TURGERLEGAL - Expertise. Reliability. Dedication
Lawyer for corporate law in Berlin
Your competent specialist lawyer in corporate law
The importance of corporate law
Germany is home to approximately 3.5 million companies, each with its own legal form. Corporate law governs how these companies are managed, who can participate in decision-making, and how operational problems are handled. Corporate law creates the legal foundation for the safe and profitable operation of a company within society. At every stage of a company's life, there are legal challenges that must be overcome – from its founding through operational business operations to the liquidation or transfer of the company. A corporate lawyer can help find the optimal solution for the company.
Laws in the area of corporate law - the basis for legally correct business
Corporate law encompasses all regulations governing the requirements for establishing a company, as well as the rights and obligations of the company's various bodies, such as the supervisory board or the shareholders' meeting. It also regulates the renaming of a company, as well as its dissolution and liquidation. Corporate law is closely linked to commercial law. These areas of law are generally governed by the German Civil Code (BGB) and the German Commercial Code (HGB). There are also specific laws for the respective corporate forms, such as the German Stock Corporation Act (AktG), the German Cooperative Society Act (GenG), the German Limited Liability Company Act (GmbHG), and the German Partnership Act (PartGG). It is particularly important for managing directors and shareholders to be familiar with the legal framework of their company, as they can be held personally liable in the worst case scenario.
Do you need information or advice in the area of corporate law?
These company forms exist
A key starting point is the respective legal form, with a distinction being made between partnerships and corporations. The decision for a particular legal form depends on whether an individual or invested capital is responsible for the company's liability. In corporate law, the following types of partnerships exist:
- Civil law partnership (GbR / BGB-Gesellschaft)
- General partnership (OHG)
- Limited partnership (KG)
- Partnership (PartG)
- European Economic Interest Grouping (EEIG)
- Silent partnership
In addition, these corporations are standardized:
- Limited liability company (GmbH)
- Entrepreneurial company (UG with limited liability)
- Public limited company (AG)
- Societas Europaea (SE)
- Registered cooperative (eG)
- Limited partnership with shares (KGaA)
There are also numerous mixed forms from which companies can benefit in terms of liability and tax advantages. The establishment of companies is based on the articles of association. These agreements stipulate the essential shareholdings and responsibilities of the individual participants. The shareholders have a number of freedoms, such as the choice of legal form, the determination of the rights and obligations of the shareholders, and the setting of remuneration. However, the relevant requirements for establishment must be observed. In addition to the articles of association and the share capital, these include registration in the commercial register and notarization. Mistakes during establishment can have serious consequences, which must then be borne by the shareholders and can lead to insolvency, particularly in cases of unlimited personal liability. It is therefore advisable to have a lawyer advise you on the establishment of a company.
Are there problems with the current corporate form? - Conversion and transaction offer opportunities
If the company form doesn't fit the company structure, it can impair operations or even jeopardize the company's existence. Therefore, as a lawyer, it's important for me to transform the company in order to optimally position myself in a constantly changing market. The company transformation is carried out in accordance with the German Transformation Act (UmwG). The UmwG distinguishes between various models that can be considered depending on the company's circumstances:
- merger
- cleavage
- Change of form
- Transfer of assets
Corporate transactions such as company purchases (also known as acquisitions or takeovers) may also be an option. Although purchasing a company essentially follows the same rules as buying bread from the bakery, important formal requirements must still be observed and complex contract structures must be drawn up. Mergers & Acquisitions (M&A) may also be considered. M&A refers to transactions such as mergers and company purchases or sales. This can be particularly useful for young start-ups or larger companies. Since various areas of corporate law must be taken into account, such as the involvement of supervisory board members and management, it is important to act in a legally compliant manner. I would be happy to advise you on any questions you may have regarding conversions and transactions.
Shareholder dispute
Disputes among shareholders (so-called shareholder disputes) can arise, particularly during corporate restructuring. To avoid jeopardizing the company's continued existence, it is important that mutual rights and obligations are clarified – the potential consequences of an agreement or exclusion must also be considered. There are many out-of-court settlement options available, such as arbitration tribunals or supervised mediation. These out-of-court settlement options not only have the advantage of being more cost-effective and faster, but also confidential and future-oriented. The deciding factor is not who is right. Rather, it is about maintaining the business relationship between shareholders or with the managing director, or finding a solution that allows for continued cooperation. Furthermore, increased media attention is avoided, thus preserving business secrets and personal relationships. Legal representation is important here, as arbitration awards and arbitration agreements are enforceable. With me, you can avoid high court costs. Together, we protect your interests and your company.
