Firms To Watch: Insolvency

Boutique firm Lamoure Rivals entered the market in March 2023. Name partners Bérangère Rivals and Lionel Lamoure are the key names.
Stephenson Harwood hired Alexandre Koenig at the end of 2021 to launch the firm’s restructuring practice. He is notably involved in several complex restructuring and insolvency cases in the aviation and transport sectors. Koenig was promoted to partner in May 2023.
VOLT AssociésAlexis Rapp has a promising practice that is instructed by debtors, shareholders, investors and commercial partners.

Firms in the Spotlight Insolvency

CBR & Associés

CBR & Associés logo

Established in 1994, CBR & Associés is an independent corporate law firm made up of lawyers who enjoy excellent reputations in their various fields based on their technical expertise, the added value they bring, their ability to provide tailor-made services, their deep involvement in strategic and complex matters and their outstanding responsiveness.

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Insolvency in France

Darrois Villey Maillot Brochier

Darrois Villey Maillot Brochier is often retained to handle some of the market’s largest or most sensitive restructuring and insolvency cases. The team, which can combine forces with the firm’s leading M&A and finance experts, is able to deal with all types of situations, including distressed M&A, asset takeover offers and litigation. The group manages a prominent caseload, frequently acting for debtors, but also shareholders, judicial mandatories and on occasion, the French state. The practice has recently acted in several landmark cases, particularly in the rail, aviation, hospitality, car rental and real estate space, as well as handling a high-profile case in the football broadcasting sector. Practice head François Kopf is highly regarded. Also noted are Mathieu Della Vittoria and associate Colin Marvaud.

Practice head(s):

François Kopf

Other key lawyers:

Mathieu Della Vittoria; Colin Marvaud

Testimonials

‘François Kopf is remarkable for his excellence, his perfect mastery of files, his vision, and great expertise.’

‘Exceptional team technically speaking, but also in terms of its approach to issues where they show creativity, ability to question and listen, speed, relevance, experience, network – all with great fluidity and in exchanging with the client.’

‘François Kopf impresses by his mastery of subjects, his relevant thinking, his leadership his knowledge of the ecosystem (administrators, colleagues…) and his ability to read a situation and anticipate pitfalls.’

‘Very fluid and agile, exceptional performance by François Kopf. Colin Marvaud shows resilience, calm, efficiency and great reliability’.

Key clients

Gefco

CNIM Groupe

Ligue de Football Professionnel (LFP)

Pierres Investissement (Marne et Finance)

Apollo Global Management

Europcar Group Mobility

French State

Administrative receivers and creditors representatives (Maîtres Frédéric Abitbol, Marc Sénéchal, Christophe Basse, Hélène Charpentier)

CNAJMJ

NG Promotion

Neo Investment Partners (Maison Plisson)

Qair (Cap Sud)

Succession Amon

BT2i

Work highlights

  • Advised GEFCO on the financial and commercial difficulties encountered by Gefco in the context of the US and EU sanctions against its main shareholder, Russian Railways.
  • Advising CNIM Groupe on the execution of its last conciliation protocol and on the sale of its activities in the context of the restructuring proceedings opened against CNIM Groupe and CNIM Environnement & Energie EPC.
  • Advising Pierres Investissement on the Marne et Finance group’s restructuring.

De Pardieu Brocas Maffei

De Pardieu Brocas Maffei stands out for its rare ability to be both a market reference for banks and debtors. On the debtor side, the practice has recently been involved in several high-profile matters concerning the industrial manufacturing, tourism and automotive sectors. As a preferred adviser to several banks in France, the firm often represents large banking pools in headline cases. It has recently been involved in prominent matters in the retail, maritime, real estate and hospitality sectors. The team, which can combine forces with the firm's strong M&A, finance and real estate practices, is able to handle a full range of issues and situations. The practice is co-headed by the highly regarded Philippe Dubois, who is a reference on the banking side, and Joanna Gumpelson. Ségolène Coiffet and counsel Clément Maillot-Bouvier are other names to note.

Practice head(s):

Philippe Dubois; Joanna Gumpelson

Other key lawyers:

Segolène Coiffet; Clément Maillot-Bouvier

Testimonials

‘Partners with recognized skills and who have the ability to integrate very talented young lawyers into their teams, which makes it possible to analyze very precisely the various issues of a file and to measure all its challenges. Highly appreciated and respected by people working in the field. Great availability and ability to federate are major assets in the context of discussions.’

‘Philippe Dubois and Ségolène Coiffet are both great professionals, very complementary and very respectful of all parties. Very rigorous in their analyses, they are very pedagogical and know how to explain issues simply.’

‘The restructuring team, led by Philippe Dubois, is both capable of managing the legal complexities of a file, and of very skillfully leading pools of lenders with different strategies, while demonstrating dexterity.’

‘Great availability, flexibility and sophistication.’

‘Philippe Dubois has an excellent knowledge of law (not only the law of companies in difficulty), and also a great teaching ability which allows him to be very effective in hearings. He has great imagination, which helps a lot in negotiations. He has an extensive network in the restructuring community which often facilitates the handling of cases. Clément Maillot-Bouvier, who now manages many files on his own, also has great legal dexterity and great human qualities.’

Key clients

PIERRE & VACANCES – CENTER PARCS

TOYS “R” Us

MARIE BRIZARD WINE & SPIRITS

RENAULT

GROUPE SEA INVEST

OAKTREE

ALCHEMY PARTNERS

FARALLON

KARTESIA

TIKEHAU

EQT

GROUPE CREDIT AGRICOLE (CA CIB, LCL, Caisses Régionales)

BNP PARIBAS

GROUPE BPCE (NATIXIS, BRED, PALATINE, CAISSES d’EPARGNE et BANQUE POPULAIRE)

BANK OF IRELAND

GOLDMAN SACHS

SOCIETE GENERALE

TECHNICOLOR

EIFFEL

EIB

Work highlights

  • Advising Groupe Pierre & Vacances Center Parcs on its restructuring.
  • Advising a banking pool of nearly 60 banks on the conclusion of a conciliation protocol for Orpea.
  • Advising the creditors in the context of the lender/lessor-led restructuring, the granting of state-backed loans (PGE) and the reorganisation proceedings with a sale plan of Bourbon.

Gibson Dunn

Gibson Dunn manages high-profile mandates, recently advising on the largest cases in the aviation, hospitality and retail sectors. The practice is able to advise a whole variety of stakeholders including debtors, shareholders, commercial partners as well as banks and investors. Its restructuring practice includes strong litigators, and the group has additional complementary expertise in corporate and financing. The core team is made up of practice head Jean-Pierre Farges and Pierre-Emmanuel Fender, with finance partner Amanda Bevan-de Bernède and corporate partner Bertrand Delaunay also contributing.

Practice head(s):

Jean-Pierre Farges

Other key lawyers:

Pierre-Emmanuel Fender; Amanda Bevan-de Bernède; Bertrand Delaunay

Key clients

S.I.T.I R (Pierre et Vacances SA / Center Parcs)

Appart’City

Hopps Group

Scopelec Groupe

Célio

Showroomprivé

EuropaCorp.

NewOrch

Arc Holdings

Coriolis Group

Latham & Watkins

Latham & Watkins is particularly appreciated by leading investment funds which frequently retain the practice for their most significant matters. The practice, which can draw from strong internal private equity and finance capabilities, has recently been busy assisting with the negotiation and renegotiation of private and state sponsored loans. It also successfully assisted an investor with a takeover asset deal over a toy company, while also handling restructuring matters pertaining to various sectors, including retail, logistics and heavy industries. The highly regarded Alexandra Bigot heads the practice, which also includes Hervé Diogo Amengual and counsel Thomas Doyen.

Practice head(s):

Alexandra Bigot

Other key lawyers:

Hervé Diogo Amengual; Thomas Doyen

Testimonials

‘The team works very hard and is always available to provide advice. They are commercial and a pleasure to work with.’

‘Alexandra Bigot is always available and really commercial.

‘Thomas Doyen is very knowledgeable.’

‘Great technical and tactical mastery’.

‘In addition to a perfect technical mastery, Alexandra Bigot has an undeniable know-how in terms of negotiation, combining firmness and skill.’

‘The team offers its clients unparalleled legal expertise, strategy and unfailing availability. It knows to give access to all business law departments to finalize cases, something extremely rare on the market.’

‘Alexandra Bigot, whose exceptional legal and financial expertise is well established, knows how to find and simply explain solutions addressing the most complex difficulties. Thomas Doyen, one of the most seasoned young professionals, is not only a legal expert, but also an excellent strategist and negotiator, who is often one step ahead of his colleagues.’

‘Seriousness, professionalism, rigor, responsiveness.’

Key clients

Smyth’s Toys

Fortress

HSBC

Natixis

Société Générale

BUT

Alcentra

Certares

Ascometal

Farallon Capital

Weil, Gotshal & Manges LLP

Weil, Gotshal & Manges LLP has an established practice and is at the forefront of several headline cases. The widely experienced team often assists debtors and shareholders, as well as investors and some judicial administrators. It manages a very large caseload and acts in many of the market’s largest restructuring and insolvency matters. The team has recently been involved in key matters concerning the aviation, industrial manufacturing, travel, construction and retail sectors. It is called upon to assist with the most challenging and strategic topics, where the French state (CIRI) is also regularly involved. Recently, the practice has also been solicited to advise on the granting and refinancing of state sponsored loans (PGE).  Jean-Dominique Daudier de Cassini is a stand-out name. He co-heads the practice alongside Anne-Sophie Noury . Counsel Laura Bavoux is another key member. 

