For more than 20 years, Franz-Josef Schöne has successfully advised clients on various industry sectors from all over the world with respect to M&A transactions in Germany and abroad. He particularly focuses on advising M&A transactions in strongly regulated industries. With respect to such transactions, e.g. in the energy, health-care, waste and water sector as well as in the infrastructure sector (e.g. airports, seaports), Franz-Josef is able to deploy his personal strengths for the benefit of his clients. Furthermore, he has unique experiences in the area of the financial market stabilization. 

Since the insolvency of Lehmann in 2008, Franz-Josef has advised as lead counsel in the context of almost all financial market stabilization transactions in Germany. He is described by clients as "unbeatable at the interface of public law and corporate law". Besides advising on corporate transactions, the focus of Franz-Josef's activity is to advise management board and supervisory board members.

For many years, he has also advised management and supervisory boards with respect to all relevant affairs, e.g. in the context of complex operational decisions as well as with respect to compliance measures. Moreover, as member of the Global M&A Leadership Team and the Corporate/M&A Leadership Team of the firm in Germany Franz-Josef is able to use his excellent global networking within the firm for the benefit of his clients.