The Business Law Powerhouse

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We are business accelerators. As an independent business law firm, we provide our clients with entrepreneurial advice throughout the entire life cycle, enabling us to see opportunities where others see limitations.

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TEAM

A team of leading experts in Business Law. We set standards.

Dr. Anselm Lenhard Chiara Niestroj Christin Stender Christina Schuhmacher Christine Schneemann Dr. Daniel Epe Dr. Daniel Gubitz Dr. Daniel Wied Daniela Friedl Eva-Maria Bayer Fabienne Pflug Franziska Lang Jakob Heimrich Dr. Janosch Engelhardt Jennifer Blümlein Johannes Koglin

Katja Federmann Dr. Ludger Schult Malte D. Krohn Max Hentrich Nadja Crombach Nicholas Schildhauer Nino Häberlein Dr. Oded Schein Dr. Patrick Droese Philipp Büchler Sabrina Harnisch Serena Mele Taoran Sun Theodora Vasileiadou Dr. Tobias Nikoleyczik Dr. Tobias Stuppi Valentina Groll

Dr. Anselm Lenhard Partner

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Chiara Niestroj Associate

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Christin Stender Head of Communications & Marketing

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Christina Schuhmacher Compliance Manager

Christine Schneemann Counsel

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Dr. Daniel Epe Partner

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Dr. Daniel Gubitz Partner

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Dr. Daniel Wied Partner

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Daniela Friedl Management Assistant

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Eva-Maria Bayer Counsel

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Fabienne Pflug Associate

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Franziska Lang Associate

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Jakob Heimrich Associate

Dr. Janosch Engelhardt Associate

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Jennifer Blümlein Senior Associate

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Johannes Koglin Chief Operating Officer

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Katja Federmann Team Assistant

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Dr. Ludger Schult Partner

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Malte D. Krohn Partner

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Max Hentrich Of Counsel

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Nadja Crombach Counsel

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Nicholas Schildhauer Senior Associate

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Nino Häberlein Associate

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Dr. Oded Schein Partner

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Dr. Patrick Droese Partner

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Philipp Büchler Counsel

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Sabrina Harnisch Reception Assistant

Serena Mele Team Assistant

Taoran Sun Senior Associate

Theodora Vasileiadou Reception Assistant

Dr. Tobias Nikoleyczik Partner

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Dr. Tobias Stuppi Partner

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Valentina Groll Associate

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CAREERS

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News

LARK launches Restructuring & Special Situations practice

LARK is significantly expanding its advisory offering with the launch of a dedicated Restructuring & Special Situations practice. As of April 2026, restructuring and financing expert Fabrice Hipp will join LARK as Partner, together with Dr. Michael Berger as Counsel. Kirstin Kemper will follow as Associate in July. The team most recently worked closely together at Kirkland & Ellis. With these additions, LARK further strengthens its transaction-driven advisory platform and responds to the increasing demand for high-end legal advice in restructuring, distressed and special situations. The new practice will advise on the full spectrum of special financings, financial restructurings and restructuring-related transactions, including distressed M&A, and will closely complement LARK’s existing Corporate/M&A and Banking & Finance practices. Fabrice Hipp began his career at Kirkland & Ellis in 2015 and was appointed Partner in 2023. His practice focuses on financings, international restructurings and complex stress and distressed situations. He has advised on numerous national and cross-border transactions, including funds managed by Fasanara Capital on the recapitalisation of the Grover Group under a StaRUG proceeding, Strategic Value Partners and Blantyre Capital on the acquisition and restructuring of OQ Chemicals (now OXEA), and Farallon Capital on the financing of the acquisition and subsequent redevelopment of a property in Munich city centre. Dr. Michael Berger advises investors, creditors and debtors on cross-border restructurings, corporate acquisitions and insolvencies. His experience includes advising alongside Fabrice Hipp on the Grover StaRUG restructuring, assisting Actera Group with the financial restructuring of Standard Profil by way of a UK scheme of arrangement, and advising the joint representative of all bondholders of Wirecard AG. Kirstin Kemper began her career in 2023. She was part of the team advising on the acquisition and restructuring of OQ Chemicals (now OXEA) and assisted Farallon Capital on the financing of the acquisition and redevelopment of a property in Munich. “Restructuring advice cannot be separated from strong Corporate/M&A and financing expertise. LARK is already excellently positioned in these areas. Our clients will benefit from clear synergies and an even more comprehensive advisory offering,” says Fabrice Hipp. Dr. Anselm Lenhard, co-founding partner of LARK and head of the Banking & Finance practice, adds: “With Fabrice Hipp and his team, we gain proven restructuring and financing expertise that is particularly in demand in the current market environment. This expansion is an excellent fit with our transaction-focused advisory approach.”

