Firms To Watch: Mergers and acquisitions

Addleshaw Goddard opened its Paris office in February 2021 and is developing a team with expertise in M&A, private equity and restructuring transactions, in addition to corporate law and governance matters.
Established in 2019, Akilys Avocats fields a Lyon-based team which has overseen a handful of standout M&A and investment transactions of late and is also well-versed in governance affairs. 
Degroux Brugère acts for a mixture of managers, shareholders and investment funds on a broad spectrum of corporate transactions; examples include M&A, asset deals, investments, LBOs and profit-sharing plans.

Mergers and acquisitions in France

Bredin Prat

Routinely active on blockbuster deals, Bredin Prat operates at the forefront of domestic and international M&A, including public, private, private equity and distressed transactions. Sophie Cornette de Saint Cyr also provides the group with in-depth securities law, corporate governance and commercial litigation expertise, whereas Olivier Assant is a revered name for all-manner of deals, particularly public M&A and takeover/activism defence. The team has significant bench strength at all levels and is also home to Patrick Dziewolski, an expert within the energy, construction and financial sectors, as well as cross-border transaction specialist, Benjamin Kanovitch. Elsewhere, Sébastien Prat is a market authority who has authored several corporate law publications while Matthieu Pouchepadass thrives on both M&A and private equity deals, also frequently litigating securities matters. Clémence Fallet is yet a further standout who supplements her transactional prowess by supporting listed companies on corporate governance affairs, as is Kate Romain who is distinctly well-versed in issues stemming from French foreign investment rules. At the more junior end, Adrien Simon is a younger partner who has already overseen several multibillion-euro deals.

Other key lawyers:

Sophie Cornette de Saint Cyr; Olivier Assant; Patrick Dziewolski; Benjamin Kanovitch; Sebastien Prat; Mathieu Puchpadass; Clemence Fallet; Kate Romain; Adrien Simon

Testimonials

‘It is a young, very dynamic and agile team, which adapts quickly to different situations. They are fast and know the M&A sector and the management incentive plan sector well.’

‘Clémence Fallet is very smart, fast and an expert in her field. We were delighted to work with her when the cases accelerated and became more complex. Olivier Assant has very useful situational intelligence in an M&A file. He is an excellent ally in negotiation. Pierre Honoré (antitrust partner) is a dedicated and rigorous adviser who does not hesitate to go into depth in the file, which is essential in his field.’

‘A great team, motivated, creative and totally committed to the project. As soon as Bredin Prat entered the system, the balance of power was reversed and the ability to build innovative solutions proved essential to the success of the project. Capable of great combativeness and even a certain harshness in the balance of power, the team also knows how to feel – and make its client feel – the breaking points when they arise. Always in contact, always in support of the client, the team demonstrates absolute availability, perfect solidarity and breathtaking technical mastery.’

‘Bredin Prat was able to set up a multidisciplinary team to support us in a complex transaction combining a split and a delisting. Both the efficiency of the project management and the relevance of the legal advice allowed us to complete this transaction in a very short time.’

‘Sophie Cornette de Saint Cyr is particularly distinguished: She is very attentive and creative in the solutions she offers. With excellent, cutting-edge expertise, she is a real support in all m&a negotiations. She knows how to conduct negotiations firmly, while remaining extremely courteous and pleasant in human relations.’

‘We entrust Sophie Cornette de Saint Cyr and her team with the most sensitive and sophisticated work that we outsource: stock market law, governance, and activism issues. We had this kind of files this year and she worked for a long time for houses of the world. What I appreciate about her is her no-nonsense approach: she allows you to synthesize and unravel complicated problems in a clear, practical and fluid way.

‘One of the 3 best teams in the market. Perfect in all respects’

‘Sébastien Prat remains one of the very best in the market. Sophie Cornette de Saint-Cyr is younger but also excellent.’

Key clients

Accenture

Akiem

Casino

CGI

Covéa

Crédit Mutuel

D’ieteren

EDF

Eramet

GE

Groupe Les Echos – Le Parisien

iliad

Life Science Holding

M6

SAF

Schneider Electric

Stellantis (formerly PSA Group)

Suez

Work highlights

  • Advised Suez in connection with the public offer launched by Veolia (€13 billion).
  • Advised the mobile network operator Play, a subsidiary of the iliad Group, on an agreement with InfraVia Capital Partners, paving the way for providing access to high-speed connectivity for 6 million homes in Poland, using existing infrastructure and through further significant investments.
  • Advised Covéa, a leading French mutual insurer, in connection with the acquisition by Covéa of PartnerRe, the global reinsurer wholly owned by Exor, the holding company controlled by the Agnelli family.

Cleary Gottlieb Steen & Hamilton

Cleary Gottlieb Steen & Hamilton serves as France’s premier international firm for M&A transactions, regularly acting on big-ticket international and domestic deals. The practice is co-led by Pierre-Yves Chabert, a partner of over 15 years who excels on M&A, capital market and securities regulation affairs, alongside Rodolphe Elineau, a specialist in transactions, corporate governance, shareholder activism and shareholders’ meetings. The department is also home to public M&A and equity capital markets expert, Marie-Laurence Tibi, as well as counsel Sophie De Beer, an up-and-coming name for M&A related to financial institutions and asset managers. Locally based lawyers are supported by the firm’s wider network throughout the rest of Europe, North America, the Middle East and the East Asia.

Practice head(s):

Pierre-Yves Chabert; Rodolphe Elineau

Other key lawyers:

Marie-Laurence Tibi; Sophie De Beer

Testimonials

‘The team has the most experience in public M&A in France. They are really good to work with, also on a personal level.’

‘Pierre-Yves Chabert and Rodolphe Elineau are the stars of public M&A in France. They are efficient and able to answer and deal straight with the core of the issues.’

Key clients

The French State / EDF

Solvay

Cerberus / My Money Group

Accor Acquisition Company

Doctolib

Veolia Environnement

Attestor

General Mills

JP Morgan

Natixis

BNP Paribas

NVHL

Thales

Work highlights

  • Representing Veolia Environnement in its successful €12.9 billion acquisition of Suez to create the French world champion of ecological transformation, and in the related divestments of remedy assets approved by the European Commission in order to preserve competition in environmental services following the combination of Veolia and Suez.
  • Advising the French state in connection with its announced €9.7bn tender offer to delist Électricité de France (EDF).
  • Representing Solvay in its study of plans to separate into two independent listed companies, being SpecialtyCo and EssentialCo.

Darrois Villey Maillot Brochier

Darrois Villey Maillot Brochier leverages an enviable track record in colossal public M&A transactions in addition to contested takeovers, privatisations and cross-border deals. Marcus Billam acts as a go-to for major listed and unlisted companies involved in the full array of transactions; he serves as practice co-head alongside Bertrand Cardi, a lawyer with a 20-year track record of overseeing M&A, securities law and capital market matters. Pierre Casanova is able to draw on previously experience practising in New York and is especially accomplished in the financial institutions sector, meanwhile Hugo Diener is a star name for public and private M&A, corporate governance and joint venture endeavours.

Practice head(s):

Marcus Billam; Bertrand Cardi

Other key lawyers:

Pierre Casanova; Hugo Diener; Olivier Huyghues Despointes; Christophe Vinsonneau

Testimonials

‘This team knows very well how our group operates. They monitor the teams as closely as possible during the various projects.’

‘Excellent team combining legal technicality and excellent negotiation skills. While protecting the interests of their clients, they know how to propose the right solutions to move forward with the opposing party.’

‘Outstanding legal knowledge, knowing how to combine the interests of all parties, business approach.’

Key clients

Accor

BPCE

Bouygues

Europcar Mobility Group

Lagardère SA

Société Générale

Suez

TF1

Unibail-Rodamco Westfield

Vivendi

Work highlights

  • Advised Bouygues on the signing of a put option agreement under which Bouygues undertakes to acquire Equans from Engie for €7 billion.
  • Advised Société Générale in connection with the €5 billion acquisition of LeasePlan.
  • Asvised La Banque Postale in the context of the acquisition of a c. 16% stake in CNP Assurance from BPCE and a maximum of c. €3.170 billion for the acquisition of the free float (c. 21% in CNP Assurances) through a tender offer.

BDGS Associés

BDGS Associés leverages a strong track record in high-end public and private M&A, having recently overseen landmark deals within the transport, energy, insurance, financial service and institution, private equity and telecoms fields. The team is co-led by a quartet of Antoine Bonnasse, a specialist in M&A, restructuring and related disputes, Youssef Djehane, Jean-Emmanuel Skovron and Marc Loy; Loy is especially well-regarded for his prowess in transactions involving listed companies or encompassing cross-border elements. Thomas Méli is also among the standout names, largely due to his first-rate capabilities in LBOs, PtoPs and takeovers. François Baylion and Jérôme du Chazaud are emblematic of the team’s promising crop of more junior partners. At senior associate level, Hannah Cobbett is garnering exposure to a wealth of multi-jurisdictional deals, leveraging her dual qualification at the Paris Bar and the Senior Courts of England and Wales.

Practice head(s):

Antoine Bonnasse; Youssef Djehane; Jean-Emmanuel Skovron; Marc Loy

Other key lawyers:

Lucile Gaillard; Thomas Méli; François Baylion; Jérôme du Chazaud; Hannah Cobbett

Testimonials

‘I work very regularly with Jérôme du Chazaud. In addition to his technical skills, I appreciate his great availability, his responsiveness, his creativity in the editing. In negotiations he is very pugnacious and knows how to convince.’

‘Extreme responsiveness and organizational flexibility.’

‘The main strength of BDGS Associés lies in the ability of its teams to deal with all aspects of an M&A operation in a cross-cutting manner while having very specific expertise on the issues addressed and perfect knowledge of the economic and regulatory environment of the countries involved in the transaction. Furthermore, the collaboration is based on deep mutual trust and the great availability of lawyers.’

‘The team is versatile, available and expert in infrastructure. Thanks to the relationship we have developed in recent years, they know how to anticipate our needs and our requests. In addition, the team was able to help us on very specialised subjects such as negotiations of energy sales contracts with industrialists. I have always been very satisfied with their work and their responsiveness. Indeed, they very often have a head start on the advice of our counterparties, which gives us an advantage during our negotiations. Finally, their analyzes are always accurate and therefore allow us to negotiate these contracts in good faith and in our favour.’

‘I have very often worked with Hannah Cobbett and François Baylion. Hannah is a brilliant lawyer who has helped me numerous times with complex contract drafting with third parties. She is very responsive and responds to my requests efficiently within a few hours. François has often accompanied me to the negotiation table and is able to quickly identify the sticking points of the various contracts and has helped me to prioritize our requests in order to best defend the interests of our group. In addition, François and Hannah are two pleasant people with whom negotiations always go well: They best defend our interests by knowing how to be firm when necessary but also by helping us to make our offers more competitive without taking additional risks.’

‘The BDGS Associés M&A team is truly unique in their very strategic approach. The technical skills are excellent, at the highest level, but what makes them exceptional is the strategic advisory role they manage to play. They take the time and invest their energy in truly understanding the client’s issues beyond the purely technical/legal aspects and this strength is put to use in their role as legal advisors.’

‘Beyond their very strong skills and involvement, the M&A BDGS team has qualities that have enabled us to establish very trusting relationships. They don’t tell their customers “what the customers want to hear”, but they have the ability and the honesty to tell the customer what they need to. This is the result of great trust and real mutual respect.’

‘Lucile Gaillard and her collaborators are available and know how to maintain their calm and good humor in all circumstances. They are reactive and know how to be innovative in their approaches. With them, no problems, only solutions. They quickly and appropriately integrate the operating methods of the company they advise in order to respond pragmatically and efficiently to our needs.’

Key clients

Agence des participations de l’État

Artefact

Bouygues Telecom

Bpifrance

Butler Industries

Caisse des Dépôts et Consignations

Crédit Agricole Assurances (Predica)

Diageo

Engie

Groupe La Poste

Groupe Prévoir

KKR

Louis Dreyfus Armateurs

LOV Group

OpenGate Capital

Paprec

Qatar Investment Authority

SNCF

Sopra Steria

Thales

Work highlights

  • Advising La Banque Postale (LBP) on the creation of a large public financial group via (i) its acquisition of Groupe BPCE’s stake in CNP Assurances, an insurance company listed on Euronext Paris, followed by a public offer and squeeze out of the remaining shares of CNP Assurances, (ii) its sale of 40% of AEW Europe and 45% of Ostrum Asset Management to Natixis Investment Managers (Groupe BPCE), and (iii) the renegotiation and renewal of distribution and management agreements between LBP and various entities within Groupe BPCE.
  • Advising Engie on the sale of the Equans group, a global multi-technical services leader specialised in energy and facilities management services, to Groupe Bouygues after a highly competitive bid process for EUR 7.1 billion.
  • Advising Crédit Agricole Assurances (Predica) on its acquisition in consortium with Engie of Eolia Renovables, one of the largest independent producers of renewable energy in Spain from Alberta Investment Management Corporation (AIMCO).

Clifford Chance

Clifford Chance is routinely involved in big-ticket deals within the retail and consumer goods, healthcare, telecoms, defence and aerospace, financial services and infrastructure industries. A key point of differentiation for the practice is its expansive international footprint, which renders it a go-to for foreign investment matters, stemming from the EU and globally. Managing partner Mathieu Rémy is a leading figure for cross-border public and private M&A, in addition to joint ventures, meanwhile Fabrice Cohen serves as a go-to for several high-profile corporates and is especially formidable when it comes to M&A, securities law, private equity deals and reorganisations. Beyond partner level, counsel Marine Jamain is building a prominent reputation for transactions within the energy and infrastructure fields.

Practice head(s):

Fabrice Cohen; Benjamin de Blegiers; Gilles Lebreton; Emmanuel Mimin; Marianne Pezant; Mathieu Remy; Laurent Schoenstein

Other key lawyers:

Emmanuel Mimin; Marine Jamain

Testimonials

‘The team works very well together and across multiple jurisdictions.’

‘Marianne Pezant is the partner who is the lead on our matters. She is very service oriented and smart.’

‘High quality support. Lots of listening. A lot of professionalism at every step of the process.’

 

Key clients

Airbus Group

APE

Ariane Group

Mannai Corporation

Amundi

Caisse des dépôts et consignations

Carrefour

Compass

Crédit Agricole

Crédit Agricole Assurances (Prédica)

EDF

Eiffage

Engie

Europcar

Geodis

Icade

InfraMed Infrastructure

Ipsen

Les Echos

L’Oréal

Mondelez

Nissan

Pernod Ricard

Plastic Omnium

Rexel

Saft Group

Sanofi

Saur

TotalEnergies

Veolia

Willis Towers Watson

Work highlights

  • Advised the Consortium composed of Meridiam, Global Infrastructure Partners and the CDC Group (Caisse des Dépôts et Consignations and CNP Assurances) on the acquisition of the new Suez.
  • Advising Hitachi on its agreement to acquire Thales’ Ground Transportation Systems business.
  • Advised Crédit Agricole Assurances on the disposal of La Médicale to Generali.

De Pardieu Brocas Maffei

De Pardieu Brocas Maffei is a stellar option for M&A, joint venture, restructuring, private equity and stock-exchange transactions. The group represents listed and unlisted companies, in addition to investors, investment funds and financial players, and has an in-depth knowledge of an array of sectors, agri-business, financial services, energy and TMT included. Practice co-head Nicolas Favre also has specialist knowledge of the insurance, hospitality and retail fields, meanwhile Cédric Chanas is highly acclaimed for his work on distressed M&A, in addition to LBOs and stock exchange regulations. Recently promoted partner Grégoire Balland comes particularly regarded for his transactional work within the real estate field.

Practice head(s):

Patrick Jaïs; Guillaume Touttée; Nicolas Favre; Jean-François Pourdieu

Other key lawyers:

Cédric Chanas; Magali Masson; Etienne Boursican; Grégoire Balland

Testimonials

‘Excellent law firm in real estate and corporate matters. One of the best in the area in terms of expertise, team size and range of skills.’

‘Mastery of subjects, availability, excellent understanding of business issues and great responsiveness. Nicolas Favre is one of the best local lawyers in his area of expertise.’

‘The high execution capacity of DPBM Teams and the permanent involvement of senior staff help us to achieve a difficult deal.’

‘Nicolas Favre helps us to achieve balanced solutions with his deep experience and sound M&A track record’

‘Very competent and available team.’

‘Great professionalism, reactivity and remarkable availability and sense of the customer and the “deal”. It’s one of the best teams I’ve worked with.’

