FPS has profound expertise when it comes to the foundation of companies, regardless of the legal form. We advise on the foundation of new companies as well as the establishment of real estate funds and also provide the necessary legal support.

It is not uncommon for a developing company to have to adapt its structure. We help our clients to devise and implement such reorganisation measures. In doing so, we find individual solutions that take into account aspects covered by corporate law as well as tax, employment, commercial and antitrust law.
In addition, we also advise on transformations, including changes of legal form, mergers, spin-offs and company demergers, and help to implement these processes.

Successful transactions require careful planning and structuring, both in terms of content and time. Our M&A experts not only perform due diligence and draft the contract, but also handle the subsequent contract negotiations and manage the project in the post-closing phase.

We advise domestic and foreign companies on both the buyer and seller side on M&A projects, private equity and venture capital transactions, management buy-ins and buyouts and corporate cooperation projects (joint ventures). Here, we draft and negotiate confidentiality and exclusivity agreements (letters of intent) as well as contracts covering company acquisitions and investment agreements.

In all M&A transactions, we establish a close and trusting working relationship with our clients’ auditors and tax consultants, determine how to optimally structure the transactions for tax purposes and ensure compliance with antitrust requirements.

FPS supports companies with all aspects of corporate housekeeping, from foundation and compliance to transactions. Our experienced team of experts assists with due diligence, contract negotiations and transaction structuring. We minimise legal risks, ensure compliance and facilitate successful transactions. With individual solutions and extensive industry knowledge, we provide an excellent service to help our clients achieve their business goals.

Representing clients in infringement proceedings has always been a key area of expertise at FPS. For decades, notable rights holders have entrusted the judicial assertion of their rights to the experienced FPS lawyers. FPS is often involved in the investigation of infringement cases as well as the inspection and preservation of evidence in advance. We also support our clients in border seizure cases. Representation is provided in all areas of IP law before the relevant courts and agencies.

Media law regulates the use, distribution and production of media content such as radio, television, print media and online media. Press law is a part of this and deals with framework conditions of the press, including freedom of the press, editorial independence, personal rights, media liability and the right of reply. FPS advises media companies on legal matters relating to freedom of expression, including advice on media content and legal representation in proceedings involving the right of reply, injunctive relief and compensation for damages. We possess industry knowledge and offer advice on typical media contracts, cross-media collaborations and freelance authors. We also support Internet platforms in the areas of copyright, consumer protection and data protection. In the event of online legal violations, we successfully cooperate with law enforcement agencies.

Sport is a global growth market with a considerable volume of sales. FPS possesses wide-ranging expertise and experience in matters concerning the protection and exploitation of valuable marketing rights (through shirt or perimeter advertising, for example) and in the field of sports sponsorship and the marketing of sporting events. We advise clubs, sponsors, sports rights marketers and event organisers, but also individual athletes, player agents and coaches. The focus here is on providing legal advice on corporate, tax, licensing and contract law matters, with a particular focus on sport-specific aspects. FPS also offers interdisciplinary advice and legal project management for large-scale projects such as the construction or conversion of stadiums and arenas (including in the field of public procurement law), the corporate structuring of sports clubs and other contractual arrangements.

FPS is on hand to support companies during dynamic times and necessary change with its expertise on all legal, tax and business matters. We help with restructuring plans – and corporate restructuring plans in particular – and with the structuring of (re)financing measures. This may also include support in drawing up and implementing reorganisation concepts.

Matters concerning the management’s duty to provide information and take action are among our key areas of expertise. We advise credit institutions, debt funds and financiers in the event of non-performing loans and NPL transactions, while safeguarding the interests of suppliers, customers and shareholders. Other areas covered by our restructuring advice include transformation measures, carveout concepts, liquidation plans, trustee concepts and insolvency filing obligations.

If a restructuring plan fails, our experts are on hand to support not only business owners and management teams, but also stakeholders, including in relation to insolvency law issues and challenges. In the event of a crisis involving a business partner, this starts with advising companies on maintaining and continuing business relationships and extends to safeguarding and asserting security rights and claims, both before any insolvency proceedings have begun and after. FPS also advises on matters concerning supplier and banking pools. Other areas covered by our insolvency law advice include issues relating to IP/IT law, tax law and tenancy and real estate law.