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Morrison Foerster Advises BearingPoint on Joint Venture with ABeam Consulting

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Morrison Foerster has advised management and technology consultancy BearingPoint on its joint venture with ABeam...

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Morrison Foerster has advised management and technology consultancy BearingPoint on its joint venture with ABeam Consulting.BearingPoint is an independent management and technology consultancy with European roots and a global reach that transforms businesses using technology intelligently. ABeam Consulting is an integrated management consulting firm that provides global services tailored to each country and region through its worldwide network centered in Asia.The partnership marks an important step in BearingPoint’s international growth strategy and will strengthen its capabilities in delivering SAP and digital transformation services across the Americas and other markets. Through the joint venture, the two firms will support clients in unlocking the full potential of SAP solutions, including SAP Business AI, by offering comprehensive consulting and implementation services.The Morrison Foerster team was led by Jörg Meißner (Berlin) and Joseph Sulzbach (New York) with support from Monika Eva Obal, Paula Paprocki, Gabriella Fortun, Shana Ragunathan (all Corporate M&A), Stephan Kreß (IP), Jens Hackl, Eric Lawson, Emani Walks (all Antitrust), Felix Helmstädter, James Brower, Alexander Eisenfeld (all FDI/CIFIUS),Richard Nugent, Kristie Espiritu (all Tax), and Eric Min (Finance).

Morrison Foerster Advises BearingPoint on Joint Venture with ABeam Consulting

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Joerg is a partner at Morrison Foerster’s German office in Berlin. His practice focuses on M&A, private equity transactions, and general corporate and finance matters.Joerg represents strategic and financial investors in a broad range of corporate matters with a focus on domestic and cross-border M&A transactions, complex joint ventures and corporate restructurings. He has also handled a significant number of distressed company acquisitions and regularly represents clients in financial transactions and debt restructurings.Joerg is recognized by leading publications, including Legal 500 EMEA and Chambers Global, with sources describing him as a “solution oriented expert”.Joerg has extensive experience counseling clients in a variety of industries, including technology (e. g. software, internet), media, automotive, transportation and real estate.<h4>Representative Experience</h4><ul><li>Fujitsu Semiconductor on the spin off with European semiconductor business unit (SoC) and the set-up of a joint venture with Panasonic. </li><li>TeleColumbus AG, a German cable operator,  on the acquisition of Primacom and Pepcom. </li><li>Planet Labs on the acquisition of the German satellite system Rapid Eye from Blackbridge Group.</li><li>Kieger AG and BWK Unternehmensbeteiligungs GmbH on the acquisition of the technical optics business from Eschenbach AG.</li><li>Majority shareholder of Schmolz + Bickenbach AG on the financial restructuring of the company, including a €435 million capital increase.</li><li>H2 Equity Partners on the acquisition of all assets of the insolvent Haarmann Group, a specialist in metal pressing and metal hardening.</li><li>Midlabs Inc. on the acquisition of Fritz Ruck Ophthalmologische Systeme GmbH.</li><li>DAM Capital Management S.à.r.l. (a company of the Anschutz Group) in the financial restructuring and subsequent sale of RAIL.ONE GmbH, a leading railway-tie manufacturer.</li><li>BWK GmbH Unternehmensbeteiligungsgesellschaft on the sale of a majority stake in WIELAND Dental+Technik GmbH & Co KG, a producer of, inter alia, laboratory implants, alloys and solders, and veneering ceramics.</li><li>News Corporation on the acquisition of a majority stake in and the refinancing of Sky Deutschland AG.</li><li>PubliGroupe S.A. on the acquisition of ZANOX.de AG in a joint venture with Axel Springer AG and with regard to the add-on acquisitions of Digital Windows Ltd. and Buy.at Ltd.</li><li>Hi-Media S.A. on the acquisition of the German AdLink Media Group.</li><li>News Corporation on the reorganization and subsequent sale of the German Fox Mobile Group (JAMBA!).</li><li>Kéolis S.A. on the bidding process for Arriva Deutschland GmbH, a passenger railway carrier.</li><li>GASAG Berliner Gaswerke Aktiengesellschaft on a large number of debt financings, including several Schuldschein-loan agreements and the financing of the re-purchase of its gas storage facilities.</li><li>Berliner Verkehrsbetriebe AöR on the sale of GHG Wohnen GmbH, a residential housing company.</li><li>US-REIT on numerous sale and lease back transactions, inter alia on the sale and lease back of 36 do-it-yourself stores in Germany.</li></ul>