Key clients

GROUPE PIERRE ET VACANCES – CENTER PARCS

EXOR

ALTICE

COVIVIO

ALTAREA

GIC

ACCORINVEST

CNP ASSURANCES

NATIXIS

BATIPART

EDF ENERGIES NOUVELLES

GROUPE SOUFFLET

CARREFOUR

LOOPING GROUP

LA BANQUE POSTALE

TECHNICOLOR

CREDIT AGRICOLE ASSURANCES

MBWS

FREY

VEOLIA

TERRENA

CREDIT MUTUEL

SCOR

AXA

SAINT-GOBAIN

BIG MAMMA

TRANSDEV GROUP

CDC HABITAT GROUP (AMPERE GESTION)

FRENCH STATE

Work highlights

  • Advising the French state on the signature of an exclusive agreement between GE and EDF, to acquire part of GE Steam Power’s Nuclear Activities by EDF.
  • Advising Exor N.V on the signing of a long-term partnership with Institut Mérieux under the terms of which Exor will acquire, through a capital increase, a 10% stake in Institut Mérieux for an investment of €833 million.
  • Advising Groupe Pierre & Vacances – Center Parcs on the release of the first tranche of the new financing of a maximum amount of €300m to the benefit of Pierre & Vacances – Center Parcs and on the conclusion of an exclusive negotiation agreement with the Alcentra – Fidera – Atream group of investors as part of its equity strengthening process.

Freshfields Bruckhaus Deringer LLP

Freshfields Bruckhaus Deringer LLP has proficiency handling a broad array of corporate transactions including M&A, joint ventures, privatisations, strategic alliances, private equity and venture capital investment deals. The practice, which is also adept in takeover defence, shareholder activism and corporate governance affairs, is led by Guy Benda, an expert in the financial services, industrial engineering, water treatment, consumer and pharmaceutical sectors; he is supported by Hervé Pisani, a key port of call for energy, aviation, automobile and healthcare-related deals, as well as Guillemette Burgala whose industry expertise encompasses chemicals, infrastructure, real estate and retail. Beyond partner level, Sonia Tubiana and Arnaud Mouton are two promising lawyers who made counsel in May 2022.

Practice head(s):

Guy Benda

Other key lawyers:

Hervé Pisani; Guillemette Burgala; Olivier Rogivue; Sami Jebbour; Sonia Tubiana; Arnaud Mouton

Testimonials

‘Deep experience and expertise in getting transactions finished.’

‘Sami Jebbour is a standout partner.’

‘The team is available, responsive and very professional.’

Key clients

Sitel Group

STMicroelectronics

Compagnie de Saint-Gobain

ENGIE

Électricité de France (EDF)

Lactalis Group

Renault

Phoenix Tower International

SumUp

Volkswagen AG

XpFibre Network (formerly SFR FTTH Network)

HSBC

La Caisse des dépôts et consignations

GIC

La Poste / La Poste Mobile

Work highlights

  • Advised EDF on its project to acquire part of GE Steam Power’s nuclear power activities which would enable EDF to acquire GE’s nuclear steam turbine technology and services related to conventional island equipment for new nuclear power plants, including the Arabelle turbine.
  • Advised HSBC Continental Europe (HBCE) on the disposal of its French retail banking business to My Money Group, a Cerberus portfolio company.
  • Advised Saint-Gobain on the $2.3 billion all-cash acquisition of GCP Applied Technologies.

Gide Loyrette Nouel A.A.R.P.I.

A French firm with offices globally, Gide Loyrette Nouel A.A.R.P.I. is especially noted for its public M&A and private equity work, having recently handled headline deals in the energy, financial services, technology, healthcare and life sciences sectors. Practice head Olivier Diaz is one of the market’s star names for LBOs, public and private acquisitions, joint ventures and corporate restructurings. Further standout names include Anne Tolila, who often handles M&A operations for growth companies, and Jean-Gabriel Flandrois, an expert in distressed M&A. Charles de Reals complements his transactional prowess with knowledge of securities law and corporate governance matters.

Practice head(s):

Olivier Diaz

Other key lawyers:

Anne Tolila; Jean-Gabriel Flandrois; Charles de Reals

Testimonials

‘Among the many Parisian M&A teams, the Gide team composed of Olivier Diaz and Charles de Réals is exceptional. They offer a perfect combination of experience, renewed and innovative competence, as well as intellectual agility so that ‘every transaction is indeed different’.’

‘Olivier Diaz is among the most experienced lawyers for complex, multi-jurisdictional and/or high value M&A projects. His experience makes him one of the few irreplaceable players in Paris. His determined and persuasive, yet serene and courteous attitude make him one of the most appreciated interlocutors of managers.’

‘Charles de Réals assists Olivier Diaz in the largest transactions, and has developed an independent M&A practice. He has a lot of experience with major clients who trust him over time. Charles is extremely available, takes the time to immerse himself in the context and the specific issues of the sector and its customers: the discussions are therefore fluid and pleasant.’

‘Perfect understanding of the activity. The firm being full service, there is always an assurance of having recourse to the appropriate expertise if specific subjects arise during the deal. The team is also very agile. Generally, in addition to the partner, a middle lawyer is present on the deal and there is always the assurance of having a follow-up/back-up throughout the file thanks to the large staff of the firm.’

‘Jean-Gabriel Flandrois is a very pragmatic lawyer while having a great sense of precision. Excellent negotiator, he knows how to perfectly defend the problems of his clients as well as counterparties in order to propose satisfactory solutions for all parties to the deal. It should also be noted that the employees within the firm are always fully trained.’

‘Very responsive and competent team.’

‘The GIDE team demonstrated strong leadership in the transaction, being always very pro-active in moving the transaction forward and always ahead of the game. The GIDE team was also able to manage very efficiently the various parties involved both on the sell side and on the buy side. The team provided high quality advice in the negotiations in order to get the best deal done within the constraints we were facing in terms of timing and funding.’

‘We worked with the team of Anne Tolila for an acquisition transaction whose value was several billion euros. The transaction was on an extremely complex perimeter with an extremely short execution time, which requires a team of lawyers of the greatest professionalism’

Key clients

BNP Paribas

AXA

Casino

Pernod Ricard

Crédit Agricole

Eramet

Groupe BPCE

Naval Group

Groupe Bruxelles Lambert

Michelin

Merck

Lactalis

Criteo

SNCF

Nippon Steel Corporation

Fnac Darty

Caisse des Dépôts et Consignations

EssilorLuxottica

LVMH

Unibail Rodamco Westfield

Work highlights

  • Assisted Institut Mérieux, an independent holding company owned by the Mérieux family and specialised in global health, on signing a long-term partnership with Exor N.V., a diversified holding owned by the Agnelli family. Under the agreement, Exor has acquired, by way of a reserved capital increase, a 10% shareholding in Institut Mérieux, representing an investment of EUR 833 million.
  • Assisted the client in the acquisition 100% of Bolloré Africa Logistics, comprising all of the Bolloré Group’s transport and logistics activities in Africa at an enterprise value of EUR 5.7 billion, net of minority interests.
  • Advising ALD, Société Générale’s car leasing subsidiary, and its board on the acquisition of its competitor, LeasePlan, from TDR Capital.

Herbert Smith Freehills LLP

Herbert Smith Freehills LLP stands out for its handling of public and private M&A, in addition to corporate governance affairs such as ESG and governance body structuring affairs. The department is spearheaded by Hubert Segain, who, in addition to his M&A work, is also active on corporate finance, boardroom advisory, shareholder activism and reorganisation mandates. A further name of prominence is Frédéric Bouvet, who has a stellar reputation for public M&A and stock exchange-related deals.

Practice head(s):

Hubert Segain

Other key lawyers:

Frédéric Bouvet; Edouard Thomas; Christopher Theris; Laurence Vincent; Cyril Boulignat

Testimonials

‘HSF Paris M&A team is a high performance team, deploying great professionals, with deep legal knowledge, but more importantly with a really high knowledge of the client’s needs and expectations, understanding commercial constrains getting to the best result possible from both a technical and a commercial perspective.’

‘HSF Paris M&A team (and, particularly, partner Edouard Thomas) continuously demonstrate an outstanding level of understanding our needs and getting to the best technical solution without disregarding practical and commercial constrains. They are extremely hard workers conscious of client and transaction’s needs, devoting and optimising resources, having been able to get highly complex transactions to a successful outcome.’

‘The M&A practice of the firm HSF has a good knowledge of the field of energy, which facilitates their integration on the files.’

Key clients

ENGIE

Cellnex Telecom

Generali

BNP Paribas

Worldine

Korian

Hartwood

Incitec Pivot Limited

Infravia Capital Partners

Marguerite

Renault

Nexity

Diageo

Work highlights

  • Advised ENGIE on the proposed sale of 100% of Equans (which provides energy and facilities management services) to French conglomerate Bouygues for EUR 7.1 billion.
  • Advised Cellnex on the acquisition of the remaining 30% stake in On Tower France from Iliad for €950 million and the acquisition of an additional 10% stake in On Tower Poland from Iliad for PLN 615 million.
  • Advised Generali on the acquisition of La Médicale, Crédit Agricole Assurances’ insurance subsidiary, for healthcare professionals for EUR 435 million

Latham & Watkins

Latham & Watkins is a US-headquartered firm with offices throughout Europe, the Middle East and Asia Pacific. The team, which is active on global M&A, domestic transactions, private equity deals and large-scale spin-offs, is chaired by Pierre-Louis Cléro; his key strengths include public and private M&A, disposals, joint ventures and restructurings, along with transaction-related disputes. The team continues to make significant strides within the large-cap venture market and is also home to Alexander Crosthwaite and Olivier du Mottay, both of whom are adept in buy and sell-side representation.

Practice head(s):

Pierre-Louis Cléro

Other key lawyers:

Alexander Crosthwaite; Olivier du Mottay

Testimonials

‘Olivier du Mottay is an outstanding strategic lawyer, being both commercially astute and highly in tune with his clients’ needs and concerns.’

Key clients

Adisseo

Air France -KLM

Albéa

Alphatecspine

Arkéa

Arteris

Atos

Auchan Holding

Axa

Babilou

BlaBlaCar

Bloom and Wild

Burger King

Calliditas

Carrefour

CDC/CNP

CMA-CGM

CNES

Coatue Management

Crédit Mutuel Arkea

DAMS Développement

Datassential Holdings

Dragoneer

Equatorial Coca-Cola Bottling Company

Expedia Group

Fortress Investment Group

Fraikin

GIP

Groupe Bertrand

Henkel

IFREMER

Imérys

Impala

Karnov Group

Lagardère

Lectra SA

L’Oreal

Mainstay Medical

Media Globe Networks S.A.

Meridiam

Mobivia

OpenWeb

Rémy Cointreau Libra

SHD AG

TechnipFMC

Tencent

TotalEnergies SE.

Turo Inc.

Veracyte

Vivalto Santé

Vivendi

Webhelp

William Demant

Worldline

Linklaters

Linklaters is a firm fixture on domestic and multi-jurisdictional transactions across a wealth of sectors, demonstrating a particularly formidable reputation in the technology, infrastructure, transport and energy sectors. Practice head Bruno Derieux is a market veteran of 20 years who routinely acts on public and private M&A deals, in addition to private equity-backed transactions; he is supported by Pierre Tourres, global co-head of the firm’s automotive/mobility department, as well as public tender expert, Pierre Thomet. At counsel-level, Julien Bourmaud-Danto comes highly regarded, as does Mehdi Boumedine, who is distinctly well-versed in M&A pertaining to the African market.

Practice head(s):

Bruno Derieux

Other key lawyers:

Pierre Tourres; Pierre Thomet; Alain Garnier; Florent Mazeron; Nicolas Le Guillou; Julien Bourmaud-Danto; Mehdi Boumedine

Testimonials

‘Extremely competent: in-depth knowledge of the field as well as the various industrial sectors concerned. Very accommodating regarding invoicing (taking into account the specific elements of our collaboration).’

‘Pierre Tourres, extremely brilliant and efficient.’

‘Ability to assist us on any type of transaction and a wide range of issues.

‘Recommended for private M&A to more sophisticated Public M&A transactions and complex governance issues.’

‘Team that covers all sectors and types of business law operations, responsive and highly organised.’

‘Pierre Thomet and Julien Bourmaud-Danto, they have an encyclopaedic knowledge of market operations, particularly in stock market law, which is extremely valuable.’

‘Had the chance to work with the firm Linklaters on several very important transactions. Very good firm, very professional, highly respected and a pleasure to work with their team.’

‘Pierre Thomet is very pragmatic, attentive to the customer and available.’

Key clients

ARDIAN

GIP

Lease Plan

Bel

Unibel

Aptar

Solvay

Engie-EPS (now NHOA)

Tor Investment Management

Oscaro Power

Atlas Arteria

Kouros Investment

Rgreen

Butec

McKesson

Rubis

Caisse Fédérale du Crédit Mutuel Nord Europe CFCMNE

Aptar

CGG

Stellantis

Sanofi

Plastic Omnium

NW Storm

Vauban Infrastructure Partners

Hillenbrand

The Dutch State

Barclays

Acrotec

Carlyle

Work highlights

  • Advised ARDIAN and Global Infrastructure Partners on their contemplated takeover offer for Suez (waste and water management company) in the context of the hostile takeover battle between Suez and Veolia.
  • Advised the shareholders of LeasePlan on its combination with ALD, Société Générale’s car leasing division, for €4.9 bn.
  • Advised Bel, the market-leading cheese brand owner and major player in healthy snacking, on the €700m sale of the  cheese brand Leerdammer and related rights to Lactalis against a 23.16% stake in Bel (listed on Euronext Paris) held by Lactalis.

Orrick

Orrick's know-how in M&A, strategic investments, joint ventures and multi-jurisdictional deals is sought out by major players within the technology and telecoms, energy, infrastructure, healthcare, life sciences, real estate and hospitality fields. The practice is spearheaded by Patrick Tardivy, who is also knowledgeable in buyouts and joint ventures, and is distinctly well-versed in investments pertaining to Francophone Africa; his team includes Jean-Pierre Martel, a star name who has previously advised household names including Peugeot and L’Oréal on blockbuster transactions, in addition to Olivier Jouffroy, who specialises in both public and private M&A deals. Beyond partner-level, of counsel Gergana Rodriguez-Bacarreza plays a pivotal role in the group’s transactional activities within the energy sphere.

Practice head(s):

Patrick Tardivy

Other key lawyers:

Jean-Pierre Martel; Olivier Jouffroy; Gergana Rodriguez-Bacarreza; George Rigo; Alexis Marraud des Grottes

Testimonials

Lawyers have excellent technical knowledge and negotiation skills.’

‘Orrick’s corporate team stands out for its ability to structure complex arrangements. Orrick is very well positioned to manage both medium-sized and very large deals.’

‘Patrick Tardivy – Patrick has an impressive work force. It strives to always be innovative at the service of its customers in order to make them benefit from the latest market trends (W&I insurance for example).’

‘Olivier Jouffroy – Olivier has an organizational capacity that allows him to manage operations efficiently. His rigor makes it possible to carry out complex operations in record time.’

Key clients

3i Group plc

Alcentra Limited

Almaviva Capital / Almaviva Santé

Antin Infrastructure Partners

Ardian

Assystem

Auchan

AXA IM

BT Group Plc

CNP Assurances

Eurofiber

Kem One

L’Oréal

Michelin

Proximis

RATP

Saur

Société d’Investissement Bastide – SIB

Stokke AS

Veolia Environnement

Work highlights

  • Advised L’Oréal on its €8.9 billion strategic transaction with Nestlé for the repurchase of 4% of its own shares held by Nestlé. The total price paid to Nestlé will amount to €8.9 billion.
  • Advising Ardian Infrastructure on signing a €1.4 billion agreement to acquire a majority stake in the capital of solar energy pioneer GreenYellow from French mass-market retail giant Groupe Casino, Tikehau Capital and Bpifrance. |
  • Advised CNP Assurances (i) in its capacity as member of a consortium of investors comprising Global Infrastructure Partners, Meridiam and La Caisse des dépôts (the “Consortium”) in connection with the negotiation and signing of a Memorandum of Understanding between Suez, Veolia, and the Consortium with a view to forming the shareholder base of the new Suez entity with revenues of nearly €7 billion.

Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher & Flom LLP

A multinational law firm headquartered in the US, Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher & Flom LLP’s Paris office is home to a strong M&A practice. Armand Grumberg leads the department, having previously worked in New York and London, and has a market-leading reputation for a wealth of matters, including shareholder activism; he is supported by Arash Attar-Rezvani, who serves as a go-to for numerous household names within the technology and telecoms industries, as well as cross-border M&A, financing and corporate governance expert, Pascal Bine.

Practice head(s):

Armand Grumberg

Other key lawyers:

Arash Attar-Rezvani; Pascal Bine; Nicola Di Giovanni

Testimonials

‘Excellent team that combines all the qualities: technical knowledge, in-depth analyses, strategic vision, business advice, availability. It is a pleasure to work with them. The quality of service is remarkable.’

‘All the partners are simply excellent, especially Armand Grumberg. His availability, his knowledge of the market and his business approach are remarkable. The most complex operations are handled smoothly and efficiently.’

