment of an e-commerce shop.

IP: Trade Marks: IP: After merging with the team of Hammonds LLP, Heisse Kursawe Eversheds' practice group is now well-staffed. Its clients include, amongst others, New Balance, EasyJet, Germanwings, Etienne Aigner, and Hard Rock Café. Alexandra Bergmann and Axel Zimmermann are recommended lawyers for coming "directly to the point" and providing "very business-oriented advice".

IP: Patents (dispute resolution): Heisse Kursawe Eversheds’ "impressive, pragmatic and insistent" team advised Vestel Elektronik on several patent issues, including also a dispute with Edico. (...)

Capital Markets: Heisse Kursawe Eversheds in Munich has the biggest team of capital market experts outside of Frankfurt. Alexander Honrath's team was involved in several significant transactions and advised, for example, J.C. Flowers on investments in Hypo Real Estate Bank in accordance with a take-over offer by the German Federal Government, a 1.2 billion euro deal. Furthermore, the team advised a well-known hedge fund, which buys and sells Continental packages, relating to its 10.4 billion euro take-over offer for Schäffler.

Private Equity: Heisse Kursawe Eversheds advised JC Flowers in the context of a 1.2 billion euro investment in Hypo Real Estate Bank in accordance with a take-over offer by the German Federal Government. Moreover, the team advised BAVARIA Industriekapital, a client of many years, relating to the sale of a Spanish aluminum foil plant, and a private equity investor on the restructuring and financing of a well-known German car rental company. Christophe Samson is recommended.

Finance Monthly: Corporate Law Firm of the Year, Germany

The international commercial law firm Heisse Kursawe Eversheds has been elected by the British professional journal Finance Monthly as "Corporate Law Firm of the year 2011, Germany". The award is based on a selection process which lasts several weeks. Several companies, law firms as well as practising and teaching attorneys were asked to cast their vote. 36 000 contact persons received an invitation and 4215 persons eventually cast their vote. This choice once again shows the quality and international reputation that Heisse Kursawe Eversheds has acquired and is an incentive to continuously convince clients with full service offers, attractive fees and high quality work.

Chambers Europe 2011

Corporate/M&A: Highly regarded
This strong Munich firm presides over a large and increasing client base comprising numerous listed companies. The growing team advises on M&A deals, corporate law and litigation. Lawyers here recently acted for Experian in its acquisition of United Mail Solution. Managing partner Matthias Heisse is considered a diligent adviser.

Employment
This Munich-based group assists corporate clients with matters ranging from large-scale redundancies to co-determination issues and remuneration schemes. It also counsels both employers and executive-level employees on contractual matters. The firm makes use of its international network to provide added value to both local and foreign clients. An additional service offered by the outfit is mediation and strategic planning for clients involved in change management processes. The key contact is Stefan Kursawe, who heads the labour law practice group.

Real Estate - Finance
This firm is involved in German and international work. It recently advised Invesco Real Estate on the EUR 53 million financing of its acquisition of the Renaissance Haus in Munich. The German team has also guided Invesco through deals abroad. Thomas Ziegler in Munich is the contact for the practice. Adrian Birnbach of Heisse Kursawe Eversheds is skilled at interpreting complex leases, clients say. Observers consider him to be a highly effective practitioner and a great partner in negotiations.

Legal 500 Germany 2010-2011

Labour: At Heisse Kursawe Eversheds, Stefan Kursawe, who is renowned for advising executives, leads a practice group which benefits greatly from the international network. The team advises Merck Pharma in respect of executive staff and litigation, and it provided comprehensive advice to the former CEO of Siemens Greece in employment, civil, and criminal matters.

Banking and Finance: Heisse Kursawe Eversheds' team, led by Thomas Ziegler, advised numerous international banks, and it represented Fifth Third Bank in respect of a credit to the US parent company, as well as Lloyds TSB and RBS on acquisition financing.

Corporate and M&A - medium-sized deals: Heisse Kursawe Eversheds caused a stir by representing JC Flowers in negotiations with the Federal Republic of Germany regarding interests in Hypo Real Estate, and the team advised Experian, who has been the firm's client for many years, on the acquisition of United MailSolutions. Practice group head Matthias Heisse is described as being "capable, well-focused and target-oriented" and "sharp-witted" Christof Lamberts is said to advise in a "calm and determined manner". Clients appreciate the "excellent value-for-money ratio" and the "bespoke solutions".

Real Estate and Construction (real estate law): Thomas Ziegler and his team at Heisse Kursawe Eversheds won new clients such as, for example, Invesco Real Estate and The Royal Bank of Scotland, and they advised Next in respect of the lease of its flagship store at Dresden's Centrum Galerie. Investec Bank retained the team when restructuring an existing real estate financing.

IT and Outsourcing: Alexander Niethammer leads the IT and Outsourcing team at Heisse Kursawe Eversheds, which increasingly advised clients, such as Experian, on data protection.  Next Group retained the team when building up an e-commerce shop, and Smiths Medical Deutschland is advised comprehensively. Thanks to the international network, the firm is often retained by US companies.

IP: Trade Marks: Heisse Kursawe Eversheds' team represents New Balance Athletic Shoe in trademark matters, and is also retained by Meteo Systems, Berlin Atlantic, Etienne Aigner and Paramount. Axel Zimmermann is the head of this practice group which recorded a growth in the permanent management of international trademark portfolios and grew significantly at the associate level.

IP: Patents: Heisse Kursawe Eversheds' practice group in Munich was built up as centre of excellence for patents [...]. The team advised Vestel Elektronik in patent disputes with Thomson.

Capital Markets: Alexander Honrath is the head of this practice group at Heisse Kursawe Eversheds, whose team advised JC Flowers in the context of a 1.2 billion euro investment in Hypo Real Estate Bank, in accordance with the take-over offer by the German Federal Government, and a 3 billion euro capital increase. Moreover, the team advised SYGNIS Pharma on a public offer, with prospectus and capital increase.

