Austria

Binder Grösswang is a leading commercial firm, with lawyers working across its Vienna and Innsbruck offices. Although the firm is exclusively based in Austria, it often leads on cross-border deals. The firm has a strong focus and reputation in banking, capital markets, M&A and restructuring.

Highlights

In banking and finance, the firm has a prominent role on large project financing deals as highlighted by the firm’s recent involvement in the financing for Austria’s largest private fibre joint venture Alpen Glasfer. As Austria’s largest joint venture to date, the firm’s expertise is on full display in its ability to handle market leading large scale project financing transactions in Austria.

In M&A, the firm worked on a cross-border acquisition advising ORLEN S.A. on its acquisition of Turmöl service station network. This highly significant strategic acquisition is of great importance to the oil and gas industry across Central Eastern Europe.

Key clients

UniCredit Bank, European Investment Bank, ERSTE Bank, Austrian Anadi Bank, UniCredit Bank, Austrian Anadi Bank AG, Schüco International, Trill Impact, Raiffeisenlandesbank NÖ-Wien, Kärntner Beteiligungsverwaltung, BKS Bank,BTV Bank für Tirol und Vorarlberg Aktiengesellschaft, Rosenbauer

Testimonials

“Very responsive and collaborative. Team very pleasant to deal with and provide spot on and useful input.” – Banking and finance

“Excellent preparation, development of pragmatic legal solution, excellent negotiation skills & stakeholder involvement, thinking outside the box.” – Banking and finance

“Fast and competent advice, always available, solution-oriented.” – Banking and finance

“BG offers a one-stop-shop for Austrian corporate legal matters. They have a pragmatic work approach and are hands-on. They deliver fast results in complex matters.” – Banking and finance

“Fast and clear responses, a very responsive team.” – Banking and finance

“Very responsive, collaborative, pragmatic advice, good grip on fees.” – Banking and finance

“We required a very pragmatic loan document in a very short time frame for a highly complex situation, where the Binder Grösswang team delivered a highly precise, short yet comprehensive facility agreement that helped bring the deal over the line involving multiple stakeholder layers.” – Financial restructuring

“The pragmatic and approachable service, whilst being very solid as well.” – Financial restructuring

“The lawyers involved have provided a very precise and timely feedback on the important parts of the analysis and of the execution process. As they are very present on the ground, they very often have precedent experience in all relevant situations and that reflects positively in the quality and relevance of the work done. They are also very transparent and clear at inception on the possible challenges of the mandate.” – Insolvency

“Very quick reaction time; deep knowledge about our industry.” – M&A

“Efficient, a good service-payment ration, reliable, easily reachable, show a very flexible approach, can find the proper approach to difficult counter-parts/business partners, deep professional legal knowledge in many fields of law, motivated associates, listen to the client and his/her needs, can adjust to those needs and wishes.” – M&A

“Top notch advice, deep business understanding, trust building (on either side, which is essential for good transactions). Always in time, absolutely top in cost/benefit.” – M&A

“High degree of professionalism, responsiveness, good business acumen, cost-conscious, good team spirit.” – M&A

“Good and understandable presentation; very responsive.” – M&A

“Binder Grösswang is an extremely loyal advisor and always reliable in its handling. The advisors and above all the M&A team always endeavour to involve both sides fairly. There has never been a postponement of a deadline and the coordination at the various levels is absolutely smooth. We would always choose Binder Grösswang for both smaller and larger transactions. In addition, they have a deep understanding of the health and life sciences sector.” – M&A

“Great expertise, Responsiveness, Team integration, practical experience and business acumen.” – M&A

“Very professional team, skilled in all areas of M&A, very quick turn around time, very business oriented.” – M&A

“Quick and accurate responses, a very proactive approach and generally good communication throughout the process.” – Private Equity

“Outstanding professionalism - expertise, strategic thinking, comprehensive services.” – Restructuring

“BG's lead partner Dr. Georg Wabl is fantastic - he has a profound, exceptional knowledge of all legal aspects relevant in relation to restructurings and insolvencies, and he is a great negotiator, very hands-on and pragmatic.” – Restructuring

Andreas Hable

“Manages firm-client relationships, networking, finding proper approach to clients and counter-parts, very experienced, especially when dealing with people/difficult situations, leading negotiations, talks etc. Emotional intelligence. Deep professional knowledge in the sphere of M&A projects.” – M&A

Christian Zwick

“Highly skilled. Quick and very reliable. Strategic focus. Perfect service.” – M&A

Christoph Schober

“Very advanced for his age; always keeps his cool, also during tough negotiations; always reachable for me.” – M&A

Andreas Hable

“Andreas Hable has a deep understanding of the health and life sciences sector in order to penetrate the needs of the market. He has an entrepreneurial understanding and is able to implement this in his advice in line with market requirements. He always tries to find solutions for both sides and translates this into contracts that are also creative and generate a high level of customer satisfaction.” – M&A

Emanuel Welten

“Profound legal knowledge leading to excellent results in negotiations, broad business/sector/commercial expertise, efficient processes, long-standing client relationships, very responsive/accessible.” – Banking & Finance