‘Involvement, knowledge of files, remarkable skills. Small team but which delivers flawlessly.’

Key clients

LVMH Moët Hennessy Louis Vuitton S.E.

SCOR SE

Iliad

Capgemini SE

Air France-KLM

Renault

Silver Lake Partners

Criteo SA

Daimler-Mercedes Benz AG

TriX Pharmaceuticals

L’Occitane International SA

Axian Group

Pfizer

Work highlights

  • Advised Renault in relation with the sale of Renault Russia and its controlling interest in Avtovaz.
  • Represented Air France-KLM in connection with a definitive agreement entered into with Apollo Global Management (NYSE: APO), whereby Apollo-managed funds and entities will make a €500 million investment into an ad hoc operating affiliate of Air France that will own a pool of spare engines dedicated to the airline’s engineering and maintenance activities.
  • Advised Daimler on its investment, via its subsidiary Mercedes-Benz AG, in Automotive Cells Company (ACC), a joint venture between Stellantis and TotalEnergies to manufacture battery cells for the automotive industry.

Sullivan & Cromwell LLP

At Sullivan & Cromwell LLP, lawyers work in close tandem with their colleagues in London, New York and Frankfurt, among other locations, to support on a varied roster of domestic, European and continent-spanning deals. The practice is headed by Olivier de Vilmorin whose broad workload spans M&A, private equity, capital market and restructuring transactions, handled on behalf of buyers, sellers and financial institutions; his team includes Gauthier Blanluet, managing partner of the Paris office, as well as Garth Bray who spent several years practising in Asia and is naturally a go-to for deals intersecting the APAC region. Standouts at the more junior end include associate, Nicolas Karmin, who has played a hands-on role in several multibillion-euro matters, in addition to Arnaud Berdou, a European counsel with exposure to corporate governance and transactional affairs, including SPAC deals.

Practice head(s):

Olivier de Vilmorin

Other key lawyers:

Garth Bray; William Torchiana; Gauthier Blanluet; Arnaud Berdou; Nicolas Karmin

Weil, Gotshal & Manges LLP

Weil, Gotshal & Manges LLP, a firm with offices throughout the US, Europe and Asia, serves as a key port of call for cross-border M&A, public-to-private transactions, spin-offs, friendly and hostile takeovers, joint ventures and reorganisations; its practice is co-led by Claude Serra, who supplements his transactional prowess with significant corporate governance, crisis management and director fiduciary duty know-how, alongside Yannick Piette, a specialist in hostile takeover defence, carve-outs and M&A handled on behalf of listed companies.

Practice head(s):

Claude Serra; Yannick Piette

Other key lawyers:

Agathe Soilleux

Key clients

Altarea

Casino

Caisse des Dépôts et Consignations

Engie

Eiffage

Eutelsat

JCD Holdings

Orange

Paprec

Rallye

Total

Vallourec

Vinci

Work highlights

  • Advising Casino on the sale of its majority stake in Green Yellow to Ardian (EUR 1,400 million)
  • Advising Eutelsat on the acquisition of the majority control of OneWeb (USD 2,500 million).
  • Advising Orange on the sale of a 50% stake in Orange Concessions to a consortium composed of La Caisse des Dépôts et Consignations, CNP Assurances and EDF Invest.

White & Case LLP

White & Case LLP is a go-to for both French-listed and multinational companies, and has been particularly active within the financial services, insurance, automotive and energy sectors of late. The practice is home to Hugues Mathez, a specialist in M&A, group restructurings, carve-outs, disclosure matters and corporate governance; he jointly heads the department alongside Saam Golshani, an expert in all-manner of corporate transactions who is especially accomplished within the technology field. Marc Petitier has provided support on a number of multibillion-euro transactions, including one of Europe’s largest de-SPACs.

Practice head(s):

Hugues Mathez; Saam Golshani

Other key lawyers:

Marc Petitier; Franck De Vita;  Guillaume Vitrich; Jean Paszkudzki

Key clients

Faurecia

Engie

Casino Group

Coya

Europcar Mobility Group

RTL Group

Liberty Global

Amber Capital

Ebro Foods

Bpifrance

Altitude Infrastructure Holding

Orange

FCDE

Legrand

Macif

Groupe Casino

DEE Tech

Luko

Pernod Ricard

Peugeot Frères Industrie

Korian

Work highlights

  • Representation of Pegasus Entrepreneurs and its sponsors Tikehau Capital, Financière Agache, CEO Pierre Cuilleret, Jean-Pierre Mustier and Diego De Giorgi on its de-SPACing with FL Entertainment, a global entertainment group comprising Banijay Group and Betclic Everest Group, that will result in the listing of FL Entertainment on Euronext Amsterdam.
  • Representation of Faurecia, one of the world’s largest automotive equipment suppliers, in connection with the acquisition of HELLA through a tender offer.
  • Representation of the Board of Directors of Engie on the entry of Engie into exclusive negotiations with Bouygues for the sale of Equans, the global multi-technical services leader for EUR7.1Bn.

Willkie Farr & Gallagher LLP

Willkie Farr & Gallagher LLP, a firm with a far-reaching international platform, thrives on a plethora of transaction types; examples include acquisitions, disposals, strategic alliances, contested takeovers, MBOs, reorganisations, carve-outs and distressed M&A. The practice simultaneously covers a broad variety of industries, including transport, automotive, technology and chemicals, and is led by Eduardo Fernandez, who also has knowledge of the food, healthcare, consumer products and business services fields. Gabriel Flandin has been active on a number of headline deals involving both public and private companies of late.

Practice head(s):

Eduardo Fernandez

Other key lawyers:

Daniel Hurstel; Partner, Cédric Hajage; Grégoire Finance; Gabriel Flandin; Hugo Nocerino

Testimonials

‘Mastery of processes and great technicality’

‘Gabriel Flandin brings not only his technical expertise but also a real ability to negotiate, taking his client’s positions while bringing a lot of serenity to the discussions.’

Key clients

CMA CGM

Air Liquide

Thales Group

Orange

Arkema

Air France

Elior Group

Lagardère

Bonduelle

Bpifrance

BEL Group

Caisse des dépôts et consignations

Work highlights

  • Advised CMA CGM Group on the acquisition of the Commerce & Lifecycle services division of Ingram Micro in the context of a cross-border carve-out.
  • Advised the consortium led by Banque des Territoires, CNP Assurances and EDF Invest on the acquisition of a 50 per cent equity interest in Orange Concessions, in connection with which the consortium entered into an exclusivity agreement with Orange in January 2021.
  • Advised Air France KLM on the recapitalisation of Air France and its holding company.

Allen & Overy LLP

Allen & Overy LLP is active on the cross-border front though also handles a large volume of high-end domestic transactions; its team has a particularly in-depth knowledge of the energy, infrastructure, real estate, gaming, media, technology, life sciences and telecoms sectors and thrives on a broad array of deal types, from M&A, disposals and private equity through to privatisation, reorganisation and restructuring transactions. Practice head Frédéric Moreau is also highly regarded for his public takeover, joint venture and strategic investment know-how and is supported by Marc Castagnède, a go-to for listed and non-listed companies, private equity players, investment funds and financial institutions. Guillaume Isautier, former practice head of Shearman & Sterling LLP, joined in April 2023.

Practice head(s):

Frédéric Moreau

Other key lawyers:

Marc Castagnède; Jean-Claude Rivalland; Alexandre Ancel; Romy Richter; Guillaume Isautier

Testimonials

‘Jean-Claude Rivalland’s team is responsive and able to manage complex transactions in all their facets.’

‘The firm offers a platform with very experienced lawyers in each field (corporate, social, IT/IP/Data, banking regulatory, competition, etc.), which is very suitable for large-scale projects. Billing is discussed without taboo and openly with the partners, which is very pleasant.’

‘The lawyers are very experienced and very responsive, with a commercial understanding of the cases’

Key clients

Bolloré

Engie

Groupe Arnault (the holding company of LVMH)

Campari

Louis Roederer

Compagnie des Alpes

Auchan

Airbus

Thales

Orano

Crédit Mutuel Arkéa

Generali

Caisse des Dépôts et Consignations (CDC)

Acciona

DomusVi

AP Moller

Raja Group

Wolters Kluwer

Predica

Ipsen

ABF

Omnes Capital

Randstad

EDPR

Infrared Capital

Cegid

Pathé

IDG Capital

Symbio

Work highlights

  • Advising the Bolloré Group on its potential divestment of 100% of Bolloré Africa Logistics, which includes all the transport and logistics activities of the Bolloré Group in Africa, to the MSC Group on the basis of an enterprise value, net of minority interests, of EUR5.7 billion.
  • Advised Ipsen on its entry into exclusive negotiations with the pharmaceutical laboratory Mayoly Spindler in relation to the divestment of its consumer healthcare (CHC) business, including the drugs Smecta®, Forlax®, Tanakan®, Fortrans® and various production sites.
  • Advised Campari Group on the signing and simultaneous closing of an agreement with Diageo, a global leader in beverage alcohol, to acquire the French flavoured liqueur brand Picon and related assets, for an amount of approximately EUR119 million.

Baker McKenzie

Baker McKenzie fields one of the globe’s largest M&A practices, amounting to c.1400 lawyers across the Americas, EMEA and APAC; its team in Paris is naturally active on the cross-border front and is led by Stéphane Davin , an expert in M&A, joint ventures and private equity deals, who is adept in the aerospace and defence, energy, software and chemicals industries, among many others. Alain Sauty de Chalon is also among the key names and has distinct expertise in the sale of businesses with actual or anticipated difficulties, in addition to distressed asset purchases.

Practice head(s):

Stéphane Davin

Other key lawyers:

Alain Sauty de Chalon; Hugo Sanchez de la Espada

Testimonials

‘Reactivity. Listening to customer needs. Expertise.’

‘The Baker M&A team provided the right amount of guidance and counsel for a small transaction in an unfamiliar jurisdiction for our company. Without over-lawyering the transaction, we understood the unique issues of doing this type of deal in France, as well as the alternatives.’

Key clients

Accenture

Adient

Atos

Automattic Inc

BNP Paribas

Bumble

BizLink Holding

Casino

Children Worldwide Fund

Claranova

Consortium composed of Airbus, Safran and Tikehau Ace Capital

Crédit Agricole

Dalkia

Embracer

EDF

Faurecia

Laboratoires Servier

LVMH

MVNO SYMA

Nielsen IQ

Safran

Service Now

Siemens

Sika

Vivendi

Tencent

Thales

Work highlights

  • Advised Embracer which has announced its intention to make a strategic acquisition of Asmodee Group, one of the world’s leading independent players in the board game market, for an estimated €2.75 billion.
  • Advise Thales on negotiations with Hitachi Rail for the sale of its global Ground Transportation Systems (GTS) business for an enterprise value of €1.66 billion.
  • Advised Suez group in connection with the plan to sell its Recycling and Recovery activity in Australia in favour of the Cleanaway Group for a total price of approximately 1.6 billion euros.

Gibson Dunn

Gibson Dunn’s practice in France is closely integrated with the firm’s international platform, consisting of more than 1,400 lawyers throughout 20 global offices; its lawyers excel on a broad variety of deals, from spin-offs, restructurings and joint ventures though to negotiated and contested mergers and stock and asset purchases. The practice acts for a mixture of US, French and European clients and is home to Bernard Grinspan, who leverages his dual qualification in New York and Paris to support on an array of multi-jurisdictional deals; he co-leads the team alongside Ariel Harroch, who has an in-depth knowledge of the hospitality, real estate, telecoms, media, banking and financial services industries.

Practice head(s):

Bernard Grinspan; Ariel Harroch

Other key lawyers:

Bertrand Delaunay; Benoît Fleury; Patrick Ledoux; Judith Raoul-Bardy; Clarisse Bouchetemblé

Testimonials

‘Ariel Harroch and Judith Raoul-Bardy are recommended.’

‘Patrick Ledoux’s team is very committed and extremely responsive, in addition to its remarkable skill. In terms of invoicing, the dialogue is open.’

‘Patrick Ledoux is directly involved in the files throughout the course of the file. His skill and experience in M&A are remarkable. He also knows how to be pragmatic. The deliverables are of high quality.’

Key clients

Groupe Vivarte

Groupe La Poste / Docaposte

Anjac Group

SoLocal

Vivendi

NetApp, Inc.

Schindler S.A.

Itochu Corporation

Eaton Corporation

Hopps Group / Colis Privé Group

Blade Air Mobility

Goodwin

Goodwin fields over 500 corporate practitioners across 14 offices; its team in Paris is geared to support on a variety of transactions from LBOs, tender offers and spinoffs through to go-private deals and divestitures. Maxence Bloch leads the practice, which counts private equity, life sciences, technology and real estate among its core sectors of focus. William Robert's recent workload has included several multi-faceted, cross-border deals.

Practice head(s):

Maxence Bloch

Other key lawyers:

William Robert; Thomas Dupont-Sentilles

Testimonials

‘Very good team of professionals.’

‘Thomas Dupont Sentilles is recommended.’

‘A particularly responsive and reliable bilingual team.’

Key clients

Cegedim Santé

Cerba Healthcare

Exegy

Explinvest

GTT Communications

Private Sport Shop

Ready Education

Repligen Corporation

Rossignol

SportPursuit

Work highlights

  • Advised Cerba Healthcare on multiple acquisitions: Lifebrain Group, Viroclinics, Labexa Group and more.
  • Advised the sellers of Orolia (including Eurazeo, the management and the minority shareholders) in the context of the sale of the group to Safran.

Hogan Lovells (Paris) LLP

Hogan Lovells (Paris) LLP, a firm with an extensive international network, fields a global team of over 500 M&A lawyers. Public and private M&A expert, Stéphane Huten, co-leads the team alongside Xavier Doumen, a specialist in cross-border M&A, spin-offs, strategic investments and joint ventures, and Matthieu Grollemund, a lawyer particularly accomplished within the technology and healthcare fields. Industry focuses for the wider team also includes energy, media, telecoms, automotive and financial services.

Practice head(s):

Xavier Doumen; Stéphane Huten; Matthieu Grollemund

Other key lawyers:

Jean-Marc Franceschi; Hélène Parent

Testimonials

‘Excellent team at the top of market practices and accustomed to all types of operation including the most complex and the largest. Smart, efficient and innovative services. Flexible and attentive in its billing.’

‘Stéphane Huten is one of the very best Parisian lawyers in the field of M&A. He masters the subjects both at the national level and for international operations. Impressive!’

‘Excellence. Efficiency.’

‘Xavier Doumen is recommended’

‘Entrepreneurial spirit, strong involvement and responsiveness, inventiveness in the solutions offered, and negotiation skills with the various stakeholders.’

‘Matthieu Grollemund and Hélène Parent standout.’

‘Top quality services, availability and pragmatism.’

‘Xavier Doumen is particularly relevant and effective.’

Key clients

Akiem

Albioma

AXA

Bpifrance

Caisse des Dépôts et Consignations

CNP Assurances

Daher

Daimler

EDF

Equinor

Ermewa

Ford

Groupe Up

Helios Towers

IBM

ID Logistics

Jobandtalent

Lacroix Group

Le Saffre

Medicrea

Mercedes Benz

Motherson Sumi Systems

OVH

Pernod-Ricard

Red River West

Rexel

Saint-Gobain

San Marina

SNCF

ST Dupont

TDF

Tenable

TowerBrook Capital Partners

Valneva

Voluntis

Wonderbox

Ÿnsect

Work highlights

  • Advised EDF on the restructuring and sale of Citelum in France, Italy, Spain, Denmark, Belgium, Brazil, Chile, Mexico, India and China.
  • Advising Wonderbox and Otium Capital as deal counsel on the proposed acquisition by Wonderbox of Smartbox.
  • Advised a consortium of investors alongside Tikehau on the acquisition of EGIS from CDC (billion plus of enterprise value) and for a structured debt-equity investment of Farralone, followed by a sale and reinvestment in Green Yellow (approx. (1billion of enterprise value) and on the acquisition of PropriétéPrivées (upper mid cap).

Jeantet

A domestic firm with overseas offices in Kyiv, Geneva, Budapest and Casablanca, Jeantet is naturally extremely active in terms of cross-border M&A, acting for a roster of banking, construction, energy, industrial engineering, life sciences, retail, travel and leisure companies. The practice is home to Karl Hepp de Sevelinges, notably licensed to also practice in New York and Frankfurt, who operates across M&A, divestment and business restructuring matters; he co-leads the team with Thierry Brun, noted for his public and private acquisition capabilities, and Yvon Dréano, who is adept in transactions, joint ventures, strategic alliances and corporate governance.

Practice head(s):

Karl Hepp de Sevelinges; Thierry Brun; Yvon Dréano

Other key lawyers:

Cyril Deniaud; Vincent Netter

Testimonials

‘With Karl Hepp de Sevelinges’ long-standing experience and supervision, we felt we were in good hands.’

