TMT: Germany

THE FIRM This firm has a leading transactional practice in the telecoms sector, thanks to the team's broad-ranging corporate and commercial expertise. A recent highlight saw it act for Deutsche Telekom on the repurchase of its own shares and subsequent capital reduction. The firm's IT/outsourcing team also wins recognition and regularly assists prominent clients such as T-Systems International, which it advised on the global outsourcing by E.ON of its telecommunications and IT services.

KEY INDIVIDUALS Corporate partner Hans-Christoph Ihrig is the main contact here.

THE FIRM One of this firm's main areas of focus is regulatory law in both the energy and telecommunications sectors. It has considerable domestic coverage, making it a popular choice for local clients as well as attracting leading international figures, such as key client Telefónica. The team often represents clients in proceedings before the Federal Network Agency and Cartel Office, as well as advising on frequency regulation.

KEY INDIVIDUALS Peter Rädler has considerable expertise in competition, public and regulatory-related work in the telecoms sector. Market sources regard him as "one of the go-to lawyers in the market" for this type of work.

THE FIRM Baker & McKenzie is a leading light in both the IT and telecommunications sectors. Its global footprint enables it to handle major international mandates, such as advising Biogen Idec on a global data privacy audit involving 30 jurisdictions. Other matters include advising Hewlett-Packard on an outsourcing deal with E.ON, relating to E.ON's IT systems and computing centre. The firm's telecoms team earns a promotion to the top band following several top-flight mandates in this field, notably advising and representing E-Plus Mobilfunk in connection with the mobile spectrum auction.

Sources say: "The team is adept at co-ordinating across several countries, providing good work and a responsive service."

KEY INDIVIDUALS Peers recognise telecoms head Joachim Scherer as "one of the top lawyers in the market," particularly for questions of public and regulatory law in the telecommunications, energy and transportation sectors. Matthias Scholz enjoys a stellar reputation for IT and IP law relating to the telecoms and media sectors. He recently advised Schott on a second-generation IT outsourcing agreement affecting data centre, networks and communication systems. Christoph Rittweger heads the firm's German-Austrian IT practice group and recently assisted Genpact with implementing a shared services centre for multiple European locations of a DAX 30 company. Wolfgang Fritzemeyer is well known for his expertise in data protection. Recent work includes major IT outsourcing projects for multinational clients. Caroline Heinickel enters the rankings thanks to fantastic client feedback. As one interviewee enthuses, she is "a very smart and focused adviser, who is extremely knowledgeable of telecommunications regulatory issues."

THE FIRM This firm has had a significant boost thanks to its newly opened office in Hamburg plus the addition of a 12-lawyer media team from Hogan Lovells. The firm remains a well-known name in the media sector, advising major players such as ProSiebenSat.1. Telecoms is another notable focus and the team advises on both transactional and regulatory-related work. Recent highlights include advising Motorola on compliance in the field of ICT convergence with roaming obligations. The IT group enjoys a strong market reputation, advising an impressive array of clients and frequently acting alongside international colleagues on multi-jurisdictional projects.

Sources say: "A top-class outfit with exceptional advisers."  

KEY INDIVIDUALS Clients praise Stefan Engels as "a very valuable adviser - he has worked for us for a long time and his advice has always been exactly right." Market sources anticipate Engels will provide a strong addition to the firm's media team. Sven-Erik Heun draws enthusiastic feedback for "knowing when we need very detailed advice and when to be more pragmatic. He has sound commercial and legal judgement." Alexander Duisberg leads the firm's German IT outsourcing practice and is lauded by market sources as "an exceptionally well-informed lawyer who is present on many major projects." Clients appreciate  Markus Körner 's "calm nature, even when under pressure. He is an excellent lawyer, who always delivers high-quality advice on time." He handles trade mark, competition and design law related to the media sector.

THE FIRM A stalwart in the media sector, this firm continues to enjoy a solid market reputation and acts for a broad spectrum of clients ranging from major US production companies to film and media funds. It also offers advice on general corporate matters as well as those relating to technology.

KEY INDIVIDUALS Wolfgang Brehm is the main contact in Berlin, whilst Stefan v. Moers is the main contact for the Munich office.

THE FIRM This international giant gains particular recognition for its transactional TMT practice. It advises a host of prominent domestic and international clients on acquisitions, restructuring and financing in this sector, and comes especially recommended for multi-jurisdictional work.  

KEY INDIVIDUALS A well-known competition and regulatory lawyer, Joachim Schütze has expertise in a variety of industries, including telecoms, energy, media and healthcare.