“Fast and competent advice, always available, solution-oriented.” – Banking & Finance

Florian Khol

“Excellent M&A lawyer and outstanding in capital markets. Compared to his peer he is less focussed on self-advertising than providing first class advice and support! Therefore he is still underrated and underestimated. Excellent network.” – M&A

Gottfried Gassner

“Good control over the entire process whilst sufficient focus on specific details, Very good time management and work schedule.” – Restructuring

Phillip Kapl

“Excellent client relationship development, trusted partner in negotiations, very effective team management.” – Private Equity

Stefan Tiefenthaler

“As mentioned for the firm. He is an excellent lawyer with deep technical know-how who manages to translate this into practical and hands-on advice. Excellent at finding practical compromise solutions in negotiations. His relaxed, calm, professional and friendly manner regularly takes pressure out of tense negotiations.” – Bank lending

Stephan Heckenthaler

“Stephan is hands-on and solution-oriented. He is available on short notice and easily reachable. We often text and can discuss matters directly and hence find solutions in a swift manner.” – Banking and finance

Founded in 1976, DORDA is a leading Austrian firm based in Vienna that is strong in financial and corporate transactional work. 

The firm is active and strong in all areas of work covered by Austria’s ranking categories and is among the leading advisers in the country for public M&A and equity capital markets work. It is also active in banking and finance, debt capital markets, structure finance and securitisation, project development, and restructuring and insolvency. 

Highlights  

In M&A developments, the firm advised Alcmene Group in on the acquisition of a 25% stake in Mineraloelraffinerie Oberrhein GmbH (MiRO). Alcmene Group is a subsidiary of Liwathon Group which has a significant global presence in the energy sector. This transaction is essential in the company’s business goals and expansion as a leading player in the energy infrastructure sector. 

Another notable example of the firms work during the research cycles involves advising on the high profile intra group restructuring of Telekom Austria AG and the issue of €500 million senior notes due 2028 purchased by a subsidiary of Telekom Austria into which the entire towers business of the group in Austria and CEE has been transferred.  

Key clients  

Benteler International, KO-TRAST GmbH, Petrus Advisers, Morgan Stanley, Ocyan Oil & Gas and Forsea, HSBC, DigitalBridge Group, Inc, VIG - Vienna Insurance Group, Kommunalkredit Austria AG, Verbund AG, Erste Group ÖBB Personenverkehr AG, Allianz Global Corporate & Speciality SE (AGCS), Gerry Weber GmbH, Renault 

Testimonials  

“Professional attitude, clear statements, understandable recommendations. Think outside the box when analyzing problems; adherence to deadlines; Compliance with financial requirements.” – Professional service regulatory  

“We are extremely satisfied with the work of DORDA. They are exceptionally quick and supportive, consistently demonstrating a capacity to think on their feet and, when necessary, approach challenges with creativity and innovation. Their deep knowledge of the market and the life sciences industry is particularly impressive. Moreover, their ability to function as a one-stop-shop firm is a tremendous asset, as it ensures comprehensive coverage of various legal aspects of the transaction, including competition law, intellectual property, and life sciences law. This holistic approach has significantly streamlined our legal processes.” – M&A 

“Extensive expertise, working on both high / strategic level and also executional details.” – M&A  

Christian Richter-Schöller 

“Professional attitude, clear statements, understandable recommendations. Think outside the box when analysing problems; adherence to deadlines; Compliance with financial requirements.” – Financial service regulatory  

Martin Brodey  

“Excellent understanding of business needs. Outstanding accessibility and follow-up.” 

“Extremely solution oriented and at the same time focused on details” – M&A 

Ulrich Weinstech  

“Ulrich has been exceptional in every aspect. He is very quick in his responses and actions, which has been crucial in keeping the transaction on track. He takes the time to listen and truly understand our needs and concerns, which has made us feel very supported throughout the process. Additionally, his communication skills are outstanding, always clear, professional, and pleasant. His ability to effectively communicate complex legal concepts in an understandable manner has greatly facilitated our decision-making. Overall, we are extremely pleased with his performance and would highly recommend him.” – M&A  

Pelzmann Gall Größ (EY Law Austria) is an independent law firm and part of the global EY Law network which has over 2,400 employees in over 80 countries. The firm has four offices in Austria. 

Highlights  

In banking and finance, the firm has a strong presence in representing crypto services and bitcoin providers such as Bitpanda on an ongoing basis on structuring and market compliance with regulated products and legislation. The crypto and bitcoin market is still heavily under development in various regulatory and legislative frameworks causing inherent complex and innovative approaches required by the firm.  

Key clients  

Bitpanda, Matter Labs, BWT Holding, Palfinger AG, Anticimex Group, IK Partners, COIM SPA 

Testimonials  

“Great expertise, creative and solution orientated.” – Financial services regulatory  

Martin Hanzl   

“Solution finding.”  