‘Wide range of expertise, good understanding of local legal issues.’

‘Yvon Dreano is always well-prepared, available and with good advice. Very pleasant to work with but also very good in convincing the other side.’

‘Unfailing availability, great sense of planning and anticipation, strong advisory skills in negotiation, technical skills, ability to find pragmatic solutions to move the file forward’

‘Attentive to client’s needs and in a timely manner.’

‘Helpful approach and personable communication – always responsive.’

‘The Jeantet team have been greatly supportive in getting our deal done. They combine thorough knowledge of the law with great service and customer friendliness.’

‘They are responsive, user-friendly and reasonably priced. We have the utmost faith in their advice and they are my go-to firm in Paris.’

Key clients

AGROFERT GROUP

GEA GROUP

STMICROELECTRONICS

OTTO GROUP

FUBOTV

NIPPON STEEL CORPORATION

THINKPROJECT

INVENTORY PLANNER

Work highlights

  • Advised the Agrofert group, a European leader in the production of nitrogen fertilizers, on the acquisition of Borealis’ nitrogen production business for €810 million.
  • Advised Apollo Global Management on the signing of a final agreement for a €500 million investment in a subsidiary of Air France-KLM.
  • Advised Thoma Bravo on the acquisition of Talend for US$2.4 billion.

Jones Day

Jones Day, a firm with a global presence, is engaged on both large-cap and mid-market M&A, directing particular emphasis towards deals within the energy, life sciences, defence and aerospace, industrials, consumer products and technology fields. Fronted by Sophie Hagège, a lawyer proficient in cross-border M&A, joint ventures, commercial agreements and outsourcing projects, the team also includes Audrey Bontemps,  who provides the group with an in-depth knowledge of chemical and real estate-related transactions. A further name to note is associate Alexandre Heydel, who has already forged a track record in coordinating multi-jurisdictional deals.

Practice head(s):

Sophie Hagège

Other key lawyers:

Alexandre de Verdun; Gael Saint Olive; Audrey Bontemps; Delphine Sauvebois-Brunel; Alexandre Heydel

Testimonials

‘Alexander de Verdun and Alexander Heydel are recommended.’

‘We engaged the Jones Day team for an international transaction. The Jones Day team worked seamlessly with our Australian lawyers. The transaction was complex and carried out under extreme time pressure. The Jones Day team were excellent in the quality of their advice and responsiveness.’

‘Alexandre de Verdun was the lead lawyer from Jones Day. He provides pragmatic advice of excellent quality and seamlessly managed the inputs into the transaction from other subject-matter experts within Jones Day.’

‘Ability to manage legal issues from different perspectives through a diversified team. Effective and cooperative approach towards client.’

Key clients

DataBank

EDF

Framatome

Goldman Sachs

Mapei

Pisto

Suez SA

Sanofi

TotalEnergies Gaz Electricité de France

TotalEnergies SE

Simpson Manufacturing Co., Inc.

Work highlights

  • Advised Sanofi on the carve out that created EUROAPI, a leading European company dedicated to the development, production and marketing of active pharmaceutical ingredients, and its company listing on the Euronext Paris pan-European bourse.
  • Advised Simpson Manufacturing Co., Inc., an industry leader in engineered structural connectors and building solutions, on its acquisition of Etanco Group from investment fund ICG.
  • Advising TotalEnergies on its joint venture with Plastic Energy to build France’s first chemical recycling plant at the TotalEnergies’ Grandpuits platform, which is the first industrial platform to be authorized under the Action Plan for Business Growth and Transformation.

Lacourte Raquin Tatar

Lacourte Raquin Tatar has recently overseen high-calibre transactions within the banking and finance, transport/infrastructure and real estate sectors, among others. The department is led by Serge Tatar, who is likewise adept within the beverage and infrastructure fields and runs a workload spanning M&A, joint ventures, strategic partnerships and cross-border deals from both an inbound and outbound perspective; he is supported by Nicolas Jüllich, well-versed in spin-offs and demergers, as well as Renaud Rossa whose track record includes deals throughout Europe and Africa. Guillaume Roche rounds off the four-partner team, counting the corporate governance of listed companies among his key fields of expertise.

Practice head(s):

Serge Tatar

Other key lawyers:

Guillaume Roche; Nicolas Jüllich; Renaud Rossa

Testimonials

‘Renaud Rossa is excellent’

‘The team led by Renaud Rossa perfectly meets our expectations in terms of both strong skills and customer contact. Their responsiveness is admirable and schedules are always met.’

‘The strong point for us is the knowledge they have of our corporate culture which allows them to quickly and effectively understand our needs in terms of transactional documentation negotiation.’

‘Renaud Rossa’s experience and negotiating skills are remarkable, which allows us to easily rely on his advice and proposals.’

Key clients

SNCF

Orange

Tikehau

BPI France

BNP Paribas

Groupe Castel

Oddo BHF

Korian

Amundi Immobilier

MCS & Associés-iOera

Ceetrus

Unibail-Rodamco-Westfield

EDF

Aermont

Vinci Immobilier

Frey

SFL

Work highlights

  • Advised SNCF in connection with the combination between Eurostar International Limited, THI Factory and Thalys International, by the incorporation of a new holding company to which the current shareholders of Eurostar International Limited, THI Factory and Thalys International will contribute all the shares they hold in such companies at the time of incorporation of the holding company.
  • Advised BNP Paribas in connection with the combination of BNP Paribas’ subsidiary P24 specialising in the supply of remote surveillance equipment and services with EPS, a subsidiary of the Crédit Mutuel group engaged in the same activity.
  • Advised SFL in connection with the acquisition of 100% of the capital of the company that owns the real estate property where the registered headquarters of Amundi is located. The sale process is organized by a group of investors led by Primonial.

Paul Hastings LLP

Paul Hastings LLP, a global US-headquartered firm, is predominantly active in the mid- and upper mid-market space, handling standout deals within the life sciences, technology, aviation, defence, telecoms, technology and financial services sectors. Olivier Deren acts for corporates and private equity players alike, supporting on M&A, reorganisations, growth strategies, LBOs and capital development transactions; he oversees the practice, which is home to Charles Cardon, a lawyer who has been prolific on the deal front of late, in addition to his work on international external growth projects and securities law mandates.

Practice head(s):

Olivier Deren

Other key lawyers:

Charles Cardon; Etienne Mathey; Olivier Deren; Sébastien Crepy

Testimonials

‘Expertise, responsiveness, situational intelligence.’

‘Charles Cardon provides leadership and deal-making creativity.’

‘Very high sense of the need to provide fast, efficient and customer-oriented work. Pragmatism and openness.’

Key clients

A2Mac1

Air France

Antin Infrastructure Partners

ATOS

Circet

Compagne de Developpement de l’Eau

DLPK

DWS

Eurovia

Franfinance

GIAT Industries

GTT

Jones Lang LaSalle

Nexter Systems

Oceinde Communications

Provalliance

Sendinblue

Société Générale

UTAC

Valoria Capital

Work highlights

  • Advising Air France Industries KLM Engineering and Maintenance on the creation of xCelle Americas, a newly formed joint venture with Triumph Group, to overhaul nacelles for new generation aircraft at Triumph’s Hot Springs, Arkansas repair facility.
  • Advising Sendinblue in connection with the acquisitions of Metrilo, Chatra and PushOwl.
  • Advising A2mac1 on its acquisition of ImproValue, the leading global expert firm in cost benchmarking, to create the global leader in the end-to-end cost engineering and competitive benchmarking services market.

Shearman & Sterling LLP

At Shearman & Sterling LLP, the team recently added to its ranks through the January 2022 arrival of Jérémy Scemama, Xavier Norlain, Maud Manon and Matthieu Lampel from DLA Piper. Scemama has since assumed the role of practice head, leveraging 20 years’ worth of experience in corporate finance, restructurings, LBOs and venture capital transactions. Key sectors of focus include energy, TMT, financial institutions, hospitality, healthcare and private capital.

Practice head(s):

Jeremy Scemama

Other key lawyers:

Xavier Norlain, Maud Manon; Matthieu Lampel; Nicolas Bombrun

Testimonials

‘Nicolas Bombrun has assisted us on complex corporate law matters and has managed these matters exceptionally well. He is responsive and knowledgeable, with a commercial approach.’

‘The team is always very solid and has a great ability to manage foreign customers, it always shows great availability and adaptation to customer needs, they are also very courteous, and it is a pleasure to work with them.’

‘Nicolas Bombrun and the team are always very available and have the great ability to manage expectations of foreign and French customers, and to adapt to their needs.’

‘We know the team since many years and work smoothly together, as both sides know the other’s needs and skills. Cooperation without the need for introduction, expectation settings, but focus on the details of the transaction. Assignment is being tailored very specifically – not standard service using all kinds of lawyer resources but focus on key issues to the point.’

‘Perfect team, perfect service, perfect approach handling issues of counter parties, finding smooth agreements.’

Key clients

Groupe Premium

Worldline

Sodexo

VETONE

Product Madness

Prima Solutions

Work highlights

  • Advised Worldline on its acquisition of Handelsbanken’s card-acquiring activities of in Sweden, Norway, Denmark and Finland.
  • Advised Sodexo Group, a French food services and facilities management company headquartered in Paris, in connection with the sale of The Lido cabaret located on the Champs-Elysées to the Accor group.
  • Advised European Camping Group and PAI Partners on the acquisition of Vacanceselect by European Camping Group from Permira.

Simmons & Simmons

Simmons & Simmons' Paris M&A team hones its focus on a quartet of key areas, namely asset management and investment funds, financial institutions, digital business, and healthcare and life sciences. The practice is led by Christian Taylor, whose dual-qualification in Paris and England and Wales renders him a go-to for cross border work, and also includes Simonetta Giordano, acclaimed for her work on M&A, commercial contracts and joint ventures. Of counsel Anna Velitchkova is also a name to note and comes highly regarded by clients, particularly for her work on FDI matters and cross-border deals.

Practice head(s):

Christian Taylor

Other key lawyers:

Simonetta Giordano; Anna Velitchkova

Testimonials

‘They have excellent health expertise and provide a “haute couture” personalized advice. They are committed to our side day and night, and offer an exceptional level of relationship and trust.’

‘They always seek solutions adapted to the complexity of the problems and not just ready-made solutions. Their ability to understand the context beyond the legal aspects is exceptional. The technical skills (bspce, corporate, ip, competition, business, etc.) are really excellent.’

‘Simonetta Giordano is fantastic! I also recommend Anna Velitchkova.’

Key clients

Hoya Vision Care

Cooper Consumer Health

Philips International BV

Natixis/BPCE

Private person

Gamma Civic

Work highlights

  • Advised Hoya Vision Care on acquiring Médic’Oeil, a network of ophthalmology practices in France.
  • Advised Cooper Consumer Health, a leading European platform in the field of self-medication (OTC) and self-care, on the acquisition of Lashilé Beauty, a market leading nutricosmetic laboratory for food supplements.
  • Advising the ad hoc independent board of directors of Natixis in connection with the follow up and the evaluation of the contemplated acquisition of €3.7 billion of BPCE by a public tender process.

ADVANT Altana

ADVANT Altana

Other key lawyers:

Bruno Nogueiro; Fabien Pouchot; Géraldine Malfait

Testimonials

‘Excellence in advice and strong investment and responsiveness.’

‘Dynamic and professional team, understanding of needs and creative in these proposals to meet the needs/interests of its customers.’

‘Jean-Nicolas Soret is recommended for his listening skills. He is efficient, sympathetic, proactive in the search for solutions and proposals to achieve objectives’

‘Very professional, complementary and pragmatic teams. I appreciate the availability and responsiveness of the teams.’

‘Special mention for Gilles Gaillard: beyond his great competence and his recognized experience, a partner who really carries the file, brings business insight and goes beyond his role as a lawyer to bring the files to a successful conclusion.’

Key clients

AEMA

AG2R LA MONDIALE

AIR FRANCE

ALDI

CEGID

CFAO

COVEA

EDIFY

EUREDEN

GROUPAMA

JACOBS HOLDING

KURMA PARTNERS

LEXIS NEXIS

PHARMALEX

PROCLINIC

SOPRA STERIA

XERYS

Work highlights

  • Advised AÉMA on the 3bn euros acquisition all the insurance activities in France of AVIVA Plc.
  • Advised AIR FRANCE on the sale of SMOOSS, the operator of a software platform (SaaS) dedicated to optimization of travel booking, to HOPPER, a Canadian-based entity.
  • Advised SOPRA STERIA GROUP in connection with the acquisition of 100% of the share capital of EVA Group.

Ashurst LLP

Practice head(s):

Noam Ankri; François Hellot; Anne Reffay; Vincent Trevisani

Key clients

Boralex

Babcock International Group PLC

Sun Capital Partners

CBRE

CVL 3

Klee Group

ERG

Chryso Group

Mrs Karin Sartorius Herbst

Beltrame Group

Oaktree Capital Management

Renaissance Luxury Group

Work highlights

  • Advised renewable power company Boralex Inc on its acquisition of Infinergy Limited.
  • Advised Babcock International Group PLC on the disposal of its aerial emergency services operations in Italy, Portugal, Spain, Norway, Sweden, Finland and Mozambique to Ancala Partners.
  • Advising CVL 3 on the acquisition of Pressco Technology Inc and on the simultaneous refinancing of its current unitranche financing with a new financing provided by a debt fund.

August Debouzy

Practice head(s):

Julien Aucomte; Julien Wagmann

Other key lawyers:

Valéry Denoix de Saint Marc

Testimonials

‘Julien Aucomte is available and a good negotiator in deals.’

Key clients

Dassault Aviation

Thales

TotalEnergies

Orange

Caisse des dépôts et consignations

Veolia

Bertelsmann

Meridiam

Holcim

Microsoft

Korian

SNCF

Airbus

Nexity

The Adecco Group

Work highlights

  • Advised Orange S.A. through the implementation of a contribution of assets via a merger by Orange S.A. to its subsidiary, TOTEM France, of all its sites and passive infrastructures present in mainland France.
  • Advised the Swiss group Holcim, one of the major players in innovative and sustainable construction solutions resulting from the merger between the French company Lafarge and the Swiss company Holcim, in connection with the acquisition of 100% of the group PRB – Produits du Revêtement du Bâtiment.
  • Advised the Caisse des dépôts et consignations (CDC) on a private auction process between PE funds which led to the sale to Tikehau Capital of a 40% stake in Egis.

Bird & Bird

Practice head(s):

Emmanuelle Porte; Gildas Louvel

Other key lawyers:

David Malcoiffe; Bertrand Levy; Anne-Cécile Hansson

Testimonials

‘The team is very committed, and with a great force of proposal.’

‘We called on the Bird & Bird team as part of our first acquisition project in France. We appreciated their great availability and professionalism and their knowledge of international operations often requiring a rapprochement of vision (Anglo-Saxon vs French) within the M&A teams.’

‘Bertrand Levy: We particularly appreciated his responsiveness and his always pragmatic and effective advice. Bertrand knew how to be patient within the framework of a negotiation with sellers not accustomed to this type of operation and knew how to find original solutions when problems arose. His calm and poised attitude are valuable assets in an M&A transaction.’

‘Bertrand Levy has a great knowledge of market practices and the various players, which allows him to be confident during negotiations. His approach also allows good internal communication within the framework of our intra-group decision-making processes.’

Key clients

Implanet

Celeste

NovAlix

Sodexo

Cardiologs

ALD Automotive (Société Générale group)

Johnson Controls International

ByMyCar

Stellantis

Cosmobilis / UCar

Work highlights

  • Advising Stellantis in the context of the entry of Mercedes-Benz AG in the share capital of ACC, joint venture created by Stellantis and TotalEnergies and dedicated to the production of batteries for electric vehicles.
  • Advising Goa LCD in connection with the acquisition of a controlling interest in UCAR followed by a simplified takeover bid.
  • Assisting the shareholders of Cardiologs Technologies in the context of its sale to Philips group.

CMS Francis Lefebvre

Practice head(s):

Alexandra Rohmert; Arnaud Hugot; Alexandre Delhaye

Key clients

VOLKSWAGEN/PORSCHE

EW GROUP

PRIMONIAL

SAINT-GOBAIN

ENGIE

NEXSTAGE AM

ARRK CORPORATION (Mitsui Group)

OAKLEY

VIVALTO SANTE

RAMSAY SANTE

BIOGROUP

NGE

Work highlights

  • Advised Volkswagen/Porsche on the Bugatti Rimac joint venture.
  • Advised VIVALTO SANTE on (i) the acquisition of Confluent alongside Icade Santé and on the reinvestment of certain sellers (deal value c. EUR 300M) and on the acquisition by Vivalto Santé of Hopitaux Privés du Littoral (HPL) group.

Dechert LLP

Practice head(s):

Alain Decombe; Ermine Bolot

Other key lawyers:

Delphin Boucher; Vianney Toulouse

Testimonials

‘Real deal makers. They know how to guide us in risk-taking and take a stand. A talented team.’