THE FIRM This firm enjoys a prominent standing in technology, especially on outsourcings in the financial services sector. On the telecoms side the team is active on many significant mandates, notably advising Telefónica on the procedure for awarding GSM frequencies. Other highlights include the media team's representation of Netlantic against a proposed video-on-demand joint venture between RTL and ProSiebenSat.1. 

Sources say: "The team offers market-leading know-how, experience and value for money." "This is a team that is constantly improving and increasingly visible in the market for major projects."

KEY INDIVIDUALS Sources highlight Axel Funk as "certainly one of the leading IT experts in the market, and well positioned to deal with large international BPO and ITO matters." Jens Neitzel has broad competition and regulatory experience across a range of industries, including postal, railway, media markets and telecommunications. Pietro Graf Fringuelli comes highly recommended for new media work, especially the exploitation of media content via new technologies. Malte Gruetzmacher advises IT companies, mainly in the context of software transfer, software production and outsourcing agreements. Clients enthuse that he is "like an in-house business adviser to us." Up-and-coming Andreas Heim "is relatively young but provides a very client-oriented service and is always sensitive to our commercial needs," say sources. 

THE FIRM DLA Piper has a broad IT practice, combining transactional experience with sector-specific expertise. The firm's extensive global network means that it is well placed to handle multi-jurisdictional work, as evidenced by the team's role on several international data protection risk assessments and compliance programmes for multinational clients. 

Sources say: "For IT matters the team is very strong and well organised. It has excellent knowledge and knows exactly what clients need."

KEY INDIVIDUALS Munich-based Jan Geert Meents heads the German IP and technology group and maintains a broad practice in the TMT field, encompassing corporate law, IP and other related disciplines. He is particularly well regarded for his experience in large-scale BPO and ITO projects. Thomas Jansen is the Munich office managing partner and is recognised for his in-depth knowledge of commercial IT contracts, outsourcing agreements and technology transfer agreements.

THE FIRM This firm's key focus on public law makes it a formidable figure in environment, energy and telecoms-related work. Regulatory and EU law are other important aspects of the team's work, enabling it to offer clients a full service. On the telecoms side it often acts for key client Deutsche Telekom.

KEY INDIVIDUALS Regulatory expert Thomas Mayen is popular amongst peers, who say: "He is an exceptional lawyer and has been a prominent market figure for many years." Frank Hölscher has long-standing regulatory law experience in a variety of industries. Commentators say: "He is a strong telecommunications lawyer with excellent industry knowledge."

THE FIRM One of the premier TMT outfits in Germany, Freshfields has exceptional expertise in each of the three areas. The team excels on cross-border mandates and recent work includes advising Deutsche Telekom on its EUR400 million acquisition of a 10% stake in the Greek telecommunications company Hellenic Telecom. On the technology front the firm advised KfW on one of Germany's largest ever IT procurement projects for a public bank. A standout mandate for the media team was advising RTL Group on its attempted acquisition of certain TV and publishing assets of the Dogan group in Turkey.

Sources say: "The team has great legal expertise and is well connected to the regulators. It acts very quickly and always provides top-notch advice." 

KEY INDIVIDUALS Klaus Beucher "is one of the standout media law advisers in the country. A go-to lawyer for the most complex issues," say sources. His broad practice also includes advice to IT and telecoms companies on a range of operational and regulatory matters. Michael Haidinger is a highly respected corporate adviser focused on transactions in the telecommunications, media, IT and energy sectors. Haidinger was recently involved in Liberty Global's EUR3.16 billion acquisition of Kabel Baden-Württemberg. Thomas Tschentscher advises clients on all issues of German administrative and commercial law, with a strong focus on regulated industries. Peers say: "He definitely deserves his excellent reputation." Jochen Dieselhorst maintains a broad practice, encompassing IP, licensing, IT, multimedia, e-commerce, life sciences and biotechnology. He recently advised Eurogate on its IT outsourcing to T-Systems. Head of the firm's patent litigation practice, Peter Chrocziel is sought after by domestic and international technology companies for advice on a wide range of matters, ranging across patents, competition/antitrust and licensing. The "brilliant" Norbert Nolte wins praise for "really caring about his clients." Recent highlights include advising Daimler on the IT aspects of the Tognum acquisition, including transitional services agreements and service level agreements.

THE FIRM This IT practice handles the full spectrum of issues, ranging from M&A transactions to ITO agreements and issues relating to e-commerce. The team recently advised Scout24 Holding on the sale of JobScout24 to CareerBuilder LLC.