Practice head(s):

Anne-Sophie Noury; Jean-Dominique Daudier de Cassini

Other key lawyers:

Laura Bavoux

Key clients

Alpagroup

Arnaud Gestin

Benta Pharma Invest Holding

Managers of Geoxia Group

Glass Holdings

Glooko

Go Sport

Groupe Rabot-Dutilleul

HD Holding

Healthy Group

La Fayette Coiffure

NJJ Presse Sud

Paprec Group

Rallye, Foncière Euris, Euris

Royer

Salaün

SGR

Sun’R Groupe

TBG Bergamote SPV

WFS Group

Work highlights

  • Advised the French waste management group Paprec on the  judicial acquisition of the E&E EPC division of group CNIM.
  • Advising Glass Holding, unique shareholder of the French tableware manufacturer Arc Holdings (circa 4.500 employees in France), in the context of the accelerated safeguard proceedings opened in favour of Arc Holdings.
  • Advising Salaun in the context of the search of new financing to strengthen its equity.

White & Case LLP

White & Case LLP is retained to handle large debt and complex debt restructuring mandates. The team often advises investors and investment funds but can also assist the various stakeholders. The practice stands out for its comprehensive range of expertise thanks to its ability to draw on a high-level of complementary expertise available within the firm’s banking, capital markets and litigation departments. The group has been retained recently to handle a highly complex mandate concerning a publicly listed company, and recently advised investors on a high-profile real estate takeover asset deal. Practice head Saam Golshani and Alexis Hojabr are key names.

Practice head(s):

Saam Golshani

Other key lawyers:

Alexis Hojabr

Key clients

Air Austral

KKR

Kartesia

Apollo Global Management

Hertz France

Golden Tree

Strategic Value Partners

Davidson Kempner

Centerbridge

Attestor Capital

BPI

Oaktree

Blackstone

Dream Yacht

Fortress

Angelo Gordon

Hayfin

Bybrook

Monarch

Russian Direct Investment Fund (RDIF)

Work highlights

  • Advised Vallourec’s ad hoc group of bondholders and RCF, led by Apollo, SVP, Bybrook and M&G, on the financial restructuring of Vallourec.
  • Advised the majority of Revolving Credit Facility (RCF) debtholders, including financial institutions and investment funds, on Europcar Mobility Group’s overall financial restructuring and subsequent accelerated financial safeguard.
  • Advised the bondholders on the financial restructuring of the Solocal Group.

Bird & Bird

Bird & Bird's sizeable team has established itself as a reference point for banking clients. The practice is retained to handle some of the largest mandates on that side of that table, recently acting in several headline cases in the manufacturing, hospitality and tourism sectors. The team also advised a major corporation on dealing with difficulties faced by subcontractors linked to its major industrial sites. It also handles mandates for debtors, notably some startups, and also manages related litigation. The team is co-headed by Romain de Ménonville and Nicolas Morelli, and includes counsel Céline Nézet.

Practice head(s):

Nicolas Morelli; Romain de Ménonville

Other key lawyers:

Céline Nézet

Testimonials

‘The team is efficient and responsive’.

‘Romain de Ménonville and Nicolas Morelli are accessible, responsive, available and pragmatic.’

‘Availability and perfect knowledge of the actors of the restructuring world.’

‘Romain de Ménonville does not hesitate to take on the role of negotiator. His network is also an asset’.

‘Team that specializes in representing creditors, notably French banks in financial restructuring. Nicolas Morelli looks for solutions. Romain de Ménonville is familiar with banks’ expectations.’

‘Small, flexible team’.

‘Close-knit responsive team’.

‘Nicolas Morelli has good technique and is a deal maker’.

Key clients

Arkéa Entreprises et Institutionnels

Banque Kolb

Banque Palatine

Banque Populaire

Barclays PLC

BNP Paribas

Bred Banque Populaire

Caisse d’Epargne

Crédit Coopératif

Crédit Industriel et Commercial

Crédit Lyonnais

Fosun

French State

Group Crédit Agricole

HSBC Continental Europe

La Banque Postale

La Banque Postale Asset Management

Natixis

SCI Les Salins

Société Générale

UPS France

Bulb

Work highlights

  • Advising a pool of six banks on the debt restructuring of GPE group.
  • Advised the French State in connection with the debt restructuring of CNIM Group.
  • Advising Natixis and Bred Banque Populaire in a dispute between Vallourec and the banks related to tax credit claims filed in the safeguard proceedings of Vallourec.

Ashurst LLP

Ashurst LLP‘s practice head Noam Ankri is particularly appreciated by US and UK bondholders, which entrust him with larger mandates in France. The practice acts for creditors in many of the market’s largest debt restructuring cases, spanning various sectors including tourism, retail and heavy industrial manufacturing. The team also assists investors and companies presenting asset takeover offers and also advises on financing transactions in a restructuring context.

Practice head(s):

Noam Ankri

Key clients

Goldman Sachs

Boussard & Gavaudan

Anchorage Capital

Oaktree

Carlyle

UK Government

Sun Capital

European Investment Bank

Blackrock Credit

Dyal Capital Partners

Angelo Gordon

LBI ehf

Renaissance Luxury Group

Credit Suisse

Bank of New York Mellon

Work highlights

  • Advising Villages Nature Tourisme, the joint venture between Pierre & Vacances and Euro Disney SAS, in connection with the financial restructuring of Pierre & Vacances Center Parcs.
  • Acting for a group of funds managed by Angelo Gordon, as senior lenders, in the appeal against the extension of the €3bn safeguard plan of listed food retailer Rallye.
  • Advising the steering committee of the bondholders in connection with French retailer SMCP’s difficulties.

Goodwin

Goodwin’s practice has strong credentials assisting creditors, and particularly banking pools, and can notably rely on strong complementary internal banking expertise. The practice manages a strong caseload, advising banks and EuroPP lenders on several complex mandates, with recent cases concerning hospitality, aviation, construction and automotive parts. The team also has good versatility and is able to handle mandates for other parties, including commercial partners and investors. Practice head Led by Céline Domenget-Morin is the name to note.

Practice head(s):

Céline Domenget-Morin

Testimonials

‘A very specialized team intervening both on the side of banks and companies in difficulty.’

‘Céline Domenget-Morin is available, creative; she has the ability to adapt according to the audiences she meets. She writes very well. She and her team are very responsive.’

‘Celine Domenget: 100% availability and a desire to defend the interests of her client flawlessly with perfect technical mastery; it is better to have her by your side than in front of you’

‘The restructuring team led by Céline Domenget-Morin is a small, responsive, efficient and professional team. Céline knows how to conduct negotiations, advise and defend the interests of a banking pool in order to arrive at constructive solutions allowing the conclusion of lasting protocols.’

‘Committed, good mastery of all aspects of restructuring’

‘Céline Domenget-Morin is very technical, committed, tenacious’.

‘Very good restructuring team, recognized and which has taken a huge market share over the last 18 months on the creditor side. The restructuring team that can rely on a leading financing team.’

‘Very strong commitment and great responsiveness. Respectful of her interlocutors, determined and hardworking. Can count on a quality financing team.’

Key clients

Banque Postale

BNP Paribas

BRED

CACIB

CAIDF

CIC

Crédit Lyonnais

Groupe Rabot Dutilleul

HSBC

Natixis

Société Générale

Stellantis N.V.

Tikehau Ace Capital

Teollisuuden Voima Oyj (TVO)

Hogan Lovells (Paris) LLP

Hogan Lovells (Paris) LLP assists a wide range of stakeholders, including debtors, shareholders, investors and companies, as well as the French state and judicial administrators in particularly complex matters. The team was notably involved alongside the French state in negotiating state-sponsored loans and handling sensitive matters concerning industrial companies. The practice is able to handle a whole range of matters; from refinancing and restructuring to insolvency and distressed M&A cases. It was recently involved in several market highlights in the retail sector, and also handled several matters concerning internet platforms. The highly regarded Philippe Druon heads the team. Cécile Dupoux and Astrid Zourli provide additional support.

Practice head(s):

Philippe Druon

Other key lawyers:

Cécile Dupoux; Astrid Zourli

Testimonials

‘Hogan’s team distinguishes itself by the work capacity of its collaborators, the resulting technicality and the experience of its partners in the context of negotiations.’

‘Philippe Druon: excellent strategist and strength in negotiations. Astrid Zourli: excellent technician’

‘Philippe Druon and Astrid Zourli: Exceptional technique and commitment, generous and joyful support, based on a total knowledge of their expertise’

‘Multidisciplinary team of excellent quality in all areas’

‘Philippe Druon: Qualities: technical skills, understanding of business issues, availability’

‘The restructuring team led by Mr Druon is without hesitation one of the leading teams in Paris. This team is absolutely essential. I will recommend this team without any worries!!’

‘The quality of this team owes a lot to its leader: Philippe Druon. He is clearly the key lawyer in the world of restructuring in France due to his analytical skills, his fighting spirit and his unfailing loyalty, and above all, by his results due in particular to his total commitment to his clients.’

