Martin Obermüller: Strafprozessuale Beschlagnahmen und Arreste in Kreditsicherheiten – Teil 2, ZInsO 50/2017, 20. Jahrgang, Seite 2676 – 2682.
Obermüller, Martin:
Martin Obermüller schreibt zum Thema „Strafprozessuale Beschlagnahmen und Arreste in Kreditsicherheiten – Teil 2“
Im neuen Heft der ZInsO, Nr. 50/2017, 2676 ff. greift Dr. Martin Obermüller zusammen mit Dr. Manfred Obermüller erneut das Thema „Strafprozessuale Beschlagnahmen und Arreste in Kreditsicherheiten“. In dem zweiten Teil beschäftigen sich die Autoren mit der Neufassung des Gesetzes zur Reform der strafrechtlichen Vermögensabschöpfung, das mit Wirkung zum 01.07.2017 in Kraft getreten ist. Kernstück der Reform ist die grundlegende Neuregelung der Opferentschädigung. Der Beitrag zeigt auf, wie sich dies auf die Stellung der Bank auswirkt, der ein Kunde als Sicherheit für einen Kredit Vermögenswerte zur Sicherung übereignet, abtritt oder verpfändet, die er mittels strafbarer Handlungen an sich gebracht hat.
Für die Rechtslage bis zum Inkraftreten des Gesetzes zur Reform der strafrechtllichen Vermögensabschöpfung wird auf den Beitrag Obermüller, ZInsO 2014, 2401ff. verwiesen.
ZInsO 50/2017, 20. Jahrgang, Seite 2676 – 2682
FAZ Nr. 247 vom 24.10.2017, S. 19 (Wirtschaft): Anwälte und die Digitalisierung – Auf der Legal (R)evolution stehen Chancen im Vordergrund
Marcus Jung berichtet in der Frankfurter Allgemeine Zeitung vom 24. Oktober 2017 über die LEGAL ®EVOLUTION Expo & Congress, die unser Partner Dr. Jochen Brandhoff jährlich veranstaltet. Weitere Informationen zu dieser Kongressmesse über Legal Innovation erhalten Sie auf www.LegalTechExpo.de.
Den FAZ-Beitrag können Sie hier lesen.
Bei Fragen wenden Sie sich bitte an Simon Benedikt, Kaiserstraße 53, D-60329 Frankfurt, info(@)bop.legal, www.bop.legal, Tel: +49 (0)69 34 87 92 00.
Investor Solution for Zorn Orthopädie GmbH
After a successful search, the leadership of the time-honored Zorn Orthopädie GmbH were able to acquire an investor. The bidding process included 11 possible investors but was won by Sanitätshaus Achim Kunze GmbH. The operation was incorporated into the same entity as of 01.09.2017. Nearly all of the remaining 13 employees were carried over. Zorn Orthopädie GmbH, with its two locations in Wiesbaden is a respected and time-honored company that provides patients with orthopaedic equipment such as wheel chairs, walkers, orthopaedic insoles, etc. and produces custom-made prosthetics in its own workshop. “I am very happy for the employees and the company that we were able to find an investor who has long-term plans for the location and the colleagues,” remarked the insolvency administrator, Dr. Martin Obermüller. “I thank all the colleagues, business partners and clients who stayed true to the company through these tough times,” Dr. Obermüller continued. “With the acquisition of Zorn Orthopädie GmbH, we can expand our offerings to patients and build on our platform as the leading provider of orthopaedic products in Wiesbaden,” follows up Achim Kunze, the representative of the investing company. The committee of creditors has already approved of the sale.
The district court of Wiesbaden appointed the corporate rehabilitation expert, Dr. Martin Obermüller, to be the preliminary insolvency for this matter on 06. July 2017. He allowed the company’s operations to continue and thus opened the way for a successful investment solution.
If you have any questions, please contact attorney Dr. Martin Obermüller, Kaiserstraße 53, D-60329 Frankfurt, info(@)bop.legal, www.bop.legal, Tel: +49 (0)69 34 87 92 00.
Podcast vom 2. September 2017: Lawyers on Fire sprechen im Rahmen der German Legal Tech Talks mit Jochen Brandhoff
Lawyers on Fire haben am 2. September 2017 unseren Partner Dr. Jochen Brandhoff über die LEGAL ®EVOLUTION – THE EUROPEAN LEGALTECH EXPO & CONGRESS interviewt. Darin beantwortet Jochen Brandhoff, der schon während seiner Referendarszeit Gründer des ersten rein webbasierten juristischen Repetitoriums war, Fragen zur digitalen Transformation des Rechts.
In der nahen Zukunft, in der Rechtsanwendungen automatisiert durch Algorithmen vorgenommen werden, müssen sich Kanzleien und Rechtsabteilungen über die neuen Technologien informieren. Das ist der Grund, die jährlich stattfindende LEGAL ®EVOLUTION -THE EUROPEAN LEGALTECH EXPO & CONGRESS auf die Beine zu stellen. So zieht die Kongressmesse in Frankfurt am Main Publikum aus ganz Europa an und bietet neben den Fachvorträgen aus Recht, Politik und Wirtschaft vor allem auch aktuelle Marktlösungen. Das Künstliche Intelligenz kein Produkt der Zukunft ist, sondern heute schon in Analysesoftware zur Anwendung kommt, wird auf der LEGAL ®EVOLUTION zu sehen sein. Startups und etablierte Softwareanbieter führen ihre smarten Produkte und Dienstleistungen dem Fachpublikum vor. Den Podcast können Sie hier und über iTunes hier anhören.
Bei Fragen wenden Sie sich bitte an Jochen Brandhoff, Kaiserstraße 53, D-60329 Frankfurt, info(@)bop.legal, www.bop.legal, Tel: +49 (0)69 34 87 92 00.
Artificial Lawyer vom 21. August 2017: Legal Technology + Künstliche Intelligenz in Deutschland – Die Entwicklung schreitet voran
Artificial Lawyer hat am 21. August 2017 unseren Partner Dr. Jochen Brandhoff zur Entwicklung von Künstlicher Intelligenz und Legal Technology in Deutschland interviewt. Weiteres Thema war die LEGAL (R)EVOLUTION 2017 – The European LegalTech Expo & Congress, die Jochen Brandhoff veranstaltet. LEGAL (R)EVOLUTION ist die größte jährliche Kongressmesse für die Digitalisierung des Rechts in Kontinentaleuropa. LEGAL ®EVOLUTION 2017 findet am 23. + 24. Oktober 2017 im Kap Europa in Frankfurt am Main statt.
Das Interview finden sie hier.
Bei Fragen wenden Sie sich bitte an Jochen Brandhoff, Kaiserstraße 53, D-60329 Frankfurt, info(@)bop.legal, www.bop.legal, Tel: +49 (0)69 34 87 92 00.
BOP at the J.P. Morgan Corporate Challenge
The BRANDHOFF OBERMÜLLER PARTNER team comes in force to the J.P. Morgen Corporate Challenge in Frankfurt am Main.
Our 11-man team launched from the start line on Tuesday, June 13th at 18:00 to cross the finish line together 5.6 Kilometers away. Our runner’s numbers, starting above 61,000 made it very clear that we would not be alone on the stretch.
And so it was. As far as the eye could see, there were runners wearing colourful corporate t-shirts who were all set into motion after the startgun fired. The atmosphere during the run was very positive and the support from the crowd gathered along the route was amazing. It was a great experience for the whole team and everyone successfully crossed the finish line. We are already looking forward to next year!
Nicole Gärtner neue ReNo bei BOP
Nicole Gärtner verstärkt unsere Kanzlei als Rechtsanwalts- und Notarfachangestellte seit 1. März 2017.
Zuvor war sie als Assistentin des Gesamtvertriebsleiters bei einem namenhaften deutschen Automobilhersteller beschäftigt und als Organisationstalent zusätzlich für die Planung und Durchführung von internen Tagungen und Marketingveranstaltungen zuständig.
Ihr juristisches Fachwissen eignete sich Nicole Gärtner als Partner Assistentin in englischen und amerikanischen Großkanzleien in Frankfurt an.
Sie unterstützt BRANDHOFF OBERMÜLLER PARTNER insbesondere im Wirtschaftsrecht, Handels- und Gesellschaftsrecht sowie bei der Insolvenzverwaltung.
Bei Fragen wenden Sie sich bitte an Simon Benedikt, Kaiserstraße 53, D-60329 Frankfurt, info(@)bop.legal, www.bop.legal, Tel: +49 (0)69 34 87 92 00.
The “Zeitschrift für Anwaltspraxis – ZAP” Journal of Legal Practice reports: LEGAL ®EVOLUTION is the “first German legal tech trade fair”
With Legal ®Evolution 2017, the “first German legal tech trade fair” will take place from the 23 – 24 of October in Frankfurt am Main. (ZAP 11/2017, pg. 575)
The European LegalTech Expo GmbH (founded by Dr. Jochen Brandhoff ) has made it its goal to establish Legal ®Evolution as the premier event in the industry and brings together legal tech companies, law firms, legal departments, scientists, and political decision makers in one place for two days of networking and education.
Legal ®Evolution 2017 is also an academic conference in which 40 renowned professors, politicians, company founders, and managing directors will present as guest lecturers. They will show legal practitioners how, through legal tech, the ongoing digitalization of the legal industry can be used to create a more efficient and cost effective market for legal consultation in the future.
Conference participants will have the opportunity to see currently existing, practical solutions to the issues presented by our lecturers on our exhibition floor which runs directly parallel to the conference.
Approximately 45 hand-picked exhibitors from the legal tech field will show visitors what is already possible today using legal technology and how their organizational processes can be optimized through the use of this technology
If you have questions or would like to participate, please contact Jochen Brandhoff, Kaiserstraße 53, D-60329 Frankfurt, info(@)bop.legal, www.bop.legal, Tel: +49 (0)69 34 87 92 00.
Jochen Brandhoff raises the question, “Are corporate attorneys driving scooters on the digital motorway?”
This was the leading question at the latest Kanzleidialoge (Law Firm Dialogs) which took place at the offices of BRANDHOFF OBERMÜLLER PARTNER on 4 May 2017.
Our partner Dr. Jochen Brandhoff spoke following the introductory remarks of Dr. Annette Hartung on the subject of the “digital challenges and current solutions for lawyers”. The scooter, as Jochen Brandhoff pointed out, much like the legal profession has managed to navigate the last 50 years without undergoing any significant design changes. The digitization of the legal market is still in its infancy, which, according to Jochen Brandhoff, is a great opportunity for pioneering lawyers. Attorneys can take advantage of the potential of newer and more efficient digital technology and play a significant role in shaping the legal market of the future.
“Quo vadis advocatus?“ war aber nicht die einzige Frage, die im Fokus des Kurzreferats von Jochen Brandhoff stand, sondern insbesondere, in welche Richtung sich die Anwendung des Rechts im Zuge der Digitalisierung des Rechtsmarktes entwickeln wird.
“Quo vadis advocatus?” was, however, not the only question that bore a focus in Dr. Brandhoff’s short presentation. He also made remarks on the possible directions the administration of justice will take over the course of the digitization of the legal market.
The law is, even today, being applied with the help of computer algorithms; for example, through the examination of certain claims brought by airline passengers or in making Hartz IV decisions. Nothing, therefore, precludes a great expansion in the use of algorithm-based decision-making in the future.
Finally, the roundtable discussion turned to the issue of what advantages/disadvantages these developments may hold for the legal profession. Will algorithms, through cost-effectiveness, effect a displacement of legal services in the current system of state-funded legal aid. Will the “judex” be replaced by a computer? And are these displacements even constitutional considering the German constitution’s general principle of equality? These and many more topics were discussed during this roundtable.
If you have questions, please contact Dr. Jochen Brandhoff, Kaiserstraße 53, D-60329 Frankfurt, info(@)bop.legal, www.bop.legal, Tel: +49 (0)69 34 87 92 00.