Jörg Meißner ist Partner des deutschen Büros von Morrison Foerster in Berlin. Sein Tätigkeitsschwerpunkt liegt auf den Bereichen M&A, Transaktionen im Bereich Private Equity sowie auf allgemeinen gesellschaftsrechtlichen und Finanzfragen.Jörg Meißner vertritt strategische Investoren sowie Finanzinvestoren zu einem breiten Spektrum gesellschaftsrechtlicher Fragen mit einem Schwerpunkt auf nationalen und grenzüberschreitenden M&A-Transaktionen, komplexen Joint Venture-Strukturen und gesellschaftsrechtlichen Restrukturierungen. Darüber hinaus hat er eine beträchtliche Zahl von Unternehmenskäufen im Vorfeld der Insolvenz begleitet und vertritt Mandanten ferner regelmäßig bei Finanztransaktionen und Umschuldungen.Jörg Meißner wird von führenden Publikationen wie Legal 500 EMEA und Chambers Global empfohlen und gilt als „lösungsorientierter Experte“.Er verfügt über umfangreiche Erfahrung bei der Beratung von Mandanten in verschiedenen Branchen, wie z. B. Technologie (z. B. Software und Internet), Medien, Automobil, Transport und Immobilien.Referenzen<ul><li>Beratung von Fujitsu Semiconductor bei der Überführung des europäischen Halbleiterentwicklungsgeschäfts (SoC) in ein Joint Venture mit Panasonic (Socionext)</li><li>Beratung des Kabelnetzbetreibers TeleColumbus AG beim Erwerb von Primacom und pepcom</li><li>Beratung von Planet Labs Inc. beim Erwerb des deutschen Satellitensystems Rapid Eye von der BlackBridge‑Gruppe</li><li>Beratung der Kieger AG und der BWK Unternehmensbeteiligungs GmbH beim Erwerb des Geschäftsbereichs Technische Optik von der Eschenbach AG</li><li>Beratung des Mehrheitsaktionärs der Schmolz + Bickenbach AG bei der finanziellen Restrukturierung des Unternehmens einschließlich einer Kapitalerhöhung von EUR 435 Millionen</li><li>Beratung von H2 Equity Partners bei der Übernahme aller Vermögenswerte der insolventen Haarmann-Gruppe, einem Spezialisten für Metallpressung und Metallhärtung</li><li>Beratung der Midlabs Inc. beim Erwerb der Fritz Ruck Ophthalmologische Systeme GmbH</li><li>Beratung der DAM Capital Management S.à.r.l. (einem Unternehmen der Anschutz-Gruppe) bei der finanziellen Restrukturierung und dem anschließenden Verkauf der RAIL.ONE GmbH, einem führenden Hersteller von Bahnschwellen</li><li>Beratung der BWK GmbH Unternehmensbeteiligungsgesellschaft bei der Veräußerung der Mehrheitsbeteiligung an WIELAND Dental+Technik GmbH & Co. KG, einem Hersteller von Laborimplantaten, Legierungen und Loten sowie von Verblendkeramik u. a.</li><li>Beratung der News Corporation beim Erwerb einer Mehrheitsbeteiligung an der Sky Deutschland AG sowie deren Refinanzierung</li><li>Beratung der PubliGroupe S.A. beim Erwerb der ZANOX.de AG in einem Joint Venture mit der Axel Springer AG sowie rechtliche Begleitung in Bezug auf die Add-On-Akquisition von Digital Windows Ltd. und Buy.at Ltd.</li><li>Beratung der Hi-Media S.A. beim Erwerb der deutschen AdLink Media Group</li><li>Beratung der News Corporation bei der Umstrukturierung und dem anschließenden Verkauf der deutschen Fox Mobile Group (JAMBA!)</li><li>Beratung der Kéolis S.A. beim Bieterverfahren für die Arriva Deutschland GmbH, einem Anbieter für Schienenpersonenverkehr </li><li>Beratung der GASAG Berliner Gaswerke Aktiengesellschaft bei zahlreichen Fremdkapitalfinanzierungen, einschließlich diverser Schuldscheindarlehensverträge und der Finanzierung des Rückkaufs ihrer Gasspeicheranlagen</li><li>Beratung der Berliner Verkehrsbetriebe AöR bei der Veräußerung der Wohnungsbaugesellschaft GHG Wohnen GmbH </li><li>Beratung eines US REIT bei verschiedenen Sale-and-lease-back Transaktionen, unter anderem dem Sale-and-lease-back von 36 Baumärkten in Deutschland</li></ul>