Corporate INTL Legal Awards 2010 - Full Service Law Firm of the Year in Germany

Heisse Kursawe Eversheds was awarded the title "Full Service Law Firm of the Year in Germany" by the renowned business magazine Corporate INTL at the Corporate INTL Legal Awards 2010. The award was bestowed by a jury comprising partners of international law firms, multinational corporations and the editors of the Corporate INTL magazine. It is based on a selection process that lasted several months and in which the range of services offered and the expertise of the previously shortlisted law firms was evaluated. Corporate INTL is one of the leading business magazines for entrepreneurs, consultants and financial services providers. Every month, it provides more than 70,000 readers with topical and in-depth information from the world of commerce and finance. The international magazine annually bestows awards in different business areas and branches to companies and law firms that stand out for their excellent work.

JUVE Awards 2010 - Corporate Law Firm of the Year

The renowned specialized publisher JUVE elected the international commercial law firm Heisse Kursawe Eversheds the “2010 Corporate Law Firm of the Year”.
With regard to the awarding to Heisse Kursawe Eversheds, JUVE comments: "HKE's capital market law practice group is recognized as one of the strongest outside Frankfurt for years. Its clientele has been expanding every year by new publicly quoted companies. This year, it turned out that HKE furthermore makes use of the Eversheds Network's international potential and is at the same time able to balance the strong growth of its medium-sized enterprise clientele. Dr. Matthias Heisse, a "reliable and economically minded" attorney is often commissioned for AGMs, particularly when disputes are likely to arise. The fact that legal services regarding expropriation are currently being rendered to JC Flowers shows that the law firm is able to provide advice on both sides. In order to ensure sustainability, the law firm, however, also had to offer other players. This year, a subsequent generation, including Dr. Stefan Diemer and Dr. Sebastian Zeeck, became noticeable. Dr. Zeeck had been recommended for an extraordinarily complex squeeze-out of a SDAX-listed company before. Besides, 2009/10 was the year when Christof Lamberts intensified, together with Eversheds, the concerted effort to provide ongoing consultancy services for leading US corporate groups in Europe - with impressive outcomes: a long list of Fortune 500 Companies as clients. The expanded medium-sized enterprise clientele base and the establishment of a family office under the direction of Dr. Christophe Samson continues to broaden the spectrum even further and shows that there are only few law firms that are able to keep up with HKE's strategic expansion in Corporate Law.

Financial Times: Rank 1 for Eversheds in the ranking "Innovative Lawyers 2010"

Eversheds was elected most innovative law firm of Europe by the renowned financial newspaper Financial Times. The international law firm managed to climb to rank 1 in the ranking "Innovative Lawyers 2010" of the surveyed top 50 law firms compared to rank 4 last year. The basis for the FT ranking is several months of research by the editorial team which is conducted in cooperation with RSG Consulting. In doing so, more than 600 submissions of law firms and legal departments are evaluated and more than 600 interviews are conducted with partners and managers.

JUVE Awards 2010 - Law firm of the year regarding IP

Heisse Kursawe Eversheds was nominated by the renowned specialist publisher JUVE for the award "law firm of the year regarding IP (Intellectual Property and/or trademark law, competition law and patent law). According to the editorial staff, Heisse Kursawe Eversheds is thus among the five law firms which especially distinguished themselves in view of "professional responsibility, strategic orientation, service orientation and future potential" in the market environment. JUVE bases the nomination on information from several thousand interviews and written surveys by clients, partners, junior attorneys and judges. Consequently, more than 20,000 contact persons were listed this year during research for JUVE Handbuch 2010/11. After last year's nomination for "medium-sized law firm of the year", this year's nomination for the IP team is further proof for the excellent work of the law firm.

Among the 25 best law firms in the area M&A in WirtschaftsWoche 

WirtschaftsWoche (WiWo, a premium German economic magazine) selected the top attorneys in Germany for mergers & acquisitions. According to the editorial staff, they are "attorneys who do not only master their area of expertise but also have skills that many lawyers are lacking: charisma and persuasiveness. Not only do they know how to develop cunning strategies for acquisitions or their defence but also the art to convincingly sell their ideas."

Name partner Dr. Matthias Heisse is among the 25 most important German attorneys for deals.

Chambers Europe 2010

Corporate/M&A: Highly regarded This team remains a significant force within the market. Clients include a number of regional listed companies such as BAVARIA Industriekapital, and Europe-wide businesses such as CeWe Color Holding and Martindale Pharma. Matthias Heisse is recognised as a leading player in this field, and described as "extremely business-minded" by sources. He is the driving force behind this impressive practice, say peers.
Employment: This five-partner practice is noted by clients for offering extremely good value for money, whilst peers concede that the team acts for an impressive client base. Recent highlights include advising Sony Pictures Home Entertainment on its Europe-wide restructuring programme, involving mass layoffs and negotiations regarding a social plan. Other clients of the team include Securitas, Merck and Hypo Real Estate. Dr Stefan Kursawe is the main contact for the employment practice.
Individuals: Matthias Heisse of Heisse Kursawe Eversheds is commended by clients for showing "outstanding professionalism and dedication" in private equity.
 