Key clients

French State

Luderix International

FHB

REEL

French State – GEFCO

BNP Paribas Asset Management

Montefiore

Towerbrook

French State

San Marina & Co II

Les Bordes

Work highlights

  • Advising the French State on the negotiation of an emergency public loan to the industrial company Ferropem.
  • Represented the shareholders of San Marina, a well-known footwear brand, in the acquisition of Minelli from the Vivarte group.
  • Represented AccorInvest on the restructuring of its financial indebtedness and the raising of new financing, in the form of a state-guaranteed loan (PGE) and a capital increase.

Linklaters

Linklaters is well-regarded in the field. The firm assists all types of stakeholders: banks, debt and investment funds, as well as debtors. It is also retained by public institutions, including multilateral banks and the French state (CIRI). Recently, the firm has been handling a high amount of amicable restructuring, notably in the heavy manufacturing industry and automotive sectors. The practice also assists investors with presenting bid takeover offers and also handles insolvency and litigation work. The group is also able to draw on colleagues in the firm's international offices to handle global restructuring cases. The team is co-headed by Aymar de Mauléon de Bruyères and Carole Nerguararian.

Practice head(s):

Aymar de Mauléon; Carole Nerguararian

Testimonials

‘Very experienced team in financial restructuring in France and abroad. Can implement innovative solutions in the context of international financial restructuring. Extensive experience enabling them to represent creditors/lenders or the companies .’

‘A team fully available; capacity to analyze and find new and secure solutions quickly, in line with the legal and economic problems and challenges of the client.’

‘Aymar de Mauléon remains present throughout the negotiations or litigation in support of his collaborators, whatever the difficulty and the stake of issues raised. He has great expertise and experience’.

Key clients

Barry Callebaut

BPCE

CIC

CGG S.A.

Lecta Group

DIIS Group

DIIS group

eKwateur

European Bank of Reconstruction and Development

European Investment Bank

Farfetch

French Ministry of the Economy

Innocoll

John Cockerill

KKR

LFB’s bondholders

New Look group

Solvay

The Bank of New York Mellon

Apex Corporate Trustees Services (UK) Limited

Work highlights

  • Advised John Cockerill on the distressed acquisition of Hamon’s global business as part of its French and Belgian combined insolvency proceedings.
  • Advised EBRD on the amicable restructuring of the financial indebtedness of Figeac Aero.
  • Advised Solvay, the main supplier of BCM energy, as part of the latter’s safeguard proceedings.

Paul Hastings LLP

Led by the 'exceptional' Guilhem Bremond, Paul Hastings LLP's team is well-placed to assist a wide range of stakeholders, including debtors, buyers, creditors, agents, bondholders and shareholders. The firm is involved in several of the market’s largest debt restructuring cases, spanning the hospitality, heavy industry, port and pharmaceutical sectors. The team is noted for its ability to handle challenging situations. It also advises investors on presenting asset takeover offers.

Practice head(s):

Guilhem Bremond

Testimonials

‘Guilhem Brémond is very strong technically and also manages negotiations very well Always ready to give an excellent service’.

‘Guilhem Brémond is an exceptional lawyer who is one of the tenors in the field. His strategic sense of negotiation has few equals on the market, especially since he masters all aspects of restructuring, whether judicially or amicably. A 360° approach that places him with the very best.’

Key clients

Accor

Andera Partners

Pierre & Vacances Euro PP Bondholders (BNPP, Schelcher Prince Gestion, La Mondiale)

Mediapro Sport France

Liberty House Group

Wells Fargo

Tikehau Ace Capital

Eurazeo

Santoni & Associés

Insolvency and restructuring boutique Santoni & Associés has signed in 2022 a new strategic alliance with Mayer Brown ( after working several years alongside Allen & Overy LLP). The team often assists companies, funds and sponsors, and now benefits in the management of its cases from Mayer Brown’s banking and financial expertise, notably through Patrick Teboul. The highly established team is appointed to act in the market’s largest and most complex restructuring and insolvency cases, but also handles mid-market cases. It recently worked in a high-profile restructuring case in the event sector, which included related domestic and cross border litigation aspects. It has also recently been solicited to advise on difficulties faced by the industrial sector linked to commodities supply and energy price issues. Marc Santoni heads the practice. Bérangère Rivals and Lionel Lamoure left the firm.

Practice head(s):

Marc Santoni

Testimonials

‘Very available, attentive and proactive. Marc Santoni does not hesitate to take and hold positions. His recognized experience makes it possible to bring a significant gravitas in negotiations. Constructive in negotiations, without any ego, but also very firm if necessary.’

‘Experience, agility, customer proximity.’

‘Marc Santoni is experienced, has a business-minded approach and shows exceptional tactical creativity and technical rigor’.

Key clients

123 Investment Managers

ANDERA Partners

Beaumanoir group

BPI

Clevexel Pharma

COMEXPOSIUM – CASSINI

Credit Mutuel Factoring

Crédit Agricole Corporate and Investment Bank (CA – CIB)

Crédit Mutuel Equity

Factofrance

Equitis Gestion

IDEX Group

GIE Farinia

Gimv

FIVE ARROWS (Rothschild private debt)

Financière Fonds Privés

FNB Private Equity

GECINA

La Vie Saine

Maître Frédéric Abitbol – Abitbol & Rousselet (Administrateur Judiciaire)

MEDIACO

Paradis du Fruit (DNA PARADIS GROUP)

SCA Cultures France Champignon

SETFORGE SOCIETE NOUVELLE

SNC CAPENA (Les Mercuriales)

STEF

WEINBERG Capital Partners

Work highlights

  • Advised Comexposium group on the filing of safeguard proceedings.
  • Advising on Valade’s financial restructuring.
  • Advising SNC Capena assisted by its fiduciary (Equitis Gestion), owner of the towers Les Mercuriales (Paris) on the filing of reorganization proceedings.

Willkie Farr & Gallagher LLP

Willkie Farr & Gallagher LLP has great ability in dealing with complex and large restructuring mandates. The restructuring team, which regularly combines forces with colleagues from other departments including the banking and corporate ones, often assists international bondholders and key shareholders, while also advising several debtors and companies. The practice has recently handled strategic work in the aviation sector, including advising on one of the market’s major restructuring cases of a governmental sponsored loan (PGE). The team manages a strong caseload, comprising a number of key mandates in headline cases, notably spanning the maritime and retail sectors. It is also handling several mandates concerning the restructuring of infrastructure projects. Practice head Lionel Spizzichino is highly regarded; he is supported by counsel Audrey Nelson and associate Batiste Saint-Guily.

Practice head(s):

Lionel Spizzichino

Other key lawyers:

Audrey Nelson; Batiste Saint-Guily

Testimonials

‘Multidisciplinary team which is able to integrate in its restructuring advice, matters linked to company law and securities law.’

‘Lionel Spizzichino stands out for his pragmatism and availability. His collaborator Batiste Saint-Guily is also very competent. They are a good team and I will work with them again with pleasure.’

‘The team led by Lionel Spizzichino offers both excellent legal knowledge and great inventiveness to find the most innovative solutions to the problems of its clients. This team also knows how to make itself available to its customers.’

‘Lionel Spizzichino puts his great negotiation and people management skills at the service of the most complex cases, which makes him one of the most effective professionals in this sector. Accompanied by Batiste Saint-Guily, one of the most promising lawyers of his generation, they know how to combine efficiency, availability and quality in the most complex cases, while creating an excellent working relationship with their clients.’

Key clients

Air France Group and Air France KLM (holding)

Strategic Value Partners (SVP) Global

OpenGate Capital

Servair Group

Searchlight Capital Partners

Fidera

HLD

JPMorgan Chase & Co – Global Special Situations

The Carlyle Group

Cheyne Capital

Work highlights

  • Advised Air France-KLM on the €7bn recapitalisation of Air France and its holding company.
  • Advised Air France KLM Group on its strategic partnership with CMA CGM Air Cargo in relation to the joint development of global air cargo services.
  • Advised the cross-holder bondholders on the safeguard proceedings of Jaccar.

ADVANT Altana

ADVANT Altana has a strong involvement alongside debtors, while also advising a number of major commercial partners and lessors in relation to other companies’ difficulties. In that regard, the team assists several large commercial shopping centre asset managers in dealing with retail companies’ restructuring and insolvency cases. The practice has also been handling several restructuring cases recently in the automotive sector, and has advised on the restructuring of a major media company based in La Reunion. The experienced team is also able to handle cross-border matters. It also advises investors presenting asset takeover offers and litigation. The practice is co-headed by Michel Jockey and Pierre-Gilles Wogue, and also includes Mana Rassouli.

Other key lawyers:

Mana Rassouli

Testimonials

‘Agile and technical. The team adapts very well to SMEs. It knows its files very well and can be very flexible according to emergencies and situations.’

‘Pierre-Gilles Wogue shows incredible tenacity. He does not give up and often achieves his goals while reaching the unanimity with all the stakeholders. Michel Jockey has an experience and serenity that speak for him.’

‘Quality, responsiveness.’

‘High availability, responsiveness and professionalism.’

