Morgan, Lewis & Bockius has hired Squire Patton Boggs M&A partner Joachim Heine, a move that comes at a time when the COVID-19 pandemic is putting a strain on mergers and acquisitions.

At Squire Patton Boggs, Heine advised clients on public and private mergers and acquisitions, joint ventures and venture capital financings with an emphasis on cross-border transactions. His clients included companies and funds in the fields of pharmaceuticals, medical devices, cleantech, technology, media and communication, real estate and financial services. He also led the firm's EMEA life sciences practice.

Heine will work with Morgan Lewis' cross-border transactions team.

"Morgan Lewis continues to focus on strategic and appropriate growth in Germany," Jörg Siegels, managing partner of Morgan Lewis' Frankfurt office, said in an emailed message, adding that Heine's experience in both M&A and life sciences complements the firm's global M&A practice and its industry focus.

In a statement, Morgan Lewis chairwoman Jami McKeon said Heine's extensive cross-border knowledge and experience make him a perfect fit for the firm.

"His broad and diverse background, particularly in representing life sciences companies, further strengthens our transactions services for clients in Europe and around the globe," McKeon said.