Sebastian Schneider and Jens Wenzel appointed new co-managing partners at Hengeler Mueller
27 April 2026
Messer SE & Co. KGaA (“Messer”), the world's largest privately-owned specialist in industrial, medical, electronic and specialty gases, enters into a major commercial, industrial and financial partnership with Lhyfe SA (“Lhyfe”). Lhyfe is one of the world's pioneers in the production of green and renewable hydrogen for the decarbonisation of industry and mobility. Messer is acquiring a 30 percent stake in four of Lhyfe’s green hydrogen projects in France and Germany. The two partners will sign a 10-year contract on the supply of Messer with renewable hydrogen.
Through these agreements, Messer secures long-term access to renewable hydrogen, including RFNBO-certified hydrogen, sourced from the jointly held production sites in France and Germany, and strengthens its ability to meet the decarbonisation needs of both its existing industrial customers and new clients.
Completion of the transaction is expected in the coming months and remains subject to lenders' consent, in accordance with in-place financing documentation.
Hengeler Mueller advised Messer on the transaction and the financing of the hydrogen projects. Best-friends law firm Bredin Prat (Barthélémy Courteault, Samuel Pariente, both Paris) advised on French aspects of the transaction and the financing.
Hengeler Mueller team for Messer
Corporate/M&A: Sebastian Schneider, Annika Clauss (both partner, both Frankfurt), Christoph Roggemann (senior associate), Lukas Buchwaldt (associate, all Frankfurt),
Financing: Johannes Tieves (partner), Tom Shingler (counsel, both Frankfurt).