Stefan Brass lehrt Unternehmensrecht und Principles of Private Law an der Frankfurt School of Finance & Management
Die Privatuniversität Frankfurt School of Finance & Management hat den Lehrauftrag unseres Partners Dr. Stefan Brass zum Sommersemester 2017 erweitert. Er hält in diesem Semester die Vorlesungen Principles of Private Law und Unternehmensrecht.
Vortrag von Dr. Jochen Brandhoff an der Universität Osnabrück
Am Mittwoch, den 26. April 2017, ab 17:30 Uhr, hält ab 17:30 Uhr unser Partner Dr. Jochen Brandhoff im Rahmen des Osnabrücker Gesellschaftsforum einen Vortrag über die digitale Transformation des Rechts. Die Veranstaltung findet im Helikonensaal (Albrechtstraße 29, 49076 Osnabrück) statt und steht unter dem Generalthema Legal Tech und Legal Innovation.
Dr. Jochen Brandhoff to give a lecture at the University of Osnabrück concerning the digital transformation of the law
On Wednesday, 26 April 2017, at 5:30 PM, our partner, Dr. Jochen Brandhoff, will give a lecture at the University of Osnabrück over the digital transformation of the law. Here, he will answer questions concerning what fundamental changes lawyers from legal departments and law firms will have to face in the coming years due to the digitization of the law. Legal technology, artificial intelligence, blockchains, contract analysis systems, data analysis software, and workflow-management tools will be used ever increasingly in the legal practice.
Afterward, Tobias Renner of KPMG Legal will give an overview of the current applications and limitations of legal tech.
The event will take place in the Helikonensaal (Albrechtstraße 29, 49076 Osnabrück) and covers the general topics of legal tech and legal innovation.
You can find more information about the event here.
If you have questions, please contact Simon Benedikt, Kaiserstraße 53, D-60329 Frankfurt, info(@)bop.legal, www.bop.legal, Tel: +49 (0)69 34 87 92 00.
BOP Kanzleidialoge über die BLOCKCHAIN (R)EVOLUTION
BLOCKCHAIN (R)EVOLUTION – das war das Leitthema des 3. Legal Tech Lunchs von BRANDHOFF OBERMÜLLER PARTNER am 16. März 2017. Fast 50 Syndikusanwälte, General Counsel, Rechtsanwälte aus Wirtschaftskanzleien und Institutionen, Steuerberater, Informatiker, Legal-Technology-Anbieter und Legal-Tech-Investoren waren unserer Einladung zu den BOP Kanzleidialogen gefolgt, um sich über Distributed Ledgers, Blockchains, Kryptowährungen wie Bitcoin und Smart Contracts auszutauschen.
Vier Blockchain-Experten gaben einen Einblick in die wirtschaftlichen Möglichkeiten und rechtlichen Aspekte dieses dezentralen Konsensmechanismus, der sogenannten „Trust Machine“.
Unser Partner Dr. Jochen Brandhoff eröffnete die Veranstaltung mit einem Vortrag über die Funktionsweise von Blockchains. Einen Auszug aus seiner Rede finden Sie hier. Christoph Simmchen gab eine rechtsgebietsübergreifende Einführung in die Blockchain-Technologie, während Markus Columbu über Rechtslücken und rechtliche Risiken der Blockchain-Technik referierte. Christian Kahl führte in seinem Abschlussvortrag aus, welchen Einfluss die Blockchain auf Online-Marktplätze haben wird. Schließlich stellte Jochen Brandhoff die neue Kongressmesse LEGAL ®EVOLUTION 2017 – The European LegalTech Expo & Congress vor. LEGAL ®EVOLUTION soll zur europäischen Leitmesse der digitalen Transformation des Rechts werden. Sie findet am 23. und 24. Oktober 2017 im Kap Europa der Messe Frankfurt statt.
Bei Fragen wenden Sie sich bitte an Rechtsanwalt Dr. Jochen Brandhoff, Kaiserstraße 53, D-60329 Frankfurt, info(@)bop.legal, www.bop.legal, Tel: +49 (0)69 34 87 92 00.
BOP Law Firm Dialogues – 3rd LegalTech Lunch
On Thursday, March 16th, 2017, the third BOP LegalTech Lunch will take place from 12:00 to 15:00 at the law offices of BRANDHOFF OBERMÜLLER PARTNER in Frankfurt am Main.
The topic of this event will be i.a. the block chain”.
Tanja Bindrin: Insolvency Law Attorney Joins BOP
Attorney Tanja Bindrin has been supporting our law firm as an Associate since 1 February 2017 in the areas of insolvency administration and consultation. She possesses over 7 years of experience in the field of insolvency law with her main focus being claims and dispute resolution. Tanja Bindrin further brings with her a comprehensive expertise in achieving the continued operation of insolvent businesses and the resolution of insolvency proceedings. She previously worked at two “Top-25” law firms for insolvency law.
Our Partner, Dr. Martin Obermüller, made the following remarks in this regard: “We are truly fortunate to have gained an experienced and highly specialized insolvency attorney in Ms. Bindrin, especially against the backdrop of the upcoming insolvency claims reform act (Gesetz zur Verbesserung der Rechtssicherheit bei Anfechtungen nach der Insolvenzordnung und nach dem Anfechtungsgesetz) and the changes to the practice it will bring.”
If you have any questions, please contact: Dr. Martin Obermüller, Kaiserstraße 53, D-60329 Frankfurt, info(@)bop.legal, www.bop.legal, Tel: +49 (0)69 34 87 92 00.
BOP in the new Handbook for Licensing Examinations (Handbuch Prädikatsexamen)
TalentRocket surveyed lawyers from Freshfields Bruckhaus Deringer and BRANDHOFF OBERMÜLLER PARTNER and posed the question: how can one purposefully prepare to be successful in the first German bar exam, the “Erste Juristisches Prüfung”.
The answers to this question are found in the newly published “Handbuch Prädikatsexamen”, 1. ed., Munich 2016.
In the handbook, BRANDHOF OBERMÜLLER PARTNER comments on three major topics: the importance of licensing examinations in the legal market of the future (pg. 15); the necessity for an attention to detail and the ability to think in economic terms (pg. 50); the emergence of the oral examination (pg. 88).
The handbook is meant to be an well-rounded guidebook for young jurists leading up to their bar exams and was developed in cooperation with practicing attorneys and bar examiners alike.
If you have questions, please contact Simon Benedikt, Kaiserstraße 53, D-60329 Frankfurt, info(@)bop.legal, www.bop.legal, Tel: +49 (0)69 34 87 92 00.
Caspar Behme: Wenn deutsche Arbeitnehmervertreter den Aufsichtsrat räumen müssen für ihre EU-Kollegen, Wirtschaftswoche-Blog, 7. Februar 2017
Caspar Behme:
Whether German employee representatives must now make way for their EU colleagues
Wirtschaftswoche Online, Management-Blog, 7. Februar 2017. Claudia Tödtmann has published a guest-contribution written by our Of Counsel, Dr. Caspar Behme in the WiWo-Management Blog. The article concerns the TUI Case, which was recently decided by the European Court of Justice (ECJ).
BRANDHOFF OBERMÜLLER PARTNER represents the claimant in these proceedings.
The European Court of Justice deliberates the policy of German employee co-determination laws — BOP pleads for the inclusion of EU employees.
January 2017 — The European Court of Justice (ECJ), under the chairmanship of ECJ President Justice Koen Lenaerts, now deliberates its position in the co-called “Tui Case” (Preliminary Ruling Procedure C-566/15). German employee co-determination rules [Areitnehmermitbestimmung] for company supervisory boards may violate European Union law in that they prohibit employees based in EU Member States other than Germany from voting in supervisory board elections as well as from running for these offices themselves. The German labor unions and their representatives are leading a media campaign against the claimants in this case even though the claimants are seeking to affect the Europeanization of the co-determination principle.
Throughout the four-hour proceeding, the legal opinions the parties to the proceedings, Konrad Erzberger (petitioner) and the tourism company, TUI AG (defendant), were outlined along with the amici curiae of several interested groups including: the EFTA Surveillance Authority, German labor unions, and the governments of Germany, Austria, the Netherlands, France, and Luxemburg. Following this, the parties responded to questions posed by the fifteen judge panel (among whom sat ECJ President Koen Lenaerts, Vice-president Antonio Tizzano and the reporting judge, Egils Levits) as well as those posed by Advocate General Henrik Saugmandsgaard Øe.
Dr. Caspar Behme (lead counsel), Dr. Jochen Brandhoff, and Stephan A. Richter of BRANDHOFF OBERMÜLLER PARTNER represent the petitioner, and maintain that the purpose of this petition is not to seek the abolishment of the German Co-determination Act [das deutsche Mitbestimmungsgesetz], but rather to strengthen it by broadening its democratic legitimacy, thereby improving the state of corporate governance in co-determined companies. Those who support or at least recognize the importance of co-determination, must in-turn wish for it function properly and for it to achieve the results it was intended to affect. The purpose for which employees are represented in supervisory boards is, first and foremost, to allow the board to tap into the knowledge and experience of the company’s employees and to use this perspective for the betterment of the company. When a company employs “foreign” workers (i.e. the employees of daughter companies and concerns based in other EU Member States), this purpose is fundamentally undermined if the right of co-determination is restricted only to those employees employed within Germany and the knowledge and experience of these foreign workers are not represented on the supervisory board. It follows, therefore, that whoever favors the principles espoused by employee co-determination must consequently also favor the integration of foreign employees into the board’s electoral process. This is all the more important for companies such as TUI which employ the considerable majority of its workers outside of Germany.
The German labor union chiefs and their representatives are operating an emotionally charged media campaign against the petitioner, which expert observers have called unprecedented. The political pressure produced by this campaign is targeted at preserving for themselves the power and influence bound up in the duties of employee representatives in supervisory boards. They, however, have not brought forth any substantive arguments as to why representation of foreign employees should remain excluded.
In their oral arguments, BRANDHOFF OBERMÜLLER PARTNER refuted the assertion that the implementation of supervisory board elections in daughter companies is legally impossible: the Europeanization of the co-determination principle is possible without a further showing, as can be clearly seen in the comparative law. Analogous situations in France, Denmark and Norway show that the incorporation of foreign workers in supervisory board elections is not only legally possible and advisable, but also practical in their implementation. In these countries, foreign employees are able to be represented by their supervisory boards without injuring the so-called “territoriality principle”.
Based on the wording of the respondent’s filings, they also apparently take the position that the petitioner in reality wishes to weaken the co-determination principle. The underlying argument would be that the petitioner’s claim is directed towards the nullification of the German Co-determination Act. This is, however, an unconvincing argument because formal legal requirements determine the wording of such a petition. A petition, which is directly aimed at the inclusion of European employees in the election process, would be an inadmissible petition (Statusverfahren) according to §98 of the German Stock Corporation Act [Atkiengesetz].
The reasoning of BRANDHOFF OBERMÜLLER PARTNER in shared to some extent by the EFTA Surveillance Authority and the European Commission, but rejected to a greater or lesser extent by the Member States and Labor Unions. The majority of scientists and jurists who have expressed an opinion ahead of this decision took the side of the petitioner and spoke out in favor of the inclusion of EU employees in co-determination procedures. Contrary to the representations made by media outlets with ties to the labor unions, no substantial changes will occur near-term should the Court of Justice grant the petition and decide that the membership of company supervisory boards should no longer be determined in accordance with the provisions of the German Co-determination Act. Neither the election of the incumbent supervisory board members (even those who are employee representatives) nor the decisions of the supervisory board itself would be invalidated by such a decision. The tenure of incumbent supervisory board members would only end after the time period set out in § 98 Sec. 4 Sentence 2, and §97 Sec. 2 of the German Stock Corporation Act which requires a grace period of 6 months after the issuance of a decision by the Superior Court (that is: the Kammergericht), or in case of an appeal, 6 months after the decision of the German Supreme Court (Bundesgerichtshof). In addition, a finding of inapplicability of the German Co-determination Act will have limited applicability and apply only to TUI AG in the first instance. Such a decision would have no immediate effect whatsoever on other companies. Those supervisory boards remain organized just as before because, according to the explicit legal provisions of § 96 Sec. 2 of the German Stock Corporation Act, a change in status of a supervisory board may only be affected through a declaratory action (Statusverfahren). Only when this action is brought against a particular company and the inapplicability of the Co-determination Act is therein established, would the supervisory board of that company be required to reorganize in accordance with the decision made in that action.