Law Firms in Germany 2010 

Labour Law: The Labour Law practice group is primarily under the responsibility of Dr. Stefan Kursawe, one of the law firm's name Partners. (...) More recently, numerous clients were acquired in connection with the implementation of restructuring programmes through the international Eversheds network. Meanwhile, the Merck KGaA, an international major company, the worldwide leading reinsurer Munich Re and ProSiebenSat 1 Media AG are among the clients of our Labour Law practice group which comprises, along with other attorneys, five of the law firm's 24 Partners and ten attorneys specialized in Labour Law.
Within the Labour Law practice group, an interdisciplinary working group for consulting entities' executive bodies has been formed, which provides management and supervisory boards with all-encompassing services.
Banking, Finance and Capital Market Law: Over the last years, Heisse Kursawe Eversheds has continually expanded its range of offered services in Banking, Finance and Capital Market Law. The services provided under the direction of Dr. Alexander Honrath range from financing measures, initial public offerings and asset management to Banking Supervision Law.
Corporate Law/M&A: The Corporate Law practice group is led by Dr. Matthias Heisse, name Partner of the law firm. Apart from continuous counselling in matters of Corporate Law, it is particularly the consultancy and representation services provided with regard to general meetings that play an important role in this field. (...) A second focus of the practice group's work is on transactions, for which Dr. Jörg Kretschmer LL.M. bears, alongside with Dr. Matthias Heisse, the main responsibility. The clients are predominantly medium-sized enterprises from Germany and abroad, but meanwhile also include international conglomerates. Sybille Flindt and Dr. Christophe Samson were appointed as Partners at the beginning of 2010.
Intellectual Property Law: Intellectual Property Law has always played an important role in Munich, where both, the German Patent and Trade Mark Office and the European Patent Office are located. Under the leadership of Axel Zimmermann, the law firm has gained an excellent reputation in Trademark and Competition Law. Among the clients are brand manufacturers such as Etienne Aigner or Levi Strauss Co. (...) The law firm also has a significant portfolio in the field of Media and IT Law under the primary responsibility of Dr. Alexander Niethammer: The practice group's clientele includes, for example, Elton John, the German subsidiary of Paramount Pictures, Dell, Samsung or Tyco. In addition, Dr. Alexander Niethammer heads the promising area of Pharmaceutical and Medicinal Products Law.
Restructuring and Insolvency: In times of crisis, the clients' requirements inevitably shift from advice in transactions to support in restructuring and insolvency proceedings. Under the leadership of Dr. Sebastian Zeeck, Heisse Kursawe Eversheds advises companies in the context of insolvency of major customers, as well as the Bank of Scotland or Credit Suisse on non-performing loans and the restructuring of enterprises in difficulty. Dr. Sebastian Zeeck was appointed as a Partner at the beginning of the year.
Distribution Law: In view of the law firm's strengths in the field of Intellectual Property Law, it is obvious that the activities were extended to include Distribution Law. Christof Lamberts plays an important role here. The clients include numerous brand manufacturers from the most various industry sectors. Heisse Kursawe Eversheds provides extensive advice on establishing and restructuring distribution systems.

Among the top employers in 2010

The international law firm Heisse Kursawe Eversheds was ranked 45th in this year's ranking "100 top employers 2010" of the renowned career-magazine Azur. Thus, it moved up 13 ranks in comparison with last year. By ranking Eversheds Germany 45th, JUVE acknowledges the dynamic development of the law firm, which goes hand in hand with increasing personnel. Read more

Top ranked in WiWo: Dr. Stefan Kursawe and the practice group labour law

The international law firm of Heisse Kursawe Eversheds is, according to the current ranking "The WIWO Top Law Firms" , amongst the top 25 in Germany in the area of labour law. In this ranking, Wirtschaftswoche recommended Dr. Stefan Kursawe as one of the eight leading lawyers in Germany for advising managing directors, chief executive officers and executive managers. The basis for the list of the 25 best specialist lawyers of Germany was a selection procedure of multiple stages.
Read more

JUVE handbook 2009-2010

General characterization of the law firm: The law firm, which is frequently recommended in Munich, continues to recruit personnel. It is characterized by a very broad and also national practice with clients from several sectors. An important case has recently been the work for J.C. Flowers, which was advised in the dispute concerning Hypo Real Estate. This shows not only the good reputation that the law firm could establish in its practice group Capital Market Law, but also the efficient connection to Eversheds, which has advised Flowers in the past. In addition to that, extensively advised clients are frequently international companies like Borealis or Paramount Pictures. While there was a decline in real estate transactions due to the market conditions, Heisse Kursawe Eversheds was able to gain several new clients in the practice groups Labour Law, Tax Law and Corporate Law. The hiring of 13 new Associates, some of which had already been working in other larger law firms, shows that Heisse Kursawe Eversheds is building the foundation to recommend itself for larger cases with even more manpower.
Frequently recommended attorneys: Dr. Matthias Heisse, Dr. Alexander Honrath (Corporate Law), Dr. Stefan Kursawe (Labour Law), Axel Zimmermann (Competition Law).
Services of the law firm: focal points are corporate and capital market law, private equity, labour law, trade mark and unfair competition law as well as distribution law, anti trust law, tax law, bank regulatory and asset management law, IT, media and conflict resolution; new: product liability and insurance law. Heisse Kursawe Eversheds has regular clients, which are mainly medium-sized companies, as well as increasingly international companies in both, ongoing matters and projects.
Labour Law: An appreciated practice group, in which labour law plays a more important role due to the international direction of the law firm in transnational projects. The attorneys became aware of the general decline of the M&A business. However, the involvement in restructurings, partly all over Europe, inter alia for Sony and Wolverine, provided a lot of work. Here, it pays off that the necessary foundation was established through continuous recruiting of Associates, since Heisse Kursawe Eversheds also gains new clients in matters involving ongoing advice. These new clients are especially regional companies. Furthermore, another focal point of Mr. Kursawe is management advice (both sides).
Frequently recommended attorney: Dr Stefan Kursawe.
Corporate Law: Heisse Kursawe Eversheds is a frequently recommended law firm regarding the practice group Corporate Law, which experienced a remarkable development in the last few years. The advice of CeWe Color created a stir in the market and lead to immense interest of medium-sized stock-listed companies. Clients are fulsome in their praise of the combination of high-quality advice on law on stock companies (especially by Mr. Heisse himself) and Mr. Honrath's capital market expertise.
Frequently recommended attorneys: Dr. Matthias Heisse (client: "a real expert in his field"), Dr. Alexander Honrath, Dr. Jörg Kretschmer (client: "always direct and fast contact, high social competence and expertise"), Dr. Stefan Diemer (client: "reliable, pragmatic and highly competent")
M&A: Heisse Kursawe Eversheds is an appreciated law firm in the practice group M&A, which recorded a considerably deal flow from the USA. Thanks to the alliance with Eversheds, the law firm was able to gain new clients, even though the relation with Eversheds is not just a one-way street. A client once said that the international cooperation would work "better than in some well-known larger law firms". This development also found expression in the recruiting of new Associates, who provide the necessary manpower for the deal flow. However, the most significant development is the remarkably long list of medium-sized stock-listed companies, which are now advised by Heisse Kursawe Eversheds and provide for interesting transactions.
Frequently recommended attorneys: Dr. Matthias Heisse, Dr. Jörg Kretschmer, Christof Lamberts (client: "very high quality, is able to put matters into practice consequently")
Unfair Competition / Trademark Law: Heisse Kursawe Eversheds is an appreciated law firm in the practice group Unfair Competition and Trademark Law, which is very involved in pushing forward its new IP practice. Thus, Heisse Kursawe Eversheds impresses regularly with a broad range of new clients, which come in part from international networks (e.g. Boeing), but also from good contacts of the attorneys (e.g. Berlin Atlantic Capital).
Frequently recommended attorneys: Axel Zimmermann (client: "highly competent and fast, outstanding entrepreneurial approach"), Dr. Alexandra Bergmann.
Distribution Law: A recommended, comprehensively active distribution law practice with a lot of expertise in franchising, as well. Especially with its recognised international experience thanks to the close cooperation with other Eversheds offices, it again displayed particular dynamics. Parker Hannifin is only one example for another renowned US group, which trusts in the law firm beyond the advice on transactions. Therefore, Parker Hannifin also relies on Heisse Kursawe Eversheds in ongoing advice. Moreover, the recently grown practice group managed to recruit more personnel.
Frequently recommended attorney: Christof Lamberts (client: "very high quality")