Jörg Meißner

Partner

Joe Sulzbach is a partner in the Transactions Department, focusing on mergers and acquisitions and private equity. Joe has represented numerous public and private entities in a variety of transactions, including domestic and cross-border merger and acquisition transactions, private equity transactions, joint ventures, and corporate governance matters. He has advised a broad range of clients across industries, including technology, media, and telecom (TMT), industrial, chemicals, consumer goods and retail, energy, healthcare and pharmaceuticals, and real estate.Joe has also represented a number of companies in engagements with activist stockholders, including in responding to Starboard Value, Carl Icahn, Elliott Management, JANA Partners, Farallon Capital Management, and VIEX Capital.In addition, Joe has represented investment banking firms and financial advisors in a variety of significant transactions, including representation of Qatalyst Partners, Evercore Partners, Greenhill, Ducera Securities, and Solomon Partners.Select examples of Joe’s experience include the following representations:<ul><li>Veeco Instruments Inc. in its $5.2 billion merger with Axcelis Technologies, Inc.</li><li>BearingPoint, an independent management and technology consultancy firm, on its joint venture with ABeam Consulting.</li><li>SoftBank Group Corp. on its $2 Billion investment Intel Corporation. </li><li>Hooter’s Inc. and Hoot Owl Restaurants, L.L.C. in the acquisition of over 100 restaurants from Hooters of America LLC, the iconic casual dining and sports entertainment chain.</li><li>Shaklee Corporation in its acquisition of substantially all the assets of Modere.</li></ul><ul><li>Infineon Technologies AG in its $2.5 billion acquisition of Marvell Technology’s automotive ethernet business.</li><li>SoftBank Group Corp. in its proposed up to $40 billion investment in OpenAI, America’s premier artificial intelligence (AI) company and developer of the transformational large language models that are driving the AI revolution.</li><li>Infineon Technologies AG in the sale of its Austin, TX foundry to SkyWater Technology.</li><li>NorthStar Healthcare Income, Inc. in its $900 million sale to an affiliate of Welltower Inc.</li><li>Cartica Acquisition Corp in its $2.75 billion business combination with Nidar Infrastructure Limited, India’s leading data center provider for artificial intelligence and high-performance compute services.</li><li>Centuri Holdings and parent company Southwest Gas Holdings in Centuri’s $353 million IPO and concurrent private placement.</li><li>U.S. Silica Holdings, Inc. in its $1.85 billion sale to entities affiliated with Apollo Global Management.</li><li>The rock band KISS and its co-founders Gene Simmons and Paul Stanley in the sale of substantially all rights related to KISS to Pophouse Entertainment.</li></ul><ul><li>Sekisui House, Ltd. in its $4.9 billion acquisition of M.D.C. Holdings, Inc.</li><li>Astellas Pharma Inc. in its $175 million acquisition of Propella Therapeutics, Inc.</li></ul><ul><li dir="ltr">Southwest Gas Holdings, Inc. in its adoption of a Tax-Free Spin Protection Plan.</li><li dir="ltr">Kyowa Kirin Co., Ltd. in its up to $477 million acquisition of Orchard Therapeutics plc, including CVR payment.</li><li dir="ltr">Sugar Foods Corporation in its sale to Pritzker Private Capital.</li></ul><ul><li>The News Lens Co., Ltd. in its $275 million business combination with Blue Ocean Acquisition Corporation.</li></ul><ul><li>Upland Software, Inc. in its adoption of a Tax Benefit Preservation Plan.</li></ul><ul><li>The Board of Directors and Special Committee of Toshiba in the $15.2 billion takeover of Toshiba by a consortium led by Japan Industrial Partners.</li><li>Infineon Technologies AG in the sale of its HiRel DC-DC converter business to Micross Components, Inc.</li></ul><ul><li>AgroFresh Solutions, Inc. in its $545 million going-private acquisition by Paine Schwartz Partners.</li><li>Unity Software Inc. in multiple transactions, including its all-stock $4.4 billion acquisition of ironSource and Unity’s concurrent $1 billion PIPE investment by Silver Lake and Sequoia, and in response to the related $13.6 billion unsolicited acquisition proposal from AppLovin Corporation.</li><li>Southwest Gas Holdings, Inc. in its defense against a hostile tender offer and proxy contest for board control by Carl Icahn, including adoption of a shareholder rights plan, and negotiated resolution.</li><li>Marrone Bio Innovations in its $244 million acquisition by Bioceres Crop Solutions Corp. in a stock-for-stock merger.</li><li>Paine Schwartz Partners, a global leader in sustainable food chain investing, in its new platform investment in Registrar Corp., a leading provider of supply chain compliance software and services to domestic and foreign food and beverage, medical device, pharmaceutical, and cosmetic customers.</li><li>Silver Crest Acquisition Corporation in its $1.7 billion business combination with TH International Limited (Tims China), a master franchisee and operator of Tim Hortons coffee shops in China.</li><li>Sky Harbour LLC in its $777 million business combination with Yellowstone Acquisition Company.</li><li>SoftBank Group Corp., as the largest investor in WeWork, in WeWork’s $9 billion business combination with BowX Acquisition Corp.</li><li>Leading provider of patient access and engagement platform in its sale to a publicly listed company.</li><li>ON Semiconductor Corporation in its adoption of a shareholder rights plan.</li><li>Whitestone REIT in its adoption of a shareholder rights plan.</li><li>Exantas Capital Corp. in the acquisition of its external management contract by ACRES Capital Corp. from C-III Capital Partners LLC, and $375 million financing from MassMutual and Oaktree Capital Management.</li><li>NTT Communications Corporation and Secure-24 in the acquisition of SymSoft Holding Inc. and Symmetry Holding Inc. from Symmetry Holdings, LLC, a portfolio company of Great Hill Equity Partners.</li><li>Kirin Holdings Company, Limited in its acquisition of approximately 40% of the capital stock of Thorne Holding Corp.</li><li>Rao’s Specialty Foods, Inc. in its sale to Sovos Brands, an affiliate of funds managed by Advent International.</li><li>JERA in its sale of a minority interest in Cricket Valley Energy Center to Development Bank of Japan.</li><li>JERA in the acquisition of a 43% stake in Cricket Valley Energy Center, the developer of a 1,000 MW natural gas-fired power plant located in Dover, New York.</li><li>Renesas Electronics in its $3.2 billion acquisition of Intersil Corporation.</li><li>DaVita HealthCare Partners in its acquisition of Renal Ventures Limited.</li><li>Inovalon Holdings, Inc. in its acquisition of Creehan Holding Co., Inc.</li><li>Inovalon Holdings, Inc. in its acquisition of Avalere Health, Inc.</li><li>GLP Pte. Ltd. in the acquisition of a $4.55 billion U.S. logistics portfolio from Industrial Income Trust.</li><li>JLB Group, LLC in its acquisition of Sneakz, LLC.</li><li>Futamura Chemical Co., Ltd. in its acquisition of the cellulose business of Innovia Films.</li><li>Kirin Holdings Company, Limited in its acquisition of approximately 24.5% of the capital stock of The Brooklyn Brewery Corporation.</li></ul>

Joseph Sulzbach

Monika Obal is a counsel at Morrison Foerster’s German office in Berlin. Her practice focuses on domestic and cross-border M&A transactions and on general corporate matters.Monika studied law at the Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin. Before joining Morrison Foerster she worked at the Freie Universität Berlin as a research assistant in the area of insurance, international and company law. Her doctoral thesis deals with corporate governance issues of insurance companies.

Monika Obal ist Counsel des deutschen Büros von Morrison Foerster in Berlin. Sie begleitet nationale und grenzüberschreitende M&A-Transaktionen und berät deutsche und internationale Mandanten in Fragen des Gesellschaftsrechts.Monika Obal studierte Rechtswissenschaften an der Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin. Vor ihrem Eintritt bei Morrison Foerster arbeitete sie als wissenschaftliche Mitarbeiterin an der Freien Universität Berlin im Gebiet Versicherungs-, Gesellschafts- und Internationales Recht. Begleitend dazu promovierte sie im Bereich der Corporate Governance von Versicherungsgesellschaften.

Monika Obal

Counsel

Paula Paprocki is a Senior Associate in Morrison Foerster’s Berlin office. She advises companies, their governing bodies, and shareholders at the intersection of corporate law, capital markets law, and corporate governance, with a particular focus on providing legal and strategic advice to listed companies.Her practice includes advising on national and cross-border M&A transactions, including private acquisitions and public takeovers, the structuring and implementation of corporate and capital markets financing measures, and advising on general corporate law matters. A particular focus of her work lies in capital markets compliance, the preparation and conduct of shareholders’ meetings, and advising management and supervisory boards on corporate governance, directors’ liability, and executive compensation, including the design and implementation of complex remuneration systems for listed companies.Paula is also a co-speaker of the annual practical seminar “Berliner Update Kapitalmarktrecht,” held in Berlin.

