About Me

As a partner with more than 20 years of experience, I advise our clients in M&A (including distressed M&A), reorganisations, joint ventures and private equity/venture capital transactions as well as in corporate and commercial law.

As a result of many M&A transactions over the years, I have also come to advise my clients on a broad range of topics in general corporate and commercial law, with a strong focus on the automotive and general manufacturing industries. This forms a major part of my practice today.

On the transactional side, I specialise in venture capital transactions, especially in technology-strong industry sectors, where I have established a reputation as a trusted advisor. You will find me listed as a 'recommended lawyer' in the VC section of legal directories such as JUVE and Legal 500, especially for venture debt transactions. Having advised on more than 80 VC transactions over the past 10 years, I can provide more than just legal advice – my hands-on experience helps me offer genuinely commercial solutions that clients appreciate especially.

My industry focus is on automotive and energy and my clients there range from multinational tier-1 suppliers to small and medium-sized suppliers in the supply chain.

I joined our firm in 2002 and became a partner two years later. Previously, I was an M&A corporate lawyer in the Düsseldorf offices of a prestigious German law firm and also gained some experience in the legal division of a Big 5 audit/tax firm. I also worked as a foreign associate with an international law firm from the US, where I trained in US Corporate and M&A matters in their New York office.
Education

Studied

  • Legal studies at the Universities of Bochum and Düsseldorf
  • Doctoral thesis in German civil law at the University of Düsseldorf (2000), awarded the Goethe Prize by the legal faculty of Heinrich-Heine University Düsseldorf for the best legal dissertation of the year
  • Working as legal assistant to Prof. Dr. Dirk Olzen at Düsseldorf university, working as legal lecturer
  • Legal clerkship (Referendariat) at district court in Düsseldorf

Admissions

  • Admitted to the German bar in 2000
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Testimonials

Recommended in the field of Venture Capital (named as market leader for venture debt transactions)

JUVE 2018/2019

'Dr. Stefan Gottgetreu is recommended for his practice at the interface with trade and corporate law'

JUVE 2016/2017

'Dr. Stefan Gottgetreu is a 'constructive negotiator which much experience in venture debt.''

JUVE 2016/2017

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