22.01.2026
Luther helps create a unique centre of medical excellence in the Rhine-Neckar metropolitan region
Luther has accompanied a milestone for university medicine in Germany and Europe: On 1 January 2026, the Heidelberg and Mannheim University Hospitals Association commenced operations as planned. The advice provided by Luther Rechtsanwaltsgesellschaft mbH strengthens the Rhine-Neckar metropolitan region's outstanding position as a centre of healthcare and medicine for local residents and beyond.
At the beginning of 2026, Heidelberg University Hospital (UKHD) officially acquired just under 90 per cent of the shares in Mannheim University Hospital from the City of Mannheim. With the support of Luther Rechtsanwaltsgesellschaft mbH, the alliance in the Rhine-Neckar metropolitan region has created one of the largest university hospitals in Europe – a location unique in Europe for excellence in medical research, teaching and security of supply with international appeal. With the University of Heidelberg, its two medical faculties in Heidelberg and Mannheim, and the Health + Life Science Alliance Heidelberg Mannheim, the alliance is embedded in a powerful scientific ecosystem.
The well-known Luther team of experts, led by partner Dr Thomas Kuhnle (Stuttgart), provided comprehensive legal and tax advice to Heidelberg University Hospital during this complex transformation process. With proven industry expertise, a deep understanding of the special features of university structures and a high degree of creative freedom, the association was legally modelled and structurally co-developed. Experienced Luther consultants from the fields of health law, corporate law, tax law and public commercial law were significantly involved in this process.
‘The merger of the Heidelberg and Mannheim University Hospitals is a milestone for university medicine in Europe and a project with a signal effect far beyond the region,’ said Dr Thomas Kuhnle, partner at Luther in Stuttgart. ‘We are very pleased that the merger can start as planned on 1 January 2026 and that we were able to contribute our specialist and industry knowledge to this forward-looking project.’
Dr Jan-David Jäger adds: ‘We have accompanied Heidelberg University Hospital on its journey towards the alliance from the very beginning. We are delighted that it is now getting underway and that the structure created will form the basis for medical excellence, innovative research and attractive working conditions at both locations.’
About Heidelberg University Hospital:
Heidelberg University Hospital is one of the largest and most renowned medical centres in Germany and is internationally renowned for its excellent medical care. With over 10,000 employees, the UKHD treats approximately 85,000 inpatients and day patients and more than one million outpatients every year.
About Mannheim University Hospital:
Mannheim University Hospital is a maximum care hospital and one of the largest medical centres in the Rhine-Neckar metropolitan region. Mannheim University Hospital employs over 4,500 people and treats around 47,000 inpatients and day patients and approximately 180,000 outpatients every year.
For Luther:
Corporate/M&A: Dr Thomas Kuhnle (lead partner, Stuttgart), Thomas Köhler (partner, Frankfurt), Dr Jan-David Jäger (project management / senior associate, Leipzig), Rares Holonec (senior associate, Stuttgart), Clara von Wolffersdorff (associate, Leipzig), Marx Dauth (partner, Cologne), Marco Dauner (associate, Stuttgart), Mirjam Marte (associate, Stuttgart)
Medical law: Dr Hendrik Sehy (counsel, Hanover), Frances Wolf (senior associate, Hanover), Martina Steude, LL.M. (associate, Hamburg)
Employment law: Daniel Zintl (Partner, Leipzig), Dr Delia Jusciak (Associate, Leipzig), Dr Lisa Kraayvanger (Senior Associate, Hanover)
Public commercial law/real estate law: Dr Thomas Gohrke (Partner, Leipzig), Theresa Oesch (Senior Associate, Leipzig), Christoph Kolb (Associate, Leipzig)
Tax law: Jens Röhrbein (Partner, Hanover), Dr Frank Seidel (Counsel, Stuttgart), Jan Spiering, LL.M. (Associate, Hanover)
Antitrust law: Dr Helmut Janssen, LL.M. (Partner, Brussels), Dr Daniela Salm (Counsel, Brussels), Lasse Langfeldt, LL.M. (Senior Associate, Brussels)
IP/IT: Christian Kuß, LL.M. (Partner, Cologne), Niccolo Langenheim, LL.M. (Senior Associate, Cologne), Dr. Katharina Preuss (Senior Associate, Cologne), Adrian Freidank (Counsel, Cologne), Franziska Tilgner (Senior Associate, Cologne)
Public procurement law: Stephan Finck (Partner, Leipzig), Sarah Peuser (Associate, Leipzig)