‘Vianney Toulouse: Vianney is an excellent professional, who goes into his files in depth. Fine negotiator / very good interpersonal skills.’

‘Proximity, competence, availability. Very good team from the partner to the collaborators.’

‘Ermine Bolot: great competence, great clarity of her reasoning, finesse of approach, reasonable fees.’

‘Very responsive multidisciplinary team capable of responding to all subjects, knowing how to deal with time constraints and respecting the planned billings, taking care not to exceed the planned budgets while meeting the quality of the needs.’

‘Ermine Bolot was remarkable in the management of the project, both very professional but taking into account the operational constraints, a real business partner always available, and always remaining in a good mood despite the many difficulties encountered and that she managed to overcome with flying colours.’

Key clients

Arkema

Air Liquide

Bénéteau

Chiesi

Crown Holdings, Inc.

FiveT Hydrogen AG

Groupe Bel

GSK

HRA Pharma

Mayoly Spindler

Work highlights

  • Advised Mayoly Spindler on its acquisition of Ipsen’s Consumer Healthcare business.
  • Advised Five T Hydrogen on the Hy24 project, a joint venture between Five T Hydrogen and Ardian to launch ultimately the largest hydrogen fund.

Dentons

Practice head(s):

Olivia Guéguen

Other key lawyers:

Olivier Genevois; Pascal Chadenet; Jean-Marc Grosperrin; Catherine Joffroy; Laura Godard

Testimonials

‘Very good firm with a very strong international network, particularly in Eastern Europe.’

‘Responsiveness, availability, very strong commitment to their customers. Catherine Joffroy is a specialist in business law and one of the leading Russian specialists in France, which is valuable in the current international context.’

‘In addition to the excellent lawyers in Paris, Dentons is extremely strong with its global presence, including in countries where few international firms are established.’

‘We work regularly with Olivia Gueguen on M&A files in France (mid- and small cap). Olivia is very reactive, pragmatic and a fine negotiator. She is a real deal maker. Laura Godard is an excellent expert, very responsive and pleasant.’

Key clients

NielsenIQ

Lactalis

Mitsui & Co.

LHH France (Adecco group)

ITV

Creapharm

Wavestone

Organic Stories

Scalefast

Edge Systems, LLC

Septodont

Piano Software

Accor

AmRest

Bayer

Biogaran

BPCE

EDF

Editions Lefebvre Sarrut

Emil Frey

Geodis

Lesaffre

Pfizer

Renault

Rio Tinto

Servier

Société Générale

Veolia

Zentiva

Work highlights

  • Advised NielsenIQ on its acquisition of Foxintelligence.
  • Advised Groupe Lactalis on the US$3.2 billion acquisition by its U.S. affiliate of certain Kraft Heinz’s dairy products businesses in the US, in Canada and on an international scale.
  • Advised Lesaffre on its acquisition (share deal) from a Colombian company of the yeast business of Levapan in Brazil, Paraguay, Uruguay, Argentina and Bolivia through a Spanish Holdco.

DLA Piper

Practice head(s):

Simon Charbit

Other key lawyers:

Sarmad Haidar; Sonia de Kondserovsky; Laurence Masseran; Virginie Julien

Testimonials

‘Fixed price and invoicing negotiated for each project according to the parameters of the project. Establishment of a firm team connected with the internal project team.’

‘It is very easy to work with the team of Simon Charbit. They are very familiar with market practices and are facilitators in carrying out transactions. Having a single point of contact who directs us to the right partner in other countries if necessary is an asset.’

‘What I appreciate is Simon Charbit’s ease of access, lack of oversized ego, market knowledge, practical advice on what is acceptable or not.’

‘We mainly work with Virginie Julien who is a lawyer with proven experience in mergers and acquisitions. Virginie works actively, in a diligent and autonomous way, with good organizational skills and understanding of commercial issues. Virginie and her team are supervised by Sonia de Kondserovsky, partner, who has great interpersonal skills and a valuable customer approach.’

‘The DLA France M&A team under the lead of Laurence Masseran demonstrates a strong business sense and “end-to-end” service ensuring an effective link with other practices in labor law, real estate, taxes, etc.’

Key clients

Eagle Football Holdings LLC

Guidewire

Emergent Biotechnologies

Essential Pharma

Asmodee Group

Summit View

Eqinov

Spend HQ

ERG

Newfund

Infocert S.p.A.

Medix Boichemica

Booksy

Compagnie Française des Transports Régionaux

Croda

Coinshares

CREDIT MUTUEL ARKEA

Hyundai Capital Services

Alstom

Sciforma

GEA Group

GE ENERGY PRODUCTS FRANCE SNC

Resmed

IPSEN

Société Générale

Pierre Fabre

Lactalis

Biolandes

PartnerRe

B&B Hotels

Michelin

ALD SA

Renault

BIC

Work highlights

  • Advised Eagle Football Holdings LLC (Eagle Football), a US incorporated and managed by technology futurist John Textor, in the context of its entry into exclusive negotiations with Holnest (Family Office of the Aulas family), Pathé and IDG Capital to acquire a majority stake in Olympique Lyonnais Groupe (OL Groupe).
  • Advising Guidewire on its investment in Shift Technology.
  • Advising Emergent Biotechnologies on its circa. EUR 500 million acquisition of a joint venture stake and a portfolio of products from Sanofi.

Eversheds Sutherland (France) LLP

Practice head(s):

Catherine Detalle

Other key lawyers:

Franck Bourgeois; Cristina Audran-Proca; Eric Knai

Testimonials

‘Very responsive and very available team, with a desire to understand the business in detail.’

‘Eric Knai knows how to make the most of his extensive experience and anticipates the client’s needs very well.’

‘In our transaction the Eversheds team had statistical access to data so they could say things like: “Across 1000 details this clause is present only 3 times”. Which gave us a good negotiation power. This was very unique and helped a lot.’

‘What makes Eversheds unique is the people. It was a pleasure to work with Cristina Audran-Proca.’

‘Cristina Audran-Proca and the team were available any time of day.’

Key clients

Cube Infrastructure

Veolia

Transdev

Systra

Safran

Owens & Minor

EQT Ventures

Element Solutions

Atos

Soitec

Andromède/Qivalio

Piraeus Bank

Cinturion Corp

Arcline Investment Management

GlobalFood Tech

Kare Knowledgeware (now Digital Episode)

CoStar

Investrium

Fieldfisher

Practice head(s):

Philippe Netto

Other key lawyers:

Christopher Mesnooh; Jean-Baptiste Van de Voorde

Key clients

Swen Capital Partners

Autodistribution

Sonia Rykiel

Ekkio Capital

Kwalee

Cantabria Labs

Smart Energy

Groupe Indigo (INTM)

Hexagon AB

Paradox Interactive

K&L Gates LLP

Practice head(s):

Raphaël Bloch

Testimonials

‘Very good team, good analysis of situations, excellent multijurisdictional coordination, excellent technical expertise. They are effective and practical, focused on concrete answers while always keeping an overview of the issues.’

‘Raphaël Bloch is an excellent M&A lawyer. It is a pleasure to work with him and his team. Always available, excellent technical skills, good negotiator with an excellent business vision.’

‘Availability, efficiency, flexibility.’

‘Raphael Bloch – available, efficient, an expert in his field!’

Key clients

Nielsen Group

Crédit Mutuel Arkéa

Securitas AB

I2A Diagnostics

Policart Srl Group

Theodore H. Nixon (President of DDW)

Work highlights

  • Advised Securitas AB on the French aspects related to the global acquisition of Stanley Security, the Electronic Security Business of Stanley Black & Decker.
  • Advised Nielsen Group on the acquisition of TVTY, a French start-up providing TV attribution and ad monitoring.

Kramer Levin Naftalis & Frankel LLP

Practice head(s):

Dana Anagnostou; Reid Feldman; Alexandre Omaggio; Antoine Paszkiewicz; Sebastien Pontillo

Testimonials

‘The firm was the ideal partner because it could support us on the corporate, tax or social aspects, but also on the regulatory and international level. KL also supported us on the advice of our US and French structures. This made KL the ideal partner for our business. The firm’s strength also lies in its ability to support small start-up type structures.’

‘We collaborated with Alexandre Omaggio who was remarkable in his management of our transactions. He has always been able to arbitrate the right decisions and give us the best advice and objectives to support us in our decisions. In addition, his management of colleagues or of a transaction is excellent and he has always made the best efforts to defend our interests and make himself available no matter the day.’

‘Hubert de Vauplane is also remarkable for his knowledge of the regulatory framework, particularly for fintech where very few lawyers in the Paris market have so much knowledge.’

‘The team is very professional, with a high level practice of M&A.’

‘Sebastien Pontillo is an experienced lawyer, very hands on. He can advise on small and larger deals, with the same involvement for the client. He gives high level advice, and is very proactive to make the deal happen.’

‘Law firm of a level of professionalism without common measure on the place’

‘We were fortunate to be accompanied by Alexandre Omaggio on our M&A operation. Alexandre masters all the issues of sellers and buyers, which allows him to manage the progress of the deal as well as possible. He always takes the time to understand the background of situations, to explain them to us and guide us towards the best decision. It is so rare to have such focused, efficient and friendly advice. As a lawyer, he is also brave and knows how to take the right level of risk.’

‘The team is complete and efficient, well organized and covers all the needs we may have. The team is technically well-equipped to deliver a clear and comprehensive result.’

Key clients

Arcure

Carrier

Domidep

Hermione People & Brands

Oodrive

Ossiam

Tikehau Ace Capital

Voodoo

Kereis

Bpifrance Investissement

Innovative Emissions Control

Groupe La Francaise

Work highlights

  • Advised Tikehau Ace Capital on the acquisition, alongside Safran and Airbus, of Aubert & Duval, subsidiary of Eramet, for €95m.
  • Advised Oodrive on the sale of 60% in CertEurope to InfoCert, an Italian company owned by Tinexta, for €43.8m.
  • Advised Bpifrance Investissements, the French sovereign fund, on its acquisition of a majority stake, alongside Lacroix Group, of Michigan electronics manufacturer Firstronic.

Latournerie Wolfrom Avocats

Practice head(s):

Christian Wolfrom; Hervé Castelnau; Thibaut Kazémi; Pierre Lafarge

Testimonials

‘Great experience and efficiency of the associates’

‘Hervé Castlenau is a standout.’

 

Key clients

Edmond de Rothschild Investment Partners

Orange

EXFO

Aéroport de Paris Ingénierie

Neweb

Central Bank of Tunisia

SNCF Réseau

NextStage

Sentiles

Compagnie Minière Esperance

Le Grand Port de Marseille (GPMM)

plenITude

AI.VEN

Gimar & Cie

Althea (formerly Atechsys)

Agence France Presse

Waga Energy

Pumpkin

Oui.SNCF

Symphony Environmental

Indorama Group Investments

Think Publishing

France Télévision

Expertise France

Groupe Cholet Dupont

France Média Monde

Mountain News

Eurowatt

Tentamus Group

Groupe Rossi Aéro

Bobst Group

Terega

Arkos

mLogica

Lagardère

Focus Entertainment

Poclain

Asacha Media Group

Work highlights

  • Representing the Cholet Dupont Group in two major acquisitions.
  • Advising Focus Entertainment on its development and acquisitions of video game studios such as Dotemu and Leikir Studios.

LPA-CGR avocats

Practice head(s):

Raphaël Chantelot; Julie Cittadini

Other key lawyers:

Stéphane Erard; Bertrand Galvez; Sandra Hundsdörfer; Philippe Raybaud; Michael Samol; Wyssam Mansour

Testimonials

‘We appreciated the lean and mean interventions of the firm’s teams, and in particular of the partner in charge of our file.’

‘The LPA-CGR team is a tight but multidisciplinary and responsive team. It provides quality service on mid-cap cases at competitive costs. I have worked with LPA CGR on 3 recent files to my complete satisfaction. The team also differentiates itself by a greater diversity than the competing teams.’

‘Multidisciplinary team experienced in M&A subjects in the renewable energy sector, with the ability to mobilize various high-level skills in complex transactions (M&A, financing, Energy, Tax, PPA, etc.).’

Key clients

Impact Field Marketing Group

Andera Partners

Banque des Territoires

Orano

TSE

Advance Paris

Avantage Courtage

Infopro Digital SAS

Primonial REIM

ArcelorMittal

Laboratoires DELBERT

MITEM PHARMA

Mitsubishi Corporation

Française de l’Energie

Mutares

Symrise

Mayer Brown

Practice head(s):

Guillaume Kuperfils; Emily Pennec

Other key lawyers:

Olivier Aubouin; Hadrien Schlumberger

Key clients

Abertis Infraestructuras

Acolad

Accor

Asacha Media Group

Bridgepoint Development Capital

Educlever

Elaïs Orium

Lengow

Mediawan-Leonine Studio

Pernod Ricard

Prestashop

Synamedia Limited

Veolia Environnement

Work highlights

  • Advised Pernod Ricard on its strategic acquisition of The Whisky Exchange.
  • Advised Bridgepoint on a sports company merger to create a leading European sports brand.
  • Advised Acolad group, a portfolio company of Qualium Investissement, on the acquisition by Acolad group of Ubiqus group.

McDermott Will & Emery AARPI

Key clients

Mirakl SAS

Hanwha Solutions Corporation (HSC)

Sonepar SAS

Groupe Colisée

Argon & Co

Engie

Cofigeo

Figeac Aero

Yposkesi

Récupération Valorisation Aluminium (“RVA”)

Vivalto Vie et Colisée

Work highlights

  • Advised Sonepar on the acquisition of the majority of the shares of Cold & Co, holding company of the Cold group and acquisition of French company Factory Systèmes Group.
  • Advised Hanwha Solutions Corporation (HSC) on the envisaged acquisition of RES Méditerranée SAS from Renewable Energy Systems Limited (RES Group).
  • Advised Groupe Colisée on various transactions: acquisition of SGMR (Retirement homes); the sale of 33 nursing homes to Primonial; the acquisition by Colisée of a minority stake in ISenior.

Racine

Practice head(s):

Maud Bakouche; Jean-Christophe Beaury; Bruno Cavalié; Mélanie Coiraton; Luc Pons; Marie Pouget

Testimonials

‘The Racine team is exceptional, one of the most experienced in France, particularly in terms of SPACs and SPACings. The team has worked on almost all of the most relevant operations in this sector in France.’

‘Excellent experience with Maud Bakouche in particular, extremely professional, very available, constructive and with very precise and appropriate advice.’

‘The team is extremely committed to its customers’

Key clients

I2PO

2MX Organic

SUEZ

Nou Vela

Airmob Group

GAUDER

Manutan

Baobab+

Blackfire.io

Uperio Group

MVVH (Maïsadour)

Federale Assurance

Financière Canella

Malherbe Group

MBCI Industries

La Maison Bleue

Izivia

Work highlights

  • Advised I2PO, a company listed on the professional compartment of Euronext Paris and incorporated as a SPAC, in the context of its merger by absorption of Deezer, a global music streaming platform.
  • Advised 2MX Organic, a company listed on the professional compartment of Euronext Paris and incorporated as a SPAC, in the context of its merger with InVivo, one of the leading European agricultural and agri-food groups, with a view to forming a leader in responsible distribution in Europe around its subsidiary InVivo Retail, a distribution centre focused on gardening, pets and food.
  • Advised Suez on the signing of an agreement relating to the acquisition by Suez of a set of hazardous waste assets in France from Veolia.

Reed Smith

Practice head(s):

Marc Fredj; Guilain Hippolyte; Isabelle MacElhone

Testimonials

‘Very commercial approach during negotiations, partners and collaborators very effective (responsive) and available, work closely with the client and ability to adapt according to the difficulties of the transaction.’

Sekri Valentin Zerrouk

Practice head(s):

Franck Sekri; Géraud de Franclieu; Pierre-Emmanuel Chevalier; Antoine Haï

Key clients

SPIE GROUPE

2MX ORGANICS

IN GROUPE

IM GLOBAL PARTNER

AMUNDI PRIVATE EQUITY FUND

MMS – JRI – CIET

PARIS SOCIETY

TURENNE CAPITAL

LBO FRANCE

SELLERS AND MANAGERS OF LIMONETIK

ZOUARI FAMILY

MOUSTACHE BIKES

ENTORIA

EMERA

APAX PARNTERS

SGCP

GENEO

QIMA

CLS

CHEQUERS

VALTUS

ALL IN FOODS

EMEFIN

BA&SH

BK CONSULTING GROUP

Work highlights

  • Advised 2MX Organic on the acquisition of the assets of InVivo Retail in order to create a European leader in sustainable, alternative and responsible retailing.
  • Advised BasicNet on its acquisition of the entire capital of K-Way France from Are &Why.
  • Advised the Zouari family on its acquisitions of outlet chain Stokomani and distribution network Maxi Bazar.