KEY INDIVIDUALS Stefan Weidert acts on complex IT projects, licensing issues and transactions in the IT sector. Lauded by market observers for his expertise in outsourcing, he also advises on cloud computing and e-commerce.

THE FIRM This firm is well known for its market-leading transactional practice both in the telecoms sector and in the wider German market. The six-partner TMT team acts for an impressive stable of clients, ranging from Deutsche Telekom to Cisco Systems and Intel. It recently advised the Jesta Group on its acquisition of Fox Mobile Group from News Corporation.

Sources say: "The team understands the market and the needs of our company very well." 

KEY INDIVIDUALS Corporate/M&A expert Christof Jäckle brings a wealth of experience in TMT-related transactions. He recently advised Deutsche Telekom on its network-sharing partnership with Orange Poland. Albrecht Conrad focuses on M&A in the field of TMT. Clients appreciate his "excellent negotiation skills, legal experience and in-depth commercial knowledge." Wolfgang Spoerr maintains a broad practice, ranging from TMT to environmental law and healthcare. Sources recognise his "in-depth knowledge of the regulatory requirements of the telecommunications industry." 

THE FIRM This IP, media and technology team handles a broad range of TMT work, including gaming law, production and distribution, and contentious issues. It acts at both a domestic and international level and recent mandates include advising Verlagsgruppe Handelsblatt on various IT law issues. 

Sources say: "The team has a very pragmatic approach and provides specific, precise advice. It does not make the issue bigger than it needs to be."

KEY INDIVIDUALS Dirk Stolz comes highly recommended for telecoms, with clients regarding him as "a very intelligent lawyer who responds quickly and provides very practical advice." 

THE FIRM This Frankfurt-based firm enjoys a strong reputation in IT and outsourcing, the latter of which is one of its core areas of focus. Notable mandates include advising E.ON on the outsourcing of managed workplaces, data centres and network services.  

Sources say: "A compact but very prominent team in the market." 

KEY INDIVIDUALS Thomas Heymann has notable expertise in acquisition and restructuring transactions within the technology sector, as well as IT and outsourcing projects. Sources regard him as "a market leader with great experience and impressive standing in the technology sphere." The "very strong" Katharina Scheja focuses on IP and IT law and all forms of outsourcing.

THE FIRM Commentators remain confident in this firm's capabilities in TMT, despite several departures over the past year. The team handles the broad spectrum of TMT work, and often draws on its international resources for multi-jurisdictional cases. Notable highlights include advising Axel Springer on appeal proceedings before the Federal Administrative Court, regarding a review of the prohibition of its proposed merger with ProSiebenSat.1. On the IT side the firm acts for an impressive line-up of major global clients, such as Amazon.com, eBay and Lockheed Martin.

Sources say: "The team has excellent knowledge of the media industry and is very business-focused."

KEY INDIVIDUALS Christoph Wagner co-heads the firm's global TMT industry sector team and is especially sought after for his "strong media industry knowledge and solid understanding of the regulatory environment." Stefan Schuppert advises clients on IT and new media. He is particularly known for handling complex data protection issues. Sources appreciate Andreas Grünwald's regulatory and competition law expertise in the media and telecoms industries. Recent work includes advising Siemens Enterprise Communications on issues related to the introduction of an innovative telephony and data service.

THE FIRM This firm has greatly strengthened its TMT practice thanks to the addition of well-known media and IT expert Wolfgang Büchner, formerly of Hogan Lovells. The team remains highly active in the telecommunications market, notably advising E-Plus Mobilfunk on the acquisition of frequencies in the 4G auction, which involved advice on telecommunications regulatory law, competition law and litigation before the Federal Administrative Court.

Sources say: "A strong team with strong ties to industry." 

KEY INDIVIDUALS Clients laud Wolfgang Büchner as "an exceptional adviser" for both regulatory and transactional advice in the media and technology sectors. Regulatory law expert Holger Neumann primarily focuses on the telecommunications and aviation sectors. He recently advised Verizon on several cases before the German regulator in respect of mobile termination rates of Deutsche Telekom/T-Mobile.

THE FIRM This boutique offers advice across the full spectrum of commercial and general business law, with a clear focus on media, IT and telecoms law. It is well equipped to handle domestic and pan-European matters thanks to its offices in Düsseldorf and Vienna.

Sources say: "The firm is outstanding for telecommunications and internet issues, and offers excellent value." 

