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.
Mergers and acquisitions in France
Bredin Prat
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
Practice head(s):
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
Other key lawyers:
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
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):
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
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.