Key Takeaways
- • Reed Smith appointed Bernd Dreier as a private equity partner in its Munich office, reinforcing the firm's strategic expansion of PE capabilities across Europe.
- • Dreier brings dual expertise from private practice and in-house roles in both private equity and insurance sectors, specializing in complex M&A transactions, acquisitions, divestitures, joint ventures, restructurings, and carve-outs.
- • The hire strengthens Reed Smith's German market presence and Global Corporate Group, with leadership citing private equity as a strategic priority for the firm.
- • Dreier's experience advising on M&A insurance products adds a distinctive capability to the Munich office's transactional offering, enhancing client service across the investment lifecycle.
Summary
Reed Smith, a global law firm, announced the appointment of private equity partner Bernd Dreier to its Munich office effective September 2026. Dreier joins the firm's Global Corporate Group, marking part of Reed Smith's continued investment in private equity capabilities across Europe. The hire underscores the firm's strategic focus on strengthening its German market presence and transactional depth in the region.
Dreier brings a distinctive professional background combining private practice experience with senior legal and transactional roles in both the private equity and insurance sectors. This hybrid background positions him to advise private equity sponsors, portfolio companies, and corporate clients on a broad range of transactions throughout the investment lifecycle, including acquisitions, divestitures, joint ventures, restructurings, carve-outs, and management participation programs. His significant experience with M&A insurance products adds a specialized capability to Reed Smith's Munich offering.
Mike Young, Head of Europe and Middle East Corporate Group, stated the firm was "delighted to welcome Bernd to Reed Smith," describing him as "a highly regarded private equity lawyer with an impressive track record and strong market profile." Young emphasized that "private equity remains a strategic priority for our Corporate Group, and the firm," and noted that Dreier's arrival "further strengthens our capabilities in Germany and across Europe."
Munich Co-Office Managing Partners Michaela Westrup and Andreas Splittgerber both highlighted Dreier's fit within the office's growth strategy. Westrup emphasized his "reputation in the market, entrepreneurial approach and strong client relationships," while Splittgerber noted that "Bernd's practice complements our existing transactional offering and enhances our private equity capabilities," adding that he represents "a strong cultural fit and shares our collaborative approach to client service."
Dreier brings a distinctive professional background combining private practice experience with senior legal and transactional roles in both the private equity and insurance sectors. This hybrid background positions him to advise private equity sponsors, portfolio companies, and corporate clients on a broad range of transactions throughout the investment lifecycle, including acquisitions, divestitures, joint ventures, restructurings, carve-outs, and management participation programs. His significant experience with M&A insurance products adds a specialized capability to Reed Smith's Munich offering.
Mike Young, Head of Europe and Middle East Corporate Group, stated the firm was "delighted to welcome Bernd to Reed Smith," describing him as "a highly regarded private equity lawyer with an impressive track record and strong market profile." Young emphasized that "private equity remains a strategic priority for our Corporate Group, and the firm," and noted that Dreier's arrival "further strengthens our capabilities in Germany and across Europe."
Munich Co-Office Managing Partners Michaela Westrup and Andreas Splittgerber both highlighted Dreier's fit within the office's growth strategy. Westrup emphasized his "reputation in the market, entrepreneurial approach and strong client relationships," while Splittgerber noted that "Bernd's practice complements our existing transactional offering and enhances our private equity capabilities," adding that he represents "a strong cultural fit and shares our collaborative approach to client service."
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