Legal 500 EMEA 2010 

Capital Markets: Alexander Honrath heads Heisse Kursawe Eversheds' capital markets practice, advising JC Flowers on the investment of €1.2bn in Hypo Real Estate Bank in accordance with a takeover bid from the German Government and on a capital increase of €3bn. Further highlights included acting for SYGNIS Pharma on the public offer including prospectus and a capital increase.
Corporate M&A / Mid-sized deals: Heisse Kursawe Eversheds received the notable instruction of representing JC Flowers in negotiations with the Federal Republic of Germany regarding the stake in Hypo Real Estate, and the team further advised longstanding client Experian on the acquisition of United MailSolutions. Head of team Matthias Heisse is ‘competent, focused and result-oriented' and the ‘very sharp' Christof Lamberts ‘delivers advice firmly and quietly'. Clients value the ‘great cost-performance ratio' and the ‘tailor-made solutions'.

Legal 500 Germany 2009-2010

Labour Law: The team of Heisse Kursawe Eversheds Rechtsanwälte Partnerschaft, coordinated by Stefan Kursawe, advised Sony Pictures Home Entertainment on the implementation of its restructuring programme for Europe. Wolverine Europe B.V. and YMOS are clients, as well. Frank Achilles is well-known.
Banking & Finance: Thomas Ziegler offers „very structured legal advice in no time at all" at Heisse Kursawe Eversheds Rechtsanwälte Partnerschaft. The team is involved in acquisition financing and in the area of regulations, in which, inter alia, Bank of Scotland was advised on a lage-voume acquisition.
Corporate Law and M&A - medium-sized deals: Matthias Heisse „does not miss out on anything and offers quick solutions" at Heisse Kursawe Eversheds Rechtsanwälte Partnerschaft. The team focuses on the legal advice of listed companies regarding public takeovers and shareholder activism and is still advising the SDAX-listed group CeWe Color. Furthermore, the team frequently advises Pulsion Medical Systems. The team was mandated by Brady Corporation regarding the acquisition and the disposal of several shares in other entities. Counsel Christophe Samson used to work at Rödl & Partner.
Real Estate and Construction (Real Estate Law): Heisse Kursawe Eversheds Rechtsanwälte Partnerschafts practice group, coordinated by Thomas Ziegler, advised Anglo Irish Bank on questions concerning tenancy agreements with regard to its German location and is continually advising a large British real estate investor concerning the management of 23 shopping centres. Paramount and Sun Microsystems are clients, as well.
IT and Outsourcing: The team of Heisse Kursawe Eversheds Rechtsanwälte Partnerschaft advises several well-known clients, e.g. Tyco, in all questions concerning licensing law and privacy protection. Brady Corporation and The Cloud Networks Germany are clients, as well. Axel Zimmermann is recommended by clients as being „excellent".
IP: Trademark Law: The team of Heisse Kursawe Eversheds Rechtsanwälte Partnerschaft, coordinated by Axel Zimmermann, supervises the global trademark portfolio of Etienne Aigner and advises germanwings with regard to trademarks and domains. Zwiesel Kristallglas is another client concerning the fields Trademark Law, Unfair Competition as well as Designs and Utility Models.
IP: Patent Law, settlement of disputes: Axel Zimmermann coordinates the practice group of Heisse Kursawe Eversheds Rechtsanwälte Partnerschaft, which comprehensively represented Berlin Atlantic in court concerning competition law matters. Furthermore, the law firm acts as full service IP-Kanzlei for Tyco. The team was mandated by GKM regarding several lawsuits concerning unfair competition.
Capital Market Law: Heisse Kursawe Eversheds Rechtsanwälte Partnerschaft focuses on the equity capital markets and Mezzanine structures. Timo Holzborn is an active member of the practice group. The team advised Capital Group Companies on the issue of Depositary Interests for an AIM-Listing of TGE Marine.

Chambers Europe 2009 

Corporate/M&A: Highly regarded: The prominent role played by this team in the extended process involving CeWe Color Holding and a number of minority shareholders has emerged as a defining mandate for the group, which subsequently gained a significant reputation as corporate litigation specialists in the south of Germany. Still targeting Mittelstand clients from the mid-cap and high-end brackets of the market, the practice displays skills in company law for listed and unlisted clients, as well as expertise in all elements of transactional law. Connection to the Eversheds network has provided the team with an additional international profile, which is evident in the group's role advising CBP Consulting Engineers on its merger with WSP Group, involving roughly 100 offices in 35 countries. "Analytic, thorough and thoughtful in his responses," Matthias Heisse specialises in core corporate advice, and was recently engaged by the US Department of Justice.

