Rising Stars

Firms To Watch: Private equity: LBO

Jointly led by Patrick Mousset and Barbara Jouffa, the team at Gowling WLG provide a comprehensive private equity offering; with expertise across the education, technology, and luxury goods sectors, the firm advises clients on LBO transactions and management packages.
Racine's private equity group was established in 2021. Led by Marie Pouget, it has a growing LBO work stream focused chiefly on investment funds in the construction and heavy industry sectors.
Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher & Flom LLP strengthened its pan-European practice following the arrival of Nicola Di Giovanni in September 2022.
Led by Charles Fabry, the multidisciplinary team at Squire Patton Boggs regularly handles mid-market transactions both domestically and across Europe. The practice was further bolstered by the arrivals of Maxime Dequesne from Lamartine Conseil, Anthony Guillaume from DLA Piper, and Benjamin Marché from Clifford Chance.

Firms in the Spotlight Private equity: LBO

CHASSANY WATRELOT & ASSOCIES

CHASSANY WATRELOT & ASSOCIES logo

A FULL-EXPERTISE HUMAN RESOURCES LAW FIRM   Founded in 1987, Chassany Watrelot & Associés (CWA) is one of the main French law firms whose activity is exclusively dedicated to employment law and all other legal areas related to human resources management (insurance law, tax law…).

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Vivien & Associés

Vivien & Associés logo

Vivien & Associés offers competitive legal services and representation across a broad range of key practice areas:

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Private equity: LBO in France

Kirkland & Ellis LLP

Drawing on strong US and UK presences, Kirkland & Ellis LLP regularly advises high-calibre private equity and financial sponsor clients on major buyouts, such as IPOs, buy-side, and exits. Practice co-head Vincent Ponsonnaille acts for some of the largest sponsors in the region, including leading US private equity houses and sovereign wealth funds. Joint team lead Laurent-Victor Michel has expertise in Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) matters and is an 'excellent professional, with a particularly high level of rigor and technicality.'

Practice head(s):

Vincent Ponsonnaille; Laurent Victor-Michel


Testimonials

‘I worked with Laurent Victor-Michel: he is dynamic, very business minded, responsive and creative in discussions. It is a pleasure to work with him.’

‘The team is always available and has the capacity to deliver in strong calendar constraints.’

‘Laurent Victor-Michel and the team are particularly experienced in private equity operations. Their responsiveness to this operation was particularly appreciated and their knowledge of adjacent subjects (financing, taxation, trusts, etc.) made it possible to propose appropriate solutions to changing issues.’

‘Team is 100% dedicated to private equity, with involvement of all business lines in this speciality, which is particularly relevant for a management company like us. Ability to propose remuneration methods that align the interests between K&E and the client, which is also appreciable with regard to the functioning of certain processes. Great responsiveness and an absolutely irreproachable level of excellence and commitment.’

‘Laurent Victor-Michel is an excellent professional, with a particularly high level of rigor and technicality, while remaining very approachable, friendly and relaxed. It is therefore very pleasant to work with him, even in the most tense situations.’

‘Vincent Ponsonnaille in particular is excellent – very commercial and responsible but also technically highly skilled.’

‘They care intensely about their clients and go above and beyond to help them meet their needs and get deals done under difficult conditions.’

‘Laurent Victor-Michel is always available and has a great understanding of French market and practice.’

Key clients

Advent International


Albion Acquisitions Limited


Antin Infrastructure Partners


Apollo Global Management


Ares Management Corporation


Cinven


Five Arrows PE


GIC Private Limited


Goldman Sachs Merchant Banking


Hellman & Friedman


Partners Group


Providence Equity Partners


Searchlight Capital


Silver Lake


SK Capital Partners


Thoma Bravo


Trinseo


Vista Equity Partners


Warburg Pincus


Wendel


Work highlights


  • Advised British supply chain risk management firm Fortius on the acquisition of Lyon-based Once For All (Attestation Légale), the leader in the French market for compliance in the construction and related sectors.
  • Advised Swiss-based global private equity firm Partners Group on its investment alongside German private equity firm Montagu in connection with the acquisition of HTL Biotechnology, a fast-growing biotech and industrial French firm.
  • Advised IVC Evidensia, a portfolio company of EQT Private Equity, on the acquisition of VetOne Group, a group specialising in veterinarian services.