Established in 1999, Fellner Wratzfeld & Partner is full-service Austrian law firm based in Vienna. The firm has an estimated 130 employees and 70 lawyers. The firm has a strong focus on a range of sectors in banking and finance, restructuring, M&A and projects.

Highlights

In restructuring, the firm represents a number of clients in connection with the high-profile insolvency of SIGNA Holding GmbH. This is a notably complex case in which a considerable depth of expertise in restructuring matters is illustrated by the firm through the breadth and scale of involvement in the case.

Key clients

UniCredit Bank Austria AG, Numerous banks of the Raiffeisenbank sector, BAWAG P.S.K. Bank für Arbeit und, Wirtschaft und Österreichische Postsparkasse AG, Erste Bank der oesterreichischen Sparkassen, (City of Vienna), Land Niederösterreich (Province of Lower Austria), Oekostrom, ÖBB Infrastruktur

Testimonials

“Best law firm in restructuring cases if Markus Fellner is in charge. Markus Fellner is a real dealmaker with great know how and engagement, always focused to find the best economic solution for the client.”- Banking and finance

“Professionalism; availability 7/24, friendly team” – Financial Service Regulatory

“Always focusing on solutions acceptable for all parties, flexibility and availability” – Financial restructuring

Markus Fellner

“Top lawyer with excellent knowledge in banking and finance law, with huge cross-border experience and friendly, solution-orientated and professional approach” – Banking and finance

“Guidance of the banks, delivers excellence in restructuring cases and litigations, both from a legal and tactical point of view and in interaction with his team.” – Restructuring

“Extremely professional, know-how in the subject matter, negotiation power, pragmatism, efficiency, strongly oriented on our needs, goal-oriented, very swift response and processing times” – Banking and finance

“Markus Fellner is one of the best experienced restructuring lawyers in Austria, well connected and has a good feeling for his clients.” – Restructuring

“Top lawyer with excellent knowledge in banking and finance law, with huge cross-border experience and friendly, solution-orientated and professional approach” – Banking and finance

“Markus Fellner is a real dealmaker with great know how and engagement, always focused to find the best economic solution for the client.” – Banking and finance

“Solution oriented, diplomatic, fast thinking” – Financial restructuring

Founded in 1994, Graf Isola is an Austrian law firm with offices in Vienna and Graz. The firm has 25 layers and six partners. It has a focus on banking and finance work and various matters in refinancing, restructuring and debt financing transactions.

Highlights

A notable cross border M&A deal involves the firm advising Peter Lisec Foundation (LISEC Group) in connection with its acquisition of various companies in Germany, USA, UK and UAE that were originally part of the LISEC group.

Key clients

Andritz, SIGNA, LISEC, Schaub Lorenz, Leggett

Testimonials

“High level of professional competence, broad economic understanding and extensive experience, professional appearance, short response times” – M&A

“Very experienced, quick, expertise, focused on solutions, not on problems” – Restructuring

Armeniak Utudjian

“Very professional”

Ferdinand Graf

“Great combination of specialist knowledge, feeling for economic issues, experience and a pleasant human appearance”

Stefan Weileder

 “Experienced, to the point, innovative”

Rautner is an independent commercial law-focused boutique based in Vienna.

Focusses / specialisms

The firm focuses on banking and capital markets work.

The firm provides advice across the full spectrum of financial services including syndicated lending, project/ real estate finance, restructuring, insolvency, financial services regulatory work, debt and equity capital markets.

The firm has strong relationship with international investment banks and is, therefore, often seen on bank-side debt capital market transactions.

Key clients

Key recent clients include Banco Santander, Generali Bank, Kommunalkredit Austria, BNP Pariba, Niederlassung Österreich, Oekostrom, UniCredit Bank Austria, UNIQA Insurance Group, Windkraft Simonsfeld, Barclays Bank, Erste Group Bank, Goldman Sachs International, Merrill Lynch International, Société Générale and UBS Europe.

Research period review: 33rd edition (2023/2024)

During the research period, the firm was active in banking and finance, and equity capital markets.

In banking and finance the firm worked on loans and financings for clients in the power generation and financial services sectors.

In equity capital markets the firm worked on secondary share offerings for clients connected with the financial services sector.

Deal highlights: 33rd edition (2023/2024)

KIC InnoEnergy €3.9 million loan

Client Feedback: 33rd edition (2023/2024)

Banking and finance

“Rautner are always cost-efficient, commercially minded and increasingly know what truly matters to the client – very highly recommended.”

TAIYO Legal is a boutique law firm with a unique focus on CEE and East Asia. The firm’s offices are located in Vienna and Tokyo.

Focusses / specialisms

The firm primary focus is on banking and finance work, most often with cross-border dimensions. The firm is often seen advising various domestic and foreign clients on regulatory issues in Austria.

Key clients

Recent key clients include Anglo Austrian AAB, Bank Gutmann Aktiengesellschaft, fair-finance Vorsorgekasse and Corum Asset Management.

Research period review: 33rd edition (2023/2024)

During the research period, the firm was active in restructuring.