Real Estate: This team regularly represents large multinational banks in real estate financings - and sources attribute part of the group's success to its membership of the wider Eversheds network, which provides the team on the ground with a broader framework and resources with which to operate. Thomas Ziegler is the main contact for the team.

Legal 500 EMEA 2009 

Heisse Kursawe Eversheds Rechtsanwälte Partnerschaft
The Legal 500 Series Recommends this firm for
Capital markets: Heisse Kursawe Eversheds Rechtsanwälte Partnerschaft concentrates on equity capital markets and mezzanine structures with Timo Holzborn an active member of the practice. It advised the Capital Group Companies on the issue of ‘Depositary Interests' for an AIM listing of TGE Marine.
Corporate and M&A Mid-sized deals: Matthias Heisse at Heisse Kursawe Eversheds Rechtsanwälte Partnerschaft ‘misses nothing and provides solutions very quickly'. The team concentrates on advising listed companies, public takeovers and shareholder activism; and continues to advise SDAX-listed group CeWe Color, as well as Pulsion Medical Systems, on a regular basis. In addition, it advised Brady Corporation on various acquisitions and disposals of shares in other entities. Christophe Samson joined the ranks as counsel having previously worked at Rödl & Partner.

JUVE Awards Nomination

The law firm Heisse Kursawe Eversheds has been nominated as "medium-sized law firm of the year" 2009 by the sector's information service JUVE.

The JUVE Awards are considered to be among the most significant honours for the legal sector and are annually awarded in 17 categories altogether, including 14 law firm awards and three inhouse categories. Heisse Kursawe Eversheds is nominated alongside four other law firms for the award "medium-sized law firm of the year".

Nomination speach:
At Heisse Kursawe Eversheds the lawyers focus on only one thing: the way to the top. Since the firm's start in 2005 as the successive law firm of Arcon Rechtsanwälte the team around the two foundation partners Dr. Matthias Heisse and Dr. Stefan Kursawe has been growing continually. Their clients appreciate the "direct and quick contact" and the "excellent professional competence" of the lawyers.

Often law firms of this size have to pass if it is about working internationally. Heisse Kursawe Eversheds on the other hand benefits from the smart move that it made shortly after its foundation: it became the exclusive German member of Eversheds, and thus international groups such as Paramount are among their clients.

Its ongoing client relationships to medium-sized companies are not as publicly obvious but just as important. More and more medium-sized, stock-listed companies have chosen Heisse Kursawe Eversheds as their consultant for everything. This can also be contributed to the successful action for rescission for Cewe Color, a medium-sized company from Oldenburg.

JUVE handbook 2008/2009

General: A highly recommended, broadly positioned Munich firm which has seen substantial growth over the past few years. Once again it has brought in reinforcements in many areas. This corresponds with the praise from clients that there is "a competent contact for every field". Real estate work has been expressly highlighted. The firm is building up the insurance and product liability practice with Fabian Volz (from Lovells). On the back of successful advice in connection with the AGM of CeWe-Color last year, the lawyers acquired a number of listed companies as clients for AGM advice. Recommended lawyers: Dr. Matthias Heisse, Dr. Alexander Honrath (corporate), Dr. Stefan Kursawe (employment). House on spinoff and tax-optimized reorganization in Germany, Luxembourg and the UK.
Corporate: After advising CeWe on an AGM that had become problematic due to some hedge-fund minority shareholders, this recommended firm in corporate gained in market presence. The firm increased its work in capital markets and advises a number of listed companies on AGMs. The lawyers also gained visibility in compliance advice. The relatively new network with Eversheds not only brought referral work but also got HK onto Tyco's exclusive joint international panel. Recommended lawyers: Dr. Matthias Heisse, Dr. Alexander Honrath, Dr. Jörg Kretschmer.
M&A: A respected firm for M&A which advises on some substantial transactions, mainly in an international context. Clients praised the firm's "international competence" several times. The international network with Eversheds is successful and this has led to clients in the Indian market. In Germany the work is dominated by ongoing advice which results in regular transactional instructions. Recommended lawyers: Dr. Matthias Heisse, Dr. Alexander Honrath.
Trademark and Unfair Competition: A firm whose young trademarks and unfair competition practice is becoming ever more well respected. "Very hard-hitting, professionally well-versed, quick and pragmatic IP department, which can also handle larger and more complex issues due to its manpower," was the praise recently lavished by one client. Another emphasized the "service-oriented way of working and thinking and economically practical negotiation solutions". Alongside existing contacts, HKE has broadened its client base significantly to include notable companies, where it has benefited considerably from the international network (especially England). New clients included easyJet and a notable aircraft manufacturer. The firm appointed a second IP partner in the form of Dr. Alexander Niethammer. He is mainly working on intensifying connections within the Eversheds network and provides transactional support as well as advice on the interface with IT and patents. Recommended lawyers: Axel Zimmermann ("strategic approach, has complex matters under control and asserts himself concisely in litigation", client), Dr. Alexandra Bergmann ("outstanding trademarks lawyer with well-founded expertise and superior, but dedicated presence", client).
Commercial/Franchise: Recommended firm in distribution and franchising, which continues to profit from its intensified cooperation with the international Eversheds office. However, the firm has even managed to diversify its client portfolio independently from the active network that provides a constant flow of predominantly inbound work from the US. The firm's activity in the fashion industry was increased considerably, for example through its recent work for More & More. The impressive number of new clients are impressed with the firms' interface with antitrust, where it predominantly advises companies in the health and medical products sectors, as well as in corporate (including Paramount). Practice strengths: Advice to US companies in Germany and Europe. Recommended lawyers: Christof Lamberts.
Practice: Advice on German and international distribution systems, leasing, commercial agents' representation and dealership law. Also the development of pan-European distribution systems for services and goods, increasingly in the fashion and medical products industries. New: media advice on the interface with unfair competition, IT and antitrust. (2 partners, 3 associates)

Chambers Europe 2009

Corporate/M&A: Highly regarded
The prominent role played by this team in the extended process involving CeWe Color Holding and a number of minority shareholders has emerged as a defining mandate for the group, which subsequently gained a significant reputation as corporate litigation specialists in the south of Germany. Still targeting Mittelstand clients from the mid-cap and high-end brackets of the market, the practice displays skills in company law for listed and unlisted clients, as well as expertise in all elements of transactional law. Connection to the Eversheds network has provided the team with an additional international profile, which is evident in the group's role advising CBP Consulting Engineers on its merger with WSP Group, involving roughly 100 offices in 35 countries. "Analytic, thorough and thoughtful in his responses," Matthias Heisse specialises in core corporate advice, and was recently engaged by the US Department of Justice.
Real Estate:
This team regularly represents large multinational banks in real estate financings - and sources attribute part of the group's success to its membership of the wider Eversheds network, which provides the team on the ground with a broader framework and resources with which to operate. Thomas Ziegler is the main contact for the team.