The groundwork for the preliminary ruling procedure was laid through an application to the ECJ by the Superior Court of Berlin (Kammergericht Berlin) in which the Court saw it as “conceivable” that “the German Co-determination Act could affect a discrimination against employees on the basis of nationality” (AZ. 14 W 89/15). In accordance with §98 of the German Stock Corporation Act, the Superior Court must decide in this declaratory action (in which BRANDHOFF OBERMÜLLER PARTNER represents the legal position of its client, the applicant, Konrad Erzberger) whether the supervisory board of TUI AG has been improperly constituted. At the center of both procedures lies the question: whether and to what extent the German co-determination rules, according to which only domestically active employees may be entitled to active or passive voting rights in the election of employee representatives to the supervisory board, run contrary to European anti-discrimination rules and the principle of the free movement of labor: Art. 45 Sec. 2 TFEU and Art. 18 TFEU, respectively.
The opinion of the Advocate General is expected on May 4th.
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If you have any questions, please contact:
Dr. Caspar Behme (Of Counsel) and Dr. Jochen Brandhoff (Partner), BRANDHOFF OBERMÜLLER PARTNER Attorneys at Law mdB, Kaiserstrasse 53, 60329 Frankfurt a. M., +49 69 34 879 20-0, c.behme(@)bop.legal and j.brandhoff(@)bop.legal.
BRANDHOFF OBERMÜLLER PARTNER Attorneys at Law is an internationally active corporate law firm from Frankfurt am Main which focuses on Mergers & Acquisitions (M&A), insolvencies, company restructuring, tax law, company law and renewable energy. Our corporate law practice regularly covers questions of corporate governance and corporate litigation. The law firm is characterized by its exceptional economic expertise. Before joining the firm, our attorneys worked as Counsels General and Department Heads at companies and banks.
Jochen Brandhoff and Caspar Behme speak out on the TUI Case.
Süddeutsche Zeitung: 23. January 2017. Just one day before the opening of oral arguments at the European Court of Justice (ECJ), Detlef Esslinger of the Süddeutsche Zeitung has published an article highlighting the preliminary ruling procedure in Case 566/15, which is being led by BRANDHOF OBERMÜLLER PARTNER (“Weg da!“, SZ Nr. 18 v. 23.10.2017, S. 6 (Politik)). In the piece, our partner, Dr. Jochen Brandhoff, and Of Counsel, Dr. Caspar Behme, attorney and representative of the claimant, explain the origin and purpose of the so-called “TUI Case”.
The question presented to the ECJ is whether the current German corporate co-determination legislation is incompatible with the principles of European Union law. According to the current law, the employees of German corporations working outside of Germany have no right to participate either actively or passively in the election of labor representatives to company supervisory boards.
Jochen Brandhoff and Caspar Behme emphasize that their client’s intent is not to effectuate the abolishment or even the limitation of employee rights to representation in supervisory boards. Rather, with this lawsuit he is seeking to affect the Europeanization of this right to co-determination and thereby broaden its base of legitimacy. His reasoning is that any support for the principle of German co-determination must also encompass support for the inclusion of the company’s workforce abroad in these decisions. The public policy behind the right of co-determination is to ensure the wealth of experience offered by a company’s employees flows into and is reflected in the work of the supervisory board. This policy goal cannot be achieved, however, when a company employs its workforce throughout the Member States of the EU but restricts the right of co-determination to a minority of its employees — that is, giving it exclusively to those employees working within German borders. Companies will often make this restriction even when it employs the vast majority of its workforce abroad.
You can read the full article printed in the Süddeutsche Zeitung here.
We kindly ask members of the media and other interested parties to address their questions to our attorneys involved in the case: Of Counsel, Dr. Caspar Behme and our partners Dr. Jochen Brandhoff and Stephan A. Richter, Kaiserstraße 53, D-60329 Frankfurt, info(@)bop.legal, www.bop.legal, Tel: +49 (0)69 34 87 92 00.
BOP advises founder in the Sale of her Pharmaceutical and Medical Devices Wholesaler
Our client held 50% of the total shares in an international wholesaler for Pharmaceuticals and Medical Devices. Together with the buyer, she founded and led this medium-sized company. In November 2016, she sold her entire stake in the company (GmbH & Co KG) and its general partner company (Komplementär-GmbH). The remaining partner now runs the enterprise on his own.
BRANDHOFF OBERMÜLLER PARTNER provided comprehensive legal counsel to the seller at every stage of the transaction including the preparation, organization, negotiation and execution of the sale agreement
If you have questions, please contact Stephan A. Richter, Kaiserstraße 53, D-60329 Frankfurt, info(@)bop.legal, www.bop.legal, Tel: +49 (0)69 34 87 92 00.
EThe European Court of Justice will open proceedings for the TUI Case (led by BOP) on 24.1.2017
With its ruling on 22.11.2016, the European Court of Justice (ECJ) has referred a request for preliminary ruling in the case, C-566/15 (the “TUI-Case”), to the Grand Chamber. The Court has set the date for oral arguments to January 24th, 2017. BRANDHOFF OBERMÜLLER PARTNER represents the applicant. In this case, the ECJ must decide whether German corporate co-determination rules violate the European non-discrimination principle and the free-movement of workers by not including employees working outside of Germany in the class of persons entitled to participate in the election of supervisory boards in German corporations.
We kindly ask members of the media and other interested parties to address their questions to our attorneys involved in the case: Of Counsel, Dr. Caspar Behme and our partners Dr. Jochen Brandhoff and Stephan A. Richter, Kaiserstraße 53, D-60329 Frankfurt, info(@)bop.legal, www.bop.legal, Tel: +49 (0)69 34 87 92 00.
The Global Shapers meet with Prof. Christoph von der Malsburg and Jochen Brandhoff
On December 13th, 2016, the Global Shapers of Frankfurt hosted the neuroscientist and neuro-informatics specialist Professor Christoph von der Malsburg and our founder Jochen Brandhoff at their event “Meet the Leaders”.
The main foci of the discussions, which took place at the offices of BRANDHOFF OBERMÜLLER PARTER, were artificial intelligence, the “block chain” and legal technology.
The Global Shapers Community is a network of distinguished young professionals representing the best in culture, politics, science and business. They were founded in 2011 as a part of the World Economic Forum (WEF) in Geneva, Switzerland.
If you have questions, please contact Dr. Jochen Brandhoff, Kaiserstraße 53, D-60329 Frankfurt, info(@)bop.legal, www.bop.legal, Tel: +49 (0)69 34 87 92 00.
The BOP Law Firm Dialogues discuss Artificial Intelligence and the Efficiency of Legal Counsel.
Artificial intelligence, machine learning and the efficient dispensation of legal and tax advice. These were the topics of the Second Legal-Tech Lunch hosted by BRANDHOFF OBERMÜLLER PARTNER on the 1st of December 2016. Nearly 40 businesspeople, lawyers, accountants, and the editors of prominent legal media outlets took part in the BOP Law Firm Dialogues – a monthly event organized to discuss the future of the legal market.
In their presentations, speakers Marco Klock and Jan Frederik explained how attorneys can use legal technology in order to improve the efficiency of their law firm as an organization. Marco is the managing director of the quickly growing network of lawyers, edicted., in which the C.W. Beck Publishing House recently invested (November 2016).
Frederik is the managing director of rightmart, a wholly novel, semi-automated law firm.
In his opening speech, our partner and Legal-Tech expert, Dr. Jochen Brandhoff, explained how Artificial Intelligence (above all, artificial neural networks) will change the nature of legal counsel in the next ten years. You can find an excerpt of this speech about the digitization of the law here.
Should you have questions, please contact Dr. Jochen Brandhoff, Kaiserstraße 53, D-60329 Frankfurt, info(@)bop.legal, www.bop.legal, Tel: +49 (0)69 34 87 92 00.
BOP Law Firm Dialogues – 2nd LegalTech Lunch
On Thursday, the 1st of December, 2016, the Second BOP LegalTech lunch will take place between 12:00 and 14:00 at the law offices of BRANDHOFF OBERMÜLLER PARTNER in Frankfurt am Main.
Jochen Brandhoff: The Digital Lawyer – Where Law Meets Technology; FAZ 9.11.2016, Nr. 262, P.16 (Economy)
Jochen Brandhoff:
The Digital Lawyer – Where Law Meets Technology
FRANKFURTER ALLGEMEINE ZEITUNG, November 9th, 2016, Nr. 262, p. 16 (Economy) – The FAZ has published an article written by our partner, Dr. Jochen Brandhoff, about the digital transformation of the judiciary system and the automation of the law. In the article, Jochen Brandhoff explains that digital technologies such as blockchains and artificial intelligence (above all, artificial neural networks) will one day fundamentally change the way our legal system works. He also describes how the techniques used every day by lawyers can be compared to the way in which computer programs work, and possess a workflow-structure similar to that of an algorithm.
Law Firm Rountable – Lunch November 2016
On Thursday, the 3rd of November, 2016, the Law Firm Roundtable Lunch will take place between 11:45 and 14:15 at the law offices of BRANDHOFF OBERMÜLLER PARTNER in Frankfurt am Main.
The Law Firm Roundtable is a monthly lunch event which takes place on the first Thursday of every month in the Rhein-Main region.
The Law Firm Roundtable is moderated by Dr. Anette Hartung. Co-organizers are Dr. Jochen Brandhoff, BRANDHOFF OBERMÜLLER PARTER, and Dr. Andreas Klug, Klug & Engelhard.
BOP advises on a strategic company acquisition for major dental lab
Our client, a medical equipment service company, offers dental services to dental labs in Germany. As a part of our client’s growth strategy, it has acquired 100% of the GmbH shares of a major dental lab, which employs approx. 20 employees. Both medical equipment companies are located in the Rhine-Main region.
BRANDHOFF OBERMÜLLER PARTNER advised and counseled the purchaser in all questions relating to the acquisition of the company. This comprised of, among other things, the optimal legal structuring of the transaction, as well as the execution of the agreement negotiations. Another important aspect of the acquisition was the restructuring of the target company’s legal form, including the redemption of shares. Furthermore, employment law aspects, such as company pension commitments, were considered.
The dental lab’s fixed assets were sold to the purchaser by way of a sale-and-leaseback transaction. After the acquisition, the purchaser leased the dental lab’s fixed assets back to the target company. The two companies are being merged and all employment agreements are being transferred to the new company.
Our lead Partner Dr. Stefan Brass explains: “Not only are major companies increasingly expanding through strategic acquisitions domestically and abroad, but the same applies to small and medium sized companies. The driving factor behind this is the development of new markets and sales channels, as well as building on the company’s existing expertise and the skillset of its workforce.”
If you have any questions please contact Attorney Dr. Stefan Brass or Attorney Laura Schulze Egberding, Kaiserstraße 53, D-60329 Frankfurt, info(@)bop.legal, www.bop.legal, Tel: +49 (0)69 34 87 92 00.
BOP stellt “Blue Water” von Künstler KAYWAZ aus
Der Künstler KAYWAZ hat BRANDHOFF OBERMÜLLER PARTNER sein Werk „Blue Water“ aus der Art & Melody Series ausgeliehen. Die 120 x 160 cm große Acrylmalerei auf Leinwand ist in unserem Empfangsbereich ausgestellt. Wir freuen uns sehr über das Gemälde und danken KAYWAZ für die Leihgabe.