January 22, 2026

LARK advises Afinum on the sale of Threema Holding AG

Afinum has sold Threema Holding AG to Comitis Capital. Threema is a leading provider of highly secure digital communication solutions. These are currently used by more than 15 governments globally and by a broad base of enterprises operating in security-sensitive environments. Under Afinum's ownership, Threema tripled its annual recurring revenue and significantly strengthened its position as a trusted partner for public institutions and enterprises. The management team will continue to run the company after the sale. The Business Law Powerhouse LARK advised Afinum on the German law aspects of this transaction with Ludger Schult and Eva-Maria Bayer (both Private Equity/M&A).

January 21, 2026

LARK advises Afinum on its investment in Ergon Informatik AG

Afinum has invested in Swiss Ergon Informatik AG. To this end, Afinum has entered into a partnership with Ergon's management and reinvesting shareholders to jointly invest in Ergon. This is the second platform investment of the recently launched Afinum X fund. The transaction strengthens the strategy of Afinum to invest in succession situations and promote technology-oriented companies. Ergon is a leading Swiss provider of software solutions and services with a cybersecurity software suite under the Airlock brand. The company employs more than 400 people and serves customers worldwide. The Business Law Powerhouse LARK advised Afinum on the German law aspects of this transaction with Ludger Schult and Franziska Lang (both Private Equity/M&A) as well as Philipp Büchler (Finance).

January 20, 2026

LARK nominated for the azur Awards 2026

We are proud that LARK has been nominated for the azur Awards 2026! This nomination means a lot to us, as it highlights what we truly care about: making a real difference for young professionals and the legal talent market. After being honored with three “Newcomer of the Year” awards last year, we see this nomination as an important next step on our journey, demonstrating that we are increasingly being recognized as an attractive employer. A huge thank you to the azur editorial team for the nomination. And above all, heartfelt thanks to our amazing team – for your daily commitment with excellence and passion! The azur Awards ceremony will take place on March 19, 2026, in Cologne.

January 16, 2026

LARK promotes Eva-Maria Bayer to counsel

Business Law Powerhouse LARK has promoted transaction lawyer Eva-Maria Bayer to counsel. With this promotion, LARK further strengthens its successful private equity and M&A practice. “We are proud to have appointed Eva as our first counsel from within our own ranks in the LARK private equity practice,” says Dr Ludger Schult, private equity partner and co-founder of LARK. “With her high level of professional expertise, entrepreneurial thinking, and strong team spirit, she embodies the values our firm stands for. Eva's appointment as counsel demonstrates LARK's consistent focus on internal development and long-term perspectives.” Eva-Maria Bayer began her career in 2019 as part of Dr Ludger Schult's team and moved to LARK with his team at the beginning of 2024. From the outset, she advised national and international private equity firms – including Afinum, EMERAM Capital, and FSN Capital – as well as companies on complex transactions. In addition to her extensive transaction experience, Eva has built up particular expertise in corporate law, especially in advising on management and employee participation programs. LARK's private equity practice currently has 5 partners, 2 counsels, and 7 associates.

January 14, 2026

LARK advises CertHub GmbH on EUR 6.2 million seed round

CertHub GmbH has successfully completed a seed financing round in the amount of EUR 6.2 million. In addition to lead investor Cusp Capital, other participants in the round included D11Z. Ventures, Calm/Storm, and UnternehmerTUM. CertHub was founded in Munich in 2024 and is developing an AI-powered compliance platform designed to make the regulatory hurdles for medical device approval more transparent and scalable. To this end, the team led by founders Leon Kobinger and Nicolas Gehring is automating technical documentation in line with MDR and ISO requirements. This allows innovative medical devices to reach the European market more quickly without bypassing the necessary regulatory diligence. Business Law Powerhouse LARK comprehensively advised CertHub on this transaction with Dr. Daniel Gubitz and Dr. Janosch Engelhardt (both Venture Capital/Corporate Law).

