The Legal 500

Within Banking and finance, Baker & McKenzie is a third tier firm,

Recognised by one client as ‘a superb alternative to the “Magic Circle” in Luxembourg’, Baker & McKenzie is gaining an increased flow of standalone work following its relatively recent establishment within Luxembourg. Predominantly active on the borrower side, department head Laurent Fessmann is well regarded for structured finance matters.

Within Corporate and M&A, tier 4

Established in October 2010, Baker & McKenzie has already forged an enviable reputation in the region for both private equity firms and corporates. As well as picking up mandates from the network, it has started to generate a significant amount of standalone instructions. As well as M&A transactions, the team has handled a raft of company reorganisations. Founder of the Luxembourg office, Jean-François Findling recently represented a US-based fund on the acquisition of Luxembourg insurance companies.

Within Insurance, Baker & McKenzie is a second tier firm,

Baker & McKenzie handles a range of transactional and regulatory work for insurance companies. The group often works closely with the tax practice in relation to structuring new products within the life insurance arena. Jean-François Findling is ‘a serious competitor in the insurance field’, and is the main partner in the team, which was recently strengthened by the arrival of associate Michael Brückner, who was formerly in-house at a Luxembourg-based insurance company.

Within Investment funds, tier 4

Headed by Laurent Fessmann, Baker & McKenzie has expanded the scope of its practice to include retail funds in addition to alternative funds.

Within Legal market overview,

2011 was largely a period of consolidation within the Luxembourg market. The new firms that established in 2010 have all had varying degrees of success. Luther has performed well and has already positioned itself as a significant player in relation to funds structuring and investments. Baker & McKenzie has also performed well in its core areas of funds and M&A.

Within Tax, Baker & McKenzie is a second tier firm,

Led by former Ernst & Young partner André Pesch, Baker & McKenzie’s six-strong tax team is a pivotal resource within the nascent Luxembourg offering. Able to tap into the firm’s huge international network, the group advises corporates, financial institutions and asset managers across a broad spectrum of matters including international tax planning, fund structuring, M&A mandates, private banking and wealth management.