Paula Paprocki ist Senior Associate im Berliner Büro von Morrison Foerster. Sie berät Unternehmen, deren Organe und Anteilseigner an der Schnittstelle von Gesellschaftsrecht, Kapitalmarktrecht und Corporate Governance, mit einem besonderen Fokus auf die rechtliche und strategische Begleitung börsennotierter Unternehmen.Ihre Tätigkeit umfasst die Begleitung nationaler und internationaler M&A-Transaktionen, einschließlich privater Unternehmenskäufe und öffentlicher Übernahmen, die Strukturierung und Umsetzung gesellschafts- und kapitalmarktrechtlicher Finanzierungsmaßnahmen sowie die Beratung zu Fragen des allgemeinen Gesellschaftsrechts. Ein besonderer Schwerpunkt ihrer Praxis liegt auf kapitalmarktrechtlicher Compliance, der Vorbereitung und Durchführung von Hauptversammlungen sowie der Beratung von Vorständen und Aufsichtsräten zu Fragen der Corporate Governance, der Organhaftung und der Vorstandsvergütung, einschließlich der Konzeption und Implementierung komplexer Vergütungssysteme börsennotierter Gesellschaften.Paula ist zudem Co-Referentin des jährlich in Berlin stattfindenden Praxisseminars „Berliner Update Kapitalmarktrecht.

Paula Paprocki

Senior Associate

Gabriella Fortun is a corporate associate in the Miami office of Morrison Foerster.Gabriella advises clients in connection with complex domestic and cross‑border corporate matters, including mergers and acquisitions, joint ventures, and corporate governance.Gabriella represents public and private companies and private equity funds in a variety of industries, including financial services, telecommunications, energy, and technology. She also has experience in advising corporate and sovereign clients in a wide range of cross-border transactions, principally in Latin America, including public-private partnership transactions, equity and debt offerings, financings, and restructurings.Prior to joining Morrison Foerster, she was an associate at another international law firm in New York.

Gabriella Fortun

Associate

Sahana Ragunathan is a corporate associate in the New York office of Morrison Foerster.Prior to joining Morrison Foerster, Sahana worked as an analyst for Goldman Sachs, where she supported global cross-asset derivative desks for institutional clients across Asia and EMEA. She also served as a summer intern with Lawyers for Children.﻿Sahana earned her J.D. from Columbia Law School, where she served as a Staff Member for the Columbia Business Law Review. She received her B.B.A. from Christ University.She is proficient in Hindi and Tamil.

Sahana Ragunathan

Stephan is counsel at Morrison Foerster’s German office in Berlin. He focuses on advising major German and international clients with regard to drafting and negotiating complex technology-related agreements and on matters concerning cloud computing, software, e/m-commerce, digital media, intellectual property rights, consumer rights, electronic communication, big data and cyber security requirements.Stephan is specialized in drafting and negotiating complex technology-related commercial agreements such as outsourcing agreements, software and IP license agreements, cloud computing agreements, IT project agreements, R&D agreements, supply and distribution agreements, marketing and other cooperation agreements, including advice on general terms and conditions (B2B and B2C). His clients range from early-stage start-ups to large corporations.His expertise also includes advising clients on structuring and setting up innovative data and technology-focused business models and services in accordance with legal requirements, e.g., in the areas online services, mobile applications, digital media, industry 4.0 and smart products. He also routinely provides legal counsel on IT, IP and commercial law issues to financial institutions, strategic investors and private equity funds in the context of large M&A transactions in the digital business, media, financial services, pharma, telecommunications and other tech-heavy industries.Stephan earned his LL.M. at Hastings College of the Law in San Francisco, and passed the New York Bar Exam. Furthermore, he is a certified specialist attorney in information technology law. Before joining Morrison Foerster, he worked for a well-known international law firm in Frankfurt.<h4>Representative Experience</h4><ul><li>Ongoing advice to a leading international cloud services provider on commercial transactions.</li><li>Advice to a leading international financial institution regarding various acquisitions and divestments of interests in payment services and online services companies.</li><li>Commercial law and regulatory advice to an SaaS provider regarding e-mobility and fleet tracking solutions.</li><li>Advice to FinTech start-ups on structuring and setting up their business operation in accordance with legal requirements.</li><li>Advice to an international manufacturer of cloud-based smartHome products regarding regulatory, licensing and consumer protection requirements in the context of expanding its sales into Europe.</li><li>Data protection advice to a healthcare provider regarding an online portal transferring data between patients, hospitals and healthcare practitioners.</li></ul>

Stephan Kreß ist Counsel des deutschen Büros von Morrison Foerster in Berlin. Der Schwerpunkt seiner Tätigkeit liegt in der Beratung namhafter in- und ausländischer Unternehmen in Bezug auf die Gestaltung und Verhandlung komplexer, technologiebezogener Verträge sowie zu rechtlichen Fragen in den Bereichen Cloud Computing, Software, Recht des elektronischen Geschäftsverkehrs (E- & M-Commerce), digitale Medien, geistige Eigentumsrechte, Verbraucherrechte, elektronische Kommunikation, Big Data und Cyber Security.Stephan Kreß ist spezialisiert auf die Gestaltung und Verhandlung komplexer, technologiebezogener Vereinbarungen wie Outsourcing-Verträge, Software- und IP-Lizenzverträge, Cloud– Computing-Verträge, IT-Projektverträge, F&E-Verträge, Liefer- und Vertriebsvereinbarungen sowie Marketing- und sonstige Kooperationsvereinbarungen. Dazu gehört auch die Prüfung und Erstellung Allgemeiner Geschäftsbedingungen (B2B und B2C). Zu seinen Mandanten zählen Start-ups in der Frühphase bis hin zu Großunternehmen.Seine Expertise umfasst auch die Beratung von Mandanten zur Strukturierung und Entwicklung innovativer daten- und technologie– gestützter Geschäftsmodelle und Dienstleistungen nach Maßgabe der gesetzlichen Bestimmungen, u. a. in den Bereichen Online-Dienste, mobile Anwendungen, digitale Medien, Industrie 4.0 und intelligente Produkte. Stephan Kreß berät darüber hinaus regelmäßig Finanzinstitutionen, strategische Investoren und Private-Equity-Fonds im Rahmen von umfangreichen M&A Transaktionen in den Branchen Digital Business, Medien, Finanzdienstleistungen, Pharma, Telekommunikation und sonstigen technologielastigen Branchen zu Fragen des IT-, IP- und Wirtschaftsrechts.Stephan Kreß hat seinen LL.M. am Hastings College of the Law in San Francisco erworben und erfolgreich das New York Bar Exam absolviert. Ferner ist er Fachanwalt für Informationstechnologierecht. Vor seinem Eintritt bei Morrison Foerster war Stephan Kreß für eine namhafte internationale Kanzlei in Frankfurt tätig.<h4>Referenzen</h4><ul><li>Laufende Beratung eines führenden internationalen Cloud Service Anbieters zu verschiedenen geschäftlichen Transaktionen.</li><li>Beratung einer führenden internationalen Finanzinstitution im Hinblick auf die Übernahme und Veräußerung von Beteiligungen an Zahlungs- und Online-Dienstleistern.</li><li>Beratung eines SaaS-Anbieters zu den wirtschaftsrechtlichen und regulatorischen Aspekten von Elektromobilität und Fuhrparkverwaltung.</li><li>Beratung von FinTech Start-ups zur Strukturierung und Organisation ihres Geschäftsbetriebs nach geltendem Recht.</li><li>Beratung eines internationalen Herstellers cloudbasierter SmartHome-Produkte im Hinblick auf die regulatorischen, lizenzrechtlichen und verbraucherschutzrechtlichen Anforderungen im Rahmen der Ausweitung seines Vertriebsgeschäfts nach Europa.</li><li>Datenschutzrechtliche Beratung eines Gesundheitsdienstleisters in Bezug auf ein Online-Portal zur Übertragung von Daten zwischen Patienten, Krankenhäusern und Ärzten.</li></ul>