January 7, 2026

LARK advises Mercer on the acquisition of Profil M

International consulting firm Mercer has acquired Germany-based and internationally active consulting firm Profil M. Following the completion of the transaction, Profil M will operate under the Mercer Profil M brand. The Profil M management team will become part of the Mercer Career Leadership Team. Mercer is a subsidiary of Marsh McLennan (NYSE:MMC) headquartered in New York and a leading consulting firm in the areas of people and investment. With approximately 25,000 employees in 43 countries, Mercer operates in more than 130 countries. Profil M is a leading consulting firm in the field of leadership development. With around 120 employees and an international team of freelancers, it provides consulting services in the areas of leadership assessment, executive development, leadership culture, and transformation. The Business Law Powerhouse LARK advised Mercer on this acquisition with Dr. Patrick Droese, Dr. Ludger Schult, Jennifer Blümlein, Fabienne Pflug, and Nino Häberlein (all Corporate/M&A) as well as Dr. Tobias Stuppi and Jakob Heimrich (both Tax). Mercer was advised on labor law by Ingo Sappa and Anne Broll from Pusch Wahlig Workplace Law, on IP/IT/data protection by Dr. Thomas Schafft from SSH Rechtsanwälte, and on antitrust law/FDI by Dr. Andreas Boos and Julian Riedel from BUNTSCHECK. Dr. Patrick Droese's team already assisted Mercer in 2024 with the acquisition of hkp///group. Mercer has now relied on LARK again for its second transaction in Germany.

December 23, 2025

LARK advises Founders Fund and other investors on Trade Republic’s €1.2 billion investment round

In a transaction worth €1.2 billion, several investors, including Founders Fund as lead investor, Sequoia, Thrive Capital, Accel and TCV, have increased their stakes in Trade Republic, valuing the company at €12.5 billion. Trade Republic is also gaining leading new long-term investors, including Wellington Management, GIC, Fidelity Management & Research Company, and Khosla Ventures. The investor circle is further strengthened by Lingotto Innovation and Aglaé, the technology-focused investment firm of the Arnault family. Trade Republic was founded in 2019 with the aim of closing Europe's pension gap. Since then, the company has grown rapidly. In the past 18 months, the digital savings platform has doubled its customer base to more than 10 million people, who together manage €150 billion in assets. In 2023, Trade Republic received a full banking license from the ECB and in 2025 localized its offering in France, Italy, Spain, the Netherlands, and Austria. This makes Trade Republic the largest savings platform in Europe. Business Law Powerhouse LARK provided comprehensive advice to Founders Fund as lead investor as well as other cornerstone investors in this investment round with Dr Daniel Gubitz, Max Hentrich and Nadja Crombach (all Corporate Law/M&A).

December 22, 2025

LARK advises Hi inov in connection with Rencore's Series A financing

Software company Rencore has expanded its Series A financing to a total of $15 million. The financing round was led by Hi inov, with continued participation from existing investors UVC Partners and Capnamic Ventures. Rencore is a Munich-based software company specializing in governance, security, and compliance solutions for Microsoft 365, the Power Platform, and enterprise AI. Rencore's customers include corporations such as the Lufthansa Group and Siemens Healthineers. Rencore plans to use the additional capital to accelerate the company's international expansion in Europe and North America and strengthen its leading market position. Hi inov is a B2B venture capital fund with offices in Paris, Lyon, and Munich. It invests in high-growth European companies, focusing on promoting change in the industrial and service sectors through innovative technological solutions. The Business Law Powerhouse LARK provided comprehensive advice to Hi inov on this transaction with Dr. Daniel Wied and Nicholas Schildhauer (both Corporate/Venture Capital). In the area of IP/IT, LARK was supported by Inga George from the law firm boesling IP.

November 27, 2025

LARK advises IBA on the acquisition of PhantomX

IBA Dosimetry GmbH, a subsidiary of Ion Beam Applications S.A. (IBA), has acquired PhantomX GmbH, expanding IBA’s portfolio in healthcare diagnostics and therapeutic systems enabling artificial intelligence quality assurance. Founded in 2018 by Dr. Paul Jahnke and Dr. Felix Schwarz, with support from Charité University Hospital in Berlin, PhantomX is a recognized leader in the development of realistic models of human body parts that are used globally for validating diagnostic and therapeutic imaging systems, as well as medical education and training. PhantomX is at the forefront of quality assurance for AI applications in medical imaging and provides tools for AI-enhanced clinical solutions. Belgium-based IBA is the world leader in particle accelerator technology and the leading supplier of equipment and services in the fields of proton therapy, considered as the most advanced form of radiation therapy available today, as well as industrial sterilization, radiopharmaceuticals and dosimetry. Business Law Powerhouse LARK comprehensively advised IBA on this transaction with Max Hentrich, Dr. Daniel Gubitz, and Fabienne Pflug (all M&A/Corporate Law) as well as Dr. Tobias Stuppi and Jakob Heimrich (both Tax). In the area of IP/IT law, LARK was supported by Dr. Thomas Schafft of the Munich law firm SSH.

