Willkie Farr & Gallagher has taken another significant step in strengthening its European corporate footprint with the addition of a senior mergers and acquisitions partner in Germany. The move marks a notable Willkie Munich M&A expansion, reinforcing the firm’s commitment to building a leading transactional practice in one of Europe’s most active deal markets.
The firm announced that Dr. Sebastian Häfele has joined its Munich office as a partner, arriving from Kirkland and Ellis, where he played a prominent role in the firm’s German corporate practice. Häfele is widely recognized for his work on complex mergers and acquisitions, private equity transactions, and corporate restructurings involving both German and international clients.
Strengthening Willkie’s Munich Platform
The Willkie Munich M&A expansion comes at a time when the firm is actively investing in key European markets. Munich, in particular, has become a critical hub for cross-border M&A, private equity activity, and strategic investments involving industrial, technology, and financial services companies.
Häfele’s practice focuses on advising private equity sponsors, portfolio companies, and strategic buyers on acquisitions, disposals, public takeovers, and reorganizations. His experience spans domestic German transactions as well as multi-jurisdictional deals that require coordination across Europe and the United States. This skill set aligns closely with Willkie’s international client base and its integrated global approach to corporate work.
Firm leadership noted that the hire reflects long-term confidence in the German market and in Munich’s role as a center for sophisticated transactional work. By adding a seasoned M&A partner with strong local and international credentials, Willkie continues to deepen its bench in a highly competitive legal landscape.
Strategic Growth in Europe
The Willkie Munich M&A expansion is part of a broader growth strategy that has seen the firm add partners across Europe in recent years. Willkie has steadily enhanced its corporate, private equity, and finance capabilities in cities such as London and Frankfurt, positioning itself to advise clients on complex cross-border matters.
Germany remains a cornerstone of that strategy. Despite periods of economic uncertainty, German companies and investors continue to pursue acquisitions, restructurings, and strategic partnerships. Private equity activity, in particular, has remained resilient, with sponsors seeking opportunities in mid-market and carve-out transactions.
Häfele’s arrival strengthens Willkie’s ability to compete for high-value mandates in this environment. His experience advising financial sponsors and corporates complements the firm’s existing strengths in private equity, capital markets, and restructuring, allowing Willkie to offer comprehensive support throughout the lifecycle of a transaction.
Responding to Client Demand
Client demand has been a key driver behind the Willkie Munich M&A expansion. As transactions become more complex and increasingly cross-border, clients are seeking advisors who can combine local market insight with international reach. Willkie’s integrated model allows teams in Munich to work seamlessly with colleagues in the United States, the United Kingdom, and other European offices.
This approach is particularly valuable for private equity clients, who often require coordinated advice across multiple jurisdictions under tight timelines. By expanding its Munich M&A capabilities, Willkie
enhances its ability to serve these clients efficiently while maintaining consistent quality and strategic focus.
Competitive Lateral Market
The addition of Häfele also highlights the continued
competition among global law firms for top-tier M&A talent in Germany. Munich has emerged as a focal point for lateral partner moves, as firms look to capitalize on the city’s strong deal flow and concentration of private equity activity.
For Willkie, the hire underscores its willingness to invest in senior lawyers with established practices who can immediately contribute to growth. The Willkie Munich M&A expansion reflects a deliberate strategy of targeted lateral hiring rather than rapid, unfocused growth.
Looking Ahead
With Häfele joining the partnership, Willkie Farr & Gallagher is well positioned to further expand its transactional capabilities in Germany and across Europe. The firm’s continued investment in Munich signals confidence in the
long-term strength of the market and in its ability to attract high-caliber talent.
As deal activity evolves and clients navigate shifting economic and regulatory conditions, the Willkie Munich M&A expansion places the firm in a strong position to advise on complex, high-stakes transactions. The move reinforces Willkie’s standing as a growing force in the European M&A market and highlights Munich’s ongoing importance in the firm’s global strategy.
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