Unlike Anglo-Saxon and some continental jurisdictions, the transfer and the pledge of shares in German Limited Liability Corporations ("GmbH"), as well as a number of shareholder's resolutions in the context of the transformation of companies, or in order to increase a company's share capital, or to change its statutes, require notarization before a German notary public.

Notarization before a German notary public is also necessary in order to acquire, or dispose of, a title in German real estate.

Notarization in the meaning of the above is not only a simple authentication of signatures, but comprises the full preparation of the notarial deed and advising the parties involved on the essentials of the intended transaction. The notarial services include the filings with the Commercial Registers respectively with the Land Register.

The Notary is in principle responsible for the validity of the transaction he notarizes. He is a holder of a public office and directly supervised by the public authorities.

A limited number of Dentons' attorneys in Germany are also admitted as notaries public. These are, therefore, prepared to render notarial services regulated by specific legislation.

The notary offices provide counsel on real estate transactions and financings as well as on high-volume Mergers & Acquisitions needing notarization under German law.