Bei Fragen wenden Sie sich bitte an Herrn Simon Benedikt, Kaiserstraße 53, D-60329 Frankfurt, info(@)bop.legal, www.bop.legal, Tel: +49 (0)69 34 87 92 00.

„Blue Water“
Jochen Brandhoff presents a paper on the subject of Operation and Maintenance of Renewable Energy Plants at the 17th New Energy World Forum
The 17th New Energy World Forum 2016 is the largest conference for the regenerative power industry in Germany and will take place from November 9 through November 11, 2016 in Berlin. The main topics of the 2016 industry premier conference on renewable and innovative energy models are: sector coupling of electricity, heat supply and transportation, grid conversion and energy storage. Blockchain and the digitalization of the energy industry will also be addressed at the event. The 17th New Energy World Forum is being held under the patronage of the Federal Ministry for Economics and Energy.
Our partner, Dr. Jochen Brandhoff, will hold a lecture on the legal aspects of O&M – Operations and Maintenance of regenerative energy plants. He will then take part in the panel discussion as a panelist on this topic. Of particular note in this discussion will be the “New Energy World” in which photovoltaic, wind energy and bio mass power generation systems are combined and coupled.
If you have any questions please contact Dr. Jochen Brandhoff, Kaiserstraße 53, D-60329 Frankfurt, info(@)bop.legal, www.bop.legal, Tel: +49 (0)69 34 87 92 00.
The first BOP legal-tech lunch triggers discussion about the future of the market for legal services
The digital transformation of legal advice will make the legal market more transparent, and legal services will become cheaper. This was the message stressed by Dr. Jochen Brandhoff
in the opening session of the first BRANDHOFF OBERMÜLLER PARTNER legal-tech lunch on 9th September 2016 in Frankfurt am Main.
Jacob Saß, Maximilian Block and Maximilian Koeppen described the importance of legal-tech for the legal market. The advocado management team, an innovative Greifswald-based provider of legal technology, also made a presentation on how advocado brings together buyers of legal services with lawyers.
The sessions sparked off intensive debates between the business lawyers, entrepreneurs and legal-tech experts who took part. Topics covered included legal-tech internet platforms, legal technology and the future for lawyer remuneration. Following the discussion, the participants took advantage of the opportunity to enter into further discussions accompanied by sparkling and still wine, beer, and hot and cold food.
The second BRANDHOFF OBERMÜLLER PARTNER legal-tech lunch will take place on 1.12.2016 from 12:00 to 14:00 in Frankfurt am Main. This is our opportunity to offer lawyers, venture capital companies and business angels the latest insights into the growing legal-tech industry. If you would like to take part, please contact Mr Simon Benedikt by e-Mail, an Herrn , use our contact form or give us a call. Kaiserstraße 53, D-60329 Frankfurt, info(@)bop.legal, www.bop.legal, Tel: +49 (0)69 34 87 92 00.
BOP advises Canadian Medical Technology Group in the Sale of its German Business
BRANDHOFF OBERMÜLLER PARTNER provided legal and tax advice and counsel to a Canadian MedTech company in the sale of its German business by way of an Asset Deal. Our client is an innovative provider of medical information technology. During the course of the company transaction the Canadian MedTech company sold the material assets of its subsidiary to a British investor.
A key focus of the legal and tax advice and counsel of the client was the prior financial restructuring of the company in preparation of the transaction. In addition, the mandate also was comprised of legal and tax advice for the provision of interim financing.
Over the last several years, BRANDHOFF OBERMÜLLER PARTNER provided advice and counsel to several tech-transactions. The firm provides comprehensive expertise in cross-border technology transactions.
The attorneys and tax consultants involved in the transaction were Stephan A. Richter, Dr. Martin Obermüller and Prof. Dr. Falko Tappen, Kaiserstraße 53, D-60329 Frankfurt, info(@)bop.legal, www.bop.legal, Tel: +49 (0)69 34 87 92 00.
Caspar Behme: VW in Conflict with its Suppliers: Only Mediation can Reconcile these Adversaries.
Behme, Caspar:
VW in Conflict with its Suppliers: Only Mediation can Reconcile these Adversaries.
FOCUS-Online, 3. September 2016, category: finance/experts – Our “Of Counsel” and business mediator Dr. Caspar Behme published this article on the topic of VW supplier dispute in FOCUS-online.
Zalando for lawyers: Handelsblatt reports on our stake in the legal-tech business, advocado
“Advocado: Zalando for lawyers – the start-up providing legal services over the internet” was the headline on page 20 of Handelsblatt on 17th August 2016 (print edition no. 158). The newspaper dedicated a full-page report to advocado GmbH, which is a successful legal start-up based in Greifswald. The article describes the company’s business model, its corporate partnerships with the cooperative Volksbanken and Edeka, and the rapidly growing legal-tech market.
Our partner Jochen Brandhoff, who is named in the article as an investor behind advocado, explains: “advocado is an internet platform which brings together consumers and providers of specialised legal services. The lawyers are paid a fixed fee and mandates can be executed quickly and safely using the IT infrastructure. In this way, advocado is contributing to the digital transformation of the legal market. Legal-tech companies offer software solutions and tools which make the legal market more transparent and more efficient. They give legal departments and consumers the ability to access quality legal services at a cheaper rate.”
Jochen Brandhoff is a business angel who has backed advocado and other legal start-ups; he also advises companies on the use of legal technology. With a partner, he founded Jus2click back in 1999. This was the first legal-tech start-up in Germany, and he sold it in 2003.
BRANDHOFF OBERMÜLLER PARTNERS advises buyers and sellers on company acquisitions and other corporate transactions in the digital technology field. This includes the LegalTech, FinTech, InsurTech, RegTech, PropTech, MedTech, E-health and CleanTech sectors. In addition, BRANDHOFF OBERMÜLLER PARTNERS advises companies on the legal and tax aspects brought up by the digital transformation of the economy. This includes digital networking, the autonomous control of machines and production facilities, autonomous and networked driving, targeted advertising, the blockchain and blockchain applications, smart data and the world of smart services.
For issues relating to legal and tax affairs in connection with the digitisation of the economy, please contact our partner Stephan A. Richter. For issues relating to legal innovation and technologies as well as the digitisation of legal advice, please contact Dr. Jochen Brandhoff, Kaiserstraße 53, D-60329 Frankfurt, info(@)bop.legal, www.bop.legal, Tel: +49 (0)69 34 87 92 00.
Windpark and Solar Power Plant Operators engage BOP with the review of their Financing Agreements in Italy
Our clients operate wind energy and photovoltaic plants in the role of Asset Managers for institutional investors, as well as on their own account. Our clients engaged BRANDHOFF OBERMÜLLER PARTNER with the review of their financing agreements for five of their power plants in Italy. The subject matter of the agreement reviews is to examine the financing interest rates and the collateral clauses, including the claim assignments to the Gestore dei Servizi Energetici S.p.A. (GSE), compensation for early repayments, contractual penalties, and other penalties, as well as termination options.
The financing agreements that have been entered into in the past, that include loan and leasing agreements, contain very high nominal interest rates as compared to the rates available in other European PV markets. As a consequence of government grid feed subsidy cuts, tax increases and sinking minimum rates for the so-called ritiro dedicato and low market prices for electricity, power plant returns are in negative territory. The Italian Civil Code, the Codice civile, provides more extensive protections for financing recipients – also in the case of financing transactions between businesses – than other legal systems. For example, agreed interest rates may be reduced and other agreement clauses may be adapted, if certain conditions are met.
For legal and tax questions regarding solar and wind power plants in Italy please contact Attorney Dr. Stefan Brass or Attorney Laura Schulze Egberding, Kaiserstraße 53, D-60329 Frankfurt, info(@)bop.legal, www.bop.legal, Tel: +49 (0)69 34 87 92 00.
Power Storage Project (5MW) advised by BOP assumes routine operation on the control energy market
Our Client constructed a large-scale battery system with a total capacity of five megawatts in the community of Neubrandenburg (MV). The battery’s storage capacity is five megawatt hours, in other words the grid receives power for a full hour at full capacity. This qualifies the energy storage plant to participate in the primary control market.
After a 15 month test phase, the power storage plant took up routine operations. “The battery storage in Neuhardenberg marks a further step on the path to the integration of renewable energy into the system. Only with consistent work on storage technologies will it be possible in the future to provide reliable and adequate power from renewable energy sources on demand” as Minister for the Economy and Energy of Brandenburg, Albrecht Gerber stated at the opening celebration on June 5, 2016.
The plant is one of the largest battery storage systems in Europe. The plant consists of five identical containers housing lithium ion battery storage units. The expected useful life is 18 years. The power storage plant is located in a former airplane hangar on the premises of Germany’s largest Solarpark (145 MWp). Both electric plants are not connected to each other. The power storage units are connected to the regional distribution grid.
At a cost of more than 6 million Euros, the battery storage is being subsidized with 2.85 million Euro by the Brandenburg Ministry for Economics and Europe’s power storage initiative RENplus program. The subsidy is made up of funds from the European Fund for regional development (EFRE) and state funds.
BRANDHOFF OBERMÜLLER PARTNER provided legal advice and counsel for the Battery Storage Project. Our partner Stephan A. Richter states: “The power storage system provides services that support the power grid, such as power grid frequency stabilization. It provides a control function similar to that provided by conventional 100MWp power plants.”
If you have any questions please contact Attorney Stephan A. Richter, Kaiserstraße 53, D-60329 Frankfurt, info(@)bop.legal, www.bop.legal, Tel: +49 (0)69 34 87 92 00.
Caspar Behme: Corporate Co-Determination German-Style as a Model for the UK?
Horst Eidenmüller, Mathias Habersack, Caspar Behme, Lars Klöhn:
Corporate Co-Determination German-Style as a Model for the UK?
This article for the Oxford Business Law Blog was written in the context of a recent statement by the new British Prime Minister Theresa May, and explores the question of whether German-style corporate co-determination is an appropriate model for the United Kingdom after BREXIT. Find more information here.
BRANDHOFF OBERMÜLLER PARTNER provides advice on the legal and tax-related effects of BREXIT on contracts and business models, as well as on all legal and tax-related questions concerning cross-border restructuring of companies and corporate groups.
BOP joins SolarPower Europe
BRANDHOFF OBERMÜLLER PARTNER is one of two law firms that has become a full member of the European Photovoltaic Industry Association SolarPower Europe. SolarPower Europe (formerly EPIA – European Photovoltaic Industry Association) is headquartered in Brussels and represents companies, organizations and associations along the entire solar value-added-chain.
“Collaboration with associations is of great importance to our firm”, our partner Dr. Stefan Brass and Attorney Laura Schulze Egberding explain. “Through our work with associations, we can help fashion the regulatory environment and the Best-Practice-Models for the solar industry and maintain connections to government agencies, organizations and banks across the globe. Our clients benefit directly from our efforts in this area.”
As the only law firm, BRANDHOFF OBERMÜLLER PARTNER is also a full member of the German Renewable Energy Federation (BEE), the umbrella organization of the German renewable energy sector. BRANDHOFF OBERMÜLLER PARTNER is also the only law firm that is a member of the German Solar Association (BSW), Germany’s most important solar industry association.
If you have any questions please contact Mr. Simon Benedikt, Kaiserstraße 53, D-60329 Frankfurt, info(@)bop.legal, www.bop.legal, Tel: +49 (0)69 34 87 92 00
BOP hosts the 10th Law Firm Dialog Series gathering on the subject of Strategy and Management
The legal and tax consulting market is going through a period of upheaval. Attorneys and tax consultants are facing the challenge of having to significantly improve their consulting services cost-benefit-ratio. The way law firms operate will undergo extensive change in the next 15 years – which will significantly outpace the changes the industry experienced over the past 30 years.
The Law Firm Dialog Series on Strategy and Management 2020/2030 offers attorneys and tax consultants food for thought on the continued development of their organizations. The digital transformation of the legal and tax consultant market has been a subject of constant discussion, as exemplified by how Legal Tech is being used.