In restructuring the firm worked on deals for shareholders and arrangers linked with the technology & telecommunications and financial services sectors.

Deal highlights: 33rd edition (2023/2024)

Anritsu restructuring

Client Feedback: 33rd edition (2023/2024)

Banking         

"They are knowledgeable, consistent and flexible in their approaches. We owe them much for their clarity and guidance during difficult times."

Restructuring

"They provided us with rich legal expertise for the achievement of our goal, understanding the Japanese employment culture and the way Japanese companies proceed in this type of mission."

Alexander Taiyo Scheuwimmer

"Dr Scheuwimmer's commitment to the cause is impeccable, and so is his competence."

"Significantly good understanding and knowledge of the Japanese company culture, and the efficiency in combining it with the Austrian legal environment."

Established in 1957 in Vienna, Wolf Theiss is now one of Austria’s largest and leading firms with a network of offices across Central and Eastern Europe spanning 13 countries.

Highlights

In M&A, the firm advised on high end deals and challenging joint ventures and acquisitions on the buy and sell side. A notable highlight includes advising Österreichische Beteiligungs (ÖBAG) regarding the re negotiation of a long term shareholders agreement and the extension of its partnership with América Móvil on their engagement with Telecom Austria, one of central Europe's largest telecom services providers.

In projects, the firm is also among the market’s strongest firms in Austria. A notable example of this is illustrated by the firm advising the City of Vienna, Vienna Hospital Association in connection with restructuring Vienna's health care services in its eight municipal hospitals with an estimated value of €5 billion over the next ten years.

Another notable highlight of the firms engagement in leading market transactions is illustrated through its restructuring and insolvency team engaged in a number of recognizably significant insolvency and high profile contentious litigation and civil proceeding cases including the bankruptcy of Signa Group. The firm is advising a range of creditors with claims amounting to approximately €250 million with regard to the insolvency proceedings of Signa Development AG and creditors with claims amounting to €350 million.

Key clients

UniCredit Bank Austria, Erste Group Bank,Raiffeisen Bank International, ams OSRAM, Borealis Raiffeisen Bank International, Deutsche Telekom; Magenta, Altor Equity Partners, Bain Capital , Österreichische Beteiligungs (ÖBAG), One Rock, Capital Partners, AustralianSuper, Vienna Insurance Group (VIG), City of Vienna – Vienna Hospital Association (Wiener Gesundheitsverbund), Austrian Federal Railways (ÖBB), The Government of Lower Austria, Vienna International Airport

Testimonials

“Very pragmatic, hands-on advice, great know-how" - Capital markets debt

“Hands on, pragmatic, expertise of regulatory debt products structuring” - Capital markets debt

"In relation to the latest capital markets work Austrian law was required. Wolf Theiss team consisted of both Romanian and Austrian lawyers. They worked seamlessly together and acted as a one stop shop which is exactly what we needed. The work delivered was excellent, on the point and on time. A great cocktail of qualities when running a bond issuance program." - Capital markets debt

“Close support throughout the entire process prior to closing and in all matters during the term of the financing. A central contact person is available to clarify all questions internally if necessary. Good accessibility.” - Project finance

"I like their expertise, professionality, good time management, reliability and commitment."- M&A

"Outstanding support cross diverse fields of law, excellent knowledge of the local legal environment (including key people), offering of tailor-made solutions and readiness to support within a restricted time-frame" - M&A

Markus Aigner

“Very pleasant communication, good accessibility, feedback and consultation with his team and colleagues. We feel well advised professionally.” 

Claudia Chiper

"High level of responsiveness, innovative spirit and practical approach"

Zeno Grabmayr
"Well rounded lawyer, always available, deep M&A experience"

Christian Mikosch
"Without his personal involvement (team coordination, exact knowledge what to do in legal and practical terms) the deal would not be successfully concluded."

Ralf Peschek
"Pragmatic, solving-oriented advice, to the point"

Christine Siegl

"High level of experience and legal/industry expertise."

Valentina Wong

"Valentina is an experienced member of the litigation team of Wolf Theiss. We appreciate her professional expertise and experience, deep knowledge of the discussed topics, diligence and hands-on approach."

Robert David 

“Professionalism; competence; tries to accommodate.”

“Long-time career, good experience.”

Horst Ebhardt

“I have worked with Horst for many years in various contexts. He is unfailingly gracious and humble, but truly pre-eminent in the market.”           

“Our main contact person is Horst Ebhardt. Horst is an exceptional person with the highest level of professional expertise. Throughout the entire period of our cooperation (lasting more than 12 months), he was fully committed to the transaction. He always manages and supervises his team in an efficient manner so that all the different work streams are well coordinated. In addition, Horst always follows the transaction very closely and himself contributes with detailed legal work, which is not usual for professionals of his seniority. Horst has a great feel for the commercial aspects of the transaction and brings a great value to our M&A team with his ability to find solutions and move the project forward. He also makes a significant contribution to the deal even in areas that go beyond legal services. In summary, Horst represents a combination of professional legal expertise, top managerial skills and a great sense for finding pro-business solutions. His work reflects years of legal practice. It is an honour to be represented by such a professional.”

