The international law firm Reed Smith has announced the appointment of Bernd Dreier as a partner in its Munich office. Mr Dreier will join the firm's Global Corporate Group. With this appointment, Reed Smith intends to expand its private equity expertise both in Germany and across Europe.
Mr Dreier possesses specialised knowledge in advising private equity sponsors, portfolio companies and corporations. His area of activity covers a comprehensive spectrum of transactions, including company acquisitions and disposals, the structuring of joint ventures, restructurings and carve-outs, as well as the design of management incentive programmes. Furthermore, he brings in-depth experience in advising on M&A insurance products, an area that is becoming increasingly important in complex transactions.
Strategic Expansion and Enhancement of Expertise
Mike Young, Head of the Corporate Group for Europe and the Middle East at Reed Smith, emphasised the strategic importance of this appointment. He highlighted that private equity remains a central focus for the Corporate Group and the entire firm. Mr Dreier's arrival is crucial for the firm's capabilities, particularly in Germany and Europe. His profound experience is considered a great asset for clients and the internal team.
The Co-Office Managing Partners of the Munich office, Michaela Westrup and Andreas Splittgerber, also commented positively on the new hire. Ms Westrup highlighted Mr Dreier's excellent market reputation, his entrepreneurial approach and his strong client relationships, which she described as ideal for the growth strategy in Germany. Mr Splittgerber added that Mr Dreier's practice perfectly complements the existing transaction offerings and significantly strengthens the firm's private equity expertise. He also emphasised the cultural fit and alignment with the cooperative approach to client work.
Bernd Dreier himself expressed his delight at moving to Reed Smith. He sees the international platform and the firm's cooperative culture as an ideal environment for advising private equity clients and their portfolio companies on complex, often cross-border transactions and strategic investments. His professional background includes diverse expertise from legal advisory practice as well as senior legal roles in companies in both the private equity and insurance sectors. This dual perspective enables him to adopt an entrepreneurial view of investments, acquisitions and strategic transactions throughout the entire investment cycle.
- —Mr Dreier joins from Norton Rose Fulbright, where he was a partner and Co-Head of Private Equity for EMEA.
- —His experience includes company acquisitions, joint ventures, restructurings and M&A insurance products.
- —The expansion of private equity capabilities supports the strategic growth of transaction advisory services in Europe.
- —The firm emphasises cultural alignment and a cooperative approach to client work.
This move underscores Reed Smith's aspirations to further expand its market position in transaction business in Germany and Europe. By adding Mr Dreier to the team, the firm will further solidify its ability to offer comprehensive and strategic advisory services in the private equity sector.
