Practice areas
Business law in its full breadth — with clear areas of focus.
We are a Düsseldorf law firm specialising in the questions of German and international business law that matter in practice.

Corporate law
From formation to liquidation: we keep the corporate foundations of your business sound.
Typical matters
- Formation and liquidation of companies
- Corporate housekeeping
- Capital increases and reductions
- Rules of procedure and measures concerning managing directors
- Transfers of registered office
Frequently asked questions
What corporate law matters does Stroschein & Makowka handle for businesses?
Stroschein & Makowka advises businesses on corporate matters from formation through liquidation. Typical matters include capital measures, rules of procedure, managing director matters, registered office relocations and ongoing corporate housekeeping.
What does corporate housekeeping involve for a company?
Corporate housekeeping involves maintaining a company’s corporate organisation and records. Stroschein & Makowka can help keep relevant resolutions, responsibilities and corporate actions under review and support their implementation.
Can Stroschein & Makowka advise on a registered office relocation or capital measure?
Yes. Stroschein & Makowka supports corporate measures such as registered office relocations and capital measures, including their legal preparation and implementation in light of the company and the proposed transaction.
Commercial law
Putting day-to-day business on a sound legal footing — with the registers, authorities and counterparties kept in view.
Typical matters
- Drafting, review and negotiation of purchase and sale agreements
- Commercial register filings
- Changes of company name
- Compliance
Frequently asked questions
How does Stroschein & Makowka support businesses with commercial law matters?
Stroschein & Makowka advises on commercial law issues arising in day-to-day business. This includes drafting, reviewing and negotiating purchase and sales contracts, as well as commercial register filings, company name changes and compliance matters.
Can Stroschein & Makowka review or negotiate purchasing and sales contracts?
Yes. Stroschein & Makowka drafts, reviews and negotiates purchase and sales contracts for businesses. The provisions that matter most depend, among other things, on the goods or services, delivery model and business relationship.
Who can assist with commercial register filings and company name changes?
Stroschein & Makowka supports businesses with commercial register filings and company name changes. The steps required depend on the specific change and the company concerned.
Contract law
Contracts drafted with the dispute in mind. Domestic and cross-border, in German or in English.
Typical matters
- Domestic and cross-border contracts
- Framework agreements
- Standard terms and conditions
- Commercial leases
Frequently asked questions
Does Stroschein & Makowka draft and negotiate contracts in German and English?
Yes. Stroschein & Makowka handles domestic and international contract matters in German and English. This includes drafting, reviewing and negotiating individual agreements and framework agreements.
Why should a contract account for the possibility of a dispute?
Clear terms on performance, deadlines, responsibilities, changes and termination can help prevent misunderstandings and provide guidance if a disagreement arises. Stroschein & Makowka drafts contracts with the particular business relationship and potential points of dispute in mind.
Can Stroschein & Makowka assist with terms and conditions and commercial leases?
Yes. Typical matters include drafting and reviewing general terms and conditions and commercial lease agreements. The appropriate contractual approach depends on the business model and agreed terms.
Distribution law
Building, reshaping and ending distribution structures — with the indemnity claim on termination (Ausgleichsanspruch) in view from the outset.
Typical matters
- Commercial agency agreements
- Franchise agreements
- Distributorship agreements
- PR and agency agreements
Frequently asked questions
What distribution agreements does Stroschein & Makowka advise on?
Stroschein & Makowka advises on commercial agency, franchise and authorised dealer agreements, as well as PR and agency agreements. The contract should reflect the chosen distribution model and the parties’ actual working relationship.
What should businesses consider when ending a distribution agreement?
When ending a distribution agreement, businesses should assess termination terms, outstanding obligations and any potential compensation claims at an early stage. Stroschein & Makowka advises on the legal aspects of establishing, changing and ending distribution structures.
Can Stroschein & Makowka advise on setting up or restructuring a distribution network?
