#Germany #Latham & Watkins #Private Equity #Frankfurt #M&A

Major Expansion of Latham & Watkins in Germany

Latham & Watkins, a leading global law firm, has announced a substantial enhancement of its private equity and mergers & acquisitions (M&A) practice by welcoming four distinguished partners in Germany. This expansion is set to elevate the firm's status as one of the elite international legal practices in the field. The new partners – Markus Paul, Wessel Heukamp, Verena Nosch, and Carsten Haak – are well-known figures in the industry, joining Latham from Freshfields with decades of advisory experience in high-stakes transactions.

The New Additions

The four partners are recognized as among Europe’s top private equity lawyers, offering a wealth of expertise in complex transactions. Their broad experience includes work with private equity firms and corporate clients in an extensive range of sectors, particularly focusing on leveraged buyouts and intricate domestic and cross-border M&A deals.

Rich Trobman, Chair and Managing Partner of Latham & Watkins, highlighted the significance of their arrival, stating, "Markus, Wessel, Verena, and Carsten bring not only remarkable legal expertise but also established market relationships and a proven track record in high-stake transactions. Their joining marks a pivotal moment for our growth trajectory in Germany and strengthens our presence across Europe and globally."

Strengthening Market Leadership

The inclusion of these respected partners signals Latham's ambition to solidify its leadership in the European private equity market further. In the preceding three quarters, the firm achieved notable rankings, being recognized as #1 globally for M&A by deal value and volume, as well as holding the top spot for private equity M&A deals, according to Bloomberg. In Europe, Latham has also claimed premier positions in M&A and private equity segments, reinforcing its reputation as a dominant player in the legal landscape.

Oliver Felsenstein, a private equity partner at the German office, remarked, "We have achieved significant presence in Germany and across Europe in the private equity sector. The addition of these exceptional lawyers enhances our ability to manage high-profile deals, and as we approach our 25th anniversary in Germany, their presence strengthens our commitment to excellence."

Local Expertise, Global Reach

Markus Paul and Carsten Haak will take roles in the Frankfurt office, while Wessel Heukamp and Verena Nosch will be stationed in Munich. This strategic placement not only diversifies Latham’s presence in key financial hubs but also enables it to provide clients with integrated cross-border advice essential for navigating today’s complex marketplace.

Latham & Watkins emphasizes its capacity to connect clients to valuable opportunities within Europe and beyond through extensive knowledge and resources.

Burc Hesse, Managing Partner of Latham’s German offices, expressed enthusiasm regarding the new additions: "The integration of Markus, Wessel, Verena, and Carsten into our team reflects our exceptional growth over recent years and enhances our market position significantly. This team not only fortifies our German presence but also embodies our commitment to delivering superior outcomes for clients across Europe and globally."

Charles Ruck, Global Chair of Latham’s Corporate Department, further elaborated, expressing, “Private equity has become a cornerstone of our global strategy. The entrance of these skilled professionals enriches our offerings across every significant market worldwide. Latham stands as the only top-ranked firm providing services across capital markets, M&A, banking, private credit, and more, allowing us to meet our clients' evolving demands efficiently and effectively."

About Latham & Watkins

Latham & Watkins is recognized as a premier global law firm, uniting distinguished legal talent to provide advisory services on intricate transactions, litigation, and regulatory issues. With its unmatched market insight, extensive experience across various industries, and focus on innovation, Latham is committed to assisting clients in overcoming their most significant challenges and achieving their objectives.

For further details, visit Latham & Watkins website.