British Legal Awards 2008

Eversheds is the winner of the following categories at the British Legal Awards 2008

•      Law firm of the Year 
•      Best use of technology

Legal Excellence Awards 2008

Eversheds LLP has been promoted as the winner of Legal Excellence Awards 2008 in the following categories:

•      Excellence in Equality & Diversity
•      Excellence in Social Responsibility – Community Engagement

Chambers Europe 2008

Corporate / M&A
The Firm: A fully integrated part of the Eversheds organisation, this solid outfit operates from its sole German office in Munich. The practice is divided into three groups, handling M&A transactions, capital markets and core corporate advice. Active in domestic and international deals worth up to half a billion euros, this team successfully balances a steady flow of work originating from the Eversheds network with a healthy list of standalone clients. The group was acclaimed by competitors for its performance on behalf of CeWe Color Holding, in a matter that regarded enforcing the interests of the company against hedge funds. It has been equally active in the transactional area, as evidenced by its involvement in Bavaria Industriekapital's purchase of Teksid Aluminum.
The Lawyers: Department head Matthias Heisse enjoys an enviable reputation in the market for his "indisputable expertise and well-earned success" in both the corporate and transactional arenas.
Clients/Work Highlights: While large-ticket, cross-border transactions are not a rarity for this team, the full extent of its expertise is shown in the mid-cap market. The firm advised Alltracel Pharmaceuticals on the acquisition of Synpart, and Beko Holding on a EUR15 million takeover bid to shareholders in Triplan.

Real Estate
The Firm: Benefitting from the firm's membership of the extensive Eversheds network, this team has a strong reputation for its financial expertise and is complimented for its "versatility and responsiveness." It represents large multinational banks in real estate financings, even where the transactional work is performed by another firm. One client commented: "This group's commitment and enthusiasm make it the ideal choice." The lawyers advised Credit Suisse on the acquisition financing for a property portfolio valued at EUR200 million. They also acted for Investec Bank on the financing for the acquisition of an industrial building.
The Lawyers: Munich-based Thomas Ziegler is partner and main contact for the real estate finance group.
Clients/Work Highlights: On the lender side, the team has represented Allied Irish Banks, Bank of Scotland, Credit Suisse and Investec. On the borrower side, it advises Enterra Holdings on a regular basis.

JUVE handbook 2007/2008

Firm: Heisse Kursawe Eversheds is a frequently recommended law firm in Munich which increasingly advises international groups in Germany by its international network. Thus, Tyco International has considerably been working together with Eversheds law firms since the beginning of the year. By this cooperation HKE takes over many important transactions. The increase of international deals could perhaps be the reason for being increasingly nationally active in the project business with only one location, for example Bavaria Industriekapital AG - and this not only in corporate law matters and M&A but also in labour law matters. Clients are lauding the "extensive consultation". In the real estate sector there have also been several transactions again. .. HKE reacted to speculations about the future importance of construction law by setting up own practice groups for construction law and real estate. ... With view to the antitrust law sector Dr Arndt Scheffler (from Luther) now supports the office. Frequently recommended lawyers: Dr Matthias Heisse, Dr Alexander Honrath (Corporate Law), Dr Stefan Kursawe (Labour Law)
Office activity: Main focuses are Corporate and Capital Market Law (incl. taxes, financing), Labour Law, Real Estate, Unfair Competition and Trade Mark Law as well as Distribution Law and Antitrust Law. HKE advises a large number of predominantly medium-sized clients and works contributes to many projects.
Labour Law: Respected experience in labour law matters of the full-service office, set up by Eversheds International. The internationally increasing transaction business of the office also has an effect on the lawyers in the labour law department. Their consultations for example with view to Due Diligences have increased. In the past view years HKE has increased considerably. ... Frequently recommended lawyers: Dr Stefan Kursawe ("experienced conduct of case", client)
Corporate Law: Frequently recommended law firm in corporate law which hit the headlines nationwide by advising CeWe Color. This client exemplarily stands for what HKE builds up systematically: HKE is increasingly active in the project business due to its wide constant consulting business and the close relations to its predominantly medium-sized clients. With its sole location in Munich HKE is active on the national market. Frequently recommended lawyers: Dr Matthias Heisse, Dr Alexander Honrath, Dr Jörg Kretschmer
Private Construction Law: Dr Steffen Jung who left Kapellmann assumed control at HKE, who is rather active for the employers. However, with regard to the increasing experience in real estate matters it will now depend on making the long-term interest in the construction law consultation at the market credibly.
Antitrust Law: The increasing corporate experience of the expanding Munich law firm presents a platform for Dr Arndt Scheffler, who left Luther at the beginning of 2007, which used his full capacity. Some contacts from his former mainly energy law work are still existent and have to be extended now.
M&A: Respected firm for M&A. By its international network HKE increasingly advises international groups in Germany also with view to some larger transactions. This increase could perhaps be the reason for being increasingly nationally active in the project business with only one location, for example Bavaria Industriekapital AG. HKE ventures to advise its - so far - predominantly medium-sized clients in daily business matters and at the same time to work at projects with ambition. Frequently recommended lawyers: Dr Matthias Heisse, Dr Alexander Honrath
Unfair Competition and Trade Mark Law: Law firm, which has lastly been significantly active in processes in unfair competition and trade mark law (partly in whole process series) and which also extended the formal trade mark law. The further development particularly depends on the team's work rather than on the co-operation with the international Eversheds network. Even though the young and large team around Axel Zimmermann is well-structured ("energetic with good leadership skills", competitor) a planned broadening on partner level has not yet been realized but it would definitely contribute to make HKE in the IP even more famous.
Distribution Systems: A recommended law firm for distribution law which is definitely benefiting from its alliance with Eversheds in the meantime. Last year HKE could win several new clients from USA who want to be advised regarding the structuring and restructuring of marketing systems in Europe and especially Germany. Thereby the office does not rely at all on Eversheds concerning the acquisition of clients: e.g. a large German chemical engineering company is represented of HKE regarding compensation claims and also regarding the structuring of a Franchise-system. Frequently recommended lawyers: Christof Lamberts

