Strategic Operations, Agreements and Regulation

Our business is taking care of your business – aligning strategy, operations, and regulation so you can adapt and thrive.

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Our internationally recognized Strategic Operations, Agreements, and Regulation (SOAR) team provides practical, commercially relevant advice informed by a deep understanding of suppliers, customers as well as other stakeholders along the entire supply and value chain, including regulators. We see regulation as a tool for growth – helping you design strategies that remove complexity, achieve business goals and stand up to regulatory change.

Our team of more than 50 lawyers in multiple jurisdictions helps clients develop successful business models, foster strategic relationships, navigate complex regulations, and anticipate and manage risks. With an eye on what’s coming next, we equip you to respond early, build resilience, and capture opportunities in shifting markets.

We bring to bear extensive experience evaluating purchasing or distribution structures, restructuring business operations, digitizing supply chains, launching e-commerce platforms, introducing AI solutions, facing regulatory issues, or implementing sustainability objectives. From digitization to sustainability, we support operational change where law, technology, and policy connect.

We advise regarding commercial, distribution and foreign trade law, as well as product-related regulations along the entire supply and value chain. Clients turn to us to coordinate and run major projects across the globe; many of the matters we work on have a cross-border, regional, or global element. Our broad networks and sector knowledge allow us to connect the dots across industries and jurisdictions, delivering strategies that really work.

Our sector experience and knowledge distinguishes us. We advise clients across a wide range of industries, including: Aerospace and Defense; Automotive and Mobility; Consumer; Financial Institutions; Food and Beverages; Industry 4.0; Life Sciences and Health Care; Manufacturing and Industrials; Technology; Media; Transportation and Logistics. By working across industries, we spot connections others miss – helping you stay ahead in a rapidly changing marketplace.

They have excellent knowledge to define contracts and negotiate legal points in favour of their clients. I received the usual high-standard input that I have become accustomed to."

Chambers & Partners, UK Guide, 2025

Hogan Lovells take a practical business approach in providing their advice. They understand our tolerance for risk, help us evaluate potential outcomes and recommend alternative business approaches."

Chambers & Partners, Germany Guide, 2025

This is a team that possesses unparalled depth and breadth. They have excellent experts that are proactive, pragmatic, business oriented and available. The quality of advice and work that is delivered is excellent."

Legal 500 UK, 2025

Hogan Lovells are very responsive to clients’ enquiries and resolve issues for clients in a practical and efficient manner. It provides one-stop-shop services in advising on cross-border matters."

Chambers Asia-Pacific Guide 2025: Asia-Pacific Region

A wealth of experience advising high-profile multinational companies on crucial commercial matters."

Chambers Global Guide 2024: Global Market Leaders

Hogan Lovells offers good support for big projects that cross multiple borders. They are really strong for global work."

Chambers Global Guide 2024: Global Market Leaders

JUVE Handbook praises the team’s ability to provide “extensive support of major international projects, especially for major international clients."

JUVE

They’re extremely good. They display brilliant teamwork and their strategies are very pragmatic. They are very good on tactics and they work fast, all with a good sense of humor which is always very refreshing."

A client in Chambers Europe

Key contacts

Dr. Patrick Ayad, M.Jur. (Oxford)

Partner

Dr. Patrick Ayad, M.Jur. (Oxford)

Partner

Munich, Berlin

Marco Berliri

Partner

Marco Berliri

Partner

Rome

Mikael Salmela

Partner

Mikael Salmela

Partner

Paris

Dr. Florian Unseld, LL.M. (Sydney)

Partner

Dr. Florian Unseld, LL.M. (Sydney)

Partner

Munich, Dusseldorf

Richard Welfare

Partner

Richard Welfare

Partner

London

Meet the Strategic Operations, Agreements and Regulation team

Representative experience

Advise on commercial contracts of all kinds (including R&D, manufacturing, purchase, sale, distribution, marketing, advertising, transport and logistics, cooperation, leasing, and licensing).

Advise on framework agreements, standard contracts, and general terms and conditions.

Advise on drafting (including digital contract creation), revision, negotiation, and conclusion of contracts.

Advise on smart contracts.

Advise on cross-border contracts, international sales and commercial law, and localization of contracts into national law.

Advise on differences of major legal systems (including civil law versus common law).

Advise on contract management and the termination of commercial contracts.

Advise on introduction and restructuring of supply chains and introduction and restructuring of distribution systems (including selective distribution and franchise).

Advise on creation and launch of e-commerce platforms and design of web shops, including terms and conditions, and relevant online policies.

Advise on national and international regulatory requirements for manufacturing, purchasing, sale, distribution, marketing, advertising, transport and logistics, as well as on foreign trade law.

Advise on regulatory processes regarding market access, including type approval and certification requirements, as well as breaches of regulatory requirements.

Advise on dealing and communication with authorities and other actors in the supply chain, including consumers with respect to regulatory requirements.

Advise on interface of regulatory requirements and contract drafting.

Advise on codes of conduct.

Advise on legal assessment of the operative business, contractual relationships, and regulatory requirements in due diligences.

Advise on drafting, revision, and negotiation of transaction-related commercial contracts.

Advise on out-of-court disputes with contractual partners and authorities and associated settlement agreements.