Yes. Stroschein & Makowka supports businesses in establishing, adapting and ending distribution structures. This includes preparing suitable agreements, such as commercial agency, franchise or dealer contracts.
Company acquisitions & M&A
Transactions on the buy side and the sell side, from the first NDA to closing — domestic and multinational.
Typical matters
- Non-disclosure agreements and letters of intent
- Due diligence and due diligence reports
- Drafting and negotiation of acquisition agreements
- Restructuring advice
Frequently asked questions
Does Stroschein & Makowka advise both buyers and sellers in M&A transactions?
Yes. Stroschein & Makowka advises buyers and sellers on domestic and multinational transactions. Support can run from the initial NDA and letter of intent through due diligence and the negotiation of the sale and purchase agreement to closing.
What is the role of due diligence in a business acquisition?
Due diligence is a structured review of a business or shareholding before a transaction, intended to identify and present relevant findings for the next steps in the deal. Stroschein & Makowka supports the review and prepares due diligence reports as part of the relevant engagement.
Does Stroschein & Makowka assist with cross-border M&A transactions and restructurings?
Stroschein & Makowka advises on domestic and cross-border transactions and also handles restructuring matters. For multinational projects, the cooperation is tailored to the countries involved and the specific advisory needs.
Corporate reorganisations (Umwandlungsrecht)
Structural measures carried out cleanly: merger, change of legal form, accretion.
Typical matters
- Measures under the Umwandlungsgesetz (UmwG — Transformation Act)
- Mergers
- Changes of legal form
- Accretions (Anwachsung)
Frequently asked questions
What corporate restructuring measures does Stroschein & Makowka advise on?
Stroschein & Makowka advises on corporate restructuring measures under German transformation law, including mergers, changes of legal form and accretions. The appropriate measure depends on the company’s objectives and existing structure.
What should businesses consider in a merger or change of legal form?
A merger or change of legal form requires careful legal planning and coordination of the necessary corporate steps. Stroschein & Makowka supports the preparation and implementation of the measure based on the specific circumstances.
Can Stroschein & Makowka provide legal support for an accretion?
Yes. Accretions are among the matters Stroschein & Makowka handles in transformation law. The firm can provide legal support for the restructuring and coordinate the required steps in light of the companies involved.
Insolvency law
Identifying the opportunities and the risks when a counterparty fails — or when a business is bought out of insolvency.
Typical matters
- Purchases out of insolvency
- Filing claims in insolvency proceedings
- Representation in creditors’ meetings
- Enforcement of creditors’ rights
Frequently asked questions
What can creditors do when a business partner becomes insolvent?
When a business partner becomes insolvent, creditors should have their contractual and commercial position assessed promptly. Stroschein & Makowka assists with matters including filing claims in the insolvency table, representation at creditors’ meetings and the enforcement of creditor rights.
Does Stroschein & Makowka advise on acquiring a business from insolvency proceedings?
Yes. Acquisitions from insolvency proceedings are among the matters Stroschein & Makowka handles. Each transaction requires careful review of the relevant assets, contractual position and terms of the proceedings.
How can Stroschein & Makowka represent creditors in insolvency proceedings?
Stroschein & Makowka supports creditors in exercising their rights in insolvency proceedings. This may include filing claims in the insolvency table, representing creditors at creditors’ meetings and assessing possible steps to enforce creditor rights.
Dispute resolution & litigation
When negotiating is no longer enough: we represent you out of court and before the civil and commercial courts.
Typical matters
- Corporate disputes
- Disputes arising from supply and distribution agreements
- Out-of-court agreement and settlement
- Representation before civil and commercial courts
Frequently asked questions
Does a commercial dispute always have to be decided in court?
No. Stroschein & Makowka represents businesses in out-of-court matters and before civil and commercial courts. Depending on the circumstances, negotiations or a settlement may be possible; if no agreement is reached, Stroschein & Makowka can also handle the court proceedings.
What types of business disputes does Stroschein & Makowka handle?
