King & Spalding (K&S) has hired Cleary Gottlieb Steen & Hamilton partner Werner Meier to head the firm's European restructuring practice.

Meier, who will split his time between London and Frankfurt, focuses on both German and international restructuring matters, as well as capital markets, high yield, syndicated loans, securitizations and other structured finance transactions.

K&S said the New York and Frankfurt-qualified lawyer would help to develop the firm's ties with major financial institutions.

The firm's financial institutions practice co-leader Richard Marooney said Meier also has "excellent relationships" with private equity firms, investment banks, hedge funds and investors.

"Werner is one of the leading restructuring lawyers in Europe with an excellent reputation and considerable connections to major financial institutions," said Mario Leissner, managing partner of King & Spalding's office in Frankfurt.

"In addition, we expect Werner to make a substantial contribution to the further growth of the firm's finance practice in Germany, working closely with King & Spalding lawyers in Frankfurt, London and our other offices."

Meier's departure leaves Cleary with just one German qualified restructuring partner in the country, the Frankfurt-based Thomas Buhl.

"[K&S'] priority on developing its financial institutions and financial restructuring practices, as well as its culture of collegiality, makes this a perfect fit for me," said Meier, who has been with Cleary since 1992.

Last year, Cleary veteran and Frankfurt partner Christof von Dryander left the firm to join Deutsche Bank as general counsel for Germany and Central and Eastern Europe.

However, in July the office sealed the hire of highly-rated Shearman & Sterling Frankfurt arbitration partner Richard Kreindler.