Key clients

ALDI

MILLET GROUP

BLIVE GROUP

IVANHOE CAMBRIDGE

SOCIETE DES CENTRES COMMERCIAUX (SCC)

SECOM

NATIXIS

SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS FRANCE

ALTAREA COGEDIM

ALKOR DRAKA

SIROB GROUP

DEFTA

GROUPE FIGARO

Work highlights

  • Advising ALTAREA COGEDIM on various high-profile insolvency matters including on the following matters: Pimkie, La Halle, Célio, Camaieu, Alinéa, Flunch, Courte Paille, Agatha, Naf Naf and Tooandre.
  • Advising an automotive manufacturer on the restructuring of a German auto parts supplier, Eisenmann Group.
  • Advising MILLET GROUP on the carve-out acquisition of a railway maintenance business from Colas Rail (Bouygues Group).

Archers A.A.R.P.I.

Archers A.A.R.P.I.'s practice has a strong track record handling major mandates in the insolvency space. The team, which is led by Fabrice Patrizio, regularly acts for debtors in insolvency and restructuring proceedings and can also act before courts. It has been retained recently to handle high-profile matters in the hospitality sector. The team also assists investment funds in asset takeover deals.

Practice head(s):

Fabrice Patrizio

Testimonials

‘Very good experience of proceedings and commercial courts. Accuracy and speed of execution.’

Key clients

AccorInvest

Colony Capital

Campine

August Debouzy

August Debouzy often assists debtors in managing their restructuring and insolvency situations. The team regularly acts in small to mid-cap market restructuring and insolvency cases and was recently involved in matters spanning various sectors: fashion, maritime, sport as well as real estate and manufacturing. The practice also handles related litigation. Practice head Laurent Cotret is supported by senior associates Clément Quernin and Armelle Loste.

Practice head(s):

Laurent Cotret

Other key lawyers:

Armelle Loste; Clément Quernin

Testimonials

‘The restructuring team led by Laurent Cotret demonstrates formidable efficiency, particularly in complex assignments with very tight deadlines and under pressure. The availability and responsiveness of its members make it a major asset.’

‘Laurent Cotret has highly developed qualities to provide strategic solutions in negotiations. The team is very responsive and professional in the production of final documents.’

‘Particularly available and committed, their commitment allowed us to cover all our subjects, from the acquisition strategy, the mastery of state aid mechanisms, and the renegotiation of inherited contracts. Their mastery of subjects allows them to offer valid options quickly.’

‘Laurent Cotret has an impressive capacity for work, combativeness and commitment and has been able to find innovative and intelligent solutions on many topics.’

‘Clément Quernin is very available, attentive, particularly committed and is an excellent lawyer.’

‘Cotret and Quernin know how to listen to their customers to fully understand the issues, expectations and stall their approach.’

‘The team is organized and knows how to combine multiple skills. They go to the bottom of the files and always check the validity of their advice’.

‘Laurent Cotret is a lawyer who knows how to decipher complex situations, simplify their presentation so that the parties involved in the case go directly to the heart of the debate. He is also methodical and skillful in putting the interlocutors around the table and engaging them in building solutions.’

Key clients

ORANGE

ALTEO GARDANNE

FASHION PARTNER

SENTIENS

GEORGES THIOL

TRINITY INVESTMENTS DESIGNATED A.C

JJW HOTEL GROUP and AL JABER Family

AGATHA

NESTOR

MARS FILMS

RICCOBONO PRESSE INVESTISSEMENT

XL AIRWAYS

DIETRICH CAREBUS GROUP

SERCIB – SCCV SOLARIS

OGER INTERNATIONAL

FAMAR LYON

Work highlights

  • Advised the Football Club de Girondins de Bordeaux on its financial restructuring.
  • Advised Orange on the dispute with its former business partner Scopelec.
  • Advising Alteo group since it was taken over under a continuation plan by the UMSI group.

Bredin Prat

Bredin Prat has a strong and well experienced team. While the team is able to assist all types of stakeholders, it is routinely instructed by debtors. It recently handled a considerable amount of restructuring and pre-restructuring work, involving companies active in the spare parts, energy and press industries. The team also has a strong ability to assist shareholders, including recently advising them on the sale of their interests in distressed companies, and also regularly advising investors on asset takeover deals. The team is also highly knowledgeable in the litigation space and is currently handling some key proceedings in that area. It is also one to call to manage highly complex situations, including politically sensitive matters. The practice is co-headed by Nicolas Laurent and Olivier Puech. Counsel Mathilde Sigel is also involved. 

Practice head(s):

Olivier Puech; Nicolas Laurent

Other key lawyers:

Mathilde Sigel

Testimonials

‘Nicolas Laurent is skilled, efficient and organized.’

‘A leading team of an exceptional level. It is worth noting a permanent involvement in the files coupled with a technicality and a strategic vision of the subjects. The interconnection of the restructuring department with the various departments (financing, M&A, tax and litigation) results in a 360° service of a very high level.’

‘Nicolas Laurent and Olivier Puech are among the very best lawyers specializing in restructuring. Nicolas Laurent is an outstanding negotiator, of great finesse, who puts all his energy and talent, whatever the case, to come out on top in the interest of his clients. He has a very wide technical range allowing him to act both in prevention and in collective proceedings. Olivier Puech is a highly technical, pugnacious and skillful lawyer who knows how to protect and reassure his client, even in the most complex and difficult situations.’

Key clients

Acciaierie Venete

Amer Sports Corporation

April

Areva

B&M

Blade

Buffalo Group

CCI Paris Île de France

CroisiEurope

DHL

Eramet

Gazprom

Girondins de Bordeaux

Glencore

Groupe Bertrand

Haivision

IAG

Jaccar Holding

Keesing

Keolis

Lagardère Media News

Love & Food

Marne & Finance

Potel et Chabot

STS

Stellantis

TDF

Work highlights

  • Advising Stellantis NV (former PSA group) in connection with the sale of its remaining 25% in GEFCO SA (its former wholly owned logistics subsidiary) to the CMA CGM Group.
  • Advising B&M/Pic Wic on a take over offer for certain assets of Luderix International.
  • Advising the French subsidiaries of the STS Group, an automotive supplier to leading car manufacturers, in the context of its difficulties relating to post covid-19 effects.

Clifford Chance

Clifford Chance regularly assists creditors, including banks, in complex restructuring and insolvency cases. The practice has recently been involved in several landmark cases in the hospitality and retail sectors, including multi-jurisdictional restructuring matters. The practice also successfully assisted Arcelor with the acquisition of the Ascoval and Hayange steel production plants, a deal which generated a number of competing bids. The experienced Delphine Caramalli heads the practice, and counsel Marie Crumière also contributes.

Practice head(s):

Delphine Caramalli

Other key lawyers:

Marie Crumière

Testimonials

‘Great responsiveness and technical skills. Rigor. Reactivity’

‘Creativity, responsiveness, business sense and agility. The team is well balanced, young, dynamic and very sharp. Everyone on the team is performing well.’

‘Delphine Caramalli shows charisma and intelligence. She has incredible energy and brings sophisticated thinking to the most complex situations. She is very creative and brilliant.’

‘Marie Crumière is a great professional and technician; she is solid, efficient and precise.’

Key clients

ATREAM

ing

Vivarte

Vivarte

Ligue Professionnelle de Footbal

ARCELOR MITTAL

Bnp Paribas Fortis

Kidiliz Italy

Work highlights

  • Advising Atream, a member of a consortium with Alcentra and Fidera, on the restructuring of the Pierre & Vacances group.
  • Representing ING, as lender, in relation to the difficulties and sale of GEFCO Group to CMA CGM.
  • Advising the largest group of lessors on the restructuring of Lion Air.

Jones Day

Jones Day acts for a broad array of stakeholders, including debt and investment funds and banks, as well as debtors and companies. The restructuring team is able to handle cross-border work and was recently involved in several highlights matters involving companies involved in the healthcare and retail sectors. The team also acted in several smaller cases concerning biotechnology companies. Its ability to dovetail with the firm's finance practice also earns it mandates from financial institutions to assist with the granting of loans to distressed companies and restructuring of financial debts, notably in the field of derivatives. The practice also assists investors presenting asset takeover bids. The practice is led by Fabienne Beuzit, who is supported by counsels Elodie Fabre and Rodolphe Carrière.

Practice head(s):

Fabienne Beuzit

Other key lawyers:

Elodie Fabre; Rodolphe Carrière

Testimonials

‘High availability and commitment. Collaboration is simple and fluid.’

‘Fabienne Beuzit is recommended for her great perspective on files and her very large network, which she knows how to mobilize quickly’.

‘Innovative and very skilled team on cross-border issues, especially involving the USA’.

‘The team knows how to lead a restructuring file with seriousness and simplicity. Their human qualities (in particular their listening skills) make it possible to soothe relations which can sometimes be contentious, without sacrificing very rigorous legal analyzes. They also know how to work well with the other teams within their firm, in particular the capital markets and derivatives team.’

‘Fabienne Beuzit manages all her cases very professionally. Rodolphe Carrière has extensive skills in managing pools and complicated cases.’

‘The firm knows how to handle large and particularly complex cases.’

‘Fabienne Beuzit is a remarkable lawyer. She has extensive experience in managing complex situations. She is creative, pugnacious and a very skilled negotiator. A great worker, she explores all aspects of a case and leaves nothing out.’