Stephan Kreß

Jens is a counsel at Morrison Foerster’s German office in Berlin. He advises clients in all areas of European and German competition law, including merger control filings, cartel authority investigations, cartel damage claims, distribution cartel law, antitrust compliance programs and unfair competition law. Jens has particular industry-specific experience in the areas of media, technology, telecommunication, transport and aviation. In addition, he advises in the fields of state aid and public procurement law.Within the scope of the above described practice areas, Jens particularly provides antitrust advice on (cross-border) M&A projects where he coordinates multi-jurisdictional merger filings involving European, U.S. and Asian authorities. Jens further advises clients on a wide range of operational issues (e.g., abuse of dominance and internal investigations) and also represents them in litigation (e.g., (cross-border) cartel damage claims and claims based on unfair competition law).Jens studied at the Ernst-Moritz-Arndt University of Greifswald. Afterwards, he worked as an academic assistant at the university and obtained his Dr. iur. in competition law. During his internship (second state exam in law), Jens worked for the Federal Ministry of the Interior and an international law firm in Berlin and Brussels.<h4>Representative Experience</h4><ul><li>Representation of plaintiffs in follow-on cartel damages cases (for example, against the German sugar cartel). </li><li>Advice to a Japanese multinational company as defendant in follow-on cartel damage claims relating to cathode ray tubes and rechargeable batteries. </li><li>Advice to Japanese companies in cartel investigations. </li><li>Advice to and representation of cable network operator Tele Columbus GmbH on antitrust, public procurement law and unfair competition law. </li><li>Advising a global music entertainment corporation on various commercial matters, in particular on the structuring of an international joint venture. </li><li>Assisted with representation of Renesas Electronics, a Tokyo-based semiconductor supplier, in its $3.2 billion acquisition of Intersil Corporation, a leading U.S. chipmaker. </li><li>Acting as ongoing antitrust counsel for a leading German pay-TV provider regarding restructuring and marketing issues. </li><li>Advised HALEX Holding GmbH (a portfolio company of H2 Private Equity Partners) on the acquisition of Händle Härterei GmbH.& Co. KG. </li><li>Advice to Viacom on a TV and video ad sales marketing joint venture with Axel Springer SE. </li><li>Advice to Axel Springer SE regarding the acquisition of N24 Media GmbH. </li><li>Advice to Vita-Mix Corp., a U.S. manufacturer of high-end blenders, on its distribution system. </li><li>Advice on public procurement law to a client in the health care industry. </li><li>Advising a major international airline in a proceeding before the General Court regarding the access to the administrative file of a cartel investigation of the European Commission. </li><li>Advising a major international entity of the railway sector on issues regarding cartel damage claims. </li><li>Advice to and representation of several entities of the broadband cable market and the media, telecommunication and technology sector in competition law matters (merger control; cartel litigation; abuse of dominance).</li></ul>

Dr. Jens Hackl ist Counsel des deutschen Büros von Morrison Foerster in Berlin. Er berät Mandanten schwerpunktmäßig im europäischen und deutschen Kartellrecht, u. a. in Fusionskontrollverfahren, Kartellverfahren, im Vertriebskartellrecht sowie bei kartellrechtlichen Compliance Programmen.Branchenspezifische Kenntnisse besitzt Jens Hackl hierbei in den Bereichen Medien, Telekommunikation, Transport und Luftfahrt. Zudem berät er Mandanten im Beihilfen- und Vergaberecht sowie zu Fragen des Lauterkeitsrechts (UWG).Dr. Jens Hackl studierte an der Ernst-Moritz-Arndt-Universität Greifswald und promovierte dort im Rahmen seiner Tätigkeit als wissenschaftlicher Mitarbeiter im Kartellrecht. Während des Referendariats war er im Bundesinnenministerium und bei einer international tätigen Wirtschaftskanzlei in Berlin und Brüssel tätig.<h4>Referenzen</h4><ul><li>Beratung einer internationalen Fluggesellschaft in einem Verfahren vor dem Gericht der Europäischen Union hinsichtlich des Zugangs zur Verwaltungsakte einer Kartelluntersuchung der Europäischen Kommission.</li><li>Beratung eines internationalen Unternehmens des Eisenbahnsektors hinsichtlich kartellrechtlicher Schadensersatzansprüche (follow-on-Klage).</li><li>Außergerichtliche und gerichtliche Beratung diverser Unternehmen aus dem Medien- und Breitbandkabelsektor hinsichtlich kartellrechtlicher Fragen (Fusionskontrolle, Kartellverfahren, Missbrauch einer marktbeherrschenden Stellung).</li></ul>