KEY INDIVIDUALS Highly respected regulatory lawyer Martin Geppert is active in the telecoms and energy sectors. "He is very present in the telecommunications market for regulatory issues," say sources. Clients enthuse about the "excellent" Marc Schütze, whose broad-ranging public law practice covers competition and cartel law, and regulatory law.

THE FIRM This compact TMT team is best known in the media sector but also handles IT and telecoms work. The group is well placed to handle multi-jurisdictional mandates thanks to the firm's vast global network, and recent highlights include advising Verein privater Rundfunk und Telemedien on copyright matters and cable distribution issues.

KEY INDIVIDUALS Sources praise Martin von Albrecht for his "sophisticated knowledge of copyright law as well as media law issues in respect of collecting societies. He is also very strong in litigation proceedings and negotiations." Tobias Bosch's broad-ranging practice covers information technology, data protection, outsourcing and new media. He also maintains a busy telecoms regulatory practice.

THE FIRM This IT team draws on the firm's worldwide strength in technology, as well as its presence in major international technology hubs. The group recently advised Deutsche Bank on several outsourcing contracts, including a large-scale service agreement with Accenture.

KEY INDIVIDUALS Ulrich Wuermeling heads the firm's technology transactions practice group and is global co-chair of the IT industry group. His practice encompasses M&A, complex outsourcing and licensing agreements.

THE FIRM This firm's reputation in the TMT sector is driven by its busy transactional practice although the team also advises on outsourcing and offshoring, data protection, e-commerce and IT security issues. The team is often involved in complex multi-jurisdictional projects.

KEY INDIVIDUALS Christian Hey is a highly respected outsourcing specialist, who is particularly active in the financial services, logistics and telecommunications sectors. He frequently works alongside his corporate colleagues in technology-driven M&A transactions.

THE FIRM Despite its compact size, this team acts for some of the most important German companies in the TMT sector, including Deutsche Telekom, RTL and ProSiebenSat.1. Standout mandates include advising Deutsche Telekom on drafting a framework agreement with Turner Broadcasting covering German and Eastern European IPTV/cable-TV-broadcasting and video-on-demand services.

Sources say: "The team is very responsive and deals well with time pressure. It provides watertight advice, analysing risks very well and setting out solutions clearly."

KEY INDIVIDUALS Co-head of the German TMT practice group Ralf Weisser impresses clients, who are "very happy to have him on our side rather than on the opponent's side. He is not overly aggressive in negotiations but is extremely effective." Weisser also co-heads the firm's licensing, technology and media affinity group. Fellow group co-head Wolfgang von Frentz is a highly respected commercial litigator, whom media and technology sector clients seek out for advice on complex projects, regulatory matters and commercial contract negotiations.

THE FIRM This firm remains an authority in IT and media law, and boasts one of the largest teams in the market. Media finance is an important focus of the group and it frequently co-operates with the firm's London office on international financings. Highlights include advising Universal Pictures on all legal issues relating to European feature film productions that are co-produced with German partners. On the IT front the firm has set up a number of internal groups in response to market demands, including an outsourcing and ITO group, an e-commerce group and a dedicated data protection group. Notable mandates include advising CBR Fashion Holding on setting up an online shop for several of its brands, including Street One, Cecil and OneTouch.

Sources say: "Noerr plays a critical role in structuring our agreements and co-operates very well with our in-house counsel. The lawyers are fast, responsive and effective negotiators."

KEY INDIVIDUALS Peter Bräutigam is a market-leading IT law specialist and has tremendous experience advising clients on computer and data processing law, as well as on corporate transactions in the technology sector. Johannes Kreile remains one of the most prominent media copyright lawyers, active for clients across all sections of the media. He has in-depth experience in advising both domestic and international TV and film production companies. Joachim Schrey advises domestic and international clients from a broad range of industries on complex IT projects and issues of IT compliance. The highly respected Alexander Ritvay acts on many of the team's M&A transactions. Ritvay is also well known for cross-border financing and restructuring. Sources note Martin Diesbach's broad media and entertainment law practice, which encompasses copyright law, personality rights, broadcasting law, gambling law and film and TV law. Daniel Rücker is highly sought after for his data protection expertise. He co-ordinates the firm's new data protection group.

THE FIRM This four-partner media, communications and technology group continues to enjoy an excellent reputation in the media market and recently opened an office in Munich, thus extending its domestic reach. The team advises an impressive number of high-profile clients, such as Paramount Pictures, Universal Pictures and ProSiebenSat.1, and comes particularly recommended for cross-border mandates. Recent highlights include working alongside colleagues in London and Madrid on advising key clients including Sony Pictures and CBS on the liberalisation of EU product placement rules. 