Key clients

Athyrium Capital

Electrolux

Neuflize OBC and BNP Paribas

American Industrial Partners (AIP)

Lightship Capital II LLC

Groupe Royer

Whitestone/Groupe Hamon

Trigo/Scortex

CIC

Natixis

Work highlights

  • Advising Athyrium Capital on the acquisition of the business and assets of Biom’up SA in judicial reorganisation proceedings.
  • Acting for Electrolux in several lawsuits against a decision of the French Supreme Court which annulled the extension of its judicial reorganisation proceedings.
  • Advising Neuflize OBC and BNP Paribas, as lenders and creditors of Société d’Investissement Touristique et Immobilier, on a syndicated 30 million euros loan.

McDermott Will & Emery AARPI

McDermott Will & Emery AARPI is regularly retained to assist with managing mid to large-cap mandates, thanks to its ability to draw on complementary expertise from the firm’s other departments. The team recently handled a challenging case in the automotive sector linked to the EU Russian sanctions. It also acted recently in a high-profile case in the hospitality and tourism sector. The practice also handles top cases in the retail sector. The firm advises debtors, creditors and shareholders as well as investors and judicial mandatories. The team is headed by Timothée Gagnepain  and also includes counsel Théophile Jomier  and associate Lucille Madariaga.

Practice head(s):

Timothée Gagnepain

Other key lawyers:

Théophile Jomier; Lucille Madariaga

Testimonials

‘Théophile Jomier is ultra competent, available, efficient, proactive and reliable.’

‘Timothée Gagnepain is very responsive and fast.’

‘Seriousness, professionalism, great availability and technique.’

‘Timothée Gagnepain has very good technique and is a deal-maker. He is solution-oriented. Théophile Jomier and Lucille Madariaga are also very good.’

Key clients

Bio C Bon

Paper Excellence

Bpifrance Investissement

GLAS Agency

GEFCO Group

Batipart

ACIAM (Camaieu)

Work highlights

  • Assisting GEFCO Group with the termination of its commercial relations with the Stellantis (ex-PSA) group.
  • Assisting the court appointed administrators of ACIAM (Camaieu) with its insolvency procedure.
  • Advised GLAS, acting as trustee in relation to European TopSoho’s defaulted €250 million convertible bond.

Peltier Juvigny Marpeau & Associés

Peltier Juvigny Marpeau & Associés's practice head Nicolas Partouche leads a solid insolvency and restructuring practice, which handles several small- to mid-size mandates. The team is acting in matters spanning various fields including aluminium production, industrial manufacturing, finance and retail. It has handled recently a particularly significant matter in the press sector. The practice also regularly acts in cross-border cases (recently handling matters in relation to Germany and Lebanon). Additionally, the team manages a strong debt liability and asset recovery litigation caseload, often representing judicial administrators. It is notably acting in significant proceedings following the insolvency of a French airline.

Practice head(s):

Nicolas Partouche

Other key lawyers:

Julie Cavelier; Catherine Saint Ghislain

Testimonials

‘Excellent responsiveness and in-depth knowledge of the sector.’

‘Nicolas Partouche is very responsive and has invaluable knowledge of the players and the habits and customs of the world of companies in difficulty. He knows how to conduct negotiations with determination and courtesy, a challenge given the profile of certain actors and shows excellent pedagogy.’

‘Nicolas Partouche and his team have in-depth knowledge and have extensive experience in corporate restructuring (in different fields, company law, social law, banking law). His extensive knowledge is a guarantee of great efficiency in the support for companies in difficulty. They are also very responsive and able to understand corporate group restructurings involving laws other than French law.’

‘A real cohesion of the team which perfectly masters its subject. Real pedagogical capacities. Availability at all times. Transparency in billing. A real sense of humor that contributes to team cohesion and a positive and constructive working atmosphere in a difficult context.’

‘Great technique and intelligence of situations’.

‘The restructuring team led by Nicolas Partouche, which includes in particular Julie Cavelier and Catherine Saint Ghislain, is totally dedicated to the processing of files we entrusted. Endowed with a sharp competence in the field of companies in difficulty, whether in the field of prevention or the judiciary, we appreciate the reactivity, the availability, and the humanity of the team.’

‘Its ability to understand complex legal and financial issues, including extra-territorial cases, regular exchanges with the client, effective pleadings leading to successes that change case law, and unfailing loyalty with the client, allow it to work with confidence.’

‘With regard to fees, the practice is fair with regard to the quality of the work provided. Quite rare in business law circles, the firm agrees to intervene pro bono in impecunious cases to defend the client. When we recommend Nicolas Partouche, we always get very positive feedback.’

Key clients

Actissia Group

BpiFrance

Euroclear NV/SA

Abitbol & Rousselet

Mr. Thierry Gloriès

SELARL AJ UP

SELAFA MJA

SELARL AJILINK – LABIS CABOOTER – DE CHANAUD

SCP BTSG2

Work highlights

  • Advised Actissia on the restructuring of its group and monitoring the opening of insolvency proceedings and the sale process of the France Loisirs group.
  • Advised the judicial administrators (Frédéric Abitbol and Eric Etienne Martin) regarding the conduct of insolvency proceedings of the companies of the Alvance Group.
  • Advised the judicial liquidators (Valérie LeLoup Thomas and Alain Souchon) in the context of the insolvency proceedings of Aigle Azur.

PLM Avocats

PLM AvocatsPatricia Le Marchand is highly regarded in the field. She manages a busy caseload, often assisting debtors. The team handles several small to mid-size cases, but also regularly earns mandates on larger cases. The group has recently been involved in a large debt restructuring case in the real estate sector. The team has also been busy recently assisting clients with obtaining government loans. Fabienne Goubault left the firm in 2022.

Practice head(s):

Patricia Le Marchand

Other key lawyers:

Morgane Michel

Testimonials

‘Patricia Lemarchand is a great technician; she leads a solid and available team, which works tirelessly in the interests of its clients.’

‘Patricia Lemarchand and Morgane Michel know their sector perfectly (insolvency proceedings). They are of great help and have a “fair” approach.’

‘Pleasant, responsive and very professional dynamic team’.

Key clients

Cofigeo (William Saurin)

Aries Industries

Vinci Energies (Cegelec Defense)

Marne et Finance

Paulette à Bicyclette

Machines Dubuit

Racine

Racine has a strong team that handles a constant flow of work. The practice handles a range of work, from first stage restructuring to insolvency and litigation cases and asset takeover offers. The team often acts for debtors as well as shareholders, commercial partners and investors. It is involved in a range of matters spanning various industry sectors, including glass manufacturing and the media. The practice is led by Antoine DiesbecqLaurent Jourdan and Emmanuel Laverrière. Associate Lisa Ducani provides additional support.

Practice head(s):

Antoine Diesbecq; Laurent Jourdan; Emmanuel Laverrière

Other key lawyers:

Lisa Ducani; Edern Lagadec

Testimonials

‘Seniority, sympathy, elegance, competence’.

‘Great ability to work with the various actors and a solid knowledge of the sector’.

‘In addition to cutting-edge technical expertise and solid experience, Racine stands out for its ability to mobilize adequate resources within more than tight deadlines and the unfailing availability of the all members of the dedicated team. Within the restructuring department, Laurent Jourdan, Lisa Ducani and Edern Lagadec stand out. ‘

Key clients

Lavorel Group

Fiducial / Arc International

CDR Créances

GEOXIA

France Messagerie

Pitard Frères (groupe Fibat)

Selni investissement

Anagram

Gauder & Co

CDC Caisse des dépôts & consignation

Deret Logistique

IPL Atlantique

Work highlights

  • Advised Lavorel Group and the Bertrand Group on the takeover of the companies of the JJW hotel group.
  • Advised Fiducial and Gageo as investors involved in the financial restructuring of the Arc International group alongside the French State.
  • Advised the Geoxia Group in the context of conciliation procedures.

Simon Associés

Simon Associés has a large and experienced team, mainly based in Paris, but with a strong presence in the regions. The practice mostly acts for debtors, shareholders and investment funds. It handles a range of cases, including a considerable proportion of small and mid-market matters, but also regularly attracts larger mandates, including recently in the hospitality and retail sectors. The practice has also been retained to act in a case concerning one of a prestigious fashion house.  Jean-Charles Simon and Emmanuel Drai are highly regarded. Lille-based Laure Warembourg is also a key name.

Practice head(s):

Jean-Charles Simon; Emmanuel Drai

Other key lawyers:

Laure Warembourg

Testimonials

‘Emmanuel Drai is a tier one attorney. He is business-minded, has a rare ability among his peers to analyze and understand figures and financial structures and to shape a solution.’

‘Emmanuel Drai’s unique strategic and tactical skills allow it to make a defined solution a reality. He always works to find workable solutions with the other parties. He is highly regarded and has the skills and judgement to deftly handle the most complex and challenging situations. Last but not least, he is a very sympathetic person with a solid sense of humor and a rare resistance, a real asset!’

Key clients

Société Nouvelle Victoire

Flunch

Demeyere

ALLO BEBE

Alerion

Alerion's Gilles Podeur, who heads the practice, assists shareholders, bondholders and debtors, while also acting for judicial administrators. The team handles a whole range of work: insolvency and debt restructuring, as well as related litigation. The team has also been assisting several clients with the restructuring of state sponsored loans.

