Chambers Europe 2013

In the most recent edition, P+P is again ranked in all its core practice areas such as private equity, investment funds, real estate, tax and corporate M&A.

In private equity, P+P is ranked in the first tier and is "highly reputed for its unrivalled expertise in fund structuring, venture capital and management participation programs" and also has a name as "one of the most expert law firms for private equity transactions in Germany". Sources comment: "The team is extremely easy to work with and understands very quickly what the client needs". Listed lawyers include Matthias Bruse, who is renowned for his advice on "M&A and private equity transactions, as well as advising family-owned businesses" and Andrea von Drygalski who provides "grounded advice, strong engagement and is highly service-oriented". Philipp von Braunschweig is seen as a "strong practitioner" and Michael Inhester is "one of the main players in the venture capital market". Benedikt Hohaus is revered for his "prowess in advising on management deals", while Otto Haberstock is "always concerned about getting things done quickly but right. He really concentrates on what he is doing and he leads clients through the process very well".

In the area of investment funds, P+P is considered "excellent for fund structuring" and a" prominent name in private equity, this firm handles the full range of investment funds work and is popular with both local and international investors". Sources comment that P+P is "an innovative boutique – the lawyers have really good expertise and in-depth knowledge of fund structuring aspects. They are experts in their field".

In particular, clients appreciate Berlin partner Amos Veith's "solution-oriented approach, saying: He is very precise and comes directly to the point to provide a solution." Frankfurt partner Patricia Volhard is renowned for being very active in EU regulations and for her expertise on regulatory law and fund structuring.

Her colleague Andreas Rodin is even described as the "godfather of certain fund structures" and is unanimously praised as an "excellent advisor and number one in his niche", who also has a "notable strength in tax-related matters".

Accordingly, P+P's tax practice has "carved out an impressive niche in private equity fund structuring". Listed tax lawyers include Munich partner Michael Best as a "visible figure in the market" and Berlin-based Thomas Töben, who is "frequently seen advising on the tax aspects of real estate and corporate transactions". In addition, market observers "admire tax adviser and partner Richard Engl's expertise in corporate tax planning".

P+P is also known for its corporate M&A expertise and is seen as "well positioned in the market ...[with] a very broad range of expertise". P+P is "particularly strong for transactions requiring fund structuring or private equity expertise. As a result of this, the team is a popular choice among private equity houses".

Sources again give special praise to Matthias Bruse for his "commercial and pragmatic approach, saying: He can deliver high-quality work in a rational manner, without arguing irrelevant points". Also, the "fantastic" partner Reinhard Pöllath is admired for his "long and distinguished career. He remains a renowned and recognized figure in the German market."

In real estate, Matthias Durst is recommended as "excellent" for his expertise in sale and leasing agreements. His colleague Stefan Lebek is described as "transaction-orientated, with great commercial understanding" and Carsten Führling is "recognized for his work advising developers and investors". All in all, P+P's real estate practice is "well-equipped to advise on all stages of a real estate transaction. Benefiting from its strength in private equity, tax and investment funds, it is able to provide interdisciplinary advice to private and institutional investors and developers".