Buyers
Buyers need a focused review of the target and an agreement reflecting the findings.
Mergers and acquisitions in Germany · Berlin · advising across Germany
Mergers and acquisitions in Germany
An acquisition combines commercial expectations, information risk and complex contractual mechanisms within a time-sensitive process.
Who it is for
For buyers, sellers and investment partners.
Legal priorities vary according to deal side, company size and the intended allocation of risk.
Sellers
Sellers benefit from prepared disclosures and a clear completion process.
Management
Management needs coordinated work across negotiation, approvals and handover.
Advice
Transaction support focused on material issues.
Process structure, review, purchase agreement, signing and closing are managed as a coherent workstream.
Structure and process
A share deal, asset deal and minority investment allocate risk and completion work differently.
- Match transaction form to objectives
- Set timetable and responsibilities
- Plan negotiation and approvals
Due diligence
A focused review identifies material risks while keeping questions and disclosures manageable.
- Organise the data room
- Assess findings by deal relevance
- Track disclosures and remediation
Acquisition agreement and closing
Price, warranties, liability and completion steps should reflect the findings and agreed risk allocation.
- Negotiate price mechanics and warranties
- Set liability limits and security
- Coordinate signing, conditions and closing
Contact
Preparing an acquisition or sale?
Share the transaction side, target and current stage. I will respond confidentially regarding possible support.
How we work
Keep complex transactions decision-ready.
Open issues are prioritised by deal relevance, responsibilities clarified and negotiations prepared transparently.
Request counselFrame the transaction
Target, parties, timetable and structure are established for negotiation.
Review material risks
Due diligence and disclosures are ranked by their effect on price and contract.
Carry through completion
Agreement, conditions, approvals and handover are coordinated through closing.
Your contact: Dr. Philipp Lerch, attorney · Content last updated: 24 September 2026
Dr. Philipp LerchAttorney · Berlin
Profile
Legal precision meets commercial understanding.
As an attorney with experience at an international business law firm and an additional background in computer science, I combine corporate law expertise with a clear understanding of business models, processes, and technology.
- Former attorney at Hogan Lovells International LLP
- Two German honours examinations with a focus on commercial and corporate law
- Dr. jur. and LL.M. Corporate and Commercial Law, University of Sheffield
- B.Sc. Computer Science, Free University of Berlin
FAQ
Frequently asked questions
What should be settled before acquiring a business?
Define the target, parties, timetable, funding conditions and known risks early. This shapes the scope of due diligence and negotiations.
What is the purpose of legal due diligence?
It identifies material legal risks and open issues in the target. Findings can affect price, warranties, indemnities and completion conditions.
How do signing and closing differ?
Signing is execution of the acquisition agreement; closing is its agreed completion. Consents, payments and other conditions may need to be satisfied in between.
Contact
Preparing an acquisition or sale?
Share the transaction side, target and current stage. I will respond confidentially regarding possible support.