November 21, 2025

LARK advises Human Element on Series A investment in REFLEX aerospace

US investor Human Element has successfully led REFLEX aerospace GmbH's Series A financing round, raising €50 million. This is the largest financing round of its kind in the European New Space sector to date. Other investors from Germany and Europe who participated include Alpine Space Ventures, Bayern Kapital, and HTGF. Founded in 2021, REFLEX aerospace is a Berlin-based startup with a production facility in Munich that specializes in developing and producing customized, high-performance satellites. The new funding is intended to accelerate production of the innovative REFLEX satellite platform and establish a comprehensive European infrastructure for space reconnaissance. Human Element is a leading investor in the new space sector from Greenwich, Connecticut (USA). Business Law Powerhouse LARK comprehensively advised Human Element with Dr. Daniel Gubitz and Dr. Janosch Engelhardt (both Venture Capital/Corporate Law) on this transaction.

November 6, 2025

JUVE Awards 2025: LARK wins in the category 'Gründerzeit'

The Business Law Powerhouse LARK was honored at the JUVE Awards 2025 in the "Gründerzeit" category. The JUVE Award once again underscores LARK's position as one of the most dynamic law firm start-ups in the German market. After being honored as "Newcomer of the Year" at the Chambers Awards and winning in the "Newcomer" category at the PMN Management Awards, the JUVE Award is already the third award for LARK as best newcomer in 2025. According to JUVE Verlag, the JUVE Award in the "Start-up" category recognizes the development and management performance of newly founded law firms that have been on the market for a maximum of three years and have made a breakthrough during this time. In its laudatory speech, the JUVE editorial team highlighted LARK's rapid growth and its involvement in numerous high-profile transactions for clients such as Paragon, Afinum, Zalando, Synaforce, and Moonpay. According to JUVE, the basis of LARK's success is "high quality standards, a strategically well-thought-out package of corporate, tax, and financing expertise, and an integrated team that understands each other." One competitor commented to JUVE: "They have gained a foothold super fast." With an integrated consulting approach and the ambition to create an innovative and modern form of law firm – in the areas of advising, management, and law firm culture – LARK has quickly established itself as a major player in the market.

October 31, 2025

LARK advises major shareholder of PSI Software SE in connection with public takeover bid by Warburg Pincus

LARK advised Norman Rentrop, the largest shareholder of PSI Software SE, in connection with the public takeover bid by Warburg Pincus, a leading global private equity investor, and its reinvestment. Warburg Pincus and PSI Software SE have entered into an investment agreement under which Warburg Pincus will make a public takeover bid for all PSI shares. The offer has a volume of approximately €700 million and is subject to merger control approvals, among other things. PSI Software SE is a provider of process control software for the operation of energy networks and industrial production. Based in Berlin, the company is one of the technology leaders in this field, with around 2,400 employees at 13 locations in Germany and 17 locations worldwide. Norman Rentrop holds a 23 percent stake in the company. The Business Law Powerhouse LARK provided Norman Rentrop with comprehensive advice in connection with the public takeover bid and his re-investment with Dr. Tobias Nikoleyczik, Malte D. Krohn, and Nadja Crombach (all Public M&A) as well as Dr. Tobias Stuppi and Jakob Heimrich (both Tax).

October 13, 2025

LARK advises FSN Capital and Bäcker Görtz on their investment in Bäckerei Pappert