Practice head(s):

Gilles Podeur

Key clients

Alinea

BTSG

Ponticelli

Ipsa Holding

Work highlights

  • Advised the bondholders of Enensys Technologies on its safeguard proceedings.
  • Advised the majority shareholder of CNIM on CNIM’s restructuring.
  • Advised the Tedybear group on its insolvency proceedings.

Barbier Legal

Boutique firm Barbier Legal often assists debtors facing difficulties. The firm acts in small to mid-market cases but can also handle complex and more significant matters, and also handles litigation. It has recently been assisting a major retailer based in La Reunion in going through major debt restructuring. The practice is led by Jérôme Barbier.

Practice head(s):

Jérôme Barbier

Other key lawyers:

Diane Beaupuy

Testimonials

‘Dynamic team, available, attentive, pragmatic and a driving force in the search for solutions perfectly adapted to different contexts.’

‘Jérôme Barbier and Diane Beaupuy show efficiency, responsiveness and availability.’

‘High quality of work, rigor and ability to find innovative solutions. Good mastery of the law but also of the financial and accounting aspects. I highly recommend this firm and its teams.’

‘Strong negotiation and listening skills; creative solutions.’

‘This is an agile team, able to intervene on complex negotiation files, while seeking a deal making approach.’

‘Jérôme Barbier is an excellent, pragmatic professional.’

‘A solid experience’.

‘Great availability and pragmatism. Jérôme Barbier is an excellent negotiator.’

Key clients

MAKE DISTRIBUTION

ELECTRICITE ET EAUX DE MADAGASCAR

ASI INNOVATION

PMGI/ 2PI

NOMOSENSE

Work highlights

  • Advised MAKE DISTRIBUTION in negotiations for debt restructuring (EUR 100,000,000) and new money contributions (EUR 35,000,000) with credit institutions and shareholders under the aegis of the Inter-Ministerial Committee on Industrial restructuring (CIRI).
  • Advised the provisional administrator and the judicial administrator of ELECTRICITE ET EAUX DE MADAGASCAR, a listed company, in the context of the safeguard procedure in complex shareholder disputes.
  • Advised ASI GROUP on its development with the acquisition of the assets of BUSINESS AND COMMUTER AIRCRAFT, including sensitive assets of a third state, within the framework of the court-ordered liquidation of this company.

BDGS Associés

BDGS Associés has a strong presence among major shareholders and leading corporations, while also advising debtors and bondholders. The team is managing several top mandates, recently acting in large debt restructuring and insolvency cases in the event and retail sectors. The team also worked on a major takeover deal in the media sector. Practice head Henri Cazala is highly regarded. Senior associate Laurène Boyer is also noted.

Practice head(s):

Henri Cazala

Other key lawyers:

Laurène Boyer

Testimonials

‘Henri Cazala is one of the market’s future top stars’.

‘BDGS was able to support us in a particularly complex restructuring matter that required substantial legal work within a tight schedule. We are satisfied with the proactivity shown by the team, their responsiveness and the advice that the team has given us.’

 ‘Henri Cazala is serious, hard-working, trustworthy.’

‘The restructuring practice of BDGS is renowned and of an excellent standard’

‘Henri Cazala is an available, efficient lawyer who knows the restructuring world well.’

‘A very high level team, available, competent and proactive.’

‘Henri Cazala is always clear, relevant and efficient. In negotiations, he does not waste his time taking postures and is always constructive. We really enjoy working with him. His collaborator, Laurène Boyer, is remarkable.’

‘A formidable team, which knows how to deal with and anticipate all our subjects. Very high level service, great technical capacity and excellent strategic vision.’

Key clients

Accor

Agence des Participations de l’Etat

Caisse des Dépôts et Consignations

CMA CGM

Crédit Agricole Assurances

Equitis Gestion

Work highlights

  • Advised Predica, a subsidiary of Crédit Agricole Assurances (CAA), in its capacity as controlling shareholder,  on Comexposium’s  safeguard proceedings.
  • Advised Accor in its capacity as co-shareholder alongside Pierre & Vacances – Center Parcs of the group Adagio, as part of the raising of a state-backed loan amounting to €23m.
  • Advised Equitis Gestion, in its capacity as corporate trustee (“fiduciaire”), as part of the insolvency proceedings of Office Dépôt.

Boché Dobelle

Boché Dobelle has a good ability when it comes to handling cross-border cases, notably matters involving German clients. The firm is acting for a major airline which is facing major difficulties worldwide. The team is able to act for a range of clients, spanning debtors, banks as well as investors and commercial partners. It is often involved in small to mid-market cases but is able to handle larger and complex proceedings. Mylène Boché-Robinet and Véronique Dobelle are the practice heads.

Practice head(s):

Mylène Boché-Robinet; Véronique Dobelle

Testimonials

‘Committed.’

‘A well-rounded team, professional and very versatile’.

‘Véronique Dobelle has very good contacts and leaves nothing out’.

‘Very good knowledge of French and European insolvency law. Strong, proactive.’

‘Mylène Boché-Robinet is a very good lawyer with strong skills’.

‘Tailor-made, responsiveness’

‘Mylène Boché is a leading lawyer for insolvency and restructuring matters in France and Boché Dobelle a go-to-firm.’

‘Véronique Dobelle and Mylène Boché are exceptional lawyers who show strong commitment’.

Key clients

Lion Air

Horizon

P&R Transport

Nexson

NutriDry

Hérodiade

Work highlights

  • Advising Ciel and Lion Air Groups on their restructuring process following the global aviation industry’s crisis.
  • Advising Arcelormittal Méditerranée in the context of major difficulties faced by its co-contractor Hamon (Belgian group listed at the Brussels stock exchange).
  • Advising a German bank in the context of the implementation of the restructuring of Orpea.

Chammas & Marcheteau

Chammas & Marcheteau's team has expertise in advising SMEs on debt renegotiations and securing financing. The team was recently involved in matters spanning food, health and photography. Recently, the team has been retained to assist with matters linked to the end of state-loan support, the rise of energy prices, and commodities supply and inflation issues. The team is headed by Stéphane Cavet.

Practice head(s):

Stéphane Cavet

Other key lawyers:

Anne Charlotte Faure

Testimonials

‘The team is always available and caring to explain the ins and outs of each procedural step.’

‘Stéphane Cavet is a connoisseur of procedures. Creative and stubborn, he defends his client’s interests in the long term in complex and changing environments. Anne Charlotte Faure is like Stéphane, enthusiastic and rigorous.’

‘The restructuring team is led by Stéphane Cavet, a leading professional in the field, and fits perfectly into the other specialities of the firm, in particular private equity.’

Key clients

Decayeux Group

DTZ

Work highlights

  • Advising Groupe Decayeux on presenting a bid offer for the assets and activities of two companies, Visorex and Roulimetal.
  • Advising DTZ (Cushman & Wakefield) on negotiations, in its capacity as lessor, with Exki.

CMS Francis Lefebvre

CMS Francis Lefebvre is retained to handle a range of restructuring and insolvency cases, acting for a diversity of stakeholders including shareholders, banks, debtors, commercial partners and investors. The practice manages small to mid-size cases, but also regularly earns mandates on larger matters. It is notably acting in major cases in the aviation, retail and industrial manufacturing fields. Alexandre Bastos heads the practice, which also includes counsel Guillaume Bouté.

Practice head(s):

Alexandre Bastos

Other key lawyers:

Guillaume Bouté

Testimonials

‘Multidisciplinary, efficient and dynamic team.’

‘Alexandre Bastos is dynamic, precise and efficient.’

‘The team is very well structured with two people involved in the file who are very complementary. Their strength is their responsiveness. They are also proactive in managing files.’

‘Guillaume Bouté is a very responsive lawyer, who is very comfortable in the hotel sector. ’

‘A team attentive to the needs and constraints of its clients, expert on the various subjects dealt with, which enables it to deliver very high-level advice and to be proactive as to the solutions to be provided.’

‘Alexandre Bastos combines rigour, responsiveness and intellectual agility: his exemplary mastery of legal subjects and his sharp tactical sense make him a leading lawyer. The fluidity and efficiency of exchanges are made possible by a perfect understanding of the needs and challenges of its customers. A fine negotiator, Alexandre Bastos stands out for his ability to anticipate potential obstacles and to propose innovative arrangements.’

‘Guillaume Bouté is to be distinguished for his ability to embrace complex issues, analyze them quickly and propose creative and effective solutions. His in-depth expertise and his frank and committed communication make Guillaume Bouté an ally of choice in the defense of our interests.’

Key clients

ATRADIUS

NAGRAVISION

SODIAAL

HAINAN AIRLINES

POLARIS

LS AQUASUD

BPCE GROUP

ALGONQUIN FRANCE HÔTEL SERVICES

UNI-MEDIAS

SAINT GOBAIN

BANQUE PALATINE and FCP MICADO FRANCE

MUTARES SE & Co. KGaA

Work highlights

  • Advised ATRADIUS, a credi insurer, within the conciliation and subsequent insolvency proceedings of CNIM.
  • Advised SODIAAL and its affiliates on the acquisition of the industrial activities of the drying unit of milk powder and whey owned by SYNUTRA INTERNATIONAL FRANCE, one of its major business partners.
  • Advised NAGRAVISION (KUDELSKI Group) on  the difficulties faced by SmarDTV GLOBAL and SmarDTV TECHNOLOGY under French insolvency proceedings and during the disposal of their activities.