Sources say: "The team is very responsive and the lawyers' expertise in this field is second to none."

KEY INDIVIDUALS Practice head Stefan Lütje has a strong standing in the film and television industries, advising on a broad range of issues from film financing to restructuring and securitisation issues. Georg von Wallis heads the firm's tax practice, with a strong focus on film finance and distribution issues. He is also frequently involved in M&A transactions within the media sector.

THE FIRM This firm offers highly specialised advice in the telecommunications, media, energy and healthcare sectors. The six-partner telecoms and media team acts for an impressive roster of clients, recently representing Vodafone against Deutsche Telekom in a claim for damages for abuse of a dominant market position. Other leading clients include Axel Springer, Sky Deutschland and eBay.

Sources say: "The team does not hunt for every last billable hour, but seeks to add value where its clients need it. Its professional efficiency is very impressive."

KEY INDIVIDUALS Clients regard Jan Hegemann as being "in a class of his own" in the areas of press, media and copyright law. He advises Bloomberg on an ongoing basis in relation to press and media matters. Kornelius Kleinlein has significant experience in telecommunications and competition law. He recently represented and advised key client Vodafone on a host of regulatory matters.

THE FIRM This firm has a well-regarded telecoms regulatory practice, which covers advisory and compliance matters as well as representation before the civil and administrative courts. Outsourcing, IT, IP and competition are other key areas of focus for the team.

KEY INDIVIDUALS Georg Berger maintains a broad practice, encompassing competition and cartel law, as well as law relating to telecoms and other regulated industries. 

THE FIRM This substantial German firm enjoys a long-standing reputation in media and entertainment law. Sources praise its strong classical media focus, which includes print media, TV and film financing work for production companies. The firm also has notable expertise in advertising and online content and distribution issues.

KEY INDIVIDUALS Commentators laud Mathias Schwarz as "one of the best for film financings." He advises a wide range of clients from the media and entertainment industry, ranging from domestic and international film and TV production companies to prominent publishing houses. 

THE FIRM This Munich-based full-service firm is noted for its strength in IT law, with a team of nine experts handling an impressive variety of advisory and regulatory-related work. It is especially commended for its work on IT contracts, outsourcing, data protection and gaming, and also boasts expertise in regulatory compliance and IT procurement.

KEY INDIVIDUALS Jochen Schneider is widely recognised as an expert in IT, particularly data protection and internet-related issues. Commentators praise Schneider as "a very well-known practitioner with a high degree of specialisation." 

THE FIRM This firm fields one of the largest dedicated IT teams in Germany, with 13 partners based throughout the firm's six offices. The team attracts starring roles in many of the market's most important IT cases, recently advising Microsoft on data protection issues in all product areas. The firm also enjoys an excellent reputation in the media sector, advising on both traditional media as well as innovative multimedia projects. Notable mandates include advising Deutsche Post on the creation and operation of an online journalistic platform.

Sources say: "It offers excellent, pragmatic advice. A very strong practice overall."

KEY INDIVIDUALS Christian Frank comes recommended for complex domestic and international technology-related transactions. He counts Fujitsu and Toshiba amongst his key clients. Kai Westerwelle is noted for his expertise across all fields of IT law. He recently advised ICBC on its entry into the online banking market, involving regulatory issues and data protection. Gregor Schmid's wide-ranging practice includes IT, e-commerce, copyright and media law. Clients value his "fast, reliable advice, which considers both the legal and economic concerns."

THE FIRM This leading TMT team is especially prominent in IT and outsourcing transactions within the financial services sector. The firm also wins praise for its telecommunications practice, which covers both transactional and regulatory work. The firm has tremendous international capability and is frequently involved in significant multi-jurisdictional mandates. A notable highlight includes co-operating with the firm's Silicon Valley office to provide ongoing advice to Facebook on various data protection laws and regulatory issues related to the German website.

Sources say: "Exceptional lawyers who provide valuable, commercial advice." 

KEY INDIVIDUALS Jost Kotthoff is a prominent player in IT and outsourcing transactions, and has a particular focus on the financial services industry. Clients enthuse about his "exceptional knowledge in this area." Detlev Gabel maintains his activity in domestic and international ITO and BPO transactions. Sources describe him as "highly skilled in both technical work and client care." A highly regarded regulatory and public law expert, Norbert Wimmer focuses on the infrastructure and transport, media and telecommunications sectors. He recently represented the Berlin-Brandenburg State Media Authority in a dispute against a radio station regarding the tendering of a licence.