Latham & Watkins is pleased to announce that Oliver Felsenstein and Burc Hesse will join the firm in Germany as partners in the Corporate Department. Both partners advise on domestic and cross-border mergers and acquisitions, with a particular focus on complex private equity transactions. They have deep experience in a number of very active industries, including the automotive, real estate, retail and technology sectors.

Felsenstein and Hesse are among the leading private equity lawyers in Germany. Felsenstein has been active in the German private equity market for many years and he has rightfully earned a reputation as an accomplished dealmaker. Hesse’s stature is a testament to his broad experience, industry knowledge and technical abilities. Both partners have over the years developed strong relationships with a wide range of private equity firms.

“We are delighted that Oliver and Burc will join the firm. They are among the hardest working, hands-on and skillful M&A lawyers in the market and they have an impressive track record advising on a number of high profile deals. Their expertise and deep market knowledge complements our practice and they will add vast experience to our already strong German and European team,” said Dirk Oberbracht, Office Managing Partner of Latham & Watkins in Frankfurt.

Daniel Lennon, Global Chair of Latham & Watkins’ Corporate Department, said: “The arrival of Oliver and Burc is another exciting development in the growth of our private equity practice in Europe. We are committed to building the undisputed market leading practice in private equity in Europe and globally. Their arrival - coupled with our recent additions in London and our deep bench spanning the major global financial markets - positions Latham as one of the clear global leaders in private equity.”

Felsenstein and Hesse join Latham & Watkins from Clifford Chance. Felsenstein received an LLM in comparative law from the University of Miami in 1991 and passed his German bar exam in 1990. Hesse received an LLM in M&A from the University of Munster in 2004 and passed his German bar exam in 2000.