Jens Hackl

Eric Lawson is a partner in Morrison Foerster’s Litigation Department and a member of the firm’s Securities Litigation and Commercial Litigation groups. Eric regularly defends clients in securities and shareholder litigation, complex commercial litigation, and other high-stakes litigation matters. He has experience representing clients in state and federal trial and appellate courts throughout the country.Prior to joining MoFo, Eric worked at another AmLaw 50 law firm and completed a secondment as an assistant district attorney for New York’s Kings County District Attorney’s Office. He also previously served as a law clerk to Chief Judge Carl E. Stewart of the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit.Eric earned his B.A. in economics from Tufts University and his J.D. from the New York University School of Law. While in law school, he was the senior executive editor of the Journal of Law and Liberty.<h4 dir="ltr">Representative Experience</h4><ul dir="ltr"><li>Represented a syndicate of investment banks in a securities class action relating to tens of billions of dollars of securities offerings conducted in connection with the merger of two of the world’s largest petroleum companies. Successfully obtained dismissal with prejudice.</li><li>Represented a corporate executive of a multinational flavors, fragrances, and cosmetics company in a securities class action relating to allegations that the company participated in a multimillion-dollar bribery scheme. Successfully obtained dismissal with prejudice.</li><li>Represented an investment bank in litigation across multiple jurisdictions against claims of fraud and breach of fiduciary duty, stemming from its investment banking services for a fish-farming company. Successfully obtained dismissal with prejudice, which was affirmed on appeal.</li><li>Represented an investment bank against civil RICO claims arising out of the bank’s alleged involvement in a debt swap for securities with a commercial marijuana business. Successfully obtained dismissal with prejudice.</li><li>Represented a leading information technology solutions company and certain of its current and former directors and officers in shareholder derivative actions in federal and state court in New Jersey, a securities class action in federal court in New Jersey, and various shareholder demands in the Delaware Court of Chancery resulting from the company’s announcement of an internal investigation into potential violations of the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act (FCPA) in India.</li><li>Represented a sustainable biotechnology company in a securities class action challenging various disclosures relating to the company’s operations. The case settled on very favorable terms.</li><li>Represented a hedge fund using algorithmic trading strategies in an investigation into market manipulation brought by the SEC.</li><li>Represented a UK-based trader in connection with an antitrust class action relating to supranational, sovereign, and agency (SSA) bond trading. Successfully obtained dismissal, which was affirmed by the Second Circuit on appeal.</li><li dir="ltr">Represented a former analyst of a leading financial institution against allegations of conspiracy, insider trading, and wire fraud charges. Won a rare defense victory in insider trading cases.</li></ul>Eric also has experience in appellate matters and maintains a robust pro bono practice. Some examples of his work include:<ul><li>Serving as lead counsel for the Kings County District Attorney’s Office in briefing and arguing a criminal appeal before New York’s Appellate Division, Second Department. Successfully secured the appellant’s top-line convictions for murder, attempted murder, and first-degree burglary.</li><li>Co-authoring the briefing and serving as second-chair in a case before the U.S. Supreme Court concerning the proper interpretation of the Prison Litigation Reform Act.</li><li>Co-authoring numerous briefs at the certiorari stage in the U.S. Supreme Court.</li><li>Co-authoring a brief in the Second Circuit challenging a district court’s revocation of a pro bono client’s in forma pauperis status. Successfully obtained reversal of the district court’s order.</li><li>On a pro bono basis, successfully challenging under the First Amendment a city’s ban on charitable solicitation in public.</li></ul>

Eric Lawson

Emani Walks is an associate in the Litigation Department of Morrison Foerster’s New York office and a member of the firm’s Securities Litigation Group.Emani represents corporations and their officers and directors in complex investigations and litigation. She has extensive experience representing corporations in securities class actions, derivative suits, and other complex commercial litigation. Her practice also includes representing corporations in both government-facing and internal regulatory investigations brought by the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) and the Department of Justice (DOJ). Emani also maintains an active pro bono practice.Before joining the firm, Emani was an associate at an AmLaw 100 firm in Washington, D.C., where she represented corporations and universities in complex commercial litigation, internal investigations, and regulatory proceedings initiated by shareholders or governmental agencies including the SEC, DOJ, and Department of Education (DOE).Emani earned her J.D. from Duke University School of Law. During law school, Emani served as managing editor for the Duke Journal of Gender Law & Policy and as the director of academic advising for the Black Law Students Association.