Awards and recognitions

Band 1 for Commercial Contracts in Germany

Chambers Europe

2021-2025

Band 1 for Distribution/Trade/Logistics in Germany

JUVE Handbook

2020-2024

Band 2 for Commercial Contracts in the UK

Chambers UK

2021-2025

Band 1 for Product Liability Food in the UK Chambers

2021-2025

Band 1 for Technology, Media, Telecoms (TMT) (International Firms) in China

Chambers Asia-Pacific

2021-2025

Band 1 for Life Sciences in Germany and Europe-wide

Chambers Europe

2021-2025

Band 1 for TMT: Information Technology in Italy

Chambers Europe

2009-2025

Band 2 for Regulatory: Agro/Food Europe-wide

Chambers Europe

2021-2025

Tier 1 for Product-related Regulatory Law in Germany

Legal 500 Germany

2021-2025

Band 1 for Product-related Regulatory Law in Germany

JUVE Handbook

2020 & 2021

Band 1 for Pharmaceutical and Medical Devices Law in Germany

JUVE Handbook

2020-2024

Tier 1 for Fintech: Foreign Firms in China

Legal 500 Asia-Pacific

2021

Tier 1 for TMT in China and Hong Kong

Legal 500 Asia-Pacific

2021-2025

Tier 1 for TMT in Italy

Legal 500 EMEA

2014-2025

Tier 1 for Trade, Distribution, Logistics in Germany

Legal 500 Germany

2021-2025

Tier 1 for Industry Focus Healthcare and Life Sciences in Germany

Legal 500 Germany

2021-2025

2020 Band 1 for ‘Data protection’ and ‘Telecommunications law’ and ‘Internet law'

2020

Band 2 for ‘IT, Software and digital projects’

Décideurs Technologies, Internet & Telecommunications Guide

2020

Band 1 for ‘Data protection’ and ‘Telecommunications law’ and ‘Internet law’

Décideurs Technologies, Internet & Telecommunications Guide

2020

Other ways we can help you

Navigate change with our latest insights

News

Non-EU imports under scrutiny: the EU Parliament’s resolution on cross-border e-commerce

14 August 2025

News

EU Data Act: Unfair contractual terms

02 July 2025

Insights and Analysis

Update on Automotive Regulations in Europe

25 June 2025

News

Chinese investment protection in Latin America: Navigating regulatory risks through strategic arbitration

23 June 2025

View more insights and analysis

Strategic Operations, Agreements and Regulation

Our business is taking care of your business – aligning strategy, operations, and regulation so you can adapt and thrive.

Hear from our clients and industry leaders

They have excellent knowledge to define contracts and negotiate legal points in favour of their clients. I received the usual high-standard input that I have become accustomed to."

Hogan Lovells take a practical business approach in providing their advice. They understand our tolerance for risk, help us evaluate potential outcomes and recommend alternative business approaches."

This is a team that possesses unparalled depth and breadth. They have excellent experts that are proactive, pragmatic, business oriented and available. The quality of advice and work that is delivered is excellent."

Hogan Lovells are very responsive to clients’ enquiries and resolve issues for clients in a practical and efficient manner. It provides one-stop-shop services in advising on cross-border matters."

A wealth of experience advising high-profile multinational companies on crucial commercial matters."

Hogan Lovells offers good support for big projects that cross multiple borders. They are really strong for global work."

JUVE Handbook praises the team’s ability to provide “extensive support of major international projects, especially for major international clients."

They’re extremely good. They display brilliant teamwork and their strategies are very pragmatic. They are very good on tactics and they work fast, all with a good sense of humor which is always very refreshing."

Key contacts

Representative experience

Awards and recognitions

Band 1 for Commercial Contracts in Germany

Band 1 for Distribution/Trade/Logistics in Germany

Band 2 for Commercial Contracts in the UK

Band 1 for Product Liability Food in the UK Chambers

Band 1 for Technology, Media, Telecoms (TMT) (International Firms) in China

Band 1 for Life Sciences in Germany and Europe-wide

Band 1 for TMT: Information Technology in Italy

Band 2 for Regulatory: Agro/Food Europe-wide

Tier 1 for Product-related Regulatory Law in Germany

Band 1 for Product-related Regulatory Law in Germany

Band 1 for Pharmaceutical and Medical Devices Law in Germany

Tier 1 for Fintech: Foreign Firms in China

Tier 1 for TMT in China and Hong Kong

Tier 1 for TMT in Italy

Tier 1 for Trade, Distribution, Logistics in Germany

Tier 1 for Industry Focus Healthcare and Life Sciences in Germany

2020 Band 1 for ‘Data protection’ and ‘Telecommunications law’ and ‘Internet law'

Band 2 for ‘IT, Software and digital projects’

Band 1 for ‘Data protection’ and ‘Telecommunications law’ and ‘Internet law’

Other ways we can help you

Aerospace and Defense

Automotive and Mobility

Consumer

Manufacturing and Industrials

Education

Energy

Financial Institutions

Insurance

Life Sciences and Health Care

Private Capital

Real Estate

Sports, Media and Entertainment

Technology

Transportation and Logistics

Administrative and Public Law

Restructuring and Special Situations

Commercial

Complex Contracting

Communications, Internet, and Media

Environment and Natural Resources

Food Law

Government Contracts

Government Relations and Public Affairs

Health

International Trade and Investment

IP and Technology Transactions

IT Law

Marketing and Advertising

Medical Devices and Technology Regulatory

Pharmaceuticals and Biotechnology Regulatory

Strategic Communications

Trade Secrets and Confidential Know-how

Transportation

Uncrewed Aircraft Systems

Products Law

Navigate change with our latest insights

Market Access in Europe: Navigating Pricing & Reimbursement Pathways

Panoramic: Automotive and Mobility 2025

Securing supply in disruptive times – Ways to set up and adapt strategic sourcing agreements

EU Data Act: Unfair contractual terms

Update on Automotive Regulations in Europe

Chinese investment protection in Latin America: Navigating regulatory risks through strategic arbitration

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