Friction materials for rail vehicles: Luther advises Knorr-Bremse on know-how acquisition

Knorr Bremse Systeme für Schienenfahrzeuge GmbH has acquired the complete know-how and industrial property rights for the development and manufacture of friction materials in the rail and industrial sectors from the automotive supplier Federal Mogul. Luther assisted Knorr-Bremse with the transaction and antitrust approval.

With the acquisition of this know-how, Knorr-Bremse has succeeded in strategically expanding its portfolio in the rail vehicle sector. This opens up new opportunities for the integrated development of brake systems and brake pads. Luther Rechtsanwaltsgesellschaft advised Knorr-Bremse on the complex transaction with experts from the fields of M&A, IP/IT and antitrust law.

"When purchasing know-how, the object of purchase and the transfer mode must be defined very precisely," explains Dr. Andreas Blunk of Luther. "In addition to antitrust advice, these were the central challenges in which we were able to support the client with our experience. The know-how of companies of the Federal Mogul Group from Germany, Great Britain and South Africa is documented and transferred in several clearly defined tranches. In return, Federal Modul receives a back license to strengthen the competitive situation and can continue to supply its customers with friction materials.

For Knorr-Bremse Systeme für Schienenfahrzeuge GmbH/Knorr-Bremse AG:

Inhouse: Christian Vornehm (Head Legal M&A/Antitrust), team member of Dr. Ilkin Karakaya (General Counsel Knorr-Bremse Group)

Luther, M&A, Hanover: Dr. Andreas Blunk (lead), Dr. Sebastian Rabe

Luther, IP/IT, Cologne: Dr. Detlef Mäder, Dr. Katharina Preuss

Luther, Antitrust, Dusseldorf: Dr. Guido Jansen