The Legal 500

Within Banking and finance, KLEYR | GRASSO | ASSOCIES is a second tier firm,

The ‘excellent’ Kleyr | Grasso | Associes provides a ‘to-the-point and precise service’ to clients across a comprehensive array of services including new money financings, restructurings and litigation. Managing partner Marc Kleyr has an excellent reputation for insolvency work, and continues to act for Lehman Brothers Holdings in Chapter 11 proceedings in Luxembourg. Rina Breininger is recognised for her capital markets prowess, where she provides ‘very accurate advice’.

Within Corporate and M&A, KLEYR | GRASSO | ASSOCIES is a second tier firm,

Kleyr | Grasso | Associes continues to do well in the market, particularly in relation to restructuring mandates and corporate litigation. The team continues to act for Lehman Commercial Paper, a Lehman Brothers subsidiary, in its insolvency. Managing partner Marc Kleyr is well regarded for insolvency matters, as well as corporate litigation. Patrick Chantrain is often involved in private equity transactions as part of his broad practice.

Within Dispute resolution, KLEYR | GRASSO | ASSOCIES is a first tier firm,

Since the firm’s inception in the 1990s, litigation has been a part of Kleyr | Grasso | Associes’ core offering. Active across a broad range of litigation encompassing shareholder disputes, employment and real estate litigation, the firm has been particularly visible in insolvency litigation. As well as representing the joint liquidators to the largest feeder fund to invest in the Madoff Ponzi scheme on the local law issues associated with potential clawback claims, the team also has a significant involvement in the Lehman Brothers insolvency and the Icelandic banking crisis. Marc Kleyr has an excellent reputation and heads a ‘strong’ team that also includes Rosario Grasso.

Within Employment, KLEYR | GRASSO | ASSOCIES is a first tier firm,

Kleyr | Grasso | Associes continues to make headway in the market under the guidance of Christian Jungers. Bolstered by a number of former Allen & Overy Luxembourg associates, the team has the strength and depth to handle the full complement of contentious and non-contentious employment work including collective dismissals and social plans. The firm also has a good reputation for handling the employment issues associated with corporate restructurings.

Within IP and IT, KLEYR | GRASSO | ASSOCIES is a second tier firm,

Kleyr | Grasso | Associes handles the IP issues associated with M&A transactions. IT and media clients include Play.com and Setanta Sports.

Within Insurance, KLEYR | GRASSO | ASSOCIES is a third tier firm,

Kleyr | Grasso | Associes is particularly accomplished at handling contentious insurance instructions, where Rosario Grasso is recommended. Clients include Axa Insurance, Fortis and DAS Insurance.

Within Investment funds, KLEYR | GRASSO | ASSOCIES is a third tier firm,

While it lacks the breadth of some of the top-tier firms, Kleyr | Grasso | Associes handles a significant amount of work within the unregulated space, particularly for private equity funds including Apax Partners, Bain Capital and Blackstone. Despite a dip in the transactional market, the team has handled a significant amount of restructuring work for portfolio companies. Other highlights included advising Highfields Capital Management on the establishment of a Luxembourg-based special purpose investment company and the financing of this via hybrid financing agreements. Rina Breininger and Patrick Chantrain are recommended.

Within Real estate, KLEYR | GRASSO | ASSOCIES is a second tier firm,

Kleyr | Grasso | Associes provides expertise to clients across the full scope of transactional, advisory and litigation work within the real estate sector. The firm’s traditional strength defending construction companies in litigation has been augmented by an increasingly vibrant transactional practice. As well as new money mandates, the firm’s strength in insolvency has seen the team handling work for clients such as BDO Partners, which it is advising on a potential default. Patrick Chantrain has wide-ranging real estate expertise, and Marc Kleyr is recommended for real estate restructuring work.