DLA Piper

Led by Caroline Texier, DLA Piper's Paris practice is well regarded for dealing with complex debt restructuring and cross-border cases. The team regularly assists shareholders and other creditors, such as commercial suppliers and lessors. It is involved in cases spanning various sectors, including industrial manufacturing, retail and real estate.

Practice head(s):

Caroline Texier

Testimonials

‘Caroline Texier and her team have a great knowledge of the market and its players, very great legal technique and show a strong reactivity and involvement’.

‘Caroline Texier and Maxime Nativelle are very responsive, thoughtful and precise in their responses and in handling files.’

‘The team is led by Caroline Texier who has extensive experience in the restructuring of companies. The restructuring department is perfectly integrated with the other departments, which allows efficient processing of files.’

‘Caroline Texier is an excellent lawyer, respected by market participants, who intervenes with great seriousness and competence. She knows how to show firmness and creativity to put in place original solutions.’

Key clients

CAM-SPC (Manoir Group)

Lego

Edmond de Rothschild Reim / KKR

Daniel Wellington

AR2R La Mondiale

Investec Bank

Edyn Group

Brockwell Energy Limited

La Française Asset Management / Vivashops

Paper Excellence BV (Fibre Excellence)

Serta Simmons

MAPPER LITHOGRAPHY BV

CBL INSURANCE EUROPE DAC

Juste à Temps (Turenne Capital)

Fortress Investment Group

Stripe

Work highlights

  • Advising the French group Manoir (specialised in foundry and metal processing) in the context of reorganisation proceedings and the implementation of the reorganisation plans of the main companies of the group (Manoir Pitres and Manoir Industries).
  • Advising Daniel Wellington, a multinational group, based in Sweden, that designs and distributes watches, in the winding-down of its French subsidiaries.
  • Advising KKR, a world leading global investment company acting as shareholder and Edmond de Rothschild Reim acting as asset manager of a real estate funds, in the context of the safeguard proceedings of one of its clients.

Eversheds Sutherland (France) LLP

Eversheds Sutherland (France) LLP’s Aurélien Loric is increasing involved in headline mandates. The team regularly acts for French and international bondholders. It recently acted in a high-profile case in the hospitality and tourism sector. The practice is also involved in various other matters in the retail and aviation areas.

Practice head(s):

Aurélien Loric

Testimonials

‘Excellent technique. Great rigor and great availability’.

‘Excellent law firm which has established itself as a key player in record time.’

‘Young dynamic, competent and pleasant team.’

Key clients

Alcentra

DNCA

Fidera

Ecofi

Boubyan Bank

Boubyan Capital

Schelcher Prince Gestion

Zencap Asset Management

FIDAL

FIDAL strengthened its practice at the end of 2021 following the arrival of in Isabelle Vincent and Arnaud Roiron from WTS; the duo have good experience in the field, particularly in representing major banks in large debt restructuring cases. They co-head the practice alongside Brigitte Petitdemange. The team, which is mainly based in Paris but also has expertise in various regional offices, also assists debtors in smaller matters, as well as court appointed receivers and investors.

Practice head(s):

Isabelle Vincent; Arnaud Roiron; Brigitte Petitdemange

Testimonials

‘Highly qualified and strong.’

‘Competence, proximity, availability, good listening skills, punctuality.’

Key clients

SOCIETE GENERALE FACTORING

SOCIETE GENERALE

SOCIETE GENERALE FACTORING

EGETRA

EQUITIS GESTION

TOGETHER INDUSTRIE FRANCE

BTSG

Group OCEANIA HOTELS

HARROUET Group

BVA/SELARL BENOIT & ASSOCIES, SELARL DUTOT & ASSOCIES

COFINAIR

Franklin

Franklin is regularly retained by clients investing in distressed companies, but also covers the whole spectrum of work in this area. The team was recently involved in a complex asset takeover deal in the NGL sector. It also regularly assists debtors, with recent work including managing a significant case in the retail sector. The practice also handles work for other stakeholders such as banks and commercial partners. Numa Rengot leads the practice, which also includes Arnaud Pédron.

Practice head(s):

Numa Rengot

Other key lawyers:

Arnaud Pédron

Testimonials

‘Responsiveness ; good knowledge of the public sphere’.

‘Great responsiveness,  pragmatism’.

‘The team knows how to offer us strategic approaches in cases that make the difference. The team has an important network of influence that can win cases.’

‘Numa Rengot is a real strategist. He knows how to advise us on the best strategies to adopt and perfectly masters their implementation. He also knows how to stop us or say no to us when necessary to preserve our interests. He technically masters many subjects, allowing a quick and efficient implementation.’

Key clients

Lise Charmel

Ariès Alliance

Chemet SA & Chemet GLI

Sprint

Domecco

Regroupement et Diffusion de Saint-Lubin

Bridford Investments Limited & RTM Industries

Magellim

Gestprint

Iso sécurité

Groupe Avenel

Groupe Diffusion Plus

Groupe Damaël

IBL

Work highlights

  • Advised Lise Charmel and its subsidiaries on its reorganisation plan.
  • Advised Sprint on the acquisition of Planet Cards.
  • Advised Chemet regarding its takeover of the assets and activities of Gaz Liquéfiés Industrie (GLI), a subsidiary of the Altifort group in receivership.

Freshfields Bruckhaus Deringer LLP

Freshfields Bruckhaus Deringer LLP is particularly suited to advise on complex debt financial restructuring matters through practice head Laurent Mabilat, who previously focused on banking and finance law before refocusing on debt restructuring. The team is often appointed to act on complex cross-border cases, regularly collaborating with counterparts based in the firm’s international offices. It recently advised on high-profile mandates spanning the hospitality, maritime, energy and retail sectors. Clients include shareholders and creditors. Banking and finance expert Stéphanie Corbière also contributes.

Practice head(s):

Laurent Mabilat

Other key lawyers:

Stéphanie Corbière

Testimonials

‘High quality work, exceptional commitment and great complementarity with the firm’s other departments.’

‘Laurent Mabilat and his team are all very available, attentive to customers, have perfect English skills, and are also very pleasant.’

‘Laurent Mabilat is an exceptional personality, keeping calm in the turmoil of negotiations, a great capacity for work, and is always very pleasant and available.’

Key clients

Avenue Capital

Banco Intesa

Banco Santander

Bank of America

BNP Paribas

Bybrook Capital

Crédit Agricole Corporate and Investment Bank (CIB)

Crédit Lyonnais (LCL)

Crédit Mutuel Alliance Fédérale

Deutsche Bank

ICBC Financial Leasing Co., Ltd.

JPMorgan Chase Bank

Marathon

Natixis

Pemberton Capital Advisor

Permira

Société Générale

Standard Chartered Bank

Work highlights

  • Advised the members of the Ad Hoc Committee of lenders on the financial restructuring of the AccorInvest group.
  • Advised the members of the enlarged working group of creditors on the restructuring of the Bourbon group, a market leader in offshore marine services.
  • Advised the creditors on the restructuring of the nuclear conglomerate Areva, including in connection with the provision of a EUR 275,000,000 new money facility.

Herbert Smith Freehills LLP

Herbert Smith Freehills LLP focuses on advising creditors, mainly banks, on debt restructuring, insolvency and bankruptcy proceedings. Recently, the practice also assisted the French state with the granting and restructuring of state-sponsored loans. It notably acted in the high-profile Ascoval matter and has been active in matters involving the real estate, retail, aviation, hospitality and manufacturing sectors. The practice is led by Pauline Bournoville and benefits from regular contribution from practitioners in the firm's banking and finance department.

Practice head(s):

Pauline Bournoville

Testimonials

‘A small, very responsive team that also knows how to call on other areas of expertise within the firm. Very great flexibility on invoicing methods.’

‘Pauline Bournoville is truly a person of quality. It is efficient and pleasant to work with her and her team. Able to adapt to multiple constraints.’

Key clients

Banque Fiducial

BNP Paribas Group

BPCE/Natixis Group

Crédit Agricole Group

Commonwealth Bank of Australia

ENGIE Group

FRENCH STATE (Délégation Interministérielle aux Restructurations d’Entreprises – Interministerial delegation for corporate restructuring & insolvencies)

HSBC Continental Europe

Louis Pasteur Group

SEWAN

Société Générale Group

Work highlights

  • Advising the French State (Interministerial Delegation for Corporate Restructuring – Délégation Interministérielle aux Restructurations d’Entreprises) on Ascoval and France Rail industry’s rehabilitation.
  • Advised Banque Fiducial on securing financing with respect to the takeover of the Office Dépôt group by the Alkor within the context of the insolvency of Office Dépôt France.
  • Advising entities of the BPCE Group on the restructuring of Marne & Finance Group’s indebtedness within the framework of pre-insolvency proceedings.

Jeantet

Jeantet launched its practice in early 2021 following the arrival of Bertrand Biette and Laïd Estelle Laurent from Fidal; the duo have extensive experience in the field, acting for a whole range of stakeholders. The team assists with debt restructuring, insolvency as well as asset takeover and litigation work. It has recently been involved in a prominent case concerning the aviation sector.

