Established in 1950,  Schoenherr is a leading Austrian firm with a European network that includes offices in 15 jurisdictions. In Austria the firm is based in Vienna and has a smaller branch in Linz.

Focusses / specialisms

The firm has talented teams for all areas of work covered by the ranking tables. 

In banking and finance the firm is often mandated to advise on large syndicated loans, debt restructurings and acquisition financings. With good relationships with large Austrian banks and local and international corporates and investors, the firm does a mix of borrower and lender work. 

The firm’s capital markets practice is one of only a handful on the local market with experience of advising on large structured finance and securitisation transactions. It is also well-versed in more conventional deals and will generally be seen, on one side or the other, on some of whatever significant bond sales by domestic issuers and primary or secondary equity issues there are in Austria. 

The firm has an outstanding M&A practice that, even among the other top tier M&A firms, is notable for the volume of high-end deals it secures roles on. Its work spans most important and regulated sectors and it has, in the recent past, been involved in key deals in the automotive, banking and power sectors.

Another area where the firm is considered a market leader – thanks to its regulatory expertise – is in project development work. It acts for the state and private sector on PPPs and purely private sector projects and has recent experience working for sponsors on large transport and power projects.

Restructuring and insolvency is an area where the firm has a dedicated team and prominent position in the market. Over recent years it’s built a name for itself for representing banks in restructuring or pre-insolvency scenarios but, as with its lending practice, the firm often advises banks as creditors in large domestic or regional matters. 

Key clients

The firm has attracted many prominent domestic and international clients, including the international banks; JP Morgan, Citi and Crédit Agricole CIB, as well as the EBRD. The firm has advised industrial clients across a range of industries, such as OMV in oil and gas, and UNIQA in insurance.

Research period review: 33rd edition (2023/2024)

During the research period, the firm was active in banking and finance, debt, equity and structured finance capital markets, M&A, project development and restructuring.

In banking and finance the firm worked on loans and financings for clients in the financial services, manufacturing, consumer goods and technology sectors.

In debt capital markets the firm worked on bond and note issuances for clients in the financial services sector.

In equity capital markets the firm worked on secondary share offerings for clients in financial services.

In structured finance and securitisation capital markets the firm worked on deals for clients in financial services.

In M&A the firm worked on acquisitions and joint ventures for clients in the financial services, technology and pharmaceuticals sectors.

In project development the firm worked on energy and infrastructure projects for clients in the energy, natural resources, manufacturing, construction and public sectors.

In restructuring the firm worked on deals for creditors and debtors in the financial services, consumer goods and manufacturing sectors.

Deal highlights: 33rd edition (2023/2024)

Austrian Airlines restructuring

Starwood Capital Group €4.3 billion acquisition of CA Immobilien Anlagen

Tyrol hydro pump power plants project

UNIQA Insurance Group €375 million note issue

Client Feedback: 33rd edition (2023/2024)

Capital markets         

"Schoenherr Austria's lawyers are very focused on client needs, highly committed and very responsible."

M&A   

"Smart, proactive, precise, very knowledgeable, very good adviser overall, not only on law topics."

Project development

"Consultancy state of the art, available 24/7, delivers on time or ahead of schedule, personally great people, far out performance."

Robert Bachner         

"Very quick in understanding the issues and finding suitable solutions for the client."

Christoph Cudlik      

"Very energetic young counsellor, outstanding in what he is working on."       

"Excellent knowledge."

Angelika Fischer       

"Angelika Fischer is a very responsive and committed lawyer to her clients, having a deep understanding of capital markets and the industry of their clients. She is always very responsive and committed.

Sascha Hödl  

"Smart, very good adviser, professional, good communicator, can-do attitude, proactive."

Christoph Moser       

"The positive attributes I listed earlier in this survey obviously relate to the individual Christoph Moser. He has the perfect speed and terminolgy to lead us through legal agreements, taking the time to explain pros, cons and implications of certain wordings / amendments. It feels like we're meeting at same eye level (when others partners in other law firms sometime make you feel they're too senior to waste their time guiding you through). He has a very well appreciated pragmatic approach, and a pleasant communication style

"Christoph is a highly committed partner with a deep and profound understanding of the needs of his clients. He has an excellent understanding of the Austrian capital markets and a good relationship with his clients, always being very responsive. If you have Christoph as your adviser you are very well advised.        

“Christoph is a highly committed partner with a deep and profound understanding for the needs of his clients. He has an excellent understanding of the Austrian capital markets and a good relationship to his clients always being very responsive. If you have Christoph as your advisor you are very well advised.”

Roman Perner           

“Roman is very knowledgeable of local issues and calm, flexible, and practical in complex and contentious negotiations."

Ursula Rath   

"Great thought leadership and knowledge of the local market."

"Very knowledgeable in DCM transaction. She knows her stuff."

Ursula is great to work with, always responsive and on the top of things."

Christian Schmelz     

"Most experienced senior consultant, personally and professionally absolutely top."

“Fast, team-facing, technical expertise, solution oriented, innovative, sets the direction."

"Most experienced senior consultant, personally and professionally absolutely top.”