Germany: Corporate and Company Law

German corporate law faces a fundamental challenge in balancing the economic interests of a corporate group with the legal principle that each subsidiary remains an independent legal entity. This article examines how the concept of 'group interest' (Konzerninteresse) operates within different corporate structures, exploring the tension between centralized group management and the protection of dependent companies, minority shareholders, and creditors.

Filing for insolvency carries significant legal and reputational consequences, but what happens when a company's financial situation improves after filing? This article examines the legal framework...

The Fiscal Court of Münster has ruled on a critical question in German reorganization tax law: when assessing whether a contribution in kind qualifies for tax-neutral treatment, should authorities examine the circumstances on the actual contribution date or the retroactive tax effective date? This decision challenges longstanding administrative guidance and could fundamentally reshape how businesses structure tax-efficient reorganizations involving partnership interests and special business assets.

Two young women launched an Instagram account to foster inclusion and understanding of marginalized groups in German society, quickly attracting corporate attention for diversity workshops. As their platform grew to over 75,000 followers, they sought to transform their social media presence into an official nonprofit organization. McDermott's legal team provided pro bono counsel to guide them through the complex startup formation process in Germany.

German corporate group law provides various organizational options, with group coordination agreements emerging as a flexible alternative to traditional control and profit transfer agreements. This article examines the legal classification, practical structure, and strategic advantages of these coordination mechanisms, while exploring their boundaries and future role in corporate governance.

In small family businesses and medium-sized enterprises, individuals who assume management functions without formal appointment face significant legal exposure as "de facto managing directors." This risk becomes particularly acute during corporate crises when shareholders take operational control or when financing banks deploy representatives with extensive decision-making authority. German courts have developed comprehensive case law establishing that such individuals bear the same duties and liabilities a

The European Commission has published draft revised merger guidelines that fundamentally reshape the EU merger control framework to address digital markets, innovation competition, and sustainability considerations.

The German authorities have published the third instalment of their 6-monthly updates on their current enforcement actions.

Managing directors of German companies face strict personal liability if they fail to recognize and act upon insolvency warning signs. This analysis examines the legal framework under German insolvency law, identifies critical operational and financial indicators that signal impending illiquidity or over-indebtedness, and provides actionable recommendations for compliance with mandatory filing obligations.