Veil Jourde

Practice head(s):

Pierre Deval; François de Navailles; Géraud Saint Guilhem; Laurent Jobert

Key clients

Perceva Capital

Jacquet Metal Service

Publicis

Lagardère

L’Oréal

Walden

Covivio

Famille Tesseron

Scalens

1000mercis

Latour Capital

LLV (LVMH Luxuary Ventures

Viguié Schmidt & Associés

Practice head(s):

Yves Schmidt; Nicolas Viguié; Louis Chenard

Testimonials

‘A lot of responsiveness, availability and involvement.’

‘Very responsive, intelligent and pleasant team.’

‘We were fortunate to be able to work several times with Louis Chenard. In three words: speed, efficiency and composure, qualities that were greatly appreciated at key moments.’

 

Key clients

CNP Assurances

Alstom

Sonepar

Nextstage AM

Geodis

Sibelco

Teneo

Caisse des dépôts et consignation

Sony Music Entertainment France

Darewise

Work highlights

  • Advised Nextstage AM in the frame of their investment in EurobioNext, a joint venture with two reference shareholders of Eurobio Scientific and aiming at holding a 28.3% stake in Eurobio Scientific (listed on Euronext Paris).
  • Advised the board and ad hoc committee of CNP Assurances in the simplified public tender offer of La Banque Postale, a subsidiary of Groupe La Poste, on the shares of the company.
  • Advised Darewise and its shareholders on the sale of 70% of the company to Animoca Brands.

Winston & Strawn LLP

Practice head(s):

Jerome Herbet

Other key lawyers:

Gilles Bigot; Sara Susnjar; Annie Maudouit-Ridde; Julie Vern Cesano-Gouffrant

Testimonials

‘Thanks to their organization, they have been able to process a large deal flow. There were able to process an automatized legal documentation and have the team deliver the audits, the SPA and the execution.’

‘A special mention must be given to Jerome Herbet who leads the W&S teams and is always accessible to his client.’

‘The team is very solid and dynamic. It knows how to be innovative, adapting to the specific needs of the client.’

Key clients

Danfoss

Ardian & Mérieux Equity Partners

Colam Entreprendre

Amphenol Corporation

Selig Group

Apax Partners/Crystal Holding

Transition Evergreen

Definitive Media Corp. and THREAD

Evergaz

Biofutur and Omnes

Work highlights

  • Advised Danfoss on its acquisition of Eaton’s Hydraulics business for a cash purchase price of US$3.3 billion.
  • Advised the global packaging manufacturing company Selig Group on the acquisition of Manufacture Générale de Joints.
  • Advised Definitive Media Corp. a leading technology and service provider enabling decentralized clinical trials, in connection with the acquisition of MODUS OUTCOMES, LLP.

Almain

Practice head(s):

Edgard Nguyen; Cécile Davanne-Mortreux; Stéphanie de Robert Hautequère

Testimonials

‘The team is very competent, responsive, knows its job, is a facilitator in the context of negotiations’

‘Cécile Davanne has experience that reassures, assists and helps carry out an acquisition project.’

‘Almain has the combined advantage of solid experience in all kinds of M&A transactions and very reasonable hourly rates.’

‘Cécile Davanne-Moreux is particularly efficient and pragmatic. His technicality, his responsiveness and his concern to effectively adjust to his client’s objectives correspond exactly to the expectations of a legal department.’

‘Beyond their technical excellence, we greatly appreciate their responsiveness to cases and the fact that they can rely on the firm’s other experts, particularly in real estate law, social law, etc. The fact that the firm is full service is a real plus for us.’

‘Edgard Nguyen is an outstanding negotiator who knows market practice. He is also very creative on the files, and always finds the appropriate solutions so that the operations can succeed.’

‘Edgard Nguyen stands out from the competition for his transactional involvement and skills, he provides comprehensive advisory support and stands out as a high value transaction partner. My experience shows that, in various transaction types, he makes the involvement of a financial/transactional counsel redundant.’

‘Very good listening on the part of Cécile Davanne-Mortreux who knows how to find solutions adapted to particular situations. In addition, great ability to explain the risks and issues to focus on the essentials.’

Key clients

Bpifrance Investissement

Société Générale

Caisse des Dépôts et Consignations

EDP Renovaveis

EIM Capital

OpenGate Capital

Capza

Etoile Capital

Maisons Options

Perwyn

Argynnis Group (formerly Binar AB)

Omnes Capital

Mirabaud Patrimoine Vivant

EPC SA

Gaztransport & Technigaz

SOCADIF

Axens

TÜV Rheinland

Work highlights

  • Advising Mirabaud funds on its investment in Fusalp the iconic brand for winter clothing.
  • Advising EDF in the context of a joint venture with Veolia namely, Waste2Glass, with a view to developing innovative radioactive waste treatment solutions.
  • Advising Groupe IMG on its sale to Simago in the frame of a LBO sponsored by Ardian, one of the largest French private equity funds.

Aramis

Practice head(s):

Raphaël Mellerio; Alexis Chahid-Nouraï; Anne-Hélène Le Trocquer

Testimonials

‘Adaptability and availability.’

‘Raphaël Mellerio is an international expert in cross-border M&A operations and knows how to advise us in a complete, professional and always adequate manner. We have always appreciated the collaboration with Aramis which we will continue to engage in the future.’

‘Our privileged relationship is unquestionably with Raphaël Mellerio, whom we greatly appreciate because of his great professional knowledge, his flexibility and his vision which is always adequate with our strategy. Raphaël is a great professional whom we warmly recommend.’

‘High quality work. Very diligent team. Attentive and with an excellent commercial understanding.’

‘Raphaël Mellerio is our point of contact. He is truly amazing. Not only within M&A but also other corporate law/commercial issues.’

‘Raphaël Mellerio is highly appreciated by our managers who see him as a true partner. He not only has an excellent professional background but he is also very comfortable (both from a technical and human point of view) in the conduct of our operations, both domestic and cross-border. He is always available and we appreciate his constructive and always courteous approach.’

‘Remarkable technique, unrivalled analytical finesse, top-notch listening and business understanding.’

Key clients

La Poste (French Post Office)

Renault

Tata Steel

Fayat

Eiffage

Bpifrance Investissements

Tereos

Keolis

Bayard

Thai Union Group

KraftHeinz

Bridgestone

Unique Heritage Media

IKKS

Babilou

Centre Vinicole – Champagne Nicolas Feuillatte (CV-CNF)

Beaver Visitec International (BVI)

Asendia

emagine

Taleo Consulting

Enyx

Ilex

Spice Enterprises

Spirit

Ariane

Work highlights

  • Advised Fayat on the acquisition of NXO, a leading French service group, integrating and managing companies’ digital systems, from the industrial investor Butler Industries.
  • Advised Asendia, a joint venture between La Poste and Swiss Post, on the acquisition in full of eShopWorld, an Irish company and leading global e-commerce platform.
  • Advised Champagne Nicolas Feuillatte (Centre Vinicole – Champagne Nicolas Feuillatte) on its merger with Champagne Castelnau (Coopérative Régionale des Vins de Champagne).

Archers A.A.R.P.I.

Practice head(s):

 

 

Other key lawyers:

Mark Richardson; Marc Baffreau; Audrey Wendling; Kamal Naffi

Key clients

Assa Abloy Entrance Systems

SEGRO

Tivoly

Barbarine

Ivalis

Assa Abloy Global Solutions

Hammerspace

MyHeritage

Work highlights

  • Acted for Assa Abloy Global Solutions on its purchase of Alcea, a European actor in secure access to sensitive industrial and governmental sites.
  • Assisting Hammerspace, an essential software developer, on its acquisition of a competitor with essential software in France.

Astura

Practice head(s):

Raphaël Dalmas

Other key lawyers:

Margot Blondel; Alma Nicolaï

Testimonials

‘Very good experiences with the Astura team’

‘Astura is a very responsive, ultra-efficient, cost-effective practice, which understands international issues and is specifically adapted to the tech industry thanks to its 2 complementary partners (M&A/Fundraising and IP). 

‘Raphael Dalmas – best problem solver (in Paris). Alma Nicolai – ultra efficient, very comfortable with complex financial issues. Margot Blondel – excellent teacher for clients.’

Key clients

Vista Bank Group

Paragon Partners

Cash Converters

Sofia Développement (management)

Tallano Technologie

Stephya Concepts (founders)

Work highlights

  • Advised US law firms on the French aspects of large cross-border transactions.
  • Advising the Vista Bank Group on the acquisition of financial institutions in Western Africa.
  • Advised the management team of Sophia Développement on its transaction with IK Partners.

AYACHE

Practice head(s):

Bernard Ayache

Other key lawyers:

David Ayache; Gwenaëlle de Kerviler; Grégoire Zeitoun

Key clients

D&A – D&A Corporate Finance

N. Harris Computer Inc.

Volaris Group Inc.

Solo Invest

Vela Software

TDF

De Gaulle Fleurance & Associés

De Gaulle Fleurance & Associés

Other key lawyers:

Jean-Christophe Amy; Matthieu Bichon; François Couhadon; Anker Sorensen; François Zocchetto

Testimonials

‘Reactive team, small size and versatile. Very good quality of service provided.’

‘Matthieu Bichon: Responsiveness, legal expertise, ability to clearly pose the issues, explain the advantages/risks and to propose pragmatic solutions.’

‘Very high level of professionalism and intimate knowledge of the sector. Great responsiveness and availability.’

‘Excellent knowledge and experience in M&A – ability to understand strategic & financial issues in addition to legal, tax, etc. – remarkable negotiation skills – High availability and ability to mobilize a multidisciplinary team.’

‘Jean-Christophe Amy – excellent experience of the sector and M&A mechanisms including finance and accounting’.

Key clients

BNP PARIBAS

Crédit Agricole Immobilier

Endemol

Gaming Innovation Group / Sport & CO

Huawei

Nexity

ST Microelectronics

Statkraft

Sungy

Transition Evergreen

Agripower

Alstom

Amundi

Banijay

Bassac (Les Nouveaux Constructeurs)

Baywa

Brainsonic

Caisse des Dépôts et Consignations

Afone

Credit Mutuel Capital Privé

Demeter Partners

HRA Pharma

Qovetia

Eiffel

MCC Non-Ferrous Trading, Inc

Monnoyeur

Ntr

Pearl Infrastructure

Serenysun

Sipa Ouest France

Sofiouest

Somfy SA

Touax

Verkor

Vicat

Visiodent

Work highlights

  • Advised Verkor on its organic growth operations since its creation, including its partnership with Renault Group (deal value: €100 million in equity and €200 million in convertible bonds)
  • Assisted the shareholders of Afone Participations, a group active in telecoms and electronic payments businesses, in connection with the carve out and the sale of its MVNO business to Altice.
  • Advised Aereco’s shareholders concerning the sale of said company, which is a leading European actor in the field of ventilation products, to Aldes (deal value: between €150 million and € 200 million).

Deloitte Société d’Avocats

Practice head(s):

Stéphanie Chatelon; Cécile Debin; Antoine Larcena

Key clients

GoHenry

Albacap 1

Alfa Laval Group

D’Ieteren Group

Mayoly Spindler

Swania

StellaGroup

NextPool

Prosol

Milestone Investisseurs

RCI Bank and Services

InfraVia Capital Partners

Delsol Avocats

Practice head(s):

Séverine Bravard; Henri-Louis Delsol; Philippe Dumez; Pierre Gougé; Emmanuel Kaeppelin; Philippe Malikian

Testimonials

‘The team is flexible and adapts to our pace, the advice is timely and full of common sense.’

‘Philippe Malikian pays particular attention to the client and takes his requests into account, understands the needs and risks.’

‘Global advise taking into account all aspects of the deal while respecting the announced budgets.’

‘Henri-Louis Delsol is a deal maker: perfect availability, tailor-made advice according to the subjects encountered and opens up all the skills of the firm to secure the deal.’

‘The team led by Philippe Malikian is attentive to our needs, quick in execution and provides high quality advice. Methodical and structured, this team knows how to talk to our managers.’

‘Philippe Malikian is a unique partner both for his personal talent and his modesty at the service of the client. Available, attentive, seeking constructive and pragmatic solutions, he is a fine negotiator.’

‘Very strong responsiveness and availability.’

Key clients

Aeroprotec

Alfun

APi Group

BMG

EDH

Eole Mobilité

Financière Auto Performance

Framatome

Foxintelligence

GeoPost

Hellowork

Hesus

Holnest

Manufacture Générale de Joints

MIR France

NMC Bâtiment

Santé Cie

Wacano

Work highlights

  • Advising Holnest on the exclusive negotiations with Eagle Football Holdings in the perspective of the acquisition by the latter of a majority stake in OL Groupe, followed by a simplified public purchase offer.
  • Assisted Framatome with the acquisition of Cyberwatch.
  • Advised APi Group Corporation on the acquisition of Chubb Fire & Security business from Carrier Global Corporation for $3.1bn.

Ernst & Young Société d'Avocats

Practice head(s):

Jean-Christophe Sabourin; Frédéric Reliquet

Other key lawyers:

Bernard Martinier; Benoit Losfeld; Alex Larue; Loïc Jeambrun

Testimonials

‘They have a deep knowledge and at the same time are focused on closing the deals and only fight the key topics. It makes it easier and quicker to close deals with them.’

‘Jean-Christophe Sabourin is a very experienced person and knows how to deal with people, helping close deals with complex counterparties.’

Key clients

DERMAPHARM

SOCIETE JACQUES BOLLINGER

TELEPASS

EY CONSULTING

DUELL

NEXITY

OVH

ARDIAN

ANTICIMEX

SBM Company

DL Software

Cerea Partners

Latour Capital Management

Olympique Lyonnais

Weinberg Capital

Axium Packaging

Docaposte

La Poste Santé

Eduservices

Larraque International Vins

Phode group

ID Systems

Turenne Capital

Work highlights

  • Advised SJB within the context of the acquisition of Domaine Brochard, a leading Sancerrois winemaker.
  • Advised the shareholders of Christian Louboutin SAS within the context of the 541 EURm investment of EXOR (the Agnelli family investment fund).
  • Advised OL Group on the proposed sale by its reference shareholders of all or part of their stake in the company to Eagle Football Holdings.

FIDAL

Practice head(s):

Alain François Cheneau; Mathilde Dubois

Other key lawyers:

Christine Blaise-Engel

Testimonials

‘Ultra-professional and involved in a complex and niche file. They quickly understood the fundamentals of our business and the relationship with them was fluid and efficient.’

‘The Fidal team has always been particularly responsive and has the skills to coordinate cross-border projects involving several jurisdictions and several areas of law.’

‘In-depth knowledge of their clients and their expectations both in legal terms, communication and the selection of foreign counsel.’

Work highlights

  • Advised Go Capital, Groupe Turenne, Sodero gestion and Unexo on the transfer of 100% of the capital of Aviwest to Montreal-based group listed Haivision.

Franklin

Practice head(s):

Yam Atallah; Alexandre Marque

Other key lawyers:

Lionel Lesur; Laura Isabelle Danet; Numa Rengot; Antoine Fouassier

Testimonials

‘A good quality team, very available and strongly involved in supporting and carrying out transactions alongside its clients.’

‘Lionel Lesur and Laura-Isabelle Danet are two high quality, rigorous and very available lawyers. It is a pleasure and an asset to have them in your team as part of a project.’

‘Very nimble team. Yam Atallah is extremely brilliant and efficient. A real knowledge of negotiation. No misplaced ego in the negotiation. Very solid.’

Key clients

Altice

Biotech Investissement

Caviar Petrossian

Doctipharma

Eclosing

Fusalp

Gefran

GeoPost / DPDgroup

Global Map Solution

Groupe Guemas

Groupe Magellim

Jérôme Dreyfuss

Kuehne + Nagel

Luminultra Technologies

Melqart Asset Management

Panattoni

Perseus – Platina Partners LLP

Sprint Group

Tikehau Ace Capital

Zur Rose Group

Work highlights

  • Advised Altice on the acquisition of the entire share capital of Coriolis Télécom.
  • Advised Groupe Magellim on the acquisition of Groupe Turgot Asset Management.

FTPA

Practice head(s):

Nathalie Younan

Other key lawyers:

Sylvain Clérambourg; Charles-Philippe Letellier

Testimonials

‘Charles Philippe Letellier is remarkable. He is an exceptional lawyer and person.’

Key clients

NextStage

YKONE

Wiremind

K-WAY

HAPIK

GMD

PENNYLANE

SVANEHOJ DANMARK

BERNARD TSCHUMI ARCHITECTS

YELLOW KORNER

GROUPE SEEN

Grant Thornton Société d’Avocats

Practice head(s):

Stéphane Bénézant

Key clients

KALRAY

SCHINDLER

CAISSE DES DEPOTS ET CONSIGNATIONS

MULTICROISSANCE

BPI FRANCE

SEMIA

GRUPO NATAC SL

SUEZ

CICLAD GESTION

ENGIE

Work highlights

  • Advised SEMIA, a subsidiary of Condition Monitoring Group (CMG Ltd) on the acquisition of D.J.B. Instruments France.
  • Advised the investment fund CICLAD in relation to the LMBO (Leveraged Management Buy Out) carried out by the top management of the Dragon Rouge Group and ten managers including the directors of the foreign subsidiaries.

