News
December 2nd, 2025:
The Art of the Next Move: What M&A and dispute resolution can learn from chess strategy with Jan Gustafsson, two-time German Blitz Chess Champion
Howden M&A and Ziehms & Schwartz are co-hosting a chess-themed M&A and disputes event in Frankfurt. The evening will feature brief updates on key developments in M&A, W&I insurance and M&A-related disputes, drawing on strategic insights from chess, followed by a chess simul with GM Jan Gustafsson who will take on a group of participants randomly selected from those who express an interest in playing.
For more information and registration: Registration
September 8th to 11th, 2025:
Sönke Schwartz and Heiko Ziehms will be attending the Dispute Resolution Days in Berlin from 8 to 11 September 2025.
On September 8th, Heiko Ziehms will be speaking on a panel at the Austrian Embassy, hosted by VIAC, on the topic “Challenges in M&A Disputes: W&I Insurance and Expert Determination.”
For more information and registration: Challenges in M&A-disputes: W&I insurance and expert determination | VIAC CAN
We hope to see you in Berlin!
June 27th, 2025:
Ziehms & Schwartz welcomes John Darlison to our team as an Affiliate Director, effective 1 July 2025.
John is a highly skilled forensic accountant, specialising in the quantification of damages in both commercial and investor-state disputes. His experience spans ICSID, ICC, LCIA, ad hoc arbitrations, and litigation in national courts.
Before joining us, John spent over four years in the disputes practice at FTI Consulting, working across a broad range of sectors including real estate, oil & gas, mining, construction, wealth management, and advertising. Earlier in his career, he trained and qualified as a Chartered Accountant (ACA) in Ernst & Young’s external audit practice.
John holds an MA in Natural Sciences from the University of Cambridge and is a member of the Institute of Chartered Accountants in England and Wales (ICAEW).
Please join us in giving John a warm welcome!