The Law Firm Dialog Series is a monthly luncheon held in the Rhine-Main area. The luncheon takes place on the first Thursday of the month. On Thursday July 7, 2016, the luncheon will take place for the tenth time, and BRANDHOFF OBERMÜLLER PARTNER will hold the luncheon at its offices for the third time – the topic is Talent Sharing Platforms.
The dialog will be moderated by Attorney Dr. Anette Hartung. Co-organizers are Dr. Jochen Brandhoff, BRANDHOFF OBERMÜLLER PARTNER and Dr. Andreas Klug, Klug & Engelhard.
If you have any questions please contact the organization team, Ms. Claudia Ulrich and Mr. Simon Benedikt, BRANDHOFF OBERMÜLLER PARTNER, Kaiserstraße 53, D-60329 Frankfurt, info(@)bop.legal, www.bop.legal, Tel: +49 (0)69 34 87 92 00.
Danish Investor engages BOP with the legal optimization of its 40 MWp PV-Portfolio
Our client is a Danish investment company and an international asset manager for solar and wind power plants with a total capacity of approx. 125 MWp. With a peak performance of just shy of 40 MWp, the photovoltaic plants in Germany are the portfolio’s main focus.
Brandhoff Obermüller Partner has been engaged to optimize all legal aspects of our client’s power plant business in Germany. The legal optimization encompasses the review of out-of-court and in-court enforcement of defective performance and warranty claims arising from EPC agreements. The most contentious issue is an energy yield assessment prepared by the general contractor that materially influenced the purchase price amount.
Our partner Stephan A. Richter states: “Providing advice and counsel in English to foreign investors in Germany is a core service we provide to our clients. When representing and enforcing the interests of our clients, expert opinions prepared for a party frequently become a subject of dispute. This situation could be avoided if the parties where to agree to engaging a joint expert from the onset. We also recommend that our clients retain legal experts to represent their interests during the assessment and actively seek and maintain a dialog with the expert. This is the only way that one can ensure that the expert is taking all of the pertinent factors and circumstances into account.”
Brandhoff Obermüller Partner also reviews maintenance and plant management agreements for ineffective provisions. The focus of the review is to identify ineffective agreement terms (duration), liability limitations and other unreasonable or unusual clauses.
If you have any questions please contact Attorney Stephan A. Richter or Attorney Dr. Jochen Brandhoff, Kaiserstraße 53, D-60329 Frankfurt, info(@)bop.legal, www.bop.legal, Tel: +49 (0)69 34 87 92 00.
BOP and Wirtschafts-Assekuranz are developing an innovative standard claims enforcement process
BRANDHOFF OBERMÜLLER PARTNER and Wirtschafts-Assekuranz (WIASS) have developed a new standard process for the enforcement of claims in the logistics sector. The process provides logistics companies and fleet operators an efficient claims management solution. The advantages lie in quicker and more cost-effective claims processing, more resource efficient fleet management, higher claims settlement proceeds and more efficient cost control. WIASS and BOP have successfully applied this new innovative process to numerous liability cases.
Process and legal workflow management standardization reduces legal costs and increases process efficiency. This is particularly true of recurring standard insurance claims and standard legal services, such as claims settlement in the logistics and insurance sectors and in the case of complex mandates, such as M&A transactions and restructuring.
Our partner Dr. Jochen Brandhoff illustrates the concept as follows: “We break the work flow down – in this case a typical claims adjustment – into its individual process steps. We assign the process steps to different categories. The categories are then assigned to the best suited resource. This can be an insurance broker, a claims adjuster, a paralegal, a commercial attorney or an attorney. The assignment decision is based on who is best qualified to perform the process category in the most cost effective manner. The resulting legal process is supported by software.”
Harald Brand, the managing director of Wirtschafts-Assekuranz-Makler GmbH, one of Germany’s largest insurance brokers, adds: “This process analysis often determines that an attorney may not be the most efficient choice for the task at hand, another specialist may be the more efficient choice. For this reason, interdisciplinary collaboration gains in importance when compared to more traditional practice-area focused legal services”.
If you have any questions pertaining to claims management please contact Attorney Stephan A. Richter, Partner. If you have any questions pertaining to Legal Process Management (LPM) and other process management solutions for legal departments and law firms please contract Dr. Jochen Brandhoff, Partner.
BRANDHOFF OBERMÜLLER PARTNER, Kaiserstraße 53, D-60329 Frankfurt, info(@)bop.legal, www.bop.legal, Tel: +49 (0)69 34 87 92 00.
Dr. Obermüller, Martin: Insolvency Law in the Banking Industry
Obermüller, Martin:
Insolvency Law in the Banking Industry
9. Ed. 2016, appx. 2000 pgs. – Our partner, Dr. Martin Obermüller, is one of three co-authors of the 9th edition of this textbook, considered to be an authoritative standard in its field. It is set to be published in the Summer of 2016.
Dr. Stefan Brass Lehrbeauftragter der Frankfurt School of Finance & Management
Unser Partner Dr. Stefan Brass hat zum Sommersemester 2016 einen Lehrauftrag der Privatuniversität Frankfurt School of Finance & Management erhalten. Er hält in diesem Semester als Dozent die Vorlesung Wirtschaftsprivatrecht.
JUVE reports on Dr. Martin Obermüller’s switch to B&P
In its April edition, the periodical JUVE reports on Dr. Martin Obermüller’s switch to Brandhoff & Partner (now Brandhoff Obermüller Partner). In the extensive article “Obermüller zu Brandhoff & Partner” (“Obermüller joins Brandhoff & Partner” JUVE 04/2016, P. 20) the periodical reports on our Partner’s background and the story behind the establishment of Brandhoff Obermüller Partner as a leading commercial law firm focused on renewable energy, M&A, tax law, corporate law, as well as the drafting and negotiation of contracts.
BOP advises client on Entrance and Expansion into the Iranian Market
On January 16, 2016, the European Union and the United States of America lifted economic and financial sanctions against Iran. On that date, on the so-called Implementation Day, as defined in the Vienna Agreement, comprehensive sanction relief for the benefit of the Islamic Republic of Iran went into effect. This opened the door to the restart of the commerce and trade relationship between Europe and Iran.
Our client develops, plans and builds solar power plants and is one of the leading photovoltaic system providers in Germany. With the opening up of this new market, our client would like to take advantage of the opportunities associated with the improvement in commerce and trade and to that effect is in the process of planning its entrance into the Iranian market.
BRANDHOFF OBERMÜLLER PARTNER will provide the client with advice and counsel on all legal issues associated with the expansion into the Iranian market. These also include compliance with EU and US sanctions that are still in effect, Anti Money Laundering and Terrorist Financing regulations and other associated punishable offences, as well as meeting Export-Compliance-Regulations and other regulatory obligations. In this process, the influence that the planned expansion into the Iranian market may have, particularly possible detrimental effects on our client’s US business, its parent company and other group companies, must be taken into consideration.
The firm is also providing advice to the client on the conclusion of a cooperation agreement for the development of Photovoltaic projects with a project developer. Our client will construct the photovoltaic plants and conclude Power Purchase Agreements with Iranian companies and institutions, such as the Renewable Energy Organization of Iran (SUNA) and the Iran Power Generation and Transmission Company (TAVANIR).
If you have any questions pertaining to commerce and trade relationships with Iran please contact Attorney Stephan A. Richter, Attorney Ali Fazli or Attorney Dr. Jochen Brandhoff, Kaiserstraße 53, D-60329 Frankfurt, info(@)bop.legal, www.bop.legal, Tel: +49 (0)69 34 87 92 00.
BOP advises angel investor on three legal-tech businesses’ financing rounds
In the first quarter of 2016, BRANDHOFF OBERMÜLLER PARTNER advised an investor on his participation as a business angel in three of the leading German legal business start-ups. All three legal-tech startups successfully completed their first second-stage financings. They had already received seed financing in 2014 and 2015. Two of the legal-tech companies offer internet platforms which bring together buyers of legal services with a database of specialist lawyers. Algorithms evaluate the information regarding lawyers’ specialisations and then come up with the optimal match of demand and supply of legal services. One of the two legal marketplaces also provides standardised legal products at a fixed price. The third company is in the field of automated application of the law. The software was developed in-house and addresses legal issues in certain areas of the law, without a lawyer.
BRANDHOFF OBERMÜLLER PARTNER advised the angel investor on the participation agreement and the capital increase.
Having already advised a financial investor on his private equity participation in a FinTech business, the firm is continuing to build on its expertise in the field of digital technologies, in particular in the areas of financial technology, regulatory technology, compliance technology, and legal technology.
Using their specialist knowledge, BRANDHOFF OBERMÜLLER PARTNER offers practical value added in M&A transactions and the legal and tax aspects surrounding the digitisation of the economy (robotics, automation, 3D printing, intelligent data analysis, block chain, smart data, smart service world, IT-aided optimisation of business processes and product standardisation).
The firm’s legal and tax partners are Dr. Jochen Brandhoff, Stephan A. Richter and Prof. Dr. Falko Tappen, Kaiserstraße 53, D-60329 Frankfurt, info(@)bop.legal, www.bop.legal, Tel: +49 (0)69 34 87 92 00.
Legal Tribune Online 26.02.2016: Brandhoff & Partner – Building up an Insolvency Practice
On 26 February 2016, Legal Tribune Online reported on the union of the Frankfurt team at Wutzke & Förster with Brandhoff & Partner. Since 1 March 2016 the firm is known under the name of BRANDHOFF OBERMÜLLER PARTNER. The article can be found here.
Juve.de greift den Zugang des Teams um den Insolvenzexperten Dr. Martin Obermüller zu B&P auf
Zum 1. März 2016 hat sich der Restrukturierungs- und Insolvenzexperte Dr. Martin Obermüller mit seinem Team Brandhoff & Partner angeschlossen. Den Beitrag der JUVE.de vom 8. März 2016 darüber finden sie hier.
Frankfurt Wutzke & Förster Team joins B&P – under the new name Brandhoff Obermüller Partner
Frankfurt am Main, February 29, 2016. Rooted in business – in line with their consulting model of improving the quality of legal advice and counsel through economic and business expertise, the energy law and transaction firm Brandhoff & Partner is taking another major step: On March 1, 2016, Dr. Martin Obermüller and his Frankfurt Team from the insolvency firm Wutzke & Förster are joining the firm. The new firm will be known under the name Brandhoff Obermüller Partner.
With Obermüller, the rapidly expanding firm Brandhoff Obermüller Partner is gaining a well-respected expert in insolvency law. In addition to his work as an insolvency administrator, he also works as an attorney. His practice portfolio is comprised of the representation of creditors in relationship to insolvency administrators and guarantors, as well as providing advice and counsel in all areas associated with the verification, review and defense of liability claims against managing directors, other corporate bodies and shareholders. In addition to insolvency law, Obermüller’s main practice areas include providing advice and counsel on restructuring matters and banking law. He is also the joint-author of the 9th Edition of the Standard Reference Obermüller “Insolvency Law in Banking Practice”, which will be published this year.
“The new main practice area insolvency and reorganization augments our current restructuring and transaction offerings” named partner Dr. Jochen Brandhoff explains. “In these practices areas sound business expertise is an essential component in providing clients with additional measurable benefits.”Obermüller, on the other hand, places great value on having access to local specialized legal resources: “B&P is the partner we’ve been looking for to optimally complement our expertise.”
– End of message –
If you have any questions please contact: Attorney Dr. Jochen Brandhoff (Partner) or Attorney Dr. Martin Obermüller,
Kaiserstraße 53, 60329 Frankfurt a.M., info(@)bop.legal, www.bop.legal, Tel: +49 (0)69 34 87 92 00.