Litigation – how to get your rights
However, if lawsuits are filed before a civil court, the proceedings are governed by the Code of Civil Procedure (ZPO). This largely leaves the procedural process to the discretion of the parties. Depending on the value in dispute, the local court (AG) or the regional court (LG) has jurisdiction. In appeals and on points of law, the appeal process proceeds through the higher regional courts (OLG) and finally to the Federal Court of Justice (BGH) in Karlsruhe. Legal representation is mandatory in these cases. I will enforce your rights; with me, you're on the safe side in court.
How I can help you
Are you looking to establish/convert/acquire a company? Are you facing legal issues in your commercial transactions? Are warranty rights or shareholder disputes jeopardizing your business?
The market is constantly changing, and you need to respond to it. Since your business's survival is at stake, it's important to be legally protected.
Call me for an initial consultation. You'll briefly outline the circumstances, and I'll give you an initial assessment. If you become my client, I'll begin working immediately. Based on my many years of professional experience and current case law, I'll consider the best course of action. I'm happy to handle all correspondence with courts, other shareholders, corporate bodies, or the opposing party, so you don't have to worry about anything. In all cases, my work is conducted in close consultation with you, as this is your company, and this is how I can best meet your wishes, demands, and needs. My motto is out-of-court dispute resolution. There are arbitration options to avoid costly proceedings. If necessary, I will also enforce your rights in court.
Do you have questions about legal remedies and procedures? I will provide you with comprehensive advice so you know who is representing you.
My work for you
As a commercial law attorney, I advise and represent you in all matters: from commercial law to corporate issues. Constantly new regulations, reforms, and current case law make commercial law so dynamic and complex. With my advice, you are on the safe side legally. Thanks to my many years of practical experience, my team is a competent and discreet partner at your side. My work for you includes the following services:
Consulting for companies and managing directors
- Organization of shareholders' and supervisory board meetings
- Business succession
- Capital measures, investments
- Legal questions on e-commerce and competition law
Articles of association & commercial contract law
- Establishment of corporations and partnerships
- Transactions (M&A)
- Contract design (articles of association, participation agreements)
Compliance
- Compliance consulting
- Support in establishing compliance guidelines
- Due Diligence
Shareholder disputes
- Departure of shareholders
- Non-competition clause
- Severance pay
- Shareholder dispute
Litigation / lawsuit
- Ordinary court proceedings
- Out-of-court arbitration proceedings
- Mediation
- Arbitration proceedings
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
There are two types of companies: partnerships and corporations.
The partnerships include:
- Civil law partnership (GbR)
- General partnership (OHG)
- Limited partnership (KG)
- Partnership (PartG)
- European Economic Interest Grouping (EEIG)
Capital companies include:
- Limited liability company (GmbH)
- Limited liability company (UG)
- Public limited company (AG)
- European Company (SE)
- European Cooperative Society (SCE)
- Registered cooperative (eG)
- Limited partnership with shares (KGaA)
Depending on the legal form, the requirements for establishing a company vary. Generally, a shareholders' agreement (possibly notarized), registration in the commercial register, and possibly the provision of share capital are required.
In the area of corporate law, there are various hybrid forms and transformations of legal forms for companies, also known as mergers and acquisitions (M&A). The German Transformation Act (UmwG) distinguishes between mergers/mergers, spin-offs, changes of legal form, and asset transfers.
Liability depends on the legal form. In partnerships, the partnership is liable with its corporate assets, and partners are also liable with their personal assets. In corporations, liability is limited to the corporate assets.
At a Limited partnership (KG) This is a legal form in which general partners and limited partners act jointly as partners. The limited partners' liability is limited to their capital contribution, while the general partner has unlimited liability with their personal assets.
Generally, company purchase agreements are based on the German Civil Code (BGB). However, additional special laws apply to certain legal forms, such as the Limited Liability Companies Act (GmbHG). In such cases, certain formal requirements, particularly a notarial deed, are required. Furthermore, shareholdings and antitrust aspects must also be considered.
General terms and conditions are invalid if they deviate from the law and place an unreasonable disadvantage on the other party. Furthermore, the German Civil Code (BGB) contains a catalog of invalid clauses applicable to consumers.
The establishment of a GmbH requires a notarized partnership agreement.
Legal due diligence (DD) reviews are used to assess companies for legal risks in order to ensure the necessary due diligence in business transactions. Such reviews are often conducted in connection with corporate acquisitions or IPOs.
There is a risk that a dispute among shareholders could negatively impact the company. The first step should be to resolve the dispute at a shareholders' meeting. If this is unsuccessful, out-of-court settlement through arbitration or mediation can be considered. These options are generally more cost-effective, faster, and more discreet than open litigation.
