Specialised

Shareholder Disputes

We are often involved in conducting disputes between shareholders whether in out of court dispute resolution or in litigation. Our track record extends from investors and investment companies, groups and medium-sized family companies to professional practice communities. We develop effective strategies to vindicate the corporate concepts and interests of our clients and/or opposing resolutions which are contrary to our clients’ interests. We also advise managing directors, board members, supervisory board members and other corporate body members involved in disputes between shareholders.

We have represented our clients over many years in every form of corporate law litigation both before state courts and arbitration tribunals. In proceeds concerning defective resolutions such as challenges and nullity cases, our clients benefit from our many years‘ experience in the preparation and conduct of annual general meetings for partnerships and limited companies. The focus is often in such cases on the removal of managing directors, exclusion of shareholders and conflicts from prohibition of competition or business opportunities as well as amendments to articles of association and capital measures. We are very experienced also in disputes about the calculation and distribution of profits including the discovery of concealed asset shifting and the conduct of special audits and the enforcement or defence of compensation claims in those contexts. On withdrawal from a company and assessment and enforcement of share redemption claims whether in court or arbitration, we ensure that the result is commensurate with the interests. We support other law firms in cases in which they cannot act both for a shareholder and for the company, especially in challenge proceedings.

Shareholder disputes are usually complex and can be prolonged. Whether more is achieved by negotiation or litigation or a skilful combination of both depends on each individual case. Our long experience enables us to retain the overview and direct the proceedings towards our client’s declared objectives. We know how they can be achieved without the distraction of sideshows but also when action is urgently required. We are our client’s reliable partner in that challenging situation. Our clients value, above all, our consistent identification with their interests and the fact that we pursue those interests strongly and skilfully with outstanding determination and effectiveness.

Weitere Schwerpunkte aus der Expertise "Corporate Law"

Liability of Board Members and Managing Directors

In enforcing and defending liability claims against corporate board members, we are both an experienced and reliable partner to our clients. We not only advise in litigation but focus our capacity already in advance on supporting the investigation of the facts and facilitating out-of-court resolution in the interest of limiting reputational damage and on advising corporate board members on avoidance of liability.

Transformation & Restructuring

Advising on complex transformations and restructuring such as mergers, changes of legal form, divisions and spin-offs, is at the core of our work.

Financing

Our know-how in new and refinancing covers companies of all sizes and all financing instruments.

Corporate & Group Law

The preparation and conduct of annual general meetings for listed and unlisted companies, advising and representing boards and board members (management boards and supervisory boards) and the making and/or defence of board members liability claims, are central to our comprehensive corporate and group advice.

Trade & Distribution Law

The contractual structuring of the relationships of a company with its distribution partners and customers is at the core of its business and naturally belongs to our “Corporate Housekeeping“.

Business Succession

Successful handover to the next generation is often of the utmost significance for the future of a successfully established business. The subject of succession is, therefore, especially for medium-sized companies ever present. We are aware of the challenges involved and advise comprehensively on them.

Corporate Housekeeping

In day-to-day operative business, we are a reliable partner for all corporate and commercial law questions.

Crises & Restructuring

In times of crisis, we indicate restructuring and financing options, in case of insolvency the insolvency experts in our corporate team are integrated. We regularly also advise insolvency administrators at the nexus to corporate law or represent our clients on creditor committees or in connection with insolvency plans.