Latham & Watkins

Latham & Watkins advises clients across the French and pan-European markets, expertly handling large-cap LBOs, public-to-private transactions, and mezzanine and leveraged financing. Benefitting from the firm's strong international presence, the team has additional expertise in M&A transactions, and works across a range of industries including healthcare and education. The practice is jointly led by Alexander Benedetti, Denis Criton, Alexander Crosthwaite, Thomas Forschbach, Gaëtan Gianasso, Charles-Antoine Guelluy, Olivier Du Mottay, and Simon Lange.

Practice head(s):

Alexander Benedetti; Denis Criton; Alexander Crosthwaite; Thomas Forschbach; Gaëtan Gianasso; Charles-Antoine Guelluy; Olivier du Mottay; Simon Lange


Key clients

Ardian


Astorg


Bain Capital


Brookfield Asset Management


BC Partners


Bridgepoint


ICG


KKR


Oaktree Capital Management


OTTP


PAI Partners


Partners Group


Permira


Platinum Equity


PSP Investments


Sagard


Silverfleet


SK Capital


Summit Partners


TA Associates


Temasek


TPG


Vivalto Partners


Weil, Gotshal & Manges LLP

Weil, Gotshal & Manges LLP‘s highly sought-after team advises a diverse client base of private equity sponsors, and also has additional expertise in the infrastructure sector. David Aknin heads up the practice, and Jean Beauchataud has a key focus in debt restructurings and distressed M&A transactions. Frédéric Cazals and Alexandre Duguay expertly handle major LBOs, public-to-private transactions, and recapitalisations both domestically and internationally. Emmanuelle Henry is also noted.

Practice head(s):

David Aknin


Other key lawyers:

Frédéric Cazals; Alexandre Duguay; Emmanuelle Henry; Jean Beauchataud; Guillaume Bonnard; Pierre-Alexandre Kahn


Key clients

3i


Adagia Partners


Advent International


Aleph Capital


Alpha Private Equity


A&M Capital


Antin Infrastructure


Altamir


Apax Partners


Archimed


Ardian


Astorg Partners


Bain Capital


Capza


Caravelle


Carlyle


Cerba Helthcare


Ceva


Chequers Capital


Cinven


Clayton, Dubilier & Rice


Compagnie Nationale à Portefeuille


CVC Capital Partners


Ergon Capital Partners


Eurazeo


EQT


Equistone


Generation IM


HLD


InfraVia Capital Partners


LFPI


L-GAM


Montagu Private Equity


Montefiore


Naxicap


Omers


Ontario Teacher’s Pension Plan


PAI Partners


Parquest


Permira


PSG


Qualium Investissement


Sagard


Sienna Private Equity


TCV


Téthys


Towerbrook


Willkie Farr & Gallagher LLP

The team at Willkie Farr & Gallagher LLP acts for a global client base, advising on mid and large-cap mandates including control buyouts, platform acquisitions, and joint ventures and exits across a broad range of sectors. Practice co-head Eduardo Fernandez has extensive expertise handling complex LBOs in the business services, consumer products, and healthcare sectors. The practice is also jointly led by M&A specialists Christophe Garaud and Cédric Hajage, who are supported by key practitioners Grégory de Saxcé, Gil Kiener, Gabriel Flandin and Hugo Nocerino.

Practice head(s):

Eduardo Fernandez; Christophe Garaud; Cédric Hajage


Other key lawyers:

Grégory de Saxcé; Gabriel Flandin; Gil Kiener; Hugo Nocerino


Testimonials

‘Very professional but able to adapt to customer requirements. For me, one of the best on the market. Able to be astute and commercial beyond technically very sound. Also, ability to act on an international deal, especially on an intercontinental deal with the US.’

‘Eduardo Fernandez is excellent for M&A but also on any legal subject.’

Key clients

Aquiline Capital Partners


Ardian


CVC Capital Partners


EQT


Intermediate Capital Group


IK Partners


Insight Partners


Montefiore Investment


PAI Partners


TA Associates


The Carlyle Group


21 Invest France


Abénex Capital


Adagia Partners


Aglae Management


Alpha Private Equity


Apax Partners


Astorg Partners


BIM


BlackFin Capital Partners


BNPP Agility Capital


Bpifrance


Cobalt Capital


Ekkio Capital


Equistone Partners Europe


Five Arrows Managers


Latour Capital


OpenGate Capital


Peugeot Invest (FFP)


Qualium Investissement


RAISE Investissement


Sagard


Searchlight Capital Partners


Syntagma Capital


Vaultier7


Waterland Private Equity


Warburg Invest


Weinberg Capital Partners


Wendel


Work highlights


  • Advised TA Associates, the leading US-based private equity firm with US$3,68 billion in assets under management, on its acquisition of a 25 per cent stake in the Foncia group, the leading France-based property management group.
  • Advised ICG, the leading UK-based private equity firm with assets under management of US$65 billion, in connection with its investment in Circet, the leading telecoms network service provider in Europe.
  • Represented PAI Partners in connection with its $3.3 billion acquisition of Tropicana, Naked and Other Select Juice Brands Across North America and Europe from PepsiCo, the leading US-based global food, snack, and beverage corporation.

