Senior Legal Counsel (M&A and Expansion) - m/f/d

<p><a href="https://www.bunch.capital/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank"><strong>bunch</strong></a> is building the backbone of private markets, combining exceptional expertise, operational excellence, and frictionless technology. The platform enables funds and private investors to seamlessly and securely set up and manage their investment entities.</p><p></p><p>We are seeking a <strong>Senior Legal Counsel (M&amp;A and Expansion) </strong>to join our growing legal team and lead bunch’s strategic mergers, acquisitions, and expansion efforts within Germany and into new markets. Reporting directly to our General Counsel, Jessica McBride, you will play a pivotal role in shaping our company's growth trajectory, ensuring strategic alignment of legal activities with business goals.</p><p></p><h1><strong>How the role contributes to the company's vision</strong></h1><ul><li><p>bunch’s product sits at the intersection of finance and law, and our legal team is critical to our company’s success. You will have space to build the future of our legal team.</p></li><li><p>You will play a central role in ensuring our M&amp;A strategy is successful as we scale.</p></li><li><p>The role is cross-functional, and you will have a positive impact across many departments, including Strategy, Operations, People and Customer Success.</p></li></ul><p></p><h1><strong>Top responsibilities</strong></h1><ul><li><p>Lead and oversee all legal aspects of bunch’s mergers, acquisitions, joint ventures, strategic partnerships, and expansion initiatives within Germany and into new markets. This includes:</p><ul><li><p>collaborating with external legal advisors across multiple jurisdictions, efficiently managing external counsel engagements and budgeting</p></li><li><p>coordinating and managing due diligence processes, ensuring comprehensive legal analysis, identifying risks and opportunities, and providing actionable recommendations</p></li><li><p>reviewing and managing complex corporate and transactional agreements, including share purchase agreements, joint venture agreements, shareholder agreements, and integration planning documents</p></li><li><p>providing strategic legal advice to management and stakeholders on corporate structuring, acquisition financing, regulatory compliance, antitrust matters, and relevant legal frameworks in target markets</p></li><li><p>taking ownership of legal project management, ensuring effective communication, timely execution, and proactive risk management.</p></li></ul></li><li><p>Drive the integration of targets into the wider bunch group, including absorption of customer contracts, alignment of AML and risk/compliance policies and functions, and establishment of any intercompany agreements.</p></li><li><p>Develop, drive, and implement a robust legal strategy for M&amp;A, market entry, and the successful integration of targets, working closely with senior management, Strategy and cross-functional teams.</p></li><li><p>Support the legal team in other areas involving contractual and transactional support.</p></li><li><p>As your role grows along with bunch, take on further responsibility in coordinating legal, regulatory, risk and compliance matters for the various companies with the bunch group.</p></li><li><p>Contribute to building and scaling the in-house legal department at bunch, mentoring team members, and sharing legal expertise across the organisation.</p></li></ul><p></p><h1></h1><h1><strong>What you should bring with you</strong></h1><ul><li><p>Completed studies in law (German Second State Exam, J.D., LL.B./LL.M. or equivalent qualification)</p></li><li><p>Minimum 3 years of professional experience, ideally in corporate/M&amp;A law, preferably gained in a reputable law firm or sophisticated in-house environment, with significant experience leading complex transactions</p></li><li><p>Proven expertise in cross-border M&amp;A and related corporate finance and regulatory matters</p></li><li><p>Interest in taking on broader legal, operational and strategic workstreams within a start-up</p></li><li><p>Strong contractual drafting and project management skills</p></li><li><p>Excellent written and spoken skills in English, along with solid German skills (no native speakers required)</p></li><li><p>Be self-motivated, detail-oriented, organised, and comfortable with responsibility</p></li><li><p>Be excited about working in a fluid, innovative, fast-paced, and creative environment and about being a part of the bunch's culture</p></li><li><p>If prior experience in or exposure to financial services or funds regulation, this is a plus, but not a prerequisite</p></li><li><p>Diverse backgrounds are strongly encouraged</p></li></ul><p></p><h1><strong>Why you should join bunch</strong></h1><ul><li><p>Work in close collaboration with our General Counsel, Strategy Team and Finance Team, without traditional hierarchies</p></li><li><p>Complement your legal skills with experience in operations, risk and compliance a