Typical matters include corporate disputes and disputes arising from supply and distribution agreements. Stroschein & Makowka assesses the legal position and represents businesses in seeking an out-of-court or judicial resolution.
Can Stroschein & Makowka negotiate an out-of-court settlement?
Yes. Stroschein & Makowka supports clients in out-of-court negotiations and in preparing settlement agreements. Whether settlement is appropriate and achievable depends on the circumstances of the particular dispute.
General business law
The questions that sit between the practice areas — and the contacts that move them forward.
Typical matters
- Access to our network in German and international business
- Liaison with chambers of industry and commerce
- Registrations with the trade office or the tax office
Frequently asked questions
What does general business law advice cover?
General business law covers commercial matters that do not fit neatly within a single legal practice area. Stroschein & Makowka assists with these cross-disciplinary issues and can coordinate with other relevant advisers where needed.
Can Stroschein & Makowka assist with registrations with the trade office or tax office?
Yes. Typical work includes assistance with registrations with the trade office or tax office. The required registration and documents depend on the business activity and the company’s circumstances.
Can Stroschein & Makowka coordinate contacts with chambers of commerce or other business advisers?
Where appropriate, Stroschein & Makowka coordinates with chambers of industry and commerce and provides access to a network in the German and international business community. The relevant contacts depend on the client’s needs.
Maritime business law
Seafaring is our passion.
Typical matters
- Purchase and sale of luxury yachts
- Registration of yachts in the German register of seagoing ships (Seeschiffsregister)
- Liaising with courts and authorities (e.g. the Federal Maritime and Hydrographic Agency, BSH)
- Advising manufacturers of maritime technology
- Drafting international distribution agreements
- Legal support for business relationships with shipyards and companies in the shipping industry
Frequently asked questions
Can Stroschein & Makowka assist with the purchase or sale of a luxury yacht?
Yes. The purchase and sale of luxury yachts are among the matters Stroschein & Makowka handles in maritime business law. The firm supports the legal structuring and completion of a yacht transaction in light of its specific circumstances.
Can Stroschein & Makowka help register a yacht in the German maritime register?
Stroschein & Makowka assists with yacht registration in the German maritime register and with coordination involving the relevant courts and authorities, such as the Federal Maritime and Hydrographic Agency (BSH). Requirements depend on the specific registration.
What types of maritime businesses does Stroschein & Makowka advise?
Stroschein & Makowka advises manufacturers of maritime technologies and businesses working with shipyards and the shipping industry. The practice also covers international distribution agreements and legal support for maritime business relationships.
International legal advice
Across borders we work with independent commercial law firms and tax advisers worldwide through our network “Bay of Plenty”.
Typical matters
- Legal support for cross-border business relationships
- Coordinating international legal and tax advice
- Cooperation with independent commercial law firms and tax advisers worldwide through our “Bay of Plenty” network
Frequently asked questions
How does Stroschein & Makowka support cross-border business relationships?
Stroschein & Makowka supports cross-border business relationships and, where needed, coordinates legal and tax advice in the countries concerned. Through its “Bay of Plenty” network, the firm works with independent commercial law firms and tax advisers worldwide.
Does Stroschein & Makowka itself advise on foreign law?
For international matters, Stroschein & Makowka works with independent commercial law firms and tax advisers in the relevant countries. This enables coordinated advice; the precise roles and working arrangements depend on the engagement.
What is the Bay of Plenty network?
“Bay of Plenty” is the network through which Stroschein & Makowka works with independent commercial law firms and tax advisers worldwide. It supports the coordination of international legal and tax advice and cross-border business relationships.
What we do not cover ourselves.
For adjacent fields we work with selected specialists in Germany and abroad — employment, IP, IT and data protection, tax and competition law.
Our networkFirst contact
Let us talk about your matter.
A first conversation is without obligation and in confidence. Tell us briefly what the matter is — we usually reply the same working day.