Clara Gordon

“Same as the firm overall – very responsive, knowledgeable of legal issues, good at proposing and implementing solutions.”

Andrea Gritsch                      

"Very strong-  we would highly recommend her."

“High level of expertise, hands-on, fully committed, good communicator.”

“I am delighted to give feedback on the exceptional services provided by Andrea Gritsch, a skilled and knowledgeable banking transactional lawyer whom I have had the pleasure of working with on multiple projects. Throughout our engagements, Andrea demonstrated an impressive depth of legal expertise and a keen understanding of our business needs. She consistently provided practical and tailored advice that was both actionable and effective. Moreover, I was consistently impressed by Andrea's responsiveness and proactive approach to communication. She was always available to discuss matters and provided clear and concise updates, ensuring that we were fully informed and able to make informed decisions. Overall, I have nothing but the highest praise for Andrea and I would not hesitate to recommend her to anyone seeking a top-tier banking and regulatory lawyer. She is a true asset to her firm and the legal profession as a whole.”

Leopold Höher          

“Client acquisition and relationship management, involvement and hands-on approach.”

Katerina Kraeva        

“Competence, experience, impeccable client relationship.”

Katerina Mikulova

“She organised the process well and was a single point of contact for us.”

Hartwig Kienast

“Responsiveness and accountability for the project and his outstanding legal knowledge compared with extraordinary commercial and financial know-how.”

Florian Kusznier       

“Florian knows what he is doing and what is needed to bring a deal over the finish line.”

Tjaša Lahovnik       

“She is full of knowledge, solution-orientated, responsive, resourceful. Sharp enough when necessary, but otherwise fair and calm.”

Jitka Logesova      

“Very responsive and service-orientated; pragmatic work attitude, we work together very well.”

Marika Lomashvili    

“Very responsive, looks for solutions, easy to contact by phone and in person.”

Filip Michalec

“Clear and swift advice.”

Christian Mikosch    

“Strong communicator, trustful relationship, flexible and fast responding.”

Tereza Naucova        

“Tereza is a very experienced lawyer who always puts client needs first – very responsive and detail-orientated, but pragmatic and focused on the relevant issues.”

Maciej Olszewski      

“Friendliness, legal knowledge, availability, reliability.”

Rudolf Pfeffer

“Communication with all parties - result driven, responsive”

Aleksandar Ristic     

“Quick response, informative reactions.”

Eva Spiegel

“Very nice to work with; very knowledgeable; solution-orientated.”

Luka Tadic-Colic      

"Team was led by Lukas Tadic-Colic: excellent M&A corporate lawyer, highly reliable, business-orientated and pragmatic.”

Andjelka Todorovic  

“Professional, diligent, fast, agile, responsive.”

Sarah Wared

“Highly responsive, very pleasant to work with, solution-orientated, excellent at explaining complex legal assessments.”

“Very responsive and committed to delivering a very high standard of service. Great knowledge and drive in problem-solving.”

“Her knowledge is absolutely on point and her communication is outstanding."

Part of a cooperation between four independent law firms in Central and Eastern Europe, bpv Hügel is an Austrian firm based in Vienna. The firm was established in 1979 and currently employs more than 100 staff and around 50 lawyers.

Focusses / specialisms

The firm has a presence in capital markets, especially equity, where it routinely advises on both equity and equity-linked products, as well as innovative finance and acquisition structures with shares.

The firm often works on transactions with multi-jurisdictional elements and acts on capital markets compliance matters for issuers and investors alike.

M&A has traditionally been a source of strength for the firm. It works on public, private and distressed mergers and acquisitions, joint ventures and corporate reorganisations, and provides general corporate advice. The firm has a strong multi-jurisdictional focus with more than half of its work in any given year often including cross-border elements.

Key clients

Key clients of the firm include Immofinanz, RWA Raiffeisen Ware Austria, Valneva, Unibail-Rodamco-Westfield, Verbund, AnaCap Financial Partners and ISS Group.

CMS Austria is based in Vienna and was founded in 1970.The firm has over 75 lawyers.

CMS is an international full-service law firm with more than 5,000 lawyers and over 8,000 staff globally, working from 80 offices in 75 cities across 45 countries.

Focusses / specialisms 

The firm is recognised for its work in banking and finance, debt and equity capital markets, M&A, project development, and restructuring and insolvency practices.

Key clients 

Key clients of the firm include Green Source Holdings, UniCredit Bank Austria, Deutsche Bank, Alpla, Bloomberg, Greiner, REWE and Equitix European Infrastructure I.

Greenlake Legal is an independent law firm based in Vienna, Austria. The firm was founded in 2018 by partner Michael Raninger.

Focusses / specialisms 

The firm focuses on finance transactions including financial restructurings. The firm is also active in banking and finance cross-border transactions. It regularly advises corporate and commercial banks and advises on debt funds and private equity funds.

Key clients 

Key clients of the firm include AMAG, Constantia Flexibles, Credit Suisse International, Greiner, Semperit, and Volkswagen.

