International law firm McDermott Will & Emery LLP today announced that it is strengthening its Corporate Advisory practice in Munich with the addition of experienced corporate law attorney Dr. Nikolaus von Jacobs. In his new role, Dr. von Jacobs will lead the Firm’s German private equity activities.

Specifically, Dr. von Jacobs specializes in private equity, venture capital and M&A (private and public). His clients are mainly private equity funds and DAX/MDAX-listed companies.

"With Dr. von Jacobs, we are gaining a highly-regarded colleague who is an ideal complement to our German transaction practice, which continues to gain an excellent reputation among our clients as well as in the market,” said David Goldman, head of the Firm’s international Corporate Advisory Practice Group. “With Dr. von Jacobs we continue implementing our international growth strategy in Europe and within our three offices in Germany. Further growth is planned as we continue our strategic expansion.”

The addition of Dr. von Jacobs comes during a period of significant growth for McDermott in Europe. Over the last 18 months the Firm has moved to expand its international transactional capabilities, with a focus on private equity, energy and cross-border M&A.  In July 2013, McDermott’s German Corporate lawyers represented Telefónica S.A. in connection with its EUR €3.7 billion acquisition of E-Plus group from KPN N.V., which included an additional share component in Telefónica Germany.

"I am very pleased to be joining McDermott in Munich,” said Dr. von Jacobs. “McDermott’s growth in Germany and the quality of its lawyers has impressed me greatly. The Firm offers an excellent international platform for me as I continue to focus on private equity. McDermott’s combined strategy around private equity and industry-specific legal consulting is particularly compelling given the growing interest by US PE-funds to engage in European investment opportunities. McDermott’s transaction practice will benefit greatly from these market trends. I look forward to contributing to the Firm's further development, especially in the area of private equity."

Before joining McDermott, Dr. von Jacobs was a partner in the Munich office of another global law firm. He has been practicing law for nearly 14 years.