Florian, who is also a notary public, practices in the area of debt finance, specializing in general corporate finance, including leveraged acquisition finance and investment grade loans. In addition, he has a broad range of experience with project financing as well as restructuring. He advises banks and other financial institutions, private equity investors and corporates under German law with respect to domestic and cross-border transactions.

“Our finance practice continues to grow rapidly, and Florian's hire highlights our ambition to continue to expand and develop our global capabilities in this area,” said David Beveridge, Senior Partner at Shearman & Sterling. “His appointment is part of the firm's commitment to building a leading European / US transatlantic leveraged finance practice.”

Commenting on Florian Ziegler joining the firm, Florian Harder, Head of the German Offices, stated: “Florian's appointment is an important part of our strategy to develop and strengthen our finance offering in Germany. His expertise in leveraged and acquisition finance deepens the range of services we can offer to both our international and domestic clients, and he will work closely with our existing team to continue to drive the practice forward.”

Florian Ziegler added: “I am thrilled to join a firm with such a well-known finance team and history of advising on some of the largest and most complex cross-border transactions. Shearman & Sterling's preeminent global platform will combine with our integrated offering in Germany, delivering exceptional results for our clients and capitalising on opportunities domestically, across Europe and beyond.”

Shearman & Sterling opened the Munich office in 2021 and strengthened its German offering with the appointment of partners Florian Harder and Jann Jetter. Florian Ziegler is the firm’s fifth lateral hire in mainland Europe this year, following the arrival of partners Xavier Norlain, Jeremy Scemama, Maud Manon and Matthieu Lampel in Paris, significantly expanding the firm's European M&A, private equity and finance capabilities.