Emani Walks

Felix possesses more than fifteen years of experience in complex regulatory counselling, compliance, and litigation. He advises major companies, public sector entities, and innovative businesses on EU and German regulatory law, with a particular focus on foreign trade, government contracts, and competition. His clients span a range of industries, including telecoms, digital economy, media, technology, financial services, healthcare, energy, and transportation (automotive, e-mobility, public transport, and railway). Felix regularly represents clients in administrative proceedings and public and civil law disputes before national and European authorities and courts, including in public procurement matters and bid protests.His specific experience in foreign trade matters comprises EU sanctions and export control compliance counselling, representation of Asian or U.S. investors in foreign investment control clearance proceedings, and other complex matters involving cybersecurity or further national security concerns.Felix also oversees large-scale internal investigation or regulatory law-driven transactional projects and is particularly experienced in providing strategic advice to market entrants and representing clients in sophisticated multiparty negotiations.As a member of our leading global National Security, Sanctions and Export Control, Government Contracts, and Antitrust practice groups, Felix works closely with high-ranking experts across three continents.Felix regularly lectures at the Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin. His dissertation deals with the market regulation issues of liberalizing the railway sector.Felix studied in Berlin (Dr. iur.) and Geneva, Switzerland (“Certificate in Transnational Law”). He worked as an intern in the Hearing Office of the European Commission (Directorate-General for Competition) in Brussels and at the Federal Ministry of Economics and Technology (Department of Competition, Regulation and Privatization Policy) in Berlin.<h4>REPRESENTATIVE EXPERIENCE*</h4><h5>Foreign Investment, Sanctions and Export Control</h5><ul><li>Advising major global businesses and organizations on sanctions, export control compliance and internal compliance programs.</li><li>Representing companies in sanctions related disputes and litigation.</li><li>Counseling EU companies on conflicts of laws relating to U.S. sanctions and EU or EU Member State blocking laws and regulations.</li><li>Secured foreign investment control clearances in global M&A transactions before the German Ministry of Economics and Energy and coordinated with local counsel in multiple jurisdictions on clearance under local foreign investment and national security laws.</li></ul><h5>Regulatory, Government Contracts, Competition and EU State Aid</h5><ul><li>Advising a public transportation company on regulatory laws and regulations.</li><li>Counseling companies on public tenders and bid protests.</li><li>Assisted a tech startup with market access to build loading infrastructure for electric vehicles.</li><li>Advised private railway companies on track access, public tenders and EU state aid matters.</li></ul><h5>Compliance and Investigations</h5><ul><li>Advising a major OEM regarding diesel emissions.</li><li>Conducted an internal investigation at a healthcare company in relation to government contracts, and represented the client successfully in a bid protest and follow-on litigation.</li><li>Conducted multinational government contracts compliance review and associated risk assessment for a Fortune Global 500 company, including recommending process improvements and policy changes.</li><li>Conducted a multinational compliance review regarding conflicts of interest and anti-kickback policies.</li></ul><h5>Transactions</h5><ul><li>Represented 1&1/United Internet in negotiations and advised on establishing the European netID Foundation together with ProSiebenSat.1 and RTL.</li><li>Supported U.S. satellite network operator Planet Labs, Inc. during the acquisition of the German satellite system RapidEye.</li><li>Assisted a Chinese investor in the acquisition of Bochumer Verein, a steel manufacturer with plants in Germany and Brazil, from Georgsmarienhütte.</li><li>Represented Viacom in negotiations and advised on establishing the television and video ad sales marketing joint venture “Visoon” with Axel Springer.</li></ul> * includes prior law firm experience

Dr. Felix Helmstädter berät seine Mandanten seit über fünfzehn Jahren zu komplexen Fragestellungen des Regulierungsrechts, bei Transaktionen sowie bei Compliance-Verstößen und vertritt sie in Verwaltungs- und Gerichtsverfahren.Zu seinen Mandanten zählen führende nationale und internationale Unternehmen, Unternehmen der öffentlichen Hand und neue, innovative Marktteilnehmer. Er berät diese sowohl strategisch als auch in Verhandlungen oder streitigen Auseinandersetzungen in zahlreichen Bereichen des europäischen und deutschen Regulierungsrechts, mit einem besonderen Fokus auf Fragen des Außenwirtschaftsrechts, Vergabe- und Beihilferechts sowie Wettbewerbsrechts.Besondere branchenspezifische Kenntnisse besitzt Dr. Felix Helmstädter in den Sektoren Telekommunikation, Digitalwirtschaft, Big Data, Medien, Technologie, Finanzdienstleistungen, Gesundheit, Energie und Transport (Automotive, E-Mobility, Öffentlicher Nahverkehr und Eisenbahn).Er vertritt seine Mandanten regelmäßig in Verwaltungs- und Bußgeldverfahren sowie verwaltungs- und zivilgerichtlichen Prozessen vor nationalen sowie europäischen Behörden und Gerichten. Hierzu zählt auch die Vertretung bei vergaberechtlichen Streitigkeiten und Nachprüfungsverfahren sowie in Investitions- und Fusionskontrollverfahren.Seine spezifische Expertise in Außenhandelsfragen umfasst die Compliance mit EU-Sanktionen und Exportkontrollanforderungen, insbesondere auch im Verhältnis zum US-Sanktions- und Exportkontrollrecht. Dr. Felix Helmstädter vertritt zudem vor allem asiatische und US-amerikanische Investoren bei Verfahren zur Genehmigung ausländischer Investitionen und berät zu komplexen Fragen der Cybersicherheit etwa im telekommunikationsrechtlichen oder außenwirtschaftsrechtlichen Kontext.Weitere Beratungsschwerpunkte von Dr. Felix Helmstädter sind die Koordinierung und Durchführung von umfangreichen internen Ermittlungen, die Beratung zu vergaberechtlicher und beihilfenrechtlicher Compliance, die Betreuung von regulierungsrechtlich geprägten M&A-Transaktionen, sowie die strategische Beratung etwa in Fragen des Marktzugangs oder die Verhandlungsführung bei komplexen Vertragsprojekten.Als Mitglied der führenden globalen Praxisgruppen National Security, Sanctions and Export Control; Government Contracts; und Antitrust arbeitet Dr. Felix Helmstädter eng mit hochrangigen Experten über drei Kontinente hinweg zusammen.Er lehrt an der Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin. Seine Dissertation behandelt marktordnungsrechtliche Fragen der Liberalisierung des Eisenbahnsektors.Dr. Felix Helmstädter studierte in Berlin (Dr. iur.) und Genf (Certificat de Droit Transnational). Während seines Referendariats arbeitete er u.a. im Hearing Office der Europäischen Kommission, Generaldirektion Wettbewerb (Brüssel) sowie im Bundesministerium für Wirtschaft und Technologie, Referat für Wettbewerbs-, Regulierungs- und Privatisierungspolitik (Berlin).

Felix Helmstädter

James Brower is a partner in Morrison Foerster’s Litigation Department, residing in the Washington D.C. office.James has extensive experience advising and representing clients in matters relating to the Committee on Foreign Investment in the United States (CFIUS) and other national security-related matters. He has worked across a variety of departments within the U.S. Federal Government, including the Defense Security Service (now the Defense Counterintelligence and Security Agency) within the Department of Defense and the Office of Investment Security within the Department of the Treasury. James, while with the Department of the Treasury, led the review, assessment, and investigation of over one hundred transactions and spent years handling complex filings, transactions, and policies. He also led CFIUS’s mitigation monitoring efforts and the deployment and implementation of the CFIUS Pilot Program.Directly prior to joining Morrison Foerster, James worked at a global law firm representing clients before CFIUS advising clients on various policies and processes in compliance with federal statutes, and leading engagements with the Defense Counterintelligence and Security Agency.James received his B.A. in English as well as Government and International Politics from George Mason University, and his J.D. from The George Washington University Law School.