FSN Capital and its portfolio company Bäcker Görtz have invested in the bakery chain Bäckerei Pappert. Bäcker Görtz is a leading bakery chain in the Rhine-Neckar metropolitan region, in which FSN Capital invested in 2022 with the support of the LARK team. The Bäckerei Pappert bakery chain has 1,900 employees and more than 160 branches in Hesse, Bavaria, and Thuringia. The founding families Pappert and Klüber will remain shareholders in the company even after the entry of FSN Capital and Bäcker Görtz. The Business Law Powerhouse LARK provided comprehensive advice to FSN Capital and the Bäcker Görtz Group on this transaction. The team included Dr. Ludger Schult, Eva-Maria Bayer, Chiara Niestroj, and Franziska Lang (all Private Equity/M&A), Dr. Anselm Lenhard, Philipp Büchler, and Valentina Groll (all Finance), as well as Dr. Tobias Stuppi and Jakob Heimrich (both Tax). LARK was supported by Patrick Braasch and Nikolaus Dickstein of REIUS Rechtsanwälte on real estate law issues and by Dr. Marius Fritzsche of ELP Rechtsanwälte on labor law issues. Benjamin Koch and Leonard Pietsch of Lubberger Lehment advised on all IP/IT matters, while Dr. Andreas Boos of BUNTSCHECK provided support on antitrust issues. FSN Capital regularly relies on the LARK team led by Dr. Ludger Schult for private equity transactions. Most recently, for example, in the acquisition of the Austrian company UHL Bau.

October 7, 2025

LARK has signed the Diversity Charter

We are proud to announce that LARK has signed the Diversity Charter! The Diversity Charter (Charta der Vielfalt) is Germany's leading employer initiative, promoting diversity in the workplace. By signing it, we are expressing more than just a belief; we are committing to tangible action. At LARK, we believe that: Diversity is a strength. It drives innovation, fosters satisfaction and strengthens our sense of social responsibility. That’s why we act and cultivate structures where individuality is an asset, not a challenge – and why respect and tolerance form the core of our LARK Values. Our efforts have already been recognised: We were awarded the Pride Champion Seal for our diversity initiatives in the Pride Champion Audit. Signing the Diversity Charter is the next logical step in strengthening our modern, values-driven firm culture – and in showing what we stand for. Diversity is not a statement – it’s a journey. And we are proud to take the next steps.

October 6, 2025

LARK advises BoldR Group on refinancing in the Nordic bond market

BoldR Group GmbH has successfully issued senior secured bonds in the Nordic bond market, raising €110,000,000 with maturity in 2030. The proceeds of the bond issue have been used to refinance its existing unitranche financing provided by Pemberton. Arctic Securities and Danske Bank acted as joint bookrunners for the bond issue. The overall financing structure also comprised a €15,000,000 super senior revolving credit facility from Danske Bank. BoldR Group is a portfolio company of Northern European private equity firm FSN Capital Partners and Europe's market leader for towbars and transport solutions. Business Law Powerhouse LARK provided comprehensive advice to BoldR Group on the German law aspects of this transaction with Dr. Anselm Lenhard, Philipp Büchler and Valentina Groll (all finance). BoldR Group was advised by White & Case (Stockholm) on all Swedish law aspects of the transaction. LARK further cooperated with Mayer Brown (Paris) on aspects of French law and Kocian Solc Balastik on aspects of Czech law. BoldR Group is already the second German issuer LARK has advised in connection with a Nordic bond issue this year.

October 1, 2025

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Pro Bono

Social engagement is part of who we are. That’s why our lawyers regularly dedicate their time to providing legal advice free of charge to those who would otherwise not be able to afford it.

LARK Pro Bono practice

We support charitable institutions working in areas such as education, human rights, environment and nature on all corporate and tax law matters. LARK is a member of the global pro bono network TrustLaw.

We are proud to maintain a long-term collaboration with the Munich-based student law clinic Start Right e.V. It supports charitable institutions on all corporate law matters arising in the context of their foundation. LARK comprehensively assists Start Right on their projects both with legal advice and training events.

Contact:
Nadja Crombach (nadja.crombach@lark.de)
Malte Krohn (malte.krohn@lark.de)

Selected matters

treibgut on the formation of a non-profit entrepreneurial company
EduSparks on the foundation of a non-profit limited liability company
Founders of the social initiative access to justice on the incorporation of the new a2j access to justice gUG
An internationally active nature conservation organization on general tax and corporate law matters
Founders of treibstoff on the establishment of a non-profit organisation
Founders of Schwer Okay on the establishment of a non-profit entrepreneurial company

Diversity

We believe that diversity makes us stronger — both professionally and personally. That is why we foster an inclusive work environment where everyone can thrive and be their authentic selves — regardless of gender, ethnicity, religion, sexual orientation, disability, or gender identity.

In 2025, we were honored with the PRIDE Champion Seal in recognition of our commitment to diversity and inclusion. We have also signed the Diversity Charter (Charta der Vielfalt), reaffirming our dedication to an open and appreciative corporate culture — and turning our values into action through concrete initiatives.