M&A · Transactions
M&A lawyers in Hannover, Germany
We support mid-market transactions from letter of intent to closing – with particular strength where a company’s value lies in technology, trademarks and software.
Mid-market transactions – thorough, pragmatic, on schedule
We advise buyers, sellers and investors on share deals and asset deals involving German companies. A focus of our practice is legal due diligence of technology companies: who owns the patents, is the software free of problematic open-source licences, are trademarks validly protected and employee inventions properly transferred? These questions often determine the purchase price.
For international buyers, we act as German counsel alongside their lead law firm and coordinate notaries, tax advisers and banks.
Our M&A services
Typical cases from our practice
What mandates in this area often look like – from the first call to the solution.
Sale of an engineering firm
Situation: The founder of an engineering firm plans to retire; a strategic buyer demands extensive warranties.
Our approach: We prepare a vendor due diligence, clean up the IP, limit warranties and liability and agree a transitional consulting role.
Software start-up as target
Situation: A buyer wants to acquire a software company whose code was partly written by freelancers without clear contracts.
Our approach: Our due diligence identifies the gaps; rights are assigned before closing and residual risks covered by indemnities.
Earn-out dispute
Situation: After a sale, the buyer refuses to pay the agreed earn-out.
Our approach: We review the calculation and the buyer’s influence, enforce information rights and negotiate a settlement or sue.
Note: These examples are anonymised, typical scenarios. They do not describe specific mandates and do not promise any outcome – every case is assessed individually.
Four steps to a solution
Your contacts
Depending on the matter, we combine attorneys and – where technology is involved – patent attorneys in one team. All our lawyers advise in English.
Dipl.-Ing. Michael Horak, LL.M.Attorney · Certified Specialist in IP Law · Certified Specialist in Copyright & Media Law
Andreas FriedleinAttorney
Dipl.-Phys. Andree EckhardGerman Patent Attorney · European Trademark & Design Attorney
Dr. Marie WagnerGerman Patent Attorney
Detailed profiles are available in German.
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between a share deal and an asset deal?
In a share deal the buyer acquires the shares and the company continues with all contracts and risks. In an asset deal individual assets are transferred, allowing risks to be excluded more selectively.
Is merger control required in Germany?
If certain turnover thresholds or the transaction value threshold are met, the deal must be notified to the Federal Cartel Office and may only close after clearance.
Why is IP due diligence important?
In technology companies, patents, software and trademarks often make up most of the value. Gaps in the chain of title can reduce the price or jeopardise the deal.
Your lawyer for M&A in Germany
Tell us about your matter. We usually reply within one business day – faster where deadlines apply.
Georgstrasse 48 · 30159 Hannover · Germany
Phone +49 511 35 73 56-0
Email hannover@fachanwalt-hannover.com
Mon–Thu 8:00–17:30 · Fri 8:00–17:00 (CET) · Video meetings available