Daniel J. Ruhlmann
"Business requires organization but thrives on change.
Our Corporate Law / Legal Transaction Advisory Practice Group provides advice on the best legal setup for businesses. Together with tax experts, we discuss the best legal structure for companies with our client, whether as a partnership (general partnership, limited partnership, or GmbH & Co. KG), as a corporation (GmbH or AG), as a unified organization encompassing multiple business branches and locations, or as multiple local or content-focused group of entities, or within a holding structure. In addition to current requirements, options for future developments must also be considered. Family businesses have different requirements than the German subsidiary of an international corporation, startups require different solutions than well-established large companies. Joint ventures involving multiple companies require a different framework than 100% subsidiary companies. Where investment companies get involved and managers acquire shares, an appropriate distribution of opportunities and risks must be legally established. This can be done through articles of association, partnership agreements, joint venture agreements, shareholder agreements, and investment contracts."
Sometimes, new developments, whether in the economic life of society or due to changes in legislation or case law, require altering the legal structure of a company over time, especially in the context of corporate relationships as well as in family-owned medium-sized businesses. We provide guidance to our clients on all restructuring matters, including internal share transfers, mergers, divisions, asset transfers, or changes in legal form, whether on a national or international level. In the case of family-owned businesses, we assist our clients, in collaboration with tax colleagues, in securely transferring the business to the next generation.
In cases of disputes among shareholders, we analyze the legal situation, seek solutions through negotiations, but also represent our clients' interests in courts and arbitration.
Our corporate lawyers also support you in the day-to-day operations of the company.corporate housekeeping as well as in capital measures.