Lexegese befragt B&P zu Betriebsführungs- und Wartungsverträgen für Stromerzeugungsanlagen
Wartungsverträge und Betriebsführungsverträge sollen die technische Verfügbarkeit von Anlagen zur Erzeugung regenerativer Energie für den Anlagenbetreiber möglichst umfassend gewährleisten. Eine zunehmende Zahl von Anlagenbetreibern möchte sich von einzelnen Vertragsbestimmungen oder von den Verträgen insgesamt lösen. Unser Partner Dr. Jochen Brandhoff beantwortet in einem Interview mit Lexegese – German Renewable Energy Law Online Journal einige wichtige Fragen zu diesen Verträgen. Das gesamte Interview finden Sie hier.
Mandantenseminar am 4. Februar 2016: Unternehmensmitbestimmung im Aufsichtsrat
Die FAZ vom 26.10.2015 spricht von einer „Kulturrevolution“: Das Berliner Kammergericht hat dem Europäischen Gerichtshof die Frage vorgelegt, ob der Ausschluss ausländischer Arbeitnehmer von der unternehmerischen Mitbestimmung im Aufsichtsrat gegen Europarecht verstößt (Rs. C-566/15). In dem Verfahren hat unsere Kanzlei den Antragsteller vertreten. Diese für die Corporate Governance zentrale Frage war zuletzt stark umstritten. Die Entscheidung des EuGH wird insoweit für Klarheit sorgen.
Was bedeutet der Vorlagebeschluss vom 16.10.2015 für Ihr Unternehmen? Hat er Folgen für den bereits im Amt befindlichen Aufsichtsrat und dessen Beschlüsse? Unserer Ansicht nach besteht kein akuter Handlungsbedarf, solange der EuGH nicht die Europarechtswidrigkeit der derzeitigen deutschen Mitbestimmungsregeln festgestellt hat.
Dieses Fazit und die voraussichtlichen Folgen einer Entscheidung des EuGH möchten wir Ihnen bei unserem Mandantenseminar „Aktuelle Themen der Corporate Governance und Aufsichtsratsberatung“ am Donnerstag, den 04.02.2016 zwischen 14.30 und 17.00 Uhr erläutern. Das Seminar wird auch zwei weitere aktuelle Themen behandeln:
1. Die neuen Regelungen zur Geschlechterrepräsentanz in den Organen der Gesellschaft und
2. Organpflichten und Organhaftung im Rahmen einer Red Flag Due Diligence.
Wir möchten herzlich zu unserem Seminar einladen. Programm und Anmeldeformular finden Sie hier.
Dr. Brandhoff Presents at the 17th New Energy-World Forum
On Friday, the 11th of November, 2016, our partner, Dr. Jochen Brandhoff will give a presentation concerning the legal issues related to the operation and maintenance (O&M) of facilities producing renewable energy. Afterward, he will participate in a panel discussion on this topic.
The 17th New Energy-World Forum is the largest renewable energy conference in Germany and will take place from the 9th to the 11th of November in Berlin.
Does German Corporate Codetermination violate European Law? Press Release – B&P
Frankfurt am Main, October 26, 2015. German employee participation on supervisory boards, as presently implemented, possibly violates European law and may no longer be applicable. According to codetermination law, only workers employed in Germany are represented on the supervisory boards of German corporations, workers employed abroad are, however, not represented. The Berlin Court of Appeals decision of October 16, 2015 (14 W 89/15) referred the question of if non-representation of workers employed abroad is compatible with the European principle of non-discrimination and free movement of workers within the European community to the European Court of Justice. If this is not the case, German codetermination is inapplicable and in turn only shareholders’ representatives may be appointed to supervisory boards. The referral to the European Court of Justice was made within the scope of a corporate law-related status proceeding involving TUI AG. The company employs approx. 10,000 workers in Germany and approx. 40,000 workers abroad.
In the underlying status proceeding according to Section 98 German Stock Corporation Act, Brandhoff & Partner represents the legal interpretation of the petitioner Konrad Erzberger that the TUI AG supervisory board is not properly appointed. Instead of comprising the supervisory board equally of shareholders and workers’ representatives, the board should solely be comprised of shareholders’ representatives. The codetermination law may not be applied, because it stands in contradiction to EU-law (so-called primacy of European law). According to general practice, only workers employed in Germany possess active and passive voting rights and may participate in the election of workers’ representatives to the supervisory board; workers employed aboard (e.g. at foreign operations or subsidiaries) are excluded from such elections. The Court of Appeals followed Brandhoff & Partner’s argumentation and considers it possible that this practice violates European non-discrimination and free movement of workers laws. The referral to the European Court of Justice will remove uncertainty from this central corporate governance issue. Most recently, this issue has introduced substantial uncertainty to corporate law practices.
While the Regional Court of Frankfurt a.M. recently passed down the decision on the Deutsche Börse AG supervisory board case, it found that foreign workers are to be counted in the computation of the codetermination intensity-related employee headcount. One thing is certain in the Brandhoff & Partner case, expansion of codetermination is not up for debate. Rather the issue is, if German codetermination regulations violate European law and in turn no longer apply, at least until such time as the legislature passes a revision that complies with European law. The Courts of Instance rulings and legal literature are not on the same page in this matter.
This proceeding affects all corporations with supervisory boards that are composed equally of employee and shareholders’ representatives in accordance with the German Codetermination Act. Currently, this would affect 635 corporations. The expectation is, however, that the objections against the implementation of co-determination based on European law will also affect corporations whose supervisory board is comprised of one third employee representatives in accordance with the German One-Third Participation Act. This would affect roughly 1,500 additional corporations. Affected corporations should pay close attention to future developments in this matter and be mindful of the possible legal implications this may have on the composition of supervisory boards.
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If you have any questions please contact:
Attorney Dr. Jochen Brandhoff (Partner) or Dr. Caspar Behme (Of Counsel),
Brandhoff & Partner Rechtsanwälte mbB, Kaiserstraße 53, 60329 Frankfurt a.M.,
+49 69 34 879 20-0, j.brandhoff(at)brandhoff.com und c.behme(at)brandhoff.com.
Brandhoff & Partner is an international commercial law firm located in Frankfurt am Main. The firm’s main practice areas are mergers & acquisitions, corporate law, drafting of agreements, commercial law, banking and capital market law, as well as renewable energy. Our corporate law practice routinely addresses corporate governance and corporate litigation issues. Our clients include top companies from industry and commerce; we also represent banks and investors. In addition to top-tier legal counsel and tax advice, the firm is known for its exceptional business know-how. The firm’s attorneys worked as corporate lawyers, general counsels or managing directors for corporations or banks prior to joining Brandhoff & Partner.
FAZ No. 248 October 26, 2015 (Business): B&P secures the Review of German Codetermination before the European Court of Justice
Brandhoff & Partner obtained a review of German corporate codetermination before the European Court of Justice. Brandhoff & Partner is featured in the business section of today’s Frankfurter Allgemeine Zeitung. The FAZ reports on the status proceedings according to Section 98 German Stock Corporation Act that Brandhoff & Partner brought before the Berlin Court of Appeals. This appears in a comment on P. 15 and a comprehensive article can be found on P. 17.
The FAZ article can be accessed here.
B&P erneut im Handbuch „Karriere in der Wirtschafts- und Großkanzlei”
Brandhoff & Partner ist nach 2014 und 2015 auch 2016 wieder in der Neuauflage des Handbuchs „Karriere in der Wirtschafts- und Großkanzlei” aufgeführt. Die Anfang 2016 erscheinende 5. Auflage gibt jungen Juristen Einblick in die Tätigkeit renommierter Wirtschaftskanzleien.
Deutschlands 100 zur Vorauflage: „Abschließend präsentieren sich Top-Kanzleien auf einem mehrseitigen Unternehmensprofil: u.a. Allen & Overy, Brandhoff & Partner, Hengeler Mueller, Linklaters und Taylor Wessing. Die Kanzleien geben preis, was sie von ihren Bewerbern erwarten und welche Karrieremöglichkeiten sie Nachwuchsjuristen bieten.“
Anja Gans, Beck-Redakteurin, zur Vorauflage: „Das letzte Kapitel ist der Vorstellung von sieben renommierten Kanzleien vorbehalten, beginnend bei Allen & Overy, über Hengeler Mueller bis hin zu Brandhoff & Partner. Das Buch ist jedem anzuraten, der sich mit dem Gedanken trägt, in einer Groß- bzw. Wirtschaftskanzlei zu arbeiten. Es unterstützt bei der Entscheidung für eine bestimmte Kanzlei oder einen bestimmten Bereich, in dem es die tägliche Beratungstätigkeit skizziert. Besonders an diesem (Arbeits-)Buch ist, dass darin in erster Linie Personen zu Wort kommen, die Wirtschafts- und Großkanzleien und ihre Eigenarten von innen kennen, und entsprechende Insider-Tipps geben können.”
B&P ist Mitveranstalter der „Kanzleidialoge zu Strategie und Management 2020/2030“
Strategien für einen Kanzleimarkt im Umbruch:
Brandhoff & Partner, Klug & Engelhard und aHa Dr. Anette Hartung Veranstalter der
Kanzleidialoge zu Strategie und Management 2020/2030
Frankfurt am Main, 14. September 2015. Der Markt der Rechts- und Steuerberatung steht vor zentralen Herausforderungen. Auch ein halbes Jahrzehnt nach dem Ende der Finanzkrise stehen Mandanten aus Wirtschaft und Industrie unter starkem Kostendruck und ergreifen umfangreiche Maßnahmen zur Effizienzsteigerung. Das Ausschöpfen der Optimierungspotentiale auch im Verhältnis zu seinen Beratern verändert die Beziehungen zwischen Mandanten und Berater tiefgreifend. Der Mandant erwartet einen höheren Beitrag zum Unternehmenserfolg – das bedeutet höhere Ansprüche an das Branchen-Know-how und die unternehmerischen Kompetenzen des Beraters.
Anwalts- und Steuerberatungskanzleien müssen immer stärker auf unternehmerische Kompetenz, eine effiziente Organisation, innovative Vergütungsmodelle und eine gleichbleibend hohe Beratungsqualität zum wirtschaftlichen Preis achten. Die Internationalisierung des Geschäfts, neue technologische Entwicklungen, eine weiter zunehmende Regulierungsdichte und Gesetzesvielfalt und der wachsende Wettbewerbsdruck beschleunigen diesen Umbruch im Kanzleimarkt weiter. Am Ende des Wandels werden nur jene Kanzleien erfolgreich sein, die ihre Organisation und strategische Ausrichtung erfolgreich angepasst haben und Wettbewerbsstrategien nicht nur entwickelt haben, sondern auch am Markt leben.
Vor diesem Hintergrund eröffnen die Kanzleidialoge die Möglichkeit eines echten Blicks über den Zaun. Sie bieten Rechtsanwälten und Steuerberatern interdisziplinär konkrete Ansatzpunkte zur Neuausrichtung und Weiterentwicklung der eigenen Kanzlei, aber auch darüber hinausgehende Denkanstöße zur Reflexion ihres Berufsverständnisses und des Bildes des Freiberuflers in der Gesellschaft. Geplant ist ein fachkundiger Austausch mit anderen Praktikern in fester monatlicher Runde – ein regelmäßiges Zusammentreffen mit renommierten Entscheider(innen) auf Partnerebene in lockerer, aber vertrauensvoller Atmosphäre.
Kern der Kanzleidialoge ist ein monatliches Lunchtreffen für Anwaltspartner und Steuerberater im Rhein-Main-Gebiet. Hinter verschlossenen Türen können sich beide Berufsgruppen über aktuelle berufliche und berufsständische Herausforderungen austauschen, strategische und Managementvergleiche anstoßen und voneinander lernen. Darüber hinaus sind Vorträge externer Experten und andere Veranstaltungen geplant. Teilnehmer der interdisziplinären Lunchrunde sind ausgewählte Anwalts- und Steuerkanzleien, von der renommierteren Spezialboutique bis hin zu regionalen und nationalen Marktführern.
