Austria

Drafting of international contracts

Austria, our neighbour to the south, is an attractive business location not only because of its tourism industry and currently ranks 21st among the most competitive countries in the world and 14th in terms of gross domestic product per capita, ahead of Germany. The country is also becoming increasingly interesting for German and other international investors due to its strong industrial and agricultural sectors.

Germany is the largest foreign investor in Austria and the number of German companies establishing themselves in Austria or investing in the country is steadily increasing. More than one third of the international company headquarters in the alpine republic have a German parent company.

Due to the increased foreign investments, there is therefore often a collision of two legal systems – especially when investment contracts are negotiated. German investors in particular should be aware that there are fundamental differences between German and Austrian law despite the many similarities.

Our team is at your side with highly qualified expertise and many years of experience in the local legal systems. In particular, we advise on the drafting and negotiation of contracts, on all aspects of corporate and commercial law, and on conflict resolution (arbitration and litigation).

Advising on existing international contracts

We aim to identify problems at an early stage and solve them in advance. Particularly in the case of contracts with a transnational dimension and in project management, it is important to be able to act and react quickly.

Through our locations in the heart of Berlin, in France and in Switzerland, we are always happy to advise you on site or discuss the status of your projects via video conference. We are in constant contact with important institutions such as embassies and foreign chambers of commerce.

Our experienced team supports you in all aspects of contract execution and contract management to minimise risks and maximise profitability. In addition to contract management, claims management is also one of our areas of expertise. We therefore enforce your claims and defend against opposing claims.

A law firm with experience in international project contracts

In our role as legal advisors for international contracts and international projects, we see ourselves as a long-term partner advising you on all legal and commercial aspects of your contracts and projects.

Our speciality is providing counsel on project agreements (EPC, or joint venture agreements) concluded by German companies abroad.

After identifying the legal framework, we work with you to draw up the relevant project contracts, always taking into account the technical and economic purposes and objectives.

Our large client base includes numerous companies from the German SME sector, some of which have been seeking our services for many years, especially for infrastructure projects in Africa, North Africa, the Middle East and the Near East.

Your contact for Construction Contracts in Austria

Austria’s economy ranks 21st among the most competitive countries in the world. In a ranking by gross domestic product per capita, Austria is in 14th place, ahead of Germany.

Germany is the largest foreign investor in Austria and the number of German companies establishing themselves in Austria or investing in the country is steadily increasing. More than one third of the international company headquarters in the alpine republic have a German parent company.

Especially construction projects and infrastructure projects receive a lot of attention. We specialise in these areas and can advise you with our many years of experience in international construction contracts, infrastructure projects and construction projects of all kinds in Austria.

Commercial law firm with a focus on “International Arbitration“

Even the most careful preparation of projects and contracts cannot always prevent conflicts from arising. We advise and represent our clients in the out-of-court and contentious settlement of disputes.

However, litigation is expensive, risky and usually unpleasant for all parties involved. In all conflicts, the primary goal should therefore be to reach an out-of-court settlement. We therefore first assist in analysing the costs, risks and chances of success of a conflict as realistically as possible. Building on the experience of many years, we develop the necessary strategy in collaboration with our clients, taking into account the clients’ objectives.

If a dispute cannot be settled out of court, we provide our clients with selected dispute lawyers in ordinary court proceedings and supervise the proceedings. We also provide personal representation in mediation and arbitration proceedings and have many years of experience in proceedings under international (e.g. ICC) and local arbitration rules (e.g. DIS) as well as in investment disputes (ICSID).

International investments with legal due diligence

One focus of our practice are M&A transactions as well as corporate and commercial matters. We advise on domestic and cross-border transactions, including M&A, private equity and venture capital transactions, acquisitions, investments and the formation of consortia, joint ventures and strategic partnerships.

We advise listed companies as well as small and medium-sized businesses and start-ups on corporate and group law issues, changes in corporate structure and all restructuring measures.