Allen & Overy LLP

Allen & Overy LLP handles large-cap and mid-cap transactions for a number of top tier private equity sponsors both domestically and across Europe. M&A transaction specialist Marc Castagnède co-leads the team, regularly working with listed and non-listed companies, financial institutions, and investment funds. Joint practice head Romy Richter is also recommended for her advice to funds, founders, and/or managers on their acquisition, fundraising, or disposal transactions.

Practice head(s):

Marc Castagnède; Romy Richter


Testimonials

‘Excellent market knowledge, very user-friendly and pragmatic, particularly for non-French investors. Very good commercial judgement and good at finding innovative solutions to legal issues.’

‘Marc Castagnède and Romy Richter are a class double act.’

‘Pauline Regnier is also excellent.’

Key clients

Advent International


Apax Partners


Ardian


Chequers Capital


Crédit Mutuel Equity


Eurazeo


ICG


Ivanhoé Cambridge


Korian


LFPI Gestion


Microwave Vision


Natixis


PAI Partners


Weinberg Capital Partners


Wren House


Work highlights


  • Advised Bridgepoint through its Germany-based portfolio company PharmaZell GmbH on entering into exclusive negotiations with Lyon-headquartered Groupe Novasep SAS in a new drive to create a technology-driven leader for complex small molecules and ADCs on a global scale.
  • Advised Eurazeo on the sale of a majority interest in the Seqens Group to US private equity firm SK Capital.
  • Advised Pathé and IDG Capital in relation to their entry into exclusive negotiations with Eagle Football Holdings LLC for the sale of their stakes in Olympique Lyonnais Group.

Bredin Prat

Bredin Prat works closely with the firm's tax and finance teams to advise French and international investment funds on the full spectrum of private equity transactions from financing to tax structuring and setting up of management packages. Key practitioner Florence Haas specialises in M&A transactions, and has considerable expertise handling market consolidation transactions, public takeovers and LBOs. Barthélémy Courteault, Adrien Simon, and Clémence Fallet are also noted.

Other key lawyers:

Florence Haas; Barthélémy Courteault; Adrien Simon; Clémence Fallet


Key clients

Apollo Global Management


Carlyle


Casino


China Jianyin Investment (JIC)


Dbay Advisors


Deconinck family


Dentressangle Initiatives


Dermapharm


D’Ieteren /PHE (Autodistribution)


Elyan Partners


Eurazeo (and Eurazeo PME)


Five Arrows


LifeSciences


GBL


HLD


InfraVia


Kohlberg Kravis Roberts & Co. (KKR)


Oaktree


Téthys Invest


Sagard


Sienna IM


Silver Lake


Wendel


Work highlights


  • Advising D’Ieteren in connection with exclusive negotiations with Bain Capital Private Equity in view of acquiring 100% of PHE (Autodistribution), a Western European leader in spare parts distribution and services for vehicles and trucks.
  • Advised Sienna Investment Managers on the acquisition, via its subsidiary dedicated to private equity Sienna Private Equity, of a minority stake in Eight Advisory, a financial and operational consulting firm specialising in transactions, restructuring, transformation and financial engineering.
  • Advising LifeSciences Holding, a long-term oriented consortium of investors led by Armira, in connection with the successful completion of the acquisition of approximately 40% of the undivided estate of Horst Sartorius from members of the Sartorius family.

Clifford Chance

Clifford Chance‘s multidisciplinary team advises leading financial institutions, including large and mid-cap private equity houses, banks, and specialised infrastructure funds. Practice co-head Fabrice Cohen specialises in private equity transactions as well as domestic and cross-border M&A, with strong expertise across the aerospace and defence, consumer retail, and healthcare sectors. Joint team lead Marianne Pezant is noted for her advice on the corporate aspects of private equity investments, and expertise in fund formation. Emmanuel Mimin is another name to note.

