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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

25 January 2006
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.

Best Use of Technology 2005, Managing Partners' Forum

Award citation:
"Clearly concentrated on providing its clients and associates the best in technology, Eversheds' crop of technology products came head and shoulders above the competition. The firm has a safe grip on its clients' needs and recognises that people want transparent and easy to navigate systems that provide the best in smart legal thinking."

Richard Chaplin
Chief Executive, MPF

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 Strategy 2004, Managing Partners' Forum

Award citation:
"Eversheds has earned its position as winner by demonstrating a deep commitment and comprehensive approach to CRM that has clearly had a substantial positive impact on its client relationships and business outcomes. It has embedded a deep level of accountability in its client partners, which provide both the client and the firm transparency on performance. The clear, professional structures for client contact and review ensure there is a focus on continual improvement. Its implementation of technology provides its professionals with rich insights into its clients and their activities across the firm, as well as a variety of useful client-facing services. Eversheds' clients are experiencing the benefits of its commitment to CRM, engendering powerful relationships and a very solid foundation for current and future success."

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

Best Use of IT, The ‚Legal Week' Awards 2004

Award citation:
"Lots of firms jumped on the online services bandwagon about three years ago when such things were fashionable but by and large their brands and products were half-hearted efforts now consigned to the dustbin of dotcom history.
"While most firms were bailing out of the online legal services market, Eversheds moved forward aggressively and now boasts a more extensive and wider ranging suite of online services for clients than any other law firm, including a know-how portal; document hosting and distribution services; and perhaps most successfully, e-learning modules.
"Most of the services have proved genuinely useful and clients have commended them.
"Even more than the creative thinking behind Eversheds' online services, it is the firms' staying power and the pre-eminent position it has achieved in the UK market for legal e-commerce that has won it the award."

„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'."