CMS > Luxembourg, Luxembourg > Firm Profile

CMS > The Legal 500 Rankings

Luxembourg > Fintech Tier 2

Noted for its ‘mix of technical knowledge and client care’, CMS is a popular choice among fintech start-ups and more established entities throughout the lifecycle of their needs, from obtaining authorisation from the CSSF through to ongoing operational matters and ad-hoc matters. ‘Committed’ team head Aurélia Viémont has broad expertise, including advice on crowdfunding platforms, initial coin offerings (ICOs), security token offerings (STOs), and innovative payment solutions.

Luxembourg > Insurance Tier 2

Co-headed by Benjamin Bada and Vivian Walry, CMS handles a mix of day-to-day regulatory issues, advice on new products and general corporate work, as well as standalone bespoke projects, including multi-jurisdictional matters involving interaction with other firmwide offices. As well as advising conventional insurance platforms, including life and reinsurance, the team also has considerable expertise advising on work at the intersection of insurance and fintech.

Luxembourg > Investment funds Tier 2

The 'pragmatic and knowledgeable' team at CMS provides 'client-oriented and cost-effective' advice to fund managers and institutional investors across a wide range of alternative asset classes, often making very effective use of the firm's wider global network. Team head Aurélien Hollard is key to the firm's success, providing 'very client focused and solutions-oriented' advice, including in the context of ESG/impact investing funds. Drawing upon a 'great knowledge of and experience with the fund industry and its regulation', Benjamin Bada has an excellent perspective on the buy and sell side, and a 'good overview of complex structures', including in the private equity and venture capital sector.

Luxembourg > Private equity Tier 2

Drawing upon ‘in-depth knowledge’ across the private equity sector, CMS provides an ‘efficient, professional and timely service’ to a myriad of financial sponsors. The team, which is led by the ‘client-oriented and responsive’ Gérard Maîtrejean, excels in acting in cross-border M&A mandates, where it often works alongside its global network of offices.

Luxembourg > Tax Tier 2

Drawing upon ‘extensive knowledge and experience in international tax law’, CMS excels in providing the tax structuring associated with cross-border transactions, where it frequently teams up with lawyers across its extensive international network to provide a very co-ordinated and collaborative service. Team head Frédéric Feyten ‘thinks outside of the box and always provides client-friendly and pragmatic solutions’, including on behalf of corporates and funds on cross-border M&A mandates and reorganisations. Recognised for his ‘unwavering dedication to his clients’ best interests’, senior counsel Alejandro Dominguez is also an integral part of the team and exhibits ‘a deep understanding of  Luxembourg law and its complexities’.

Luxembourg > Banking, finance and capital markets Tier 3

Leveraging ‘excellent market knowledge and deep expertise’ in the fund and banking space, CMS' Luxembourg office is regularly instructed on standalone domestic regulatory issues, as well as providing local law financing advice, alongside lawyers throughout its network of offices, across a myriad of transactional matters. Team head Vivian Walry has ‘great knowledge and commercial understanding’ and is noted for his project finance, regulatory and capital markets expertise. Aurélia Viémont takes the lead on all regulatory matters and through her involvement in working groups, as well as her fee-earning work, has developed a deep understanding of both traditional banking and fintech regulatory developments.

Luxembourg > Commercial, corporate and M&A Tier 3

Drawing upon ‘a high level of expertise’ both from Luxembourg and its international offices, CMS is well-placed to advise clients on domestic and cross-border M&A and JV transactions, as well as in the context of the structuring and restructuring of corporate groups. In his role as head of the office’s corporate and private equity practices, a significant proportion of ‘seasoned’ team head Gérard Maîtrejean's transactional deal flow relates to sponsor-led mandates. In addition, he is adept at assisting companies with corporate governance, joint venture transactions and corporate migrations.

Luxembourg > Employment Tier 3

The ‘responsive and helpful’ team at CMS is ‘incredibly knowledgeable and efficient’ and provides ‘pragmatic advice’ to international financial services, investment management, technology and construction companies across a wide array of day-to-day employment issues they encounter while conducting business in Luxembourg. Team head Hugo Arellano, who was promoted to partner at the beginning of 2023, handles day-today HR employment queries, as well as larger scale mandates including collective redundancies, implementation of flexible working policies and high-stakes litigation.