Practice head(s):

Fabrice Cohen; Marianne Pezant


Other key lawyers:

Emmanuel Mimin; Benjamin de Blégiers; Gilles Lebreton; Laurent Schoenstein


Testimonials

‘The team is very cohesive and works across multiple jurisdictions.’

‘Marianne Pezant is the lead partner we have worked with. She is very service oriented and smart.’

‘Invoicing adapted to the needs of the customers, excellence and reactivity of the collaborators.’

‘Aggressive, shrewd and technical understanding of business issues and being able to take risks.’

Key clients

3i


Apax Partners


Blackstone


Bpifrance


Bridgepoint


Cathay Capital


The Carlyle Group


Cinven


Clayton Dubilier & Rice


KKR


PAI Partners


Partners Group


Permira


Triton


Wendel


Apollo


Ardian


Macquarie


Meridiam


Mirova


Omnes Capital


DIF Infrastructure


Marguerite


Eurazeo


Vauban Infrastructure Partners


InfraVia Capital Partners


BNP Paribas


Crédit Agricole


Natixis


Société Générale


Ardian Private Debt


Ares Capital


Barings


BlackRock


LBPAM


SCOR Investment Partners SE


Bank of America Merrill Lynch


Barclays


Crédit Suisse


Deutsche Bank


Goldman Sachs


HSBC


IKB


JP Morgan


UniCredit


Capzanine


Work highlights


  • Advised PAI Partners on the €2.75 billion disposal of the Asmodee group to Embracer Group AB.
  • Advised Vauban Infrastructure Partners on its investment in a joint venture with Bouygues Telecom relating to the acquisition of fiber optics (FTTH) lines in French medium dense areas (AMII zones) in France through a system of cofinancing of non-returnable temporary rights of use.

De Pardieu Brocas Maffei

De Pardieu Brocas Maffei's private equity team is noted for its strengths across the financing, tax, and restructuring aspects of leveraged buyouts, with a particular focus on prominent mid-cap deals. M&A specialist Jean-François Pourdieu regularly advises funds on capital raisings and transfers, and assists management funds with buyouts. Practice co-head Cédric Chanas has considerable expertise handling stock exchange regulatory issues and distressed M&A transactions, while new partner Matthieu Candia is also noted.

Practice head(s):

Jean-François Pourdieu; Cédric Chanas


Other key lawyers:

Matthieu Candia


Work highlights


  • Advising EuroTechnoCom group (ETC) in connection with the entry into exclusive negotiations in view of the acquisition by Cinven of a majority stake in ETC’s share capital.
  • Advising Eiffel Investment Group in the context of a €40M fundraising to accelerate the development of Fifteen, innovative French player in sustainable mobility.
  • Advising MediaSchool on the acquisition of IFC from Ixo Private Equity and Eric Dupressoire, President of the IFC Group

Freshfields Bruckhaus Deringer LLP

Freshfields Bruckhaus Deringer LLP acts for the full range of investor types, providing fully integrated advice on deal structuring, deal execution, acquisition financing, fund structuring, tax, competition, and regulation. Benefitting from the firm's international presence, the team regularly handles complex mid-cap and large-cap transactions for global financial investors seeking to invest in the French market.  'Standout partner' Nicolas Barberis heads up the practice and is supported by key partners Guy Benda, Yann Gozal, and Julien Rebibo.

Practice head(s):

Nicolas Barberis


Other key lawyers:

Guy Benda; Yann Gozal; Julien Rebibo; Sami Jebbour


Testimonials

‘For me, the best team on the Parisian market in mid/large cap LBOs very good partners with an important infrastructure.’

‘Nicolas Barberis: excellent, real advice for the PE fund who gives his opinion on the strategy to apply for a transaction. Julien Rebibo, ditto, very good on complex financial aspects such as management packages. Yann Gozal: stock market specialist.’

‘Very sophisticated team at the forefront of the LBO market combining sectoral experience, great agility / availability and great involvement at all levels of the hierarchy. FBD particularly makes the difference in complex transactions involving many jurisdictions, where their international network comes into its own.’

Key clients

Caisse de Dépôt et Placement du Québec (CDPQ)


Carlyle


Charterhouse Capital Partners LLP


Chequers Capital


Cinven Capital Management


Compagnie Nationale à Portefeuille (CNP)


EQT Private Equity


General Atlantic


J.C. Flowers & Co.