Client feedback: 32^nd edition (2022/2023) 

Banking and finance

“High quality, pragmatic, efficient.”

Hauser Partners is an independent business firm established in 1987 and based in Vienna.

Focusses / specialisms

The firm is a corporate boutique experienced in joint-ventures and M&A.

Key clients

The firm regularly advises Mondi Group, a worldwide packaging and paper groups as well as ERSTE Foundation, and Schweighofer Group

Research period review: 31st edition (2020/2021)

In terms of M&A work, the firm advised buyers in acquisitions, both local and foreign. Clients were assisted in structuring takeovers and share acquisitions.

Deal highlights: 31st edition (2020/2021)

Schweighofer Group acquisition of saw mill

Client feedback: 31st edition (2020/2021)

M&A

"Stringent execution, up-to-date, understanding business needs."

Held Berdnik Astner & Partner is a full-service law firm with offices in Graz, Vienna, Klagenfurt and Zurich.

Focusses / specialisms 

The firm has a focus on M&A.

LeitnerLaw Rechtsanwälte | Edthaler Leitner-Bommer Schmieder & Partner Rechtsanwälteis a dynamic law firm in Austria that specializes in business law, with locations in Linz, Vienna, Graz, Prague and an office in Ried. 

Focusses / specialisms     

The firm is strongest in the corporate space. The team is experienced in all types of M&A transactions, including acquisitions of private and public companies, domestic and cross-border mergers, demergers, conversions, contributions, accruals, minority investments as well as joint ventures and private equity transactions. 

Key clients   

Key clients of the firm include Crédit Mutuel Equity, NordCap & Co, GeotechnikTauchmann, Dynatrace Austria, and L&A International. 

Research period review: 32nd edition (2022/2023) 

During the research cycle, the firm was active in the M&A area and advised for both buy and sell sides. The firm consults clients across different industry sectors including retail, consumer goods, energy, technology, automotive, and transportation.   

Client Feedback: 33rd edition (2023/2024)

M&A   

"High quality approach, fast, hands on."

"Experienced team with a hands-on-mentality; short response times."

Project development

"Leitner Law is an excellent firm and handled the escort in a professional and businesslike manner."

Restructuring

"They know the legal aspects on both sides of the border very well and got the needed contacts to set up the process."

Johannes Edthaler   

"Mr. Edthaler is a very good and professional partner. He is always available for his customers."     

Gerald Gahleitner     

"Very good in comunicating and having a good back office in place to get the process managed."

Daniel Lungenschmid          

"Mr. Lungeschmid and Mr. Edthaler looked after us perfectly.”

"He was very eager and also always available."

Vedran Obradovic

"Good communication, and advices; friendly and quick answering."

PHH Rechtsanwälte is a commercial boutique firm based in Austria.

Focusses / specialisms 

The firm is recognised for its work in the banking and finance practice. It is also active in project management, refinancing, restructuring and financing-related regulatory matters. Active sectors include aviation, fintech, healthcare, TMT, energy and infrastructure.

Key clients 

Key clients of the firm include Sova Capital, Bank of Communications, Pegasus Capital, DZ Bank, MUFG Bank, and Freie Internationale Sparkasse.

Launched in 2016, Oehner & Partner is the Austrian arm of PwC’s legal network. PwC Legal is one of the largest legal networks, with more than 3,500 lawyers in 100 countries.

Focusses / specialisms 

The firm has a strong M&A team and focuses on M&A and corporate matters. The firm is also active in banking and finance and debt capital markets.

Key clients 

Key clients of the firm include Seedblink Crowd, Institutional Investment Partners, Catella Residential Investment Management, LGIM Managers, Firstbird, Sennheiser Electronic, and Schachinger Logistik Holding.

Schindler Attorneys is an Austrian firm based in Vienna.

Focusses / specialisms 

The firm has a focus on banking and finance, debt capital markets, private equity and M&A. It is also active in the real estate and corporate space and has experience advising on distressed M&A projects and on shareholder syndicates and joint ventures.

Key clients 

Key clients of the firm include 6B47 Group, Ares Management, Aptean, SPIE Deutschland & Zentraleuropa, and Evoco.

Client feedback: 32^nd edition (2022/2023) 

M&A

“Professional, pragmatic and solution-oriented, deep knowledge in the area of M&A.”

Private equity

“Very entrepreneurial thinking combined with outstanding knowledge and proactive problem-solution approach.”

Established in 1950, Schoenherr is a leading Austrian firm with a European network that includes offices in 15 jurisdictions. In Austria the firm is based in Vienna and has a smaller branch in Linz. The firm has a strong overall presence in all areas of corporate and commercial practices. The firm has a ranged focus across the board in banking and finance, capital markets, M&A, projects development and restructuring and insolvency.

