Freshfields Bruckhaus Deringer LLP (‘Freshfields’) has advised Madison International Realty (‘Madison’) on its acquisition, along with Oxford Properties, of the Sony Center in Berlin for approximately €1.1bn from NPS Korea. The acquisition marks Oxford’s entry into the Berlin market and is an extension of its existing global relationship with Madison, a leading private equity investment firm. 
 
The Sony Center is a 112,000 SQM landmark mixed-use complex located on Potsdamer Platz, in Berlin’s Mitte district. It spans nearly six acres and comprises eight individual buildings, including the iconic Bahn Tower, with 85,000 SQM of office space, 20,000 SQM of retail and leisure space and 67 residential units.
 
The Freshfields team was led by partners Timo Elsner, who advised on the transaction and its real estate aspects, and Martin Schiessl, who advised on the tax elements. Additionally, partners Frank Laudenklos and Max Lang provided finance advice.
 
In 2016, Freshfields advised Madison on its acquisition of a prime shopping center portfolio in Germany, and in 2015 the firm advised the company on its joint venture sale, with Morgan Stanley, of the Trianon high-rise in Frankfurt.