[##_1L|1113099639.jpg|width="268" height="27" alt=""|_##]Latham & Watkins LLP is
pleased to announce that Volkmar Bruckner has joined the firm's Munich office as a partner in the Corporate Department effective June 1, 2007. Bruckner's practice focuses on private equity and M&A.

Bruckner has an impressive track record advising domestic and multinational clients in private equity transactions, with specific expertise advising on large and mid-size management and leveraged buy-outs.

"Volkmar's work on a number of large and mid-market deals has elevated him as a 'rising star' at the German M&A and private equity bar. His experience handling complex domestic and cross-border deals strengthens our capability in Germany.  He has developed a reputation within German private equity circles for being extremely hard-working, having a strong team spirit and possessing an entrepreneurial attitude - qualities that we place high emphasis on. Volkmar joins a strong and ambitious team in Germany, and his experience and attitude will further reinforce our position in Europe," said Jörg Kirchner, Office Managing Partner of Latham & Watkins in Munich.

John Watson, Vice Chair of the Global Corporate Department, commented: "On the corporate side, we are committed to building the leading private equity, M&A and acquisition finance capability in Europe. We have taken great strides in this direction, working on some of the most widely-watched deals in the market, entering new markets and attracting major players in Europe  to join our team. Volkmar's arrival is further evidence of this commitment and ambition."

"I admire Latham's private equity practice and the firm's focus and success at building a deep corporate capability in Europe.  The firm's global platform and culture of integration together with its strong German presence will provide additional opportunities for me to grow my practice and attract new clients," said Bruckner.

Bruckner joins Latham & Watkins from Dechert LLP, where he has been a partner since January 2006. He joined Dechert in 2004 from Baker & McKenzie, where he practiced as an associate since 1999. Bruckner studied law at the University of Erlangen, completing his PhD at Erlangen in 2001. He completed an LL.M. in international comparative law at George Washington University Law School, Washington, D.C. in 1996.  He teaches M&A and private equity related courses at the Nuremberg University Business School.