Highlights

In banking and finance, the firm advised on large, syndicated loans, acquisition financing and market entry license procurement for foreign international clients and financial service institutions. A highlight of the firms work includes advising Winerberger on a €700 million Bridge Term Loan Facility Agreement provided by Commerzbank Aktiengesellschaft, Danske Bank A/S, Erste Group Bank and UniCredit Bank Austria in connection with its acquisition of Terreal.

In M&A, the firm advised on a range of high end domestic and international transactions. A notable highlight includes advising Cargo – Partner Group Holding as global counsel on the sale of the entire Cargo – Partner Group to Nippon Express.

Key clients

Erste Bank, Wienerberger, Raiffeisen Bank International, Bitvavo, Commerzbank, Wienerberger, Deutsche Bank, Erste Group Bank, J.P. Morgan SE, ASFINAG, Carrier Global Corporation, NOVOMATIC, Österreichische Beteiligungs (ÖBAG), Cargo Partner Group Holding, Rhône Capital, VERBUND, Vienna Int'l Airport, TIWAG, ASFINAG, ContourGloba, Austrian Anadi Bank, Raiffeisenlandesbank, Oberösterreich

Testimonials

“Strong knowledge and capabilities, pro-active approach to client's needs.” – Banking and finance

“In-depth knowledge, highly responsive” – Capital markets debt

“Great local knowledge and business acumen” – Financial service regulatory

“Very hands-on approach. Clear and simple way of wrapping-up complex issues. Outstanding responsiveness and team of experts easy to go with.” – M&A

“Service, experience, fast answers” – M&A

“Professional, experts in their topics and eye-level collaboration” – M&A

“Robert Bachner has been our go-to partner at Schönherr for all corporate work (including assistance on the JV agreement with our co-shareholder Immofinanz group) and he stands out as an expert and personal adviser. Our group also works as adviser on many M&A deals for large real estate investors and we work with many law firms but Schönherr and Robert Bachner stand out among them. We always feel that we are best advised in the interest of the transaction and not to unnecessarily optimize any position) and Robert is a great negotiator bringing people together in the interest of a joint solution.” – M&A

“Straight forward and to the point, very quick and responsive.” – M&A

“Incredible work ethic and thinking out of the box. They do go the extra mile for the client and try to help and give advice specifically to the client type (we e.g. appreciate a fast first advice before digging into detail and getting a complex / complete response)” – Private equity

“Schoenherr is always responsive and fully committed to its clients!” – Private equity

“Excellent knowledge of the field. Christoph Cudlik is probably the best in Austria. Also, helped a lot with the documents and the whole process in general.” – Project development

“The highest legal support. Very professional, very smart, very fast!” – Project development

“They always have their finger on the pulse and have valuable contacts in the industry. The quality of their work is outstanding. Accessibility and availability are second to none” – Project development

“The Schmelz team is particularly committed to its work. In this context, Christian Schmelz, Christoph Cudlik and Julia Kandler deserve special mention.” – Project development

Adina Damaschin

“Client-oriented, very focused on making the deal done even under tight deadline. Very responsive and supportive in complex legal matters.”

Alexander Popp

“Communicates extremely well, good negotiator, strong problem-solving skills”

Angelika Fischer

“Great communicator, result-oriented”

“Angelika is senior associate in the DCM ECM practice group and provides excellent services to her clients with a great responsiveness and a deep understanding for industry and her clients' needs.”

Christian Schmelz

“Christian Schmelz, who is leading the team, is probably the most regarded practitioner in this field and regarded as the "doyen" of public law. He is at the forefront of all new developments in public and environmental law and also in political or ecological developments. He is simply outstanding: his technical and ecological competence is extraordinary high; he is excellent in negotiations and his "social competence" is very high; he is available around the clock, very effective and quick; he is innovative; his approach is solution oriented, his advice "to the point". All in all: I can’t imagine him doing anything better."

I want to stress that Christian Schmelz has created a team of exceptionally professional lawyers. Every one of them is outstanding. Each of them delivers excellent quality in shortest time frames and has extraordinary high legal, social and technical competences. I would like to highlight Christoph Cudlik as outstanding in the row of excellent next generation lawyers at Schoenherr. He has done excellent work for us for many years.”

“Very objective, absolutely clear when presenting problems and pointing out solutions, very interested in harmonious collaboration and absolutely accessible to questions of all kinds, highly professional and competent, with absolute integrity.”

Christoph Moser

“Christoph is one of the most responsive lawyers who is always available for its clients and has the deepest knowledge in the industry and exactly knows the needs of its clients”

Christop Cudlik

“He has the best knowledge in his field in Austria. On top has excellent technical understanding.”

Christop Jirak

“High knowledge in public law but also of the involved authorities' practice”

“Highly motivated young lawyer.”

Johannes Stalzer

“24/7 availability, strong knowledge of critical infrastructure projects and tendering process, keeps deadline always, fair and clear statements, strong network in all related fields”

“His legal knowledge and experience is at the highest level. He is very intelligent. He communicates very well.”

Markus Piuk

“High responsiveness and a wide field of expertise makes him outstanding. A very easy to go with personality and always able to even keep little details for later discussions.”

“Very pragmatic M&A lawyer; very calm and focused on getting the deal done.”