Moderiert werden die Kanzleidialoge von Rechtsanwältin Dr. Anette Hartung, unter anderem als ehemalige Chefredakteurin des Nomos-Handbuchs Kanzleien in Deutschland und der HR-Zeitschrift Karriere im Recht eine Expertin für den deutschen Anwaltsmarkt. Mitveranstalter sind von anwaltlicher Seite Dr. Jochen Brandhoff, Gründer von Brandhoff & Partner Rechtsanwälte mbB, und von steuerberatender Seite Dr. Andreas Klug, Klug & Engelhard GmbH. Die Teilnehmer zahlen einen Jahresbeitrag von 550 € pro Kanzlei, für den je nach Platzverhältnissen jeweils ein oder zwei Berufsträger teilnehmen können. Hinzu kommen ca. einmal jährlich die Ausrichtung eines Lunchs und die Übernahme eines Impulsreferats.
____________________
Unsere ersten Termine sind am 6. Oktober, am 4. November und am 1. Dezember 2015, jeweils von 12 bis 14 Uhr. Wenn Sie Interesse an einer Teilnahme haben, wenden Sie sich bitte bis zum 25. September an
Rechtsanwalt Dr. Jochen Brandhoff, Brandhoff & Partner Rechtsanwälte mbB, Kaiserstraße 53,
60329 Frankfurt a. M., J.brandhoff(@)brandhoff.com, +49 69 34 87 92 00,
Steuerberater und Wirtschaftsprüfer Dr. Andreas Klug, Klug & Engelhard GmbH, Kapellenstraße 47, 65830 Kriftel/Ts., a.klug(@)klug-engelhard.de, + 49 6192 4003 0
oder Rechtsanwältin Dr. Anette Hartung, aHa Strategische Kanzleientwicklung, Untermainkai 30, 60359 Frankfurt am Main, hartung(@)aha-kanzleientwicklung(punkt)de, + 49 69 1573 688 6979.
Zur grenzüberschreitenden Dimension der deutschen Konzernmitbestimmung und ihren rechtspraktischen Konsequenzen
Behme, Caspar / Hellwig, Hans-Jürgen:
Zur grenzüberschreitenden Dimension der deutschen Konzernmitbestimmung und ihren rechtspraktischen Konsequenzen
Die Aktiengesellschaft (AG) 2015, S. 333 – 342.
B&P fördert Nachwuchswissenschaftler
Das 16. Graduiertentreffen im Internationalen Wirtschaftsrecht findet am 8. und 9. Mai 2015 in München statt. Die traditionelle Tagung junger Rechtswissenschaftler aus Deutschland, Österreich und der Schweiz wird dieses Jahr von der Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität ausgerichtet. Sie steht unter dem Rahmenthema „Versicherungsmechanismen im Recht“. Das Tagungsprogramm finden Sie hier.
Brandhoff & Partner ist einer der Hauptsponsoren der Tagung, die u.a. von unserem Of Counsel Dr. Caspar Behme organisiert wird.
„Die Rechtspraxis und die Qualität anwaltlicher Beratung profitieren von einem intensiven Austausch mit der Wissenschaft. Als international tätige Wirtschaftskanzlei mit besonderem wirtschaftlichen Know-how gefällt es uns besonders, wenn junge Wissenschaftler Themen aufgreifen, die auch die Praxis bewegen. Dies ist bei dem Graduiertentreffen der Fall. Mit unserem Engagement möchten wir deutlich machen, dass uns die Förderung des wissenschaftlichen Nachwuchses ein starkes Anliegen ist“, so Stephan A. Richter, LL.M., Partner der Kanzlei.
Das Plakat der Veranstaltung finden Sie hier.
photovoltaik-Redaktion befragt B&P zur BaFin Erlaubnispflicht von PV-Pachtmodellen
Im März dieses Jahres hat die Bundesfinanzaufsicht BaFin ein in der Solarwirtschaft verbreitetes Pachtmodell als erlaubnispflichtige Finanzdienstleistung eingestuft. Diese Entwicklung greift die Redaktion der Zeitschrift photovoltaik mit einer Einschätzung von Brandhoff & Partner in ihrer Online-Ausgabe auf: „Pachtmodell braucht Erlaubnis der BaFin“. Ein weiterführender Print-Beitrag der Redaktion ist geplant.
B&P verfolgt Mängelansprüche bei Großanlage in Rumänien
Für den Anlagenbetreiber eines Solarkraftwerks in Rumänien mit einer Kapazität von 6 MWp macht Brandhoff & Partner umfangreiche Vertragsstrafen, Schadensersatz und Mängelhaftungsansprüche aus Gewährleistung gegen den Anlagenverkäufer geltend.
Unser Partner Rechtsanwalt Stephan A. Richter äußert dazu: „Wir schätzen, dass mehr als ein Drittel der in Europa am Netz angeschlossenen Photovoltaikanlagen ab 1 MWp Mängel aufweisen, die den Ertrag der Anlage wesentlich mindern. Meistens geht es nicht um die gerade vieldiskutierten Fehler wie Potentialinduzierte Degradation sondern um Mängel wie eine schlechte Kabelführung, fehlerhafte Installation der Unterkontruktion oder um mangelhafte Anschlüsse“
BaFin erklärt PV-Anlagenpachtmodell für erlaubnispflichtig: Pressemitteilung von B&P
Frankfurt, am Main, 26. März 2015. Seit die Bundesanstalt für Finanzdienstleistungsaufsicht (BaFin) Mitte März ein branchenübliches Pachtmodell für Solarkraftwerke als erlaubnispflichtig qualifiziert hat, befindet sich die Branche in Unruhe. Die Durchführung eines geordneten Zulassungsverfahrens setzt Kenntnisse und eine werthaltige Vernetzung auf unterschiedlichsten Feldern voraus – vom Bankrecht über Finanzaufsichtsrecht, dem Bereich der Leasingverträge, Erneuerbare-Energien-Recht bis hin zu den zahlreichen Pachtvereinbarungen und anderem. Brandhoff & Partner verfügt nach mehreren Jahren im Markt und mit entsprechendem unternehmerischem Hintergrund aller Partner über fundierte Expertise.
So hat kürzlich einer der ältesten Generalunternehmer für Photovoltaik- und Windkraftanlagen Italiens die Kanzlei mit der Entwicklung eines Leasingmodells für Solaranlagen beauftragt. Anfang 2015 in den deutschen Markt eingetreten, hat das Unternehmen Brandhoff & Partner mandatiert, ein entsprechendes Geschäftsmodell mit ihm zu entwickeln und juristisch umzusetzen. Geplant ist, Solarkraftwerke an Grundstücks- und Dacheigentümer zu verleasen – entweder in Form eines operativen Leasing oder eines Finanzierungsleasing.
Bei derartigen Modellen spielt die Frage nach einer Erlaubnispflicht seitens der BaFin nach § 32 Kreditwesengesetz (KWG) eine zentrale Rolle.
Dazu Partner Dr. Jochen Brandhoff: „Wer Finanzdienstleistungen erbringen will, braucht grundsätzlich eine Erlaubnis der BaFin. Viele Marktteilnehmer der Erneuerbare-Energien-Branche unterschätzen, wie schnell sie zu einem Finanzdienstleistungsinstitut werden. Das Finanzierungsleasing ist zum Beispiel eine erlaubnispflichtige Tätigkeit. Die branchenüblichen Anlagenpachtmodelle fallen meistens unter das Finanzierungsleasing. Andererseits überschätzen viele Unternehmen den Aufwand eines Zulassungsverfahrens. Mit der nötigen Erfahrung und in enger Zusammenarbeit mit der BaFin lässt er sich auf ein überschaubares Maß begrenzen. Die Erlaubnis der BaFin sichert die Betroffenen gegen Geldstrafen ab, mit denen die Finanzaufsichtsbehörde Verstöße immer häufiger ahndet. Darüber hinaus bringt sie einen echten Marketingvorteil.”
Zu den Möglichkeiten, Finanzierungsleasing in Deutschland anzubieten, gehört auch das sogenannte Passporting: Hat der Anbieter bereits die Erlaubnis einer anderen Finanzaufsicht aus dem Europäischen Wirtschaftsraum (EWR) erhalten, ist grundsätzlich nur noch ein Anzeigeverfahren nötig. Auch hierbei unterstützt die Sozietät die betroffenen Unternehmen rasch und unkompliziert.
Bei Rückfragen wenden Sie sich bitte an:
Rechtsanwalt Dr. Jochen Brandhoff, Brandhoff & Partner Rechtsanwälte mbB, Kaiserstraße 53. 60329 Frankfurt a. M., j.brandhoff(@)brandhoff.com; +49 69 34 87 92 00, oder an
Rechtsanwältin Dr. Anette Hartung, aHa Strategische Kanzleientwicklung, Untermainkai 30, 60359 Frankfurt am Main, hartung(@)aha-kanzleientwicklung.com; + 49 69 1573 688 6979.
Über Brandhoff & Partner:
Brandhoff & Partner ist eine von Frankfurt am Main aus international tätige Wirtschaftskanzlei mit besonderem wirtschaftlichen Know-how. Ihre Anwälte waren vor ihrem Kanzleieintritt als Syndizi, General Counsels und Geschäftsführer in Unternehmen und Banken tätig. Die Kanzlei ist als Spezialistin für Erneuerbare Energien, insbesondere Photovoltaik und Windenergie entstanden. Seitdem ist ihr Beratungsfokus stetig gewachsen und richtet sich seit vielen Jahren auch auf die speziellen Bedürfnisse des Mittelstands bei Mergers und Acquisitions und auf den grenzüberschreitenden Geschäftsverkehr vorwiegend in Italien, der Türkei und Deutschland. Zusätzlich profitiert ihre Mandantschaft von ihrer Erfahrung im gesamten Wirtschafts- und Steuerrecht, von internationalen Wirtschaftsverträgen und AGB über das Investmentrecht und die Geldwäscheprävention bis zur Tax Compliance.
B&P begleitet nordafrikanische Bank beim Outsourcing der Geldwäscheprävention
Eine führende Bank aus Nordafrika hat Brandhoff & Partner mit der rechtlichen Beratung bei der Auslagerung der Tätigkeiten bei der Prävention von Geldwäsche und Terrorismusfinanzierung beauftragt. Das Mandat umfasst unter anderem die Erstellung von Gefährdungsanalysen (BaFin-Rundschreiben 8/2005), das Verfassen von Arbeitsrichtlinien und Prozessbeschreibungen und die Unterstützung bei den Jahresberichten.
Compliance und Anti-Money Laundering gewinnen bei kleineren und mittelgroßen Banken immer größere Bedeutung, da die regulatorischen Anforderungen an die Verwaltung eines Kreditinstituts stark gestiegen sind. Die Erfüllung des umfangreichen Pflichtenkatalogs durch eigene Angestellte der Bank ist oft unwirtschaftlich und nicht effektiv. Die beschränkten personellen Ressourcen und die hohen Anforderungen an die Dokumentation veranlassen immer mehr Kreditinstitute dazu, die Bereiche Geldwäscheprävention und Prävention von Wirtschaftskriminalität und Terrorismusfinanzierung auszulagern.
Wenn Sie zu diesen Themen Fragen haben, möchten wir Sie bitten, unseren Partner Rechtsanwalt Dr. Jochen Brandhoff zu kontaktieren.
B&P entwickelt Leasingmodell für Solaranlagen und begleitet Zulassungsverfahren bei der BaFin
Einer der ältesten Generalunternehmer für Photovoltaik- und Windkraftanlagen Italiens ist Anfang 2015 in den deutschen Markt eingetreten. Brandhoff & Partner ist damit beauftragt, das Geschäftsmodell mit ihm zu entwickeln und juristisch umzusetzen. Geplant ist zunächst, Solarkraftwerke an Grundstücks- und Dacheigentümer zu verleasen – entweder in Form eines operativen Leasing oder eines Finanzierungsleasing.