HOCHE AVOCATS

Practice head(s):

Jean-Luc Blein; Grine Lahreche

Other key lawyers:

Didier Fornoni; Edith Boucaya

Testimonials

‘Availability – negotiation and contractual technique.’

‘Great team. Very available and responsive. Always finds solutions adapted to the problems posed.’

‘Edith Boucaya is a remarkable M&A lawyer. She has an extremely deep knowledge of M&A operations. She is very creative in finding solutions adapted to the problems posed.’

‘Great availability and transparency of the firm’s employees.’

Key clients

Derichebourg Groupe

Carrefour

Groupe Sterne

Eurofeu Groupe

Polygon Groupe

Altarea

TSG

Work highlights

  • Advised Derichebourg on the acquisition of Ecore.
  • Advised Derichebourg on the acquisition of Elior.
  • Advised Eurofeu on the acquisition of AMI2S.

Mermoz Avocats

Practice head(s):

Thomas Hermetet; Arnaud Levasseur; Gilles Roux; Nada Sbaï; Tristan Segonds; Aurélie Bonsch

Testimonials

‘Strengths: Simplicity, accessibility, responsiveness.’

‘Tristan Segonds is extremely available and very professional.’

‘Thomas Hermet and Aurélie Bonsch are recommended’

‘Efficient, pragmatic and coordinated teams. Very competent.’

‘Total availability for the client. Adapted to our size. Lawyers who fully understand business needs and know how to adapt the presentation of sometimes complex legal subjects to the business. In particular we have worked with Gilles Roux.’

Work highlights

  • Advising the historical partners of Seaowl Group, specialised in maritime services, on the sale to Butler Industries.
  • Advising Efinor for the sale to Framatome.
  • Advising the managers in the sale of their stake in Universign and their reinvestment in the company, by joining a European build-up project led by Providence Strategic Growth.

King & Spalding LLP

Practice head(s):

Laurent Bensaid

Key clients

McPhy Energy

JMS group

Sephira

Fermentalg

Spie batignolles

Creadev

Sidetrade

EDF ER

Neotys

Work highlights

  • Advised the founder and controlling shareholder of Almerys on the exclusive negotiations with European private equity fund EMZ Partners in connection with a buy-out transaction on Almerys, which valued 100% of its equity at approx. €430 million.
  • Advised McPhy Energy on an investment and partnership protocol with Hype, a brand owned by STEP (Société du Taxi Electrique Parisien), a group at the forefront of the deployment of hydrogen infrastructure for zero-emission urban mobility solutions in France and Europe, and Hydrogen Refueling Solutions (HRS), a pioneer in hydrogen mobility.
  • Advised JMS Group on the sale of Eclair Theatrical Services (“ETS”), a provider of digital services and electronic delivery to the film industry, to Deluxe, a subsidiary of Platinum Equity.

KPMG Avocats, France

Practice head(s):

Franck Bernauer; Jean-Etienne Chatelon; Albane Eglinger; Sophie Fournier-Dedoyard; Mathieu Gautier; Xavier Houard; Audrey-Laure Illouz; Vincent Lacombe; Xavier Lemarechal; David Lucas; Olivier Masi; Laurence Mazevet; Florence Olivier; Benoît Roucher; Jérôme Talleux

Key clients

Intermediate Capital Group (ICG)

Vivalto Vie

Butler Industries

Finaxy

Fleury Michon

Colvin

Mediterranean Shipping Company (MSC)

RWE

Sienna Investment Managers

Bouygues

Atida

Marcol

Wendel

Isagri

Syclef

Raja

Ficantieri SpA

Glenmont Partners

Work highlights

  • Advised Bouygues on a €7,100m acquisition of Equans.

Osborne Clarke

Practice head(s):

Catherine Olive; David Haccoun

Testimonials

‘Excellent team, excellent technical knowledge and knowledge of the industry. Clear, succinct reports and notes with practical recommendations and proposals for moving forward. Teams are always available. Great strategic vision. The quality of work / billing ratio is excellent.’

‘Catherine Olive is one of the best lawyers I have worked with.’

‘The team is excellent, available, pleasant and highly technical. It offers innovative solutions. Budget always respected.’

‘The quality of the partners at Osborne Clarke is top quality. You will receive unfettered advice that is intellectually honest, strategic and commercial. Good use of technology and internal processes to streamline results and timelines’

‘Catherine Olive is amazing. Very hard-working, provides sharp, real-time insights as well as advice on the most practical next steps.’

Key clients

Capgemini

Integral Ad Science (IAS)

onepoint

Ourry (SAGACE)

JLEN Environmental Assets Group

Industrious National Management Company LLC

CircleCI Internet Services

Treatwell

Highland Europe

Connected Capital

DoorDash

Work highlights

  • Advised Capgemini (Euronext: CAP) on the acquisition of Possible Future (French Bureau).
  • Advised the onepoint group on the acquisition of 100% of the share capital of Nexworld group.
  • Advised Integral Ad Science (Nasdaq: IAS) on the acquisition of Context, a Paris-based digital content classification company.

Peltier Juvigny Marpeau & Associés

Practice head(s):

Benoit Marpeau

Other key lawyers:

François Dietrich

Testimonials

‘Very talented individuals with a business approach.’

‘Young and dynamic team, excellent in negotiation’

‘Benoit Marpeau is recommended.’

‘Very high level team for complex situations.’

‘Brilliant.’

‘Strong involvement and ability to deal with complex and high-stakes files, reactive and efficient, real teamwork.’

‘They are a very high quality medium-sized firm that is strong in M&A. I would highlight the strength of the founder partners.’

‘The founding partners are all very strong. I have only worked with Benoit Marpeau – I consider him to be a star in M&A and very good to work with.’

Key clients

Casino

Indigo

Monoprix

Impala

Agrial

Compagnie des Alpes

Séché Environnement

Altarea Cogedim

Altran Technologies

Poclain

Agora Technologies

Lov Group

Content Square

Mirakl

Casavo Management

Groupe Avril

Roger Pradier

Work highlights

  • Advised Groupe Séché Environnement in the context of the acquisition of various assets/shares.
  • Advised Groupe Casino/Monoprix in the context of the sale of Sarenza to Groupe Beaumanoir.
  • Advised Groupe Avril in the context of the acquisition of Soufflet Alimentaire by InVivo.

Pwc Société d'Avocats

Practice head(s):

Yannick Olivier; Thomas Bortoli

Other key lawyers:

Eric Hickel; Isabelle de la Gorce

Testimonials

‘Strengths and assets: Listening, availability, accuracy, ability to translate legal terms or explain them with simple examples. The team uses the new technologies in progress, video conferences, electronic signature, etc., very well.’

 

Key clients

Hitachi

Sodiaal

Exelus

Nutravalia

Dyneff

Dauzats

Bemis Associates

Coffim

Groupe CIR

Malakoff Humanis

Groupe Vyv

Pro BTP Groupe

Safran

Airbus

Prosol

Saas Labs

Valorem

Groupe Premium

Havea Santé

Parlevliet & Van des Plas (PP)

Focus Home Interactive

Idaia

Work highlights

  • Assisted SODIAAL on the transactional aspects of its the exclusive negotiations with Waterland Private Equity relating to the sale of Groupe Boncolac.
  • Acted for Bemis Associates Inc, a 110-year-old American adhesives and speciality films company, in connection with their acquisition of Protechnic, a manufacturing company based in the East of France.
  • Assisted Treasury Wine Estates (Penfolds) regarding its acquisition of three French wineries in the Bordeaux region.

Squire Patton Boggs

Practice head(s):

Tony Reed

Other key lawyers:

Charles Fabry; Christopher Wilde; Denis Barat; Florence Cotillon

Testimonials

‘Availability, professionalism, seniority of collaborators active on the files. Excellent ability to execute on complex subjects Very attentive to the client Proposes innovative ideas to unlock potential problems in a file’

‘Denis Barat: exceptional experience, ability to understand quickly, speed of execution, inventiveness and professionalism’

‘Tony and Dan work perfectly together. They manage the client relationship really well, being the sole point of contact despite the dozens of lawyers working in the background to get a multinational deal across.’

Key clients

GE

Amcor

Sony

National Oilwell Varco, Inc.

Kongsberg Automotive AS

Kiloutou

LumApps

Saint-Gobain

Danone

Building Materials Europe

DCC

HomeServe

Jabil

Live Nation

WPP

Vitaprotech Group

Groupe La Poste

Air Liquide

Heico

Scalian

Work highlights

  • Advised Animoca Brands Corporation (Honk Kong) on the acquisition of 70% of the share capital of Darewise Entertainment (France) from founders and VC funds (Lakestar and Serena Capital).
  • Advised HEICO Electronic Technologies Corp (US) on its acquisition of EXXELIA from IK PARTNERS and management.
  • Advised Jabil Inc. on its acquisition of 100% of the share capital and voting rights of YouTransactor.

Stephenson Harwood

Practice head(s):

Guillaume Briant; Clotilde Billat

Key clients

ORANGE

GE HEALTHCARE

GROUPE TF1

SAINT-GOBAIN

EURAZEO

LVMH / GROUPE LES ECHOS – LE PARISIEN

NETIWAN

ALTITUDE INFRASTRUCTURE

AFRICINVEST

NMN CAP (Formely EDUCAS)

MIROVA

AHMED MHIRI

ORYX ENERGIES

CDER INVESTISSEMENT

DIAGNOSTIC MEDICAL SYSTEMS GROUP (DMS GROUP)

Work highlights

  • Advised Orange, in the context of a joint venture with the advertising group Publicis.
  • Advised the TF1 Group in the context of the sale to the fund of HLD investment by its subsidiary Gamned!
  • Advised a group leader in light and sustainable construction, through the intermediary of its subsidiary, on the acquisition of a group specialised in the design, manufacturing and sale of stretched knitted textile solutions.

Stream – Avocats et Solicitors

Practice head(s):

Julie Rolet; Aymeric de Tapol

Testimonials

‘Julie Rolet is an exceptional and outstanding professional.’

Key clients

ECONOCOM

ALDI

PROCLINIC / MIURA PARTNERS

MARSH MCLENNAN

TUTELAIRE / APRIL

LES ABEILLES

LOUIS DREYFUS ARMATEURS

CMA-CGM

SEA TANKERS

SOGESTRAN

Work highlights

  • Advising Econocom on the purchase of a majority stake in a leading French tech company SOFI Group.
  • Advising Sogestran on the constitution and implementation of a joint venture with Air Liquide dedicated to the transport of CO2 by river barges and ships, in the context of carbon capture and storage (CCS) projects.
  • Co-advised ALDI on the acquisition of LEADER PRICE in France from CASINO, i.e., the acquisition of approximatively 600 stores, as well as warehouses.

UGGC Avocats

Practice head(s):

Jean-Jacques Uettwiller; Ali Bougrine

Other key lawyers:

Charles-Emmanuel Prieur; David Gordon-Krief

Testimonials

‘A proven track record. A long practice of this type of operations. A seasoned team. An excellent knowledge of our processes and our investment philosophy.’

‘Real negotiation skills. A pragmatic approach to negotiations. An ability to innovate in order to respond to complex situations.’

Key clients

Redtree Capital

Systra SA

D-AIM

Bpifrance

Adbio Partners, formerly Advent France Biotechnology

Federation Entertainment

Aximum (Colas Group)

Primo 1D

Innothera Group

Isatis Capital -Entrepreneur Invest

Guillemain SAS

Bontexgeo

Work highlights

  • Assisted D-AIM in its merger with Splio.
  • Advised Bpifrance, a shareholder of Federation Entertainment since 2018, on the occasion of the reorganisation of the production company’s capital.
  • Advised AdBio Partners, formerly Advent France Biotechnology, on the acquisition of the French biotech company SynHelix, a company specialized in DNA synthesis technology, by the Belgian group Univercells.

Villey Girard Grolleaud

Practice head(s):

Pascale Girard; Daniel Villey; Frédéric Grillier

Key clients

Financière Lov

Arnaud Dreyfuss SAS

Bio C’ Bon

Famille C

Achadis (groupe Leroy Merlin)

Abénex

Vallourec

Asclepios Capital

Amos Holding

Astrachain

Vivien & Associés

Practice head(s):

Laetitia Amzallag; Laurent Assaya; Jean-Luc Bédos; Emmanuel Chauvet; Judith Fargeot; Jean Reynaud; Julie Tchaglass; Nicolas Vivien

Testimonials

‘We appreciate the exceptional availability of our interlocutors which included Judith Fargeot. We also very much appreciate that the people mentioned work very well as a team. The understanding between the people at the Vivien firm is remarkable. This is very useful and valuable for customers.’

‘Each person is excellent in their field and ensures quality coordination with their colleagues. Not only are the partners very available but also the people who work with them. There is a real team spirit in this firm. There is also a very high level of competence of each of the partners and a strong involvement in supporting the client over the long term and in a specific way.’

Key clients

Engie

Groupe La Poste

Pathé

Union Invivo

Schlumberger

Wessanen/Ecotone

Nexity

AP-HP

BVA

CCFA (Comité des Constructeurs Français d’Automobiles)

Meet my Mama

Robin & Co

Xerfi

Electrolux

Idemia

Orexad

Mediawan

Arthur World

Swiss Life Asset Managers

Work highlights

  • Advised InVivo Group in connexion with the acquisition of the Soufflet group, a French international agri-food family group.
  • Advised Idemia in connection with the sale of its electronic signature and digital safe businesses to Docaposte, a subsidiary of Groupe La Poste.
  • Advised Société de Gestion des Participations Argenson (SGPA) on the acquisition of 100% of Lisa Design.

Alerion

Practice head(s):

Pierre-Olivier Brouard; Christophe Gerschel; Vincent Poirier; Antoine Rousseau

Testimonials

‘Alerion act as real project owners. From my experience, they operate as a high-skilled internal legal counsel team rather than an external partner who does not know the business well.’

‘Their speed and availability is very high compared to other French law firms I have worked with. In addition, they always make sure that they know the client’s business and goals very well.’

‘A team which is available, innovative and who perfectly masters its subjects.’

Key clients

Groupe Médiamétrie

Groupe Bolloré

The Blockchain Group

Global S

NACON

Cyllene and Bee Up Capital

Santarelli and its shareholders

Labelium

Baelen

Estève & Cie

La Ruche qui dit Oui

Ponticelli Group

EDF

Framatome

Work highlights

  • Assisted Isatis Capital in buying the majority share of Goupe Immed (medical equipment).
  • Assisted ICAPE Group with the strategic acquisition of J.A. PrintedCircuitsCompany B.V.(JAPCC), a company based in The Netherlands.
  • Acted for Nacon Group on its acquisition of Daedalic Entertainment, a German gaming studio.

Bersay

Practice head(s):

Pierre-Louis Périn; Jérôme Bersay; Anya Hristova; Stéphanie Benmoussa-Molkhou

Testimonials

‘Pierre-Louis Périn is an excellent lawyer who has total mastery of his subject matter and fine business judgement.’

Key clients

METabolic EXplorer

Perspecteev

Quadient

ClickandBoat

118218 France

Frédéric Jousset and Quadia

Linkbynet

Feels

Work highlights

  • Advised Perspecteev on its Series A funding round dedicated to Bridge, its B-to-B branch, with Truffle Capital and Groupe BPCE.
  • Advised METabolic EXplorer, the French leader in fermentation, in (1) the acquisition of 100% of the shares of Ajinomoto Nutrition Europe (AANE) and (2) the purchase of the minority stake held by the SPI fund managed by Bpifrance Investissement in its subsidiary METEX NØØVISTA and the reinvestment of the SPI fund.
  • Advised the shareholders of ClickandBoat, the world’s leading online boat rental company, on the sale of ClickandBoat to one of Permira’s portfolio companies.

BG2V

Practice head(s):

Jérôme Albertin; Roland Gueny; Hervé de Kervasdoue; Stanislas Richoillez; Camille de Verdelhan

Testimonials

‘Understanding of the client’s needs, ability to identify solutions combining in a perfect balance an acute business sense and a concern for the client’s legal protection.’

‘Hervé de Kervasdoué: outstanding negotiator, shrewd and pragmatic with a keen sense of teamwork.’

‘In addition to the quality of the services rendered and the availability of both the partner (Roland Guény) and his collaborator within the framework of the M&A file entrusted to them, it was appreciable that they put us directly in contact with a lawyer from another firm with whom they were in contact for more specific questions in environmental law.’

