Dr. Anna Müller is a partner at GvW Graf von Westphalen in Frankfurt, with over 21 years of experience in corporate law, cross-border M&A, foreign direct investment screening, and joint venture structuring for international clients entering the German market. She is admitted to the German Bar (Rechtsanwältin) and holds a Dr. jur. from the University of Heidelberg.

Professional Background

Dr. Müller completed her legal education at the University of Heidelberg, where she earned both her First and Second State Examinations and her doctorate in corporate law. She trained at leading commercial firms in Frankfurt and Berlin before joining GvW Graf von Westphalen, one of Germany's premier independent commercial law firms. She became a partner in 2012 and has since built a thriving practice serving Chinese investors in the German market.

She is a member of the Frankfurt Bar Association, the German-Chinese Business Association (DCW), and regularly contributes to publications on German foreign investment law and cross-border M&A. She speaks fluent English, German, and Mandarin Chinese.

Practice Focus

Dr. Müller specialises in advising Chinese clients on German foreign direct investment screening under the Außenwirtschaftsverordnung (AWV), cross-border M&A transactions, and corporate structuring. Her practice extends to joint venture formation, corporate governance, and ongoing compliance with German regulatory requirements. She has particular expertise in transactions involving critical infrastructure, technology, and healthcare sectors where German FDI screening is most rigorous.

• ⚖️ German FDI screening (AWV §55-62) clearance
• 🛡️ Cross-border M&A and corporate acquisitions
• 📜 Joint venture structuring and negotiation
• 💼 Post-acquisition compliance and governance
• 📋 German corporate law and regulatory compliance

Representative Experience

• Advised a Chinese state-owned enterprise on the acquisition of a German robotics manufacturer, securing AWV clearance through a comprehensive mitigation package addressing technology transfer and governance
• Represented a Chinese technology group in the establishment of a joint venture with a German automotive supplier for electric vehicle component development
• Guided a Chinese healthcare investor through the FDI screening process for the acquisition of a German medical device company, achieving clearance within the standard review period

Working Method

Dr. Müller applies a rigorous, detail-oriented approach to German regulatory matters, ensuring that Chinese acquirers understand the full scope of FDI screening requirements before initiating transactions. She provides end-to-end deal support, from pre-signing structure design through to closing conditions and post-closing compliance. She coordinates closely with Chinese legal counsel to ensure that transaction structures are consistent with both German regulatory requirements and Chinese outbound investment approval processes.

Client Considerations for Chinese Companies

Germany's FDI screening regime has expanded significantly in recent years, now covering investments in critical infrastructure, technology, media, healthcare, and data processing sectors. The German Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Climate Action (BMWK) reviews acquisitions by non-EU investors that could affect public order or security. Mandatory notification requirements apply for certain transactions, and the BMWK may review transactions on its own initiative even without notification, creating significant legal risk for non-compliance.

Chinese investors face review periods of two to six months, with potential extension for complex or sensitive transactions. Sector-specific thresholds apply, and transactions in defence and security technology face the most stringent scrutiny. Transaction agreements should address FDI risk allocation, including closing conditions tied to regulatory clearance.

German FDI screening applies to both direct acquisitions and certain minority investments. A proactive filing strategy with comprehensive documentation can significantly streamline the review process. Engaging German counsel at the earliest stage of transaction planning is essential for successful outcomes.

Education and Qualifications

• Dr. jur., University of Heidelberg
• First and Second State Examinations in Law, University of Heidelberg
• Admitted to German Bar (Rechtsanwältin)
• Member, Frankfurt Bar Association and German-Chinese Business Association

Local Context

Frankfurt is Germany's financial and corporate legal hub, housing the European Central Bank, the German Federal Financial Supervisory Authority (BaFin), and the country's busiest commercial court. The city is home to the headquarters of numerous German multinational corporations and the Frankfurt Stock Exchange. Frankfurt's legal market offers deep expertise in cross-border transactions and German regulatory matters critical for Chinese investors.

Languages

• German (native)
• English (fluent)
• Mandarin Chinese (fluent)

Professional Memberships

• Frankfurt Bar Association (Rechtsanwaltskammer Frankfurt)
• German-Chinese Business Association (DCW)
• German Institution of Arbitration (DIS)

Key Publications

• "German FDI Screening Reform: Practical Implications for Chinese Investors" — DCW Quarterly, 2024
• "AWV Compliance for Cross-Border M&A: A Guide for Non-EU Acquirers" — Betriebs-Berater, 2023