Bei diesen Modellen spielt die Frage nach dem Erfordernis einer Erlaubnis der Bundesanstalt für Finanzdienstleistungsaufsicht (BaFin) nach § 32 Kreditwesengesetz (KWG) eine wichtige Rolle.
Unser Partner Dr. Jochen Brandhoff dazu: „Wer Finanzdienstleistungen erbringen will, braucht grundsätzlich eine Erlaubnis der BaFin. Viele Marktteilnehmer der Erneuerbare-Energien-Branche unterschätzen, wie schnell sie zu einem Finanzdienstleistungsinstitut werden. Das Finanzierungsleasing ist zum Beispiel eine erlaubnispflichtige Tätigkeit. Andererseits überschätzen viele Unternehmen den Aufwand eines Zulassungsverfahrens. Mit der nötigen Erfahrung und in enger Zusammenarbeit mit der BaFin lässt er sich auf ein überschaubares Maß begrenzen. Die Erlaubnis der BaFin bringt einen Marketingvorteil und verhindert Geldstrafen, mit denen die Finanzaufsichtsbehörden Verstöße immer häufiger ahnden.“
Zu den Möglichkeiten, Finanzierungsleasing in Deutschland anzubieten, gehört auch das sogenannte Passporting: Hat der Anbieter bereits die Erlaubnis einer anderen Finanzaufsicht aus dem Europäischen Wirtschaftsraum (EWR) erhalten, ist grundsätzlich nur noch ein Anzeigeverfahren nötig.
Bei Interesse steht Ihnen Jochen Brandhoff gerne zur Verfügung.
B&P begleitet Errichtung des größten Solarparks in Israel mit 55 MWp Leistung
Brandhoff & Partner hat einen großen deutschen Anlagenhersteller bei der Planung und Errichtung eines Solarkraftwerks in Israel rechtlich und steuerlich begleitet. Die Photovoltaikanlage ist mit einer Leistung von 55 MWp die größte in Israel. Sie steht nahe der Moshav Ohad etwa 100 Kilometer südlich von Tel Aviv.
Die PV-Anlage ist auf einer Gesamtfläche von 100 Hektar (1 km2) errichtet worden. Sie besteht aus fast 200.000 PV-Modulen auf einachsigen Nachführsystemen und 60 Zentralwechselrichtern. Nach Netzanschluss wird die Anlage eine jährliche Strommenge von etwa 120 Megawattstunden erzeugen und in das Hochspannungsnetz der Israel Electric Corporation (IEC) einspeisen.
Unser Partner Stephan A. Richter, LL.M. dazu: „Die Beratung deutscher Investoren und EPC-Anbieter im Ausland und die Beratung ausländischer Investoren und Komponentenhersteller in Deutschland sind Schwerpunkte unserer Tätigkeit“.
Jochen Brandhoff gives presentation on purchase and sale of PV systems at the PV Companies’ Conference on March 27
Am 27.März 2015 veranstaltet die Solarpraxis AG eine PV-Konferenz für Betreiber von Photovoltaikanlagen bei der Schletter AG in Kirchdorf/Haag.
Die Referenten, unter anderem Staatsminister Dr. Marcel Huber, erörtern Themen aus den Bereichen Anlagenbetrieb, Zweitmarkt (Veräußerung und Erwerb von Solarenergieanlagen), Technik und Stromvermarktung.
Unser Partner Dr. Jochen Brandhoff wird einen Vortrag mit dem Titel „Kauf und Verkauf von PV Anlagen: Rechtliche Hürden und Möglichkeiten“ halten. Vor der Gründung von Brandhoff & Partner Rechtsanwälte war Jochen Brandhoff Geschäftsführer eines internationalen Projektierers und Anlagenherstellers von Solarkraftwerken und Leiter der Rechtsabteilung eines an der Deutschen Börse notierten Anlagenbauers von Photovoltaikanlagen.
Der Veranstalter:
“Die Investitionen in bisher gebaute PV-Anlagen in Deutschland werden auf 90 Milliarden Euro geschätzt. Die mehr als 1,4 Millionen Bestandsanlagen bieten mit ihren festen Vergütungssätzen nach wie vor attraktive Geschäftsmöglichkeiten. So konzentrieren sich immer mehr Handwerker, Gutachter, Versicherer, Investoren und andere Solarexperten in Deutschland – auch vor dem Hintergrund der aktuellen EEG-Reform – auf den großen Markt bestehender Solaranlagen.
Die Betreiber von PV-Anlagen haben einen wachsenden Bedarf an Informationen und Interaktionen.
Die PV-Betreiberkonferenz in Deutschland soll diesen Bedarf abdecken und einen Treffpunkt sowie ein Informationsportal für die Betreiber darstellen.”
B&P berät irischen Investor beim Kauf von zwei Solarparkprojekten mit 17 MWp
Ein Finanzinvestor aus Irland hat Brandhoff & Partner damit mandatiert, ihn beim Erwerb von zwei noch zu errichtenden Freilandanlagen in Brandenburg zu beraten. Die Solarkraftwerke sollen bei Inbetriebnahme eine Kapazität von 10 und 7 MWp erreichen. Der Auftrag umfasst alle rechtlichen und steuerlichen Fragen beim Kauf der PV-Projekte. Er reicht von der Due Diligence der Nutzungsrechte, Baurechte, Einspeiserechte, Verträge und Genehmigungen über die Steuergestaltung, die Verhandlung u. a. des Kaufvertrags bis zum Netzanschluss.
Das Transaktionsteam der Rechtsanwälte und Steuerberater wird von unserem Partner Rechtsanwalt Dr. Stefan Brass und von Frau Rechtsanwältin Laura Schulze Egberding geleitet.
B&P begleitet Versicherungskonzern bei der Vergabe der kaufmännischen und technischen Betriebsführung ihrer Solarparks
Eine führende deutsche Versicherung vergibt für einen Teil ihres Solarpark-Portfolios die Aufträge für die technische Betriebsführung, die kaufmännische Betriebsführung und die Geschäftsführung der Projektgesellschaften. Die Ausschreibung umfasst auch eine der größten Photovoltaikanlagen auf Freiland in Deutschland.
Brandhoff & Partner ist von der Versicherung mandatiert worden, die Ausschreibung juristisch und kaufmännisch zu begleiten. Das Mandat reicht von der kaufmännischen und rechtlichen Bewertung der Angebote bis zur Gestaltung und Verhandlung der Betriebsführungsverträge.
Rechtsanwalt Dr. Jochen Brandhoff, Gründer von Brandhoff & Partner: „Als ehemaliger Geschäftsführer eines EPC- und O&M-Anbieters kenne ich den Markt für kaufmännische und technische Betriebsführung von Solarkraftwerken sowohl aus rechtlicher als auch aus kaufmännischer Sicht. Darüber hinaus wissen wir auch, wie Erzeugungsanlagen technisch funktionieren und arbeiten eng mit unseren technischen Partnern zusammen. Brandhoff & Partner unterstützt Anlagenbetreiber beim Asset Management von Solar- und auch Windkraftanlagen daher mit einem greifbaren Mandantennutzen. Wir wissen darüber hinaus, wie Erzeugungsanlagen technisch funktionieren und arbeiten eng mit technischen Partnern zusammen.“
B&P in the new edition of the book “Karriere in der Wirtschafts- und Großkanzlei”
The book „Karriere in der Wirtschafts- und Großkanzlei” published in the beginning of 2015 deals with the law firm market. It gives an insight into the business of leading commercial law firms from the perspective of young lawyers and attorneys. The authors of the new, fourth edition of the book write about Brandhoff & Partner on page 124, that legal advice can benefit a lot, when the lawyers know from their own experience how a company works. The lawyers from the firm Brandhoff & Partner in Frankfurt am Main can draw on their experience as most of them had worked as heads of law departments or managers of companies specializing in renewable energies.Their slogan of the firm “From industry to advisory“ sounds justifiable.
Some selected commercial law firms are presented in the book, starting from page 185. The profile of Brandhoff & Partner is to be found on page 213.
The book can be ordered online or found in bookstores (e.g. from Beck-Verlag) with the ISBN number 978-3-940345-81-3.
Brandhoff & Partner in „Kanzleien in Deutschland 2014“ handbook publication
Brandhoff & Partner has been selected for the second time in a row as one of the German leading law firms to be listed in the new issue of the legal guide “Kanzleien in Deutschland 2014” (Law Firms in Germany 2014), an annual publication of the renowned German Verlags publishing house Nomos (part of the Verlagsgruppe C.H. Beck) The editorial office of the publishing house, consisting of 25 people, selects around 400 leading practices out of 10.000 commercial law firms.
The presentation of Brandhoff & Partner on pages 132 and 133 emphasizes the corporate background/industry experience of the lawyers working for the firm. „Thanks to their industry experiences (the firm) is able to assist high-volume joint ventures”. Particular sensitivity to international character of the affairs contributes to the quality of the law firm of (almost) medium size. “Consulting services provided by the firm reach Europe, Africa, Asia and South America“.
The editor describes our focus in the following words: „Within the reporting period, the firm focused on assisting companies which are active in the renewable energy sector. It advised them on all issues regarding business and public law, particularly in large projects and transactions in the field of photovoltaic and wind energy.” The firm has the potential to support companies in the renewable energy sector well, the photovoltaic area being an important part of the sector.“
Many new lawyers have started to work for the firm. As a result, the key area of the firm’s activity will increasingly expand throughout cross-sector legal advice to SMEs: As the editor reports, an increase of clients from companies and family offices outside the renewable energy sector has taken place.
Wormser Zeitung, 30.05.2014, „Staffelstab mit Erfolg übergeben. IHK und FH Worms organisieren Veranstaltung zum Thema Betriebsnachfolge“
Am 22. Mai 2014 fand die Vortragsveranstaltung „Den Staffelstab erfolgreich übergeben! Unternehmensnachfolge im Mittelstand“ an der Fachhochschule Worms statt. Neben drei Professoren der Hochschule und zwei Unternehmern hat unser Partner Dr. Jochen Brandhoff einen Vortrag gehalten, der die rechtlichen Gestaltungsmöglichkeiten der internen und externen Unternehmensnachfolge aufzeigte. Unser Kooperationspartner Prof. Dr. Falko Tappen stellte die steuerlichen Auswirkungen der Unternehmensnachfolge dar. Die Zeitung hebt die große Praxisrelevanz dieses Themas hervor und gibt die Bilanz der Veranstaltung wieder: Die Planung der Unternehmensnachfolge solle mit Bedacht, rechtzeitig und mit guten Beratern angegangen werden.
Den vollständigen Artikel können Sie hier lesen.
Interview with Dr. Jochen Brandhoff in “Sun & Wind Energy”, 3/2014, p. 28
Sun & Wind Energy is one of the most important mediums of the renewable energy sector. It covers a broad spectrum of renewable energy sources but concentrates on either solar or wind power with each issue. The latest publication is a solar-issue focussing on Southern Europe. In this context, Sun & Wind Energy did an Interview with Dr. Jochen Brandhoff about the legal and economic aspects of an entry into the Turkish and Italian photovoltaics markets. The full interview is available here.
“Karriere in der Wirtschafts- und Großkanzlei”, Menden/Seyfferth, 3. Aufl., 2014
Das in der 3. Auflage erscheinende Buch „Karriere in der Wirtschafts- und Großkanzlei“ ist die älteste Publikation, die führende Wirtschaftskanzleien in Deutschland aus der Sicht von jungen Juristen und Anwälten untersucht. Bei Brandhoff & Partner werden auf Seite 214 f. besonders die Biographien der Anwälte hervorgehoben, „die mehrheitlich zuvor als Leiter von Rechtsabteilungen oder als Geschäftsführer von Unternehmen, insbesondere aus dem Bereich der erneuerbaren Energien“ arbeiteten. Außerdem finden sich ab Seite 185 die Kanzleiprofile von zehn führenden Wirtschaftskanzleien in Deutschland.