‘Visibility on fees and invoicing very much appreciated.’

Key clients

METROPOLE TELEVISION (M6)

GROUPE DUVAL

ODALYS

BENEXT

CAISSE DES DEPOTS ET CONSIGNATIONS

PLEIADE INVESTMENT

NEWFUND

AMBIENTA SGR S.p.A

SIPAREX

GENERALE DU SOLAIRE

NEXTSTAGE SCA

TOP CHRONO

FAUVEDER & CIE

ISKILLS

HIFIELD GROUP

OCTOLY

GENETEC

GROUPE FAUBOURG

PHYSITEK DEVICES

EASIWARE

AÉROPLAST INDUSTRIES

SOFTAVERA

INTERPUBLIC GROUP

SOCIÉTÉ NATIONALE DE DIFFUSION

IVC EVIDENSIA FRANCE

BUILDERS & PARTNERS

UNYC

AEROPLAST INDUSTRIES

COOPERATIVE AXEREAL

DIVALTO

QUIETALIS

Work highlights

  • Acting as lead counsel in connection with 95% of the acquisitions in France by the IVC EVIDENSIA group of veterinary clinics.

Bignon Lebray

Practice head(s):

Edouard Waels

Other key lawyers:

Thomas Buffin; Tanguy Dubly; Alexandre Ghesquière; Neil Roberston; Alban Van de Vyver; Taous Mabed

Testimonials

‘Hands-on mentality. Great understanding of the client’s business needs. Available thoughout the process to make the deal work.’

‘Alexandre Gesquière: experienced top-notch lawyer. Best price/quality ratio in the market.’

‘Agility and adaptability.’

Key clients

Dentelia

NEHS MNH

Securilog

Parkki

Groupe Lebreuilly

HLD

Groupe Ambulancier Grand Nord (GAGN)

Les Petites Canailles

Leroux

For talents

Rabot Dutilleul

Swell

Colisweb

Arcapix

Accent Global Learning, Inc.

Stratus Packaging Group

Exer Group

Satys

Tikamoon

Work highlights

  • Advising Grope Ambulancier Grand Nord (GAGN) as part of its acquisition of the SOS Ambulance Group.
  • Advising Parkki’s founders in connection with the acquisition of the majority of its shares, capital and voting rights by the Colas Group.
  • Advising Leroux, the European leader in chicory, in connection with its acquisition by Ghislain Lesaffre, private investor and former CEO of Chocmod, the chocolate truffle specialist.

Bryan Cave Leighton Paisner LLP

Practice head(s):

Christian Sauer; Frédéric Jungels; Roland Montfort; Kai Völpel

Testimonials

‘Personal approach. I mainly work with Christian Sauer.’

‘Very serious, committed and competent team.’

‘Knowledge of the sector, efficient and dynamic.’

Key clients

Altice

SFR

CDC

Paref

Aiolos

RGreen Invest

OneStock

Orbimed

Credit Lyonnais

BNP Paribas

Société Générale

Caisse d’Epargne Ile De France

Banque Neuflize Obc

Zencap Asset Management

DBT

Groupe News Participation

Icade

Colony Capital

Ocado Group

Capital Croissance

Coblence Avocats

Practice head(s):

Alexandre Brugière; Ludovic Dorès; Marion Fabre

Testimonials

‘A very strong sense of availability from the team. A business vision in the negotiation which makes it possible not to remain on dogmatic postures and to carry out a deal to its term.’

Key clients

GROUPE HABITAT EN REGION

Founding shareholders of EVA GROUP

BIGGIE HOLDING

Founding shareholders of HOLDING NEW AIRE GROUP

Founders of PAB PROB

AVRIL PA

Shareholders of BELILAB

HUMAN4HELP

LTH HOLDING

Founders of NEXTIIM

Shareholders of ICA CONSULTING (GROUPE CAMAS)

CTS COMPUTER & TELECOMMUNICATIONS SYSTEMS

ZUCCHETTI

KP HOLDING

Shareholders of TRIPNITY

MESSIS FINANCE

NICOCO

CAUTIONEO

FERRI INTERMEDIATION

Work highlights

  • Advised the shareholders of the New Aire Holding Group on the sale of their shares to the SIBLU Group.
  • Advised Avril PA on the sale of the capital and voting rights held by Avril PA in the companies Abera and PORCGROS.
  • Advised the shareholders of Belilab on the sale of its capital to BIOPATH Laboratories group.

Cornet Vincent Ségurel

Practice head(s):

Pierre Lamidon; Alexis Marchand; René-Pierre Andlauer; Matthieu Guignard; Bertrand Coste; Hubert Biard; Pierre-Jean Ferry; Olivier Greffard; Stéphanie Gerard; Emmanuel Mansiollon; Adrien Debre

Testimonials

‘The CVS team is friendly and approachable, and help to simplify complex local rules.’

‘Alexis Marchan is an excellent client partner. Always available and affable.’

‘Responsive team, available and attentive to the needs of the client.’

‘Business sense, proximity, professionalism.’

Key clients

Crédit Mutuel Equity

Eurazeo PME

Unexo

Euralis Semences

Arthur D. Little

Berlin Packaging

China Jianyin Investment (JIC)

OUEST CROISSANCE

RATP CONNECT

UI GESTION

CADIOU

Davis Polk & Wardwell LLP

Practice head(s):

Jacques Naquet-Radiguet

Key clients

Tencent

Meridiam

Solvay

Sibanye Stillwater

Technip Energies

Valeo

Pernod Ricard

TE Connectivity

Work highlights

  • Advised Meridiam, a French investor in public services and infrastructure manager, on its investment in a stake in New Suez, created by the merger of Suez and Veolia, with Global Infrastructure Partners and the CDC Group.
  • Advised Sibanye Stillwater, a South African international precious metals mining company, on its $490 million contribution for a 50% interest in the joint venture with ioneer for the Rhyolite Ridge lithium-boron project in Esmeralda County, Nevada.

Herald Avocats

Herald Avocats

Practice head(s):

Bertrand Pebrier; Etienne Rocher; Vincent Siguier

 

Key clients

Carwest

Easyteam

Bricolex

Delta Dore

Galam Robotics

Bone 3D

Lou Légumes

Manut LM

Work highlights

  • Advised Groupe Ficade on the acquisition of the Groupe Leaders League.
  • Assisted Delta Dore in the sale of its Smart Building division.
  • Advised the Paprec group on the acquisition of Actiplast.

Joffe & Associés

Practice head(s):

Joffe Christophe; Degremont Aymeric; Saltiel Thomas; Belle Virginie; Soiron Romain; Lepeytre Thomas

Key clients

MAPWIZE

VETERNITY / IVC Evidensia

BPI France / GEOCONCEPT

HEROIKS / MAKUITY

SEA VORIAN / SEAFIN

VETERNITY / DIGIVET

SNCF RESEAU / LEYFA

HYGIE31

FOREPAAS

NANNYBAG

777 / RED STAR

BUSINESS GROUP HOLDCO

VECTAURY / MOBSUCCES

FOUNTAINE PAJOT

HYGIE31 / ECOEUTICS

Work highlights

  • Advised Veternity on the sale of Digivet to the Compagnie des Animaux.
  • Advised SNCF Réseau on the acquisition of a majority stake in LEYFA Measurement, a pioneer in track layout and geometry design.
  • Advised 777 Partners on the acquisition of the Red Star Football Club.

Moncey Avocats

Practice head(s):

Frédéric Pinet

Other key lawyers:

Guillaume Giuliani

Testimonials

‘Very high availability and responsiveness.’

‘A very efficient and available team. Good knowledge of the structuring of LBO transactions, particularly in the finance sector.’

‘Frédéric Pinet showed inventiveness to imagine solutions adapted to the client’s context. He has a good analytical capacity, as well as a spirit of synthesis which was very useful at key moments in the course of the transaction. Very good transaction closing spirit. Frédéric also has a very good relationship with his clients.’

Key clients

CIR Group

Market Pay

Klubb Group

SantéVet

Clariteam

CertiDeal

Work highlights

  • Avised the founders and management of CIR Group (Compagnie Immobilière de Restauration) – a specialist in renovation and acquisition of heritage buildings – on its €350m+ sale to BlackFin Capital Partners.
  • Advised the managers on its €300M+ disposal of Carrefour’s 60% stake in its Market Pay payments platform to AnaCap Financial Partners.
  • Advised the shareholders of Klubb Group on its €175m+ acquisition of a 32% stake by Andera Partners in the shareholding of Klubb.

OYAT

Practice head(s):

Caroline Basdevant-Soulié; Guillaume Ledoux

Testimonials

‘OYAT proved to be a very proficient firm in M&A/LBO. Their team is made up of seasoned partners with demonstrated expertise in high-stakes business & financial environments. Particularly efficient in FR and cross-border contexts, OYAT has a capacity to sustain heavy workload, deliver outstanding results, and to provide their customers with above-expectations value throughout the deal lifecycle.

‘We are particularly satisfied with OYAT’s work provided over the course of the last ~12 months, during which they helped us achieve significant M&A results. Their strong determination, in a particularly difficult market context, secured a deal that would not have been possible without their involvement and sheer commitment toward making this a success for all stakeholders.’

‘OYAT stands out as a very positive budget-to-value ratio and impressively skilled firm to work with in mid-to-high cap markets.’

‘Caroline Basdevant-Soulié: Results-driven lawyer, focused on long-term execution with the appropriate range of skills to build long-lasting trust and support deal(s) expectations and objectives.’

‘Caroline Basdevant-Soulié is responsive, hard-working and commercially aware.’

‘Very efficient, responsive and competent team.’

‘They provide a highly responsive partner level service. They are very commercially minded in their approach to the issues that are important to clients. Very friendly and efficient. International work is clearly important to the firm and is delivered across jurisdictions with a high level of teamwork with other legal advisers.’

‘Caroline Basdevant-Soulié is simply brilliant. This is epitomised by her focus on providing commercial solutions and reassurance on matters that are important to clients. She has a strong and firm negotiating style, framed within a collaborative and friendly approach. International work is clearly a focus of the team and for Caroline, who brings international experience into play.’

Key clients

Caisse des dépôts et des consignations

Bpifrance

Van De Velde Packaging Group

Atream

Nomios

Universign

Appscho

Epsotech

UVI

Daikin

Work highlights

  • Advised la Banque des Territoires (Caisse des dépots et consignations) on its strategic partnership with Amadeus and Dawex, in order to create Alentour.
  • Assisting the shareholders (Caisse des dépôts et des consignations, the CEO and the managers, CM CIC, Odyssée Venture) in the sale of Universign to PSG and the reinvestment of the CEO / Managers.
  • Assisting the managers in the sale of Appscho to Ready Education and the reinvestment of the Managers in Ready Education.

Scotto Partners

Practice head(s):

Coralie Oger

Other key lawyers:

Lionel Scotto le Massese; Adrien Badelon

Testimonials

‘Lots of creativity on the part of the firm’s employees. Ability to move forward in deadlocked situations. Anticipation and mastery of deadlines’

‘Coralie Oger has remarkable technical qualities. Always available, her business-oriented mindset allows us to benefit from a real advantage in negotiations. Scotto Partners knows how to innovate to implement cutting-edge legal solutions.’

‘We have selected Scotto as a specialist boutique combining high-flying Parisian partners as part of a small team renowned for its service to entrepreneurs. We were delighted by this collaboration.’

‘Coralie Ogier: Works around the clock, great availability, international experience and vision, always fishing, defends her opinions and her client.

‘The M&A teams fully fulfilled their mission thanks to their legal skills and their great professionalism, at all levels. Their intervention has also distinguished itself thanks to their ability to take ownership of our situation and business issues, to collaborate effectively with all of the project’s stakeholders (banks, internal counsel, lenders’ lawyers), to ensure high availability and to allow a collaboration that is both serious and sympathetic.’

‘Coralie Oger embodies the great qualities of the team: advanced and sophisticated legal skills, great professionalism, ability to understand a mission context, to be available, to allow an atmosphere the both serious and friendly. During the negotiations with the counsel of lenders, she particularly distinguished herself by her willingness and ability to defend the interests of her client.’

‘Among the various firms involved, Scotto Partners intervenes with consistent quality regardless of the sector of our group throughout the M&A process. Scotto distinguished itself on a recent very complex file by its ability to identify the risks and find protective solutions in the face of the obstacles of a difficult negotiation. The team manages its projects with perfection, while knowing how to handle a degree of flexibility essential to achieve a deal without sacrificing the requirements of guarantees.’

‘Coralie Oger perfectly represents the qualities of the Scotto firm (ability to intervene in very different sectors, quality of advice to the client, availability, perfectionism and flexibility). Beyond that, Coralie shows amazing resilience, coupled with a sense of humor that makes negotiation fun.’

Key clients

Diot-Siaci

Molotov

Packdis

UCPA

Minitubes

Akuo Energy

Loch Lomond Group

Parthena Consultant

Octopus Partners

Orange (Enovacom)

Work highlights

  • Advises a French major actor in the leisure and vacation sector, UCPA, in the context of the acquisition of the leisure division of the French major actor in the construction sector, SPIE Batignolles Concessions.
  • Advised Molotov’s shareholders on the sale of Molotov to the US listed group fuboTV.
  • Advising the founders of Akuo Energy on (i) the acquisition of Colam Entreprendre and minority shareholders shares and (ii) the entry of a financial partner, ICG Infra, that will support the founders of Akuo Energy in this new phase of Akuo Energy’s history.

Steering Legal

Practice head(s):

Nuno de Ayala Boaventura; Olivier Guinard

 

Key clients

UNISYS

CERBA HEALTHCARE

LOGI (GROUPE L’OCCITANE)

HAMSTER CLEANING

MANPOWER FRANCE HOLDING

RUBI INTERNATIONAL

TELLUS WATCHES

PAN EUROPÉENNE

SKYROCK RADIO (Groupe Nakama)

EUROCHEM

Work highlights

  • Advising UNISYS on the framework of the acquisition of 100% of Mobinergy SAS, Mobinergy UK et Mobinergy GmbH.
  • Advising Logi (Groupe L’Occitane) on the sale of its 92% stake in Pierre Hermé to Butler Capital.
  • Advising the sellers, private persons, in the sale of shares from a German company to Travelsoft.

Taylor Wessing

Practice head(s):

Gilles Amsallem; Nicolas de Witt; Laurence Lapeyre; François Mary; Anne-Juliette de Zaluski

Testimonials

‘Gilles Amsallem is incredibly pragmatic and responsive, and has built a practice around those same principles.’

‘François Mary has been a great asset on a recent transaction. He understands how his clients work and is able to offer proactive, clear and commercial advice.’

Key clients

Flink

Cognism

Altrad

Encavis

Infinigate

Deluxe

Datadog

AY Group

Rambus

FieldWireLabs

Doreau

Avanteam

Proparco

Work highlights

  • Advised Altrad on its acquisition of 100% of the shares of Endel and its subsidiaries.
  • Advised Cognism on its acquisition of the entire issued share capital of Kaspr SAS, a provider of business development services.
  • Counsel to Flink on its acquisition of the start-up Cajoo.

Valther

Practice head(s):

Valérie Dubaile

Testimonials

‘Valther regularly accompanies us on our merger and acquisition operations. They are generally present from the start at the LOI stage until the SPA. We particularly appreciate their sound advice including the various aspects related to the acquisition and which are not limited to the legal part.’

‘We have permanent contact with our client partner who has been supporting us for many years and who knows how to anticipate our needs with impeccable responsiveness.’

‘Valther strives to know and understand its client in order to provide them with advice and an adapted and personalized solution, in the best of their interests and expectations.’

‘A firm of a critical size allowing us to have a wide range of skills and to cover the many subjects that we entrust to Valther.’

‘Remarkable availability. An ability to work in great autonomy after a quick brief.’

‘Very good multidisciplinary team.’

Key clients

MATTEL

DIOT-SIACI

GILBERT JEUNE

PROVALLIANCE

QUESTEL

SC PACK

ALMA

ARKHEA CAPITAL

BNP DEVELOPMENT

NAXICAP

Watson Farley & Williams LLP

Practice head(s):

Arnaud Félix

Other key lawyers:

Pascal Roux; Thomas Rabain

Key clients

Ademe Investissement

Bpifrance / IDIA Capital

BayWa r.e.

Böllhoff Group

BW Offshore

Glennmont Partners

Tikehau Investment Management

VPK Group

Work highlights

  • Assisting the shareholders of the leading French solar energy platform Apex Energies Group with the acquisition of 100% of its shares by Macquarie Asset Management, via Macquarie Green Investment Group Renewable Energy Fund 2.
  • Advising BW Offshore on the acquisition of Ideol to create BW Ideol, a global integrated floating offshore wind company.
  • Advising Belgian international packaging supplier VPK Group on the acquisition of paper production company DA Alizay, from Thai investment holding company Double A Holdings (DAH), to create the Alizay Sustainable Development Hub.