Kartesia


Marlin Equity Partners


PAI Partners


The Blackstone Group


Work highlights


  • Advised Charterhouse Capital Partners LLP, the principal shareholder of Siaci Saint Honoré, on the sale of its shareholding in the context of the merger between Siaci Saint Honoré and Diot, owned by Christian Burrus in a €2.5bn transaction.
  • Advised Cinven on the entrance into exclusive negotiations to acquire a majority stake in the Euro Techno Com Group (‘ETC’), a one-stop shop specialised distributor for the telecoms and technology infrastructure industry, from Carlyle.
  • Advised BeyondNetZero, General Atlantic’s climate investing venture, on EcoVadis’s $500M fundraising, a provider of globally trusted business sustainability ratings.

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

Gide Loyrette Nouel A.A.R.P.I.‘s team provides an integrated legal and tax offering to a range of financial sponsor clients. The team is additionally noted for its strengths in the structuring and implementation of management packages. Practice head Olivier Diaz has considerable expertise handling complex leveraged buyouts, and specialises in advising regulators on securities and corporate law issues. Jean-François Louit and Caroline Lan are also noted for their strong track record in tax matters.

Practice head(s):

Olivier Diaz


Other key lawyers:

Jean-François Louit; Paul de France; Antoine de la Gatinais; Caroline Lan; Vincenzo Feldmann


Testimonials

‘Working with Gide provides access to a “full-service” offer including all the specialties that may be useful during an M&A operation: competition law, labor law, etc. which makes it possible to only have to deal with a single firm working in coordination instead of having to deal with several different specialized firms. In addition, Gide has a network of “tier 1” law firms internationally, such as Chiomenti in Italy and Vinge in Sweden.’

‘Antoine de la Gatinais (M&A) is calm and has a pragmatic approach which allows for constructive discussions with all stakeholders. Always available, he knows how to work in a team and in particular mobilizes all the capacities of Gide to always bring in the best specialists.’

‘Ability to respond very quickly to complex questions about the investment plan of resident managers in more than 20 European countries. Ability to adapt to changes in current LBO orientations, and to different environments related to types of outputs (IPO and sales), allowing the preservation of the interests of managers.’

‘In particular, they have unparalleled know-how in terms of Management Packages, with a dedicated team that is extremely professional, sharp and strong in terms of proposal.’

‘I have worked several times with the team in particular Caroline Lan and Jean-François Louit, who are excellent professionals mastering the technique perfectly.’

Key clients

CEP (now Kereis)


Wella


Soitec


April


Idémia


Cérélia


Rubix


Goodwin

Goodwin acts as counsel for buyers, sellers, investors, boards, and special committees across the full spectrum of private equity transactions, and the Paris team regularly works with the firm's international offices on complex cross-border transactions. Practice head Maxence Bloch specialises in mergers and acquisitions, and focuses on litigation before all levels of the French court system relating to equity financing and shareholder disputes. Jérôme Jouhanneaud is also noted.

Practice head(s):

Maxence Bloch


Other key lawyers:

Thomas Maitrejean; Benjamin Garçon; Jérôme Jouhanneaud


Testimonials

‘Team is always available with an ability to manage files of very different size, timing and importance. Ability of management to appreciate the right level of delegation and to be present personally at important times.’

‘All of our matters were carried out with Benjamin Garçon. Friendly, with a very good balance between technique and deal interest. Ability to adapt to the different typologies of assigned projects/assignments.’

‘Very high quality work. Availability and bandwidth, even in complicated times (summer, end of year).’

‘Jérôme Jouhanneaud stands out in particular, with a few qualifiers to illustrate: listening, quality of reflection, original ideas, deal-maker.’

‘Goodwin is one of the best firms we work with. Technicality, knowledge of the latest legal and tax developments, assistance in structuring operations, responsiveness.’

‘Jerome Jouhanneaud is an excellent professional. Mastery of all the legal parameters of an LBO operation but also the aspects of negotiation and relations with all stakeholders.’

Key clients

Bpifrance


Capza Transition


EMZ Partners


Equistone Partners Europe


Eurazeo


French Food Capital


IK Partners


Lauxera Capital Partners


LFPI


Montefiore Investment


Tikehau Capital


Parquest Capital


Vivalto Partners


Work highlights


  • Advised Vivalto Partners on the acquisition of the Vivalto Santé Group.
  • Advised EMZ Partners and Sagard on the 4th LBO acquisition of Safic-Alcan.
  • Advised Equistone Partners Europe on the LBO on Sicame Group.

