Introduction: Overview of the German Legal System and its Role in Light of Germany's Membership in the European Community -- The Investment Climate in the Federal Republic of Germany -- I How to Establish or Acquire a Business in Germany -- Recognized Forms of Business Organizations -- The Acquisition of Closely Held Companies -- Valuation of Business Enterprises -- II Specialized Laws Impacting the Formation, Acquisition and Operation of a Business in Germany -- Taxes Applicable to Business Enterprises and their Distributed Profits -- Aspects of German Labor Law -- Residence and Work Permits -- Distribution Agreements -- Computer Law -- Notaries in Germany -- Real-estate Property Law in Germany -- The Law of Bankruptcy and Security Interests -- Institutions of the European Community -- The Euro: Its Influence on International Private-Law Contracts -- Antitrust Law in the European Community -- Unfair Terms in Consumer Contracts in the European Community -- Marketing of Imported Food Products in Germany -- Trademark Protection in Germany and Europe -- List of Authors -- Glossary of German Terms and Abbreviations.