The Association of the German Army visits Oppenhoff & Partner

At an event co-hosted by Förderkreis Deutsches Heer e.V. [the Association of the German Army] and Oppenhoff & Partner in Cologne on 2 February 2011, a high-calibre panel discussed the challenges and chances of the European Internal Market for the German defence technology industry.

Following a welcoming speech given by Michael Abels, partner of Oppenhoff & Partner, and retired Lieutenant General Manfred Dietrich, President of the Förderkreis Deutsches Heer, Detlef Selhausen, the Director of Armaments at the German Ministry of Defence, spoke on the significance of the European Internal Market from the product procurer’s perspective. Prof. Dr. Markus C. Kerber of the Institut für Verteidigungstechnologie, Streitkräfteökonomik und Geopolitik e.V. [Institute for Defence Technology, Armed Forces Economics and Geopolitics] subsequently highlighted the chances arising for the industry through the opening of what have thus far essentially been national procurement markets. In a further contribution, Dr. Burkard Schmitt of the European Commission explained how the European “Defence Package” now reflects the Commission’s express conviction against the permissibility of so-called “offsets”. The programme was concluded with a speech given by Dr. Maxim Kleine and Dr. Marc Hilber (Oppenhoff & Partner) on the pitfalls of public tender procedures and procurement projects from an antitrust perspective.

The forum, comprising numerous high-ranking guests from the German Army, industry, medium-sized enterprises and branch associations as well as the legal profession finally drew to a close with an evening function held at the offices of Oppenhoff & Partner.

About Oppenhoff & Partner
Oppenhoff & Partner is an independent law firm located in Cologne. It sees itself as a top-ranking legal adviser of enterprises and entrepreneurs, offering a broad range of advice on commercial and tax law. With 55 lawyers, it focuses on the provision of advice to regional, national and international major and medium-sized enterprises. Oppenhoff & Partner’s clients include Ford, Hannover Rück, Johnson & Johnson, M. DuMont Schauberg, United Airlines, Vattenfall and the Zurich Group.

Contact at Oppenhoff & Partner
Elmar Salinger
Public Relations Manager
Tel: +49 (0) 221 2091-315
elmar.salinger@oppenhoff.eu