Ulrich advises clients on complex restructuring, distressed M&A, and enforcement situations, both in-court and out-of-court. With 15 years of experience, he advises investors, shareholders, lenders, lender groups, steering committees, insolvency administrators, and distressed companies with a great sense for pragmatic solutions and strategic value.
He is a member of TMA Germany e.V. and of the German-American Lawyers Association (DAJV), and has authored numerous articles on restructuring, insolvency, and distressed investment topics.
Ulrich is recognized for restructuring and insolvency in legal directories, including JUVE, The Legal 500 EMEA and Handelsblatt Best Lawyers.
Experience
One of the best lawyers for Restructuring and Insolvency in Germany
Handelsblatt Best Lawyers 2022/2023
Next Generation Partner – Restructuring & Insolvency
The Legal 500 Deutschland 2024
“An absolute expert in the area of restructuring and brings in good strategic perspectives, while still remaining approachable.”
“Primarily supports large restructurings, distressed M&A and takeovers as well as in and out-of-court enforcements.”
The Legal 500 EMEA 2024
“Dr. Ulrich Klockenbrink, an absolutely highly creative specialist who always has all the necessary details about the mandate at hand.”
The Legal 500 EMEA 2023
“High business understanding, technically excellent and very solution–oriented.”
The Legal 500 EMEA 2023
“Outstanding...he is a first-class analyst and strategist, at the same time very assertive, pragmatic and goal-oriented – in short, the perfect restructurer and reorganizer.”
The Legal 500 EMEA 2022
Frequently recommended for Restructuring & Insolvency
JUVE 2021-2023
“Balanced and professional”
Client
- "Seibt/Westpfahl StaRUG Unternehmensstabilisierungs- und -restrukturierungsgesetz Kommentar", Otto Schmidt, 2023, co-author
- "Zur Anwendung des Kleinbeteiligtenprivilegs nach § 39 Abs. 5 InsO bei koordinierter Finanzierung", Der Betrieb 2023, pp. 952-953
- “Auswirkungen der Richtlinie über präventive Restrukturierungsrahmen auf Fremdkapitalgeber”, Der Betrieb 2019, pp. 1489-1494
- “Germany: Insolvency Claw-Back Reform Provides Some Relief for Creditors“ Pratt’s Journal of Bankruptcy Law 2017, pp. 351-353
- “Ausschluss der außerordentlichen Kündigung von Anleihen bei Sanierungsbemühungen“, Der Betrieb 2016, pp. 1745-1746
Ulrich’s experience includes advising/representing:
- Admetos in the acquisition of Recticel Automotive
- All4Golf on its restructuring
- Arlington Industries in the representation of the acquirer in the acquisition out of insolvency
- Bank consortium on the restructuring of Borgers Group
- Beluga shipping restructuring
- BLG Logistics Group on restructuring and ringfencing questions
- Carlyle in the acquisition of Klenk Holz AG
- Centrotherm in its financial restructuring
- Douglas Group on its ringfencing and reorganization
- Eissmann Automotive on its restructuring
- EMAG Group on its restructuring
- E.ON on its Uniper structure and ringfencing
- GetYourGuide on convertible notes
- Hamburger Hochbahn in the divestiture of BeNEX to INPP
- Hellmann Worldwide Logistics Group in its financial and operational restructuring
- H.I.G. Europe and Anchorage in pre-packed protective shield proceedings and insolvency plans for walter services
- Hüls AG on its restructuring
- Investor consortium on the acquisition of Tennis-Point
- Lender consortium in the restructuring and sale of ICTS
- LEONI Group in its restructuring
- RENA on its debtor-in-possession proceedings
- Security Agent in enforcement of security in Primacom
- Shareholder on the restructuring of PlanetHome
* Ulrich advised on some of these matters prior to joining Willkie.
Credentials
Education
University of Virginia, LL.M., 2010 Higher Regional Court of Düsseldorf, Second State Exam, 2009 Westfälische Wilhelms-University, Executive Master of Business Administration, 2007 Westfälische Wilhelms-University, First State Exam, 2005 University of Bayreuth, Business Lawyer, 2002