James Brower

Alexander advises clients on a broad range of EU and German regulatory issues. His practice focuses on foreign trade law, government contracts, and EU state aid law, as well as on general regulatory law compliance for industry and technology clients. Recent matters particularly involve compliance with economic sanctions and the control of foreign direct investments, regulatory law due diligence, and advice to clients during public tender proceedings and on competition law issues. His industry experience comprises, among others, banking and financial services, (tele)communications, media and digital service providers, critical technologies such as semiconductors, and transport. Alexander studied law at Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin and King’s College, London (LL.M.). Prior to joining Morrison Foerster, he worked as a research assistant at three renowned international law firms in the fields of antitrust and state aid and on regulatory matters. During his legal clerkship, he worked in the public procurement department of the German Federal Ministry of Economics and Energy as well as the Federal German Embassy in Nairobi. Alexander also acted as managing director of a nonprofit organization in the educational sector.Alexander is a senior associate at Morrison Foerster’s German office in Berlin.

Alexander Eisenfeld berät Mandanten zum europäischen und deutschen Marktordnungsrecht, insbesondere zu Fragen des Außenhandelsrechts, des Vergabe- und EU-Beihilfenrechts sowie zur Compliance mit regulatorischen Anforderungen in verschiedenen Industrie- und Technologiebereichen. Seine Beratung umfasst die Compliance von Unternehmen mit sanktionsrechtlichen Regimen, die Investitionskontrolle, regulatorische Due Diligence bei Unternehmenstransaktionen sowie vergabe- und wettbewerbsrechtliche Fragestellungen. Über branchenspezifische Erfahrungen verfügt er unter anderem in den Sektoren Banken und Finanzdienstleister, Telekommunikation, Medien und digitale Dienstleister, kritische Technologien, etwa im Bereich der Halbleiterindustrie, sowie Transport und Verkehr.Alexander Eisenfeld studierte Rechtswissenschaft an der Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin sowie am King’s College, London (LL.M.). Promotionsbegleitend sammelte er als wissenschaftlicher Mitarbeiter bei drei renommierten Wirtschaftssozietäten Erfahrung in den Bereichen Kartellrecht, staatliche Beihilfen und Regulierung. Im Rahmen seines Referendariats arbeitete er unter anderem im Vergaberechtsreferat des Bundesministeriums für Wirtschaft und Energie sowie in der deutschen Botschaft in Nairobi. Alexander Eisenfeld war zudem als Geschäftsführer einer gemeinnützigen Organisation im Bildungssektor tätig.Alexander Eisenfeld ist Senior Associate des deutschen Büros von Morrison Foerster in Berlin.

Alexander Eisenfeld

Richard Nugent is a partner in the firm’s New York office and chair of its Tax practice.Richard has over 25 years of experience advising on the tax aspects of complex transactions including public and private M&A, spin-offs, joint ventures, internal restructurings, and financings and capital markets transactions. He also advises debtors and creditors within and outside of bankruptcy.Richard has been recognized in Chambers USA, where he is praised as “an extremely knowledgeable and dedicated attorney” and “well-versed in communicating complex issues.” The Legal 500 describes Richard as having a “deep understanding of the business, including product supply, marketing, and distribution” which clients describe as “priceless when representing us in deal matters.” Prior to joining Morrison Foerster, Richard was a tax partner at another international law firm in New York. He serves on the Executive Committee of the New York State Bar Association Tax Section and is a member of the Tax Forum. A sought-after speaker, Richard frequently presents on tax topics for Practising Law Institute programs.Richard holds an LL.M. with distinction from Georgetown University, a J.D. with honors from Rutgers School of Law – Newark, and a B.A., summa cum laude, from Saint Peter’s University. He also served as a law clerk to Judge Richard F. Suhrheinrich of the U.S. Court of Appeals, Sixth Circuit and Judge Robert P. Ruwe of the U.S. Tax Court.<h4>Representative Experience</h4><ul><li>Represented Centuri Holdings and parent company Southwest Gas Holdings in $238 million public offering of common stock</li><li>Represented Paine Schwartz Partners, a global leader in sustainable food chain investing, in its investment in Chex Finer Foods, a value-added specialty food distributor</li><li>Represented the board of Continental Disc Corporation, a portfolio company of Tinicum, in connection to its sale to Baker Hughes, an energy technology company</li><li>Represented Hooter’s Inc. and Hoot Owl Restaurants, L.L.C. in the acquisition of over 100 restaurants from Hooters of America LLC, which filed for Chapter 11 protection on March 31st in the U.S. Bankruptcy Court</li><li>Represented Centuri Holdings and parent company Southwest Gas Holdings in $353 million IPO and concurrent private placement</li><li>Represented C2 Capital Partners in its investment in Stella & Chewy’s, a leading North American pet food manufacturer</li></ul>

Richard Nugent

Chair of the Tax Practice

Kristie Espiritu is a tax associate in the San Diego office of Morrison Foerster.Kristie’s experience spans a wide range of transactional, structuring, and advisory tax matters affecting domestic businesses. She regularly advises clients on their tax issues in the areas of joint ventures, partnerships, real estate investment trusts, renewable energy, mergers and acquisitions, and tax- exempt organizations.Kristie is an adjunct professor at USD School of Law, where she teaches classes on partnership tax.

Kristie Espiritu

Eric Min is a partner in the Finance and Private Equity Buyouts & Investment Groups at Morrison Foerster.Eric regularly advises private equity sponsors and their portfolio companies and fintech companies in a variety of complex U.S. and cross-border financing transactions, including leveraged acquisitions, syndicated lending, investment grade lending, asset-based lending, and warehouse facilities. Eric has substantial experience representing clients in transactions covering a wide variety of industries, including technology, fintech, consumer and retail and professional services.