Legal 500 EMEA 2007

Heisse Kursawe Eversheds Rechtsanwälte Partnerschaft
The Legal 500 Series Recommends this firm for
Capital market: Munich firm Heisse Kursawe Eversheds Rechtsanwälte Partnerschaft has a fine midmarket business with entry Standard transactions predominat. Alexander Honrath is the lead partner and has substantial experience that includes advice to Driver & Bengsch AG on ist €42m Entry Standard IPO. He is also well versed in capital increases and the merger of publicly listed companies.
Corporate and commercial (including M&A): Heisse Kursawe Eversheds Rechtsanwälte Partnerschaft established a formal alliance with the UK-based international firm Eversheds LLP in 2005, and now a significant portion of its business comes through the multi-jurisdictional network. It already has a formidable international client base having represented some blue-chip names such as Burger King over the years. The arrival of Jörg Kretschmer from McDermott Will & Emery Rechtsanwälte Steuerberater LLP in 2006 added further credentials to this much-esteemed practice. Its advice to Croda International plc on its €593m acquisition of Uniqema from Imperial Chemical Industries in Germany illustrates the sort of mandates it is capable of. Matthias Heisse is recommended.
Employment: Heisse Kursawe Eversheds Rechtsanwälte Partnerschaft is active in advising ProSiebenSat.1 Media AG, Burger King GmbH and Hypo Real Estate Bank AG, among others, on various general issues. Stefan Kursawe heads the group.
Information technology: Heisse Kursawe Eversheds Rechtsanwälte Partnerschaft's activities are mainly on the transactional side although the firm did advise Ansys Inc in relation to software distribution agreements.
Insolvency and restructuring: Heisse Kursawe Eversheds Rechtsanwälte Partnerschaft is increasingly active on larger mandates, with the aversion of insolvency for Intertainment AG sitting alongside some high-value reorganisation and refinancing work in 2006.
IP: copyright: Heisse Kursawe Eversheds Rechtsanwälte Partnerschaft advises on general matters, including some film production work.
IP: patents and registered designs (dispute resolution/advice): Heisse Kursawe Eversheds Rechtsanwälte Partnerschaft advises AEQUOS Endoprothetik on general patent counselling.
IP: trade marks: Heisse Kursawe Eversheds Rechtsanwälte Partnerschaft advises various German entities on trade mark applications across Europe.
Real estate and construction: real estate: Heisse Kursawe Eversheds Rechtsanwälte Partnerschaft has an increasing presence in the real estate market following junior level recruitment from the likes of CMS Hasche Sigle, with a focus on the corporate side. The firm also has a capable construction department in its Munich base, while it also works increasingly closely with alliance partner Eversheds LLP, with various matters for Sunrise Senior Living an example. Commerzleasing AG was also advised on some major acquisitions and site developments. Steffen Jung heads the group.

JUVE - German commercial law firms 2007

Firm: This recommended Munich firm is continuing to benefit from its merger with English firm Eversheds. It has seen massive growth in advice on real-estate projects, not least thanks to the excellent renown and good connections of the British partner firm in this field. The significant personnel expansion and activities within the international network have also led to a volume of work in transactions which HKE had not enjoyed previously. The Munich-based firm can also account for some high-profile acquisitions of its own. Development potential: If the balancing act between activities within the international network and work of its own is sustainable, the firm may well benefit from the chances which have arisen, without sacrificing its own profile as an independent firm.
Recommended lawyers: Dr. Matthias Heisse, Dr. Alexander Honrath (corporate), Dr. Stefan Kursawe (employment).
Corporate: This respected firm in corporate gained various listed companies throughout Germany as clients. The client structure is typical of a Mittelstand firm wanting to establish itself particularly in ongoing all-round advice. The recruitment of Dr. Jörg Kretschmer for corporate (from McDermott) was a real success, bringing international transactional experience to the firm. It will be stretched, given the increasing flow of work from the Eversheds alliance. Recommended lawyers: Dr. Matthias Heisse, Dr. Alexander Honrath, Dr. Jörg Kretschmer.
Distribution and Franchising: This recommended firm for distribution law is well known for its franchising work. However, senior associate Dr. Joos Hellert left the firm for client Burger King as head of legal for central Europe. Since the middle of 2006, the firm has been a member of the Eversheds association; together with Lamberts' US contacts, this could pave the way for expanding international work. It has already come up with referral clients, especially in franchising.
M&A: Respected firm for M&A which has certainly benefited from its association with Eversheds. There has been real progress in real estate and advice to banks. The firm remains loyal, however, to its strategy as a firm for Mittelstand clients although transaction volumes have increased. Dr. Jörg Kretschmer joining the corporate team, bringing international transaction experience, was a real success (he came from McDermott Will & Emery).Recommended lawyers: Dr. Matthias Heisse, Dr. Alexander Honrath.
Trademarks and Design/ Unfair Competition: The young team around Axel Zimmermann has continued along its dynamic growth course in trademarks and unfair competition. HKE has benefited recently from good connections to advertising agencies. As well as advice, which is often related to distribution law (Distribution and Franchising), HKE has also expanded its litigation activity. The firm is seeing personnel growth, particularly at associate level. The practice's standing in IP, especially transregionally, still lags behind this development. The planned expansion at partner level has not been successful.