“Great M&A lawyer, has lots of business sense and advises almost like an investment banker”

Nikola Babic

“Very good problem-solving skills and great focus on achieving results.”

Robert Bachner

“He understands combination of legal, business and tax to come up with appropriate solutions for every issue we needed his advice on. he is a great negotiator and personally dedicated. our group is also providing advisory services and we understand the need for commitment and dedication clients expect from us; he meets and exceeds all our expectations.”

Torggler is an Austrian firm based in Vienna. The firm offers legal advice for entrepreneurs and private clients.

Focusses / specialisms 

The firm is active in the corporate M&A practice area including structuring of joint ventures, management buy-outs, and the acquisition of companies involved in insolvency proceedings. Covered sectors include healthcare, real estate, manufacturing and food & beverages.

Key clients 

Key clients of the firm include Gurktaler Aktiengesellschaft, Swarovski Group, MTH Group, TÜV Austria Holding, MaxLinear, Frey Wille, Cura Domo Holding and Segnal Beteiligungs.

Völkl is a boutique based in Vienna, with a focus on banking sector work. It is a member of IR Global, a UK based network that provides legal and financial advice.

Highlights

During the research cycle period, the firm advised on a number of matters ranging from project and real estate financing, to loans for both lenders and borrowers. The firm was also active in banking disputes in the financial services, public transport and real estate space.

Key clients

kasse AG. Work, Zürcher Kantonalbank Österreich AG, NN Group N.V., K&N Prime Yield Corporation, GEWOG Gemeinnützige Wohnungsbau

Testimonials

Clemens Völkl

“Wise, experienced.”

“Extremely knowledgeable and experienced lawyer, great to work with. Solves most complex problems and finds innovative solutions.”

Established and based in Vienna, Weber & Co is a local law capital markets specialist that frequently secures roles on prominent Austrian transactions of this type.

Focusses / specialisms

The firm is an outlier among those based in Vienna that advise on big ticket capital markets deals. In an area largely dominated by larger domestic and international full-service firms, the majority of which have regional networks, the firm has a small team with a narrow focus. What the firm lacks in scale and breadth, however, it makes up for in expertise.  

The firm was founded by one of the country’s leading securities law academics, Stefan Weber. Now he rarely takes the lead role on deals, but the relationships and reputation he built locally with underwriting banks and issuers are being maintained through the work of his team.

The firm also advises on public M&A.

Key clients

The firm has established relationships with leading European wide such as Erste Group, DZ bank, Commerzbank and Raiffeisen, to name a few.

Research period review: 30th edition (2019/2020)

The firm was active in baking, capital markets and restructuring during the research cycle.

The firm was heavily involved in IPOs, working on two of the three Austrian deals that launched in 2019, working on the side of underwriters or managers. In debt work the firm assisted in bond issues on the side of issuers, managers and bookrunners. 

The firm’s other work included advising on multi-tranche bonded loans and syndicated financing, as well as restructuring mandates. The firm usually advised banks but also did work for borrowers. 

Deal Highlights: 30th edition (2019/2020)

Immofinanz €500 million 2.625% bond issue 

Marinomed Biotech Vienna Stock Exchange IPO

Addiko Bank Vienna Stock Exchange IPO

Oberbank €250 million 0.75% bond issue

OMV €1 billion bond issue 

S&T €144 million bonded loan

Voestalpne €1 billion syndicated financing 

Wolford restructuring

Client feedback: 30th edition (2019/2020)

Capital markets: Debt

“Very high expertise in the relevant fields, pragmatic and supportive approach, high focus to "understand" the client's business and, thus, provide optimal service. They give a very short response time and are sociable and easy to connect with.”

Capital markets: Equity

“Very knowledgeable in capital markets transactions and the Austrian market in particular. Their pragmatic approach is outstanding.”

“The legal advisors have a high level of competence. The cooperation is smooth and uncomplicated and open questions are answered professionally and quickly. Overall, we can only report positively about Weber & Co.”

M&A

“Boutique firm tailored to the clients' requirements with hands-on approach and outstanding expertise. All the heavy lifting is done by the partners themselves.”

“Prompt re-action (just in time response) detailed and experienced response.”

Restructuring and insolvency

“Very responsive and very much to the point. Christop is very sharp minded and is our go-to-guy when it comes to complex restructuring scenarios with an Austrian angle.”

Katharina Kitzberger

“Very professional and had a good knowledge of the business needs.”

Stefan Weber

“Client oriented, clear and pragmatic approach with excellence in a broad scope of legal areas, covering many transactional aspects by himself.”

Wiedenbauer Mutz Winkler & Partner (WMWP) is a law firm specialising in business law. The firm is based in Vienna and has offices across Europe.

Focusses / specialisms 

The firm is recognised for its work in banking and finance practice. It also focuses on corporate and restructuring work and is active advising clients on transactions in Austria. The team advises investors and sellers.

Key clients 

Key clients of the firm include Volksbank Wien, MED-23, WIG Group, and Anadi Bank.