Practice head(s):

Laïd Estelle Laurent; Bertrand Biette

Testimonials

‘The team is very responsive and creative. It is a pleasure to work with them.’

‘Laïd Estelle Laurent is combative and creative. She is respectful and always has the interest of her clients in sight to find a solution.’

‘Reactive team, with an excellent knowledge of the practice, its actors and its inner-workings.’

‘Bertrand Biette is a recognized restructuring professional’.

Key clients

Figeac Aero

Berger International – Groupe Emosia

Jumbo Diset

Annapurna

Apollo Global Management

Work highlights

  • Advising listed aeronautics subcontractor Figeac Aero on its debt renegotiation.
  • Advising Berger International on the judicial takeover of the activities of the company My Jolie Candle.
  • Advising Diset SA, specialised in the toys industry, on the judicial takeover of the activities of the group CIDE, which has been subject to insolvency proceedings in Spain and France.

Norton Rose Fulbright

Norton Rose Fulbright’s practice is headed by the highly experienced Philippe Hameau, who is often mandated by debtors, while also advising banks, commercial partners and investors. The team handles a wide range of work, spanning the manufacturing, aviation, real estate and IT sectors. Hameau also handles litigation and is increasingly dealing with international arbitration disputes.

Practice head(s):

Philippe Hameau

Key clients

Aigle Azur

Carlsberg

Econocom France

Dradura

Fibre Excellence

MS Mode France

PitPoint

Work highlights

  • Advising Paper Excellence and its subsidiary, Fibre Excellence in the context of Fibre Excellence’s restructuring, a company employing more than 500 people.
  • Representing French airline Aigle Azur as part of its restructuring and subsequent bankruptcy process.
  • Advised the wire manufacturer Dradura Group on its successful restructuring and acquisition by investment company FMC Beteiligungs KG as part of an international investor process.

Osborne Clarke

Osborne Clarke caters to a client roster of debtors, shareholders, creditors, buyers and corporate managers on matters such as out-of-court prevention proceedings, court-ordered reorganisations, related asset or business acquisitions, and civil liability actions. The team works in close tandem with the firm’s corporate and M&A team, as well as its employment practice, and is headed by Nassim Ghalimi .

Practice head(s):

Nassim Ghalimi

Other key lawyers:

Paul Lafuste

Testimonials

‘Nassim Ghalimi is a seasoned partner’.

‘Availability, very strong skills’.

‘Excellent team, very high quality work.’

‘A young and dynamic restructuring team led by Nassim Ghalimi, perfectly integrated within a firm which makes it possible to address all the issues of a file.’

‘Nassim Ghalimi is one of the rising stars on the market. With a very high level of technicality, he is formidable in managing files with a judicial component (collective proceedings and complex litigation of collective proceedings). He is also a very skilled negotiator in prevention who knows how to show great creativity in solutions. He is surrounded by young and brilliant lawyers within his team, including Paul Lafuste.

Key clients

A PLUS FINANCE

ALBEA TUBES FRANCE

ASSOFAC

CNCJ

ECOCLEAN / ECOFIN

GROUPE ENENSYS

FIVES / ACPP

FIVE / SCORTEX

GROUPE TRANSATLANTIC HOLDING

Helzear Exploitation

ICAUNA

IMPACT PARTNERS

Inteva Products France

XAVIER DEL MARMOL

MJ SYNERGIES

LAURENT BILLION

NORWEGIAN AIRLINES

PIPM

Selarl El Baze Charpentier

Work highlights

  • Advising Groupe Transatlantic Holding on the acquisition of two companies of the Hiventy group.
  • Advising Enensys group companies in the context of the opening of their insolvency proceedings.
  • Advising  Helzear Exploitation, a company operating three 4-Stars hotels in Paris regarding the opening of a safeguard proceedings.

Simmons & Simmons

Simmons & Simmons' practice head Sandra Esquiva-Hesse has extensive experience in the field. The team is able to act for a multitude of stakeholders, including debtors and commercial partners. It is managing a prominent mandate in the retail sector for a leading international brand and has recently been involved in various matters in the real estate space.

Practice head(s):

Sandra Esquiva-Hesse

Testimonials

‘Sandra Esquiva-Hesse has a great legal mind, but she also has a big and generous heart and brings that to bear in all that she does for us.’

‘The team led by Sandra is particularly recommended, combining a decisive constructive approach in order to carry out negotiations while ensuring the best defence of the interests of its clients. High availability is also noted. Finally, the team is distinguished by its progressiveness.’

Key clients

GAP France

Taylor Wessing

Taylor Wessing's Kristell Cattani has extensive experience in the field. She frequently acts for debtors facing debt restructuring and insolvency proceedings. Recently, she has been involved in handling significant matters concerning the retail and hospitality sectors.

Practice head(s):

Kristell Cattani

Testimonials

‘Good skills, responsiveness, listening abilities, availability and pragmatism’.

‘Kristell Cattani is very pleasant, provides good advice and judgement.’

‘Kristell Cattani knows how to listen and then propose solutions in difficult cases. Always very positive’.

‘Taylor Wessing has a highly skilled team of insolvency and reconstruction attorneys. They are cost-efficient and always provide the client with legal support on a sufficient level.’

‘We have been assisted by Mrs. Kristell Cattani and her team. They have done a brilliant job! Kristell Cattani is highly skilled and is capable of explaining the French laws to foreign companies doing business in France.’

UGGC Avocats

UGGC Avocats is particularly active on the debtor side but also acts for commercial partners and creditors. The team handles a good amount of work, spanning various industry sectors including engineering, manufacturing, retail and aviation. The group predominantly handles small to mid-sized cases. Thierry Montéran and Marine Simonnot are the practice heads.

Practice head(s):

Thierry Montéran; Marine Simonnot

Testimonials

‘Very responsive and involved firm. The team seeks and proposes solutions to our problems; it defends the company as if it were its own. Dynamic and convincing in negotiations.’

‘Expert and responsive.’

‘Very good lawyers who explain the French position very well to English clients. Marine Simonnot is outstanding.’

Key clients

Fides

KW-Kranwerke GmbH

General Electric Wind France

Foxlease

GetJet Airlines UAB

Petro-Chem

Fédération Nationale du Bois

Promotrans – IXIO

Baronnie-Langet in his capacity of representative of AOM Air Liberté

Dietal

Paralloy Ltd

ELCO

Fondation INFA

INVESCO

Aequs Aerospace

Standard Investment

French Ministry of Culture and CommunicatioFrench Ministry of Culture and Communication

Cooperl Arc Atlantique

Hervé Vighier

Work highlights

  • Acting on behalf of FIDES which has been appointed judicial liquidator of bankrupt former bank Crédit Martiniquais.
  • Advising KW-Kranwerke GmbH, a German company specialising in the engineering and manufacturing of waste cranes, in the context of the insolvency proceedings of one of its clients, the French company CNIM Energie et Environnement.
  • Advising General Electric Wind France (a subsidiary of General Electric Energy) in connection with a claim against Vergnet.

VALOREN

VALOREN’s Virginie Verfaillie-Tanguy is a well respected figure who is frequently appointed by debtors, shareholders and commercial partners. She handles a wide range of matters and has a proven ability to manage complex cases. Recently, she has been involved in significant cases in the hotel, aviation and retail sectors. The practice is completed by Virginie Lockwood on the employment law side.

Practice head(s):

Virginie Verfaillie Tanguy; Virginie Lockwood

Other key lawyers:

Morgane Valla

Testimonials

‘A competent and responsive team.’

‘Virginie has strong technical skills and knows how to unite internal and external collaborators around her to meet the needs of her demanding clients.’

‘Technique. Expertise. Responsive to emergencies and complex situations’.

Key clients

JJW Limited

Groupe AIT STEIN

Groupe Lion Air

Jina (Ile de la Réunion)

BEE DISTRIBUTION

Liquidateur judiciaire de MEDIAPRO FRANCE

Liquidateur judiciaire de GTA EXPRESS

Work highlights

  • Advised JJW Limited, represented by its liquidators appointed by the Royal Court of Guernsey, which is the main shareholder of JJW France’s Group and of the Hotel de la Tremoille which are under sale and receivership proceedings.
  • Advised GROUP AIT STEIN during the receivership of five companies of the Group.
  • Advising a major chemical group on the amicable renegotiation of the group’s various debts .

Vivien & Associés

Vivien & AssociésLaurent Assaya is a highly experienced adviser who is sought out by shareholders, debtors and various stakeholders, including commercial partners. It was recently involved in several significant matters, notably in the rail, communication and retail industries. The team also handles related litigation.

Practice head(s):

Laurent Assaya

Testimonials

‘Significant capacity for work and very fine legal analyses.’

‘Vivien is an excellent firm with good partners.’

‘Laurent Assaya is an excellent restructuring lawyer who understands the law and courts in theory and in practice. He is great to have on your side when you need to be flexible.’

Key clients

BVA

Yara

Electrolux

Cyrus

Renault

CRL

Schlumberger

Hermes Boisson

Engie

HealthCity International

Doosan

Gagéo

Paule Ka

Calideal

Geismar

Work highlights

  • Advised Cyrus Capital in the reorganisation proceedings of Luderix International.
  • Advised BVA on its reorganisation proceedings.
  • Advised Gageo on various transactions.