"Bringing the Tech Powerhouse of Silicon Valley to Germany"
Let's Dish the Deets on Morrison Foerster's Berlin Office
Approximately a decade ago, Morrison Foerster, a US law firm, embarked on a new venture – setting up shop in Germany, specifically in Berlin. Starting with just 24 lawyers, the team has grown substantially, now employing 114 individuals, including 51 lawyers and 16 partners, at their Potsdamer Platz location.
Dirk Besse, the firm’s German Managing Partner, describes Morrison Foerster as a "transactional law firm" with an ideal size for realizing their aspirations in Germany. The firm primarily focuses on international business, boasting the capacity to handle multiple transactions simultaneously. This versatility extends to everything that comes with such deals, ensuring a seamless process for their clients.
Bridge Builders Extraordinaire
Besse further explains, "We consider ourselves bridge builders, bringing Silicon Valley to Germany." one ongoing project sees advisement to US electric car manufacturer, Rivian, on its joint venture with Volkswagen. According to Besse, this deal exemplifies the relevance of Silicon Valley’s software for Germany's traditional economy and its potential to propel it to new heights.
Living up to the Hype in Germany
While the team in Germany may be smaller, it prides itself on operating at the highest level of excellence in the German market to attract the brightest minds. This approach is supported by a global network, ensuring they're competitive and can secure mandates, such as in California.
Making Inroads in Japan
Morrison Foerster's global footprint can be traced back 40 years, thanks to their work with the Japanese IT group, Fujitsu. Initially brought in to handle a critical patent dispute in the USA, MoFo has since established a strong presence in Japan. The firm now counts many major players from the Japanese electrical and software industry among its clients.
In terms of cross-border transactions, one noteworthy example involved the 2022 takeover of the Lübeck-based 3D printer manufacturer SLM Solutions by the camera manufacturer Nikon.
The Litigation Side
While transactions are the firm's focus, according to Besse, they've also built a robust global litigation practice. During challenging M&A phases, disputes often arise, necessitating support with critical compliance issues. For instance, a MoFo compliance team advised the supervisory board of Mercedes-Benz in connection with the diesel scandal.
Empowering Innovators
Morrison Foerster has a reputation for being one of the strongest law firms globally in IP and patent enforcement and defense. During the rewriting process, it was noted that this expertise could be beneficial in Germany if opportunities arise.
As of late, the law firm has reported impressive financial growth, with a recent turnover of 1.34 billion dollars and over 1,000 lawyers worldwide. According to Besse, they're experiencing this dynamism in Germany as well, but precise figures were omitted. Europe is also home to other MoFo offices in Brussels and London.
The Future of M&A
Besse anticipates a surge in M&A activity in 2025, with companies seizing opportunities and potentially circumventing customs barriers under the new US President Donald Trump. However, he doesn’t expect a monsoon of deals in this context, just an uptick. There will also be companies reducing their presence in the USA due to factors stemming from changes in policy.
In regard to investment control, many countries have tightened their borders, making cross-border transactions more challenging. To help negate this hurdle, MoFo has four lawyers dedicated solely to sanctions and investment control, providing guidance to global players on how to structure transactions.
Regaining Germany's Luster
Despite some economic challenges, Besse remains optimistic, asserting that, "I still consider Germany to be an attractive location due to its position within the European Union." However, he does caution against an exodus of innovative companies, emphasizing the importance of fostering a thriving ecosystem for young companies to prosper and the flagships to emerge organically. He adds, "Otherwise, everything heads straight to the USA and gets snapped up by the 'Magnificent 7.'"
In summary, Morrison Foerster's global footprint and expertise in transactional law, M&A, litigation, and more likely extends to their operations in Germany. Though specific Germany-focused strategies or activities could not be confirmed through the search results, it’s safe to assume they align with the firm’s broader international strategy.
- Morrison Foerster, a US law firm, has grown its team in Germany, including 114 individuals, with a focus on international business and acting as "bridge builders," bringing Silicon Valley technology to Germany.
- The firm has shown expertise in transactional law, M&A, and litigation, with a robust global litigation practice and a strong presence in Japan, having worked with the Japanese IT group Fujitsu for over 40 years.
- Dirk Besse, the firm's German Managing Partner, anticipates a surge in M&A activity in 2025, with companies seizing opportunities and potentially circumventing customs barriers under the new US President Donald Trump.
- Despite some economic challenges, Morrison Foerster remains committed to Germany, viewing it as an attractive location within the European Union and emphasizing the importance of fostering a thriving ecosystem for young companies to prosper and the flagships to emerge organically.
