The Legal 500

Within Capital markets, Debevoise & Plimpton is a third tier firm,

Debevoise & Plimpton LLP’s Raman Bet-Mansour and Pierre Clermontel advise large corporations on equity and equity-linked transactions, but in 2011 the practice was busiest advising on debt offerings in the US, issues of convertible bonds and IPO projects. For example, it represented Pernod Ricard in its $1bn Rule 144A debt offering and €1bn bond issue. Marc Castagnède joined Allen & Overy LLP.

Within Commercial litigation ,

Gide Loyrette Nouel A.A.R.P.I.’s team is managed by Gilles Duquet, Michel Pitron, Bruno Quentin and Aurélien Boulanger. It represents corporations, investors and leading banks in top-end financial and commercial cases, including representing Banesto in a dispute with Frahuil’s liquidator. Jean-Marie Burguburu joined Debevoise & Plimpton LLP.

Within Mergers and acquisitions, tier 4

Debevoise & Plimpton LLP’s ‘great’, compact team fields well-regarded advisers in Pierre Clermontel, Antoine Kirry and Raman Bet-Mansour. Its cross-border capabilities and French and US expertise make the practice popular with CAC 40 companies including Air France-KLM, Alstom and PPR. It advised Lagardère on transferring to Hearst its foreign activities and subsidiaries pertaining to Elle magazines. Patrick Laporte joined Latham & Watkins.

Within Fund formation Other recommended firms

Within Private equity Other recommended firms

Within Tax, Debevoise & Plimpton is a third tier firm,

Debevoise & Plimpton LLP’s practice head Pierre-Pascal Bruneau and international counsel Eric Bérengier are well regarded for the tax structuring of M&A, capital markets and private equity transactions. The practice also handles patrimonial and litigation matters. It advised Lagardère on the sale of its international magazine business.