The Legal 500, Europe, Middle East & Africa, 2006

Citations: M&A: "Since splitting, Heisse Kursawe has won roles on a series of cross-border transactions. Matthias Heisse is recommended in this respect."
Capital Markets: "Alexander Honrath is one of the few capital markets specialists to be based in Munich."
Furthermore, the office is listed in the rankings of Capital Markets, Corporate and M&A, Real Estate and Construction.

Eversheds recognised as mid-market law firm of the year

International law firm Eversheds was named 'Mid-Market Law Firm of the Year' at the recent Acquisitions Monthly awards ceremony.
The Acquisitions Monthly awards are the principal M&A industry awards and celebrate excellence throughout 2005 across European deals and teams. The citation for the mid market award, which assessed firms across all deals up to 0m, made reference to the progress made by Eversheds over the past year, its services and the ability to handle large, high profile deals, noting that the firm had "successfully expanded its private equity franchise and won new clients among some of the leading private equity houses, as well as completing an impressive list of corporate mandates."

Martin Issitt, head of corporate at Eversheds, comments:

"We are proud to win this award, which is recognition by the M&A industry of the performance of the firm. We are also seeing an increasing number of higher value deals coming through with several scheduled to be announced in the weeks to come."

2005 saw Eversheds complete a number of high profile transactions:
     advising on the £200m sale of Energy Power Resources
     acting for adidas on the €485m disposal of Salomon AG
     acting for Bakkavör Group on the £485m takeover of Geest Plc
     advising management on the £1.08bn takeover of Somerfield
     acting for Montagu Private Equity on its sale of Marlow Foods and Caradon Plumbing for £172m and £227m respectively
     advising Parker Hannifin on its £251m takeover of Domnick Hunter.
Overall Eversheds' total deal value for 2005 stood at £15.3 billion, representing a year on year increase of over £5.2 billion (Source: Corpfin). Private equity deal value rose 45% to £3.63 billion with 70 deals in 2005, the team being busier in Q3 and 4 than any time since 1999. The firm was additionally ranked number 1 for UK M&A deal volume by independent analysts Mergermarket and acted on 37 IPOs and secondary listings.
 

JUVE Handbuch 2005/2006 

Citations:
Office: „This law firm frequently recommended started at the beginning of 2005 [...] and has achieved an excellent technical, business and strategic position. [...] A client compliments the firm: ‘exemplary in legal matters, but also in their service and commitment to clients'.
Labour law: "Much valued labour law firm in Munich which is particularly focussed on upper mid-sized companies but also on international firms.
Trademark law: "The [...] office comprehensively attends to [...] clients in the area of trademark law, often in cooperation with an external law department. A client compliments the young law firm in particular on its technical know-how, its commitment and especially its supportive approach to solutions.
Corporate law: "This office highly appreciated in corporate law [...] attends to a large scale of mid-sized companies part of which are longtime clients of the firm. The international relationships of the firm showed, amongst others, in its consulting to Lion Bioscience. [...] Comprehensive activity in corporate and capital market law (including tax, financing), in particular for mid-sized clients.
Distribution law: "This law firm recommended in distribution law is particularly known for its activity in franchise law. Most of the clients are also consulted beyond distribution matters. ‘Exemplary in legal matters, but also in matters of service and commitment to clients' says a client."
Furthermore, the law firm has positive mentions in the area of distribution systems and competition law.
For complete JUVE articles, please click here

The Sunday Times 100 Best Companies to Work For 2005

For the fourth year in a row Eversheds has been voted one of the top companies to work for in the UK. The survey, which is published each year by The Sunday Times, means that Eversheds is one of very few law firms to consistently receive this accolade from the people who work there. The survey found that:
"63% of staff are happy with their work-life balance."
"72% think their work is stimulating and nearly seven out of 10 staff are excited about where the company is going, with 69% claiming to 'love working for this organisation'."
"73% of staff feel their manager talks openly and honestly with them, while seven out of 10 say he or she expresses appreciation when they do a good job."
"63% say managers truly live the firm's values and just 20% do not believe in them."
"62% feel the firm puts something back."

European Legal 500, 2004/2005

Citations:
Corporate and M&A: “Heisse Kursawe is known for mid-market transactions under the leadership of Alexander Honrath.”
Furthermore, the office is listed in the ranking of real estate.

Best Client Relationship Management Programme 2004, LEMAS

(legal marketing) awards, „In Brief" magazine

Award citation:
"Eversheds managing partner David Gray puts his firm's client relationship management success down to the fact that its CRM programme has been up and running for some time. 'It's not something we thought we'd better do because everyone else is doing it - it has been built up over years,' he explained. 'We have invested hundreds of thousands of pounds in terms of training, both for our client partners and our independent partners. Part of the process involves us going to see clients and discussing any issues and trying to draw out of that client any particular issues that we need to address as part of the relationship. CRM is a priority for everybody,' he said."

Other awards won at the 2004 LEMAS:

Law Firm of the Year
Best Internal Communications Initiative
Best Issues Based Marketing Campaign

„Legal Business" Law Firm of the Year (2004)

Award citation:
"From being a regional law firm made up of various disparate offices, the progress made by the Eversheds partnership, which has come together over the last few years to form a single unified force, is stunning.
"Moreover, it's not just about the partners. Eversheds stands out among the country's large commercial law firms for the breadth and depth of its commitment to all of its staff, from career development to inclusivity in all aspects of improving business performance. This dovetails with a heavy investment in a cutting edge approach to client relationship management, which is now paying dividends. The firm's new managing partner, David Gray, has been a unifying force across the firm.
"Tom Freeman comments: 'David Gray, Eversheds managing partner, has every reason to be proud of his colleagues and the achievements of everyone in the firm. Eversheds can now fully flex its commercial muscle.
"In a tough year for law firms, turnover, profits, and staff levels have risen, new offices are opening, and morale is high. 2003 was the year that Eversheds realised its potential in the UK and set the wheels in motion for a truly effective international presence.
"Clients, unsurprisingly, have not failed to notice. In short, it is an enviable state of affairs to be in, and to build from. Congratulations from 'Legal Business'."