Squire Patton Boggs has announced the appointment of Robert Bastian, a respected German lawyer specializing in private equity and corporate law, as a new partner in its global Corporate Practice Group. He will be based in the firm’s Frankfurt office. This move marks a significant step in the firm’s ongoing expansion of its private equity capabilities across Europe.
Before joining Squire Patton Boggs, Robert Bastian served as the head of Dentons’ private equity practice in Germany, a role he held since 2013. Over the course of his career, he has built a strong reputation for advising both German and American investment funds on a wide range of transactions, including those that cross international borders. His work encompasses mergers and acquisitions, general corporate matters, and capital markets issues, including public takeovers, initial public offerings, and company delistings.
Bastian’s client base includes some of the most prominent companies in Germany and Europe, operating in industries like technology, energy, engineering, and cosmetics. His broad experience and deep understanding of both domestic and international legal frameworks make him a valuable addition to the firm’s growing team.
He will be joining forces with Norman Wasse, another Frankfurt-based partner who came on board in 2023, along with senior associate Dr. Marion von Grönheim. Together, they are part of a dynamic and expanding private equity team that is positioning Squire Patton Boggs as a key player in the German and European markets.
Robert Bastian earned his law degree from the University of Mannheim in 2000 and has worked at two major German law firms since qualifying. His background and leadership experience are expected to contribute significantly to the firm’s strategic goals.
Squire Patton Boggs’ Private Equity group now includes over 90 specialized lawyers. The firm has recently expanded its presence in Europe with the addition of new partners and associates, as well as the opening of offices focused on private equity in Dublin and Amsterdam. These developments reflect the firm’s commitment to offering comprehensive legal support to clients involved in complex investment activities across the continent.
KEY QUOTES:
“As one of the leading corporate lawyers in Germany with private equity expertise, Robert is an excellent addition to the firm. With his experience and track record, he is well placed to work with our team to grow our national private equity practice in Germany as well as across Europe and globally, alongside our wider M&A and capital markets offering.”
Horst Daniel, managing partner of the Squire Patton Boggs Frankfurt office
“Germany is a critical market for our clients and a focal point in our expansion strategy. The proliferation of PE and venture capitals funds in Europe in recent years creates extensive business opportunities. Our strong international platform, with skilled, commercially minded PE practitioners like Robert, provides clients with that tailored market knowledge to move ahead confidently with their local and cross-border deals.”
Partner Paul Mann, European head of Private Equity at Squire Patton Boggs
“I was very impressed by the scope and reach of the firm’s PE practice and am very much looking forward to collaborating with my colleagues on working to expand the practice as a leading European PE platform.”
Robert Bastian
