White Paper Public Takeovers in Germany How to acquire a publicly listed company in Germany Authors Dr. Ulrike Binder Partner, Frankfurt +49 69 7941 1297
[email protected] Dr. Klaus W. Riehmer Partner, Frankfurt +49 69 7941 1020
[email protected] Public Takeovers in Germany For the successful acquisition of a publicly listed company in Germany, a bidder must carefully con- sider legal and strategic implications at each stage of the takeover process. This white paper explains the legal framework within which takeovers occur, and describes strategies for the effective implementation of a takeover bid. This Mayer Brown publication provides information and comments on legal issues and developments of interest to our clients and friends. The foregoing is not a comprehensive treatment of the subject matter covered and is not intended to provide legal advice. Readers should seek specific legal advice before taking any action with respect to the matters discussed herein. 2 | MAYER BROWN Public Takeovers in Germany Throughout the EU, takeovers of publicly regulated market, and in Germany these listed companies are governed by the would include in particular the Prime and European Takeover Directive (2004/24/EC). General Standard of the Frankfurt Stock In Germany, the Takeover Act (Takeover Act, Exchange. In contrast, the Open Market or Wertpapiererwerbs und Übernahme (Freiverkehr) is not a regulated market and gesetz, WpÜG) implements the European offers for target companies traded on the Takeover Directive. It applies to public Open Market are neither governed by the offers for German target companies whose European Takeover Directive nor the shares are listed in Germany.