Hogan Lovells (Paris) LLP

Hogan Lovells (Paris) LLP is notable for its expertise in mid-cap and complex large-cap mandates for private equity funds, sovereign wealth funds, institutional investors, strategic investors, portfolio companies, and management teams. Practice co-head Stéphane Huten advises on stock exchange law and corporate governance issues and joint team lead Matthieu Grollemund leads on a number of high-profile deals in the tech sector. Xavier Doumen is also noted for his representation of management and executives in private equity transactions.

Practice head(s):

Stéphane Huten; Matthieu Grollemund


Other key lawyers:

Xavier Doumen; Hélène Parent


Key clients

+Simple


21 Centrale Partners and LV Overseas


Accel KKR


Activa Capital


Actomezz (Andera Partners)


Ally Bridge Group


Apax Development partners


Ardian


Argos Wityu


Azulis Capital, Arkea Capital, BNPP Développement, Socadif, MACSF


Blisce Advisors


BPI France


Cathay Capital Private Equity & Cathay Innovation


Chequers Capital


Elaia


Eurazeo


Exotec


Five Elms Capital


Hivest Capital Partners


IDI


Idinvest Partners


Ledger


LFPI


Long Arc Capital


Partech


Red River West


Siparex


TowerBrook Capital Partners (U.K.) LLP


Ÿnsect


Work highlights


  • Advising TowerBrook Capital Partners L.P. on the acquisitions of Bruneau (2021), Consolis (2021) and GSF (2022).
  • Represented Tikehau Capital on its acquisition of an approximately 40% stake in Egis.
  • Represented Arkea in the context of a minority investment in Groupe Grandir.

Jeausserand Audouard

Jeausserand Audouard provides ‘expert advice’ on LBO management packages, as well as related litigation, tax matters, and mergers and acquisitions. The team regularly works with a diverse and high-profile client base of corporates, management teams, and founders. The practice is jointly led by Jérémie Jeausserand, Carole Degonse, Elodie Cavazza and Patrick Loiseau.

Practice head(s):

Jérémie Jeausserand; Carole Degonse; Elodie Cavazza; Patrick Loiseau


Testimonials

‘A very great mastery of the subject in general and global competence in taxation, management packages, and negotiation.’

‘Expert advice.’

‘Experience, team spirit, competence.’

Key clients

ALMAVIVA SANTE


WOONOZ


MARKAL


TVH CONSULTING


MARLINK


VALGO


CARAT CAPITAL


KEM ONE


NOVASEP


IMMR


LABORATOIRES AUDEVARD


FONCIA


ALLIANCE MARINE


AUTOFORM


SYNACKTIV


GROUPE ORYX (PROPRIETES-PRIVEES)


ALLIANCE ELECTRONICS


CULTURESPACES


LV OVERSEAS


SMARTMEDIA


SITES


ATLAS FOR MEN


GSF


BASERRIA (MAISON LARTIGUE & FILS)


L’ECOLE FRANCAISE


LEETCHI.COM (MANGOPAY)


HORIZON SOFTWARE


GROUPE THOIRY


LATECOERE


QUBIT PARMACEUTICALS


HAVEA GROUP


Work highlights


  • Advises the management of Almaviva Santé, the 4th largest French private hospital group, valued at €1.5 billion, which is preparing to welcome Wren House Infrastructure and BPI France as shareholders.
  • Assisting the management of the LV Overseas group, a major player in logistics and transport commissioning, in the context of a majority LBO with MML Capital and Bpifrance.
  • Assisting the management of the GSF group, one of the French leaders in cleaning and hygiene, valued at nearly €1 billion, in the context of an LBO with Towerbrook.

Linklaters

Alongside its market-leading M&A practice, Linklaters' private equity team is able to draw on experts from its corporate, tax, infrastructure, restructuring, banking, and competition law teams. Bruno Derieux and Fabrice de La Morandière have substantial experience advising on high-profile public or private M&A transactions, buy-outs, restructurings, and public offerings. Florent Mazeron has strengths in corporate governance issues and the setting up of strategic partnerships and joint-venture agreements.

Practice head(s):

Bruno Derieux; Fabrice de La Morandière; Florent Mazeron


Testimonials

‘Florent Mazeron has been outstanding. Extremely committed deal maker, has provided smart solutions to get the deal done. Always here to deliver the extra mile and excellent negotiator.’

Key clients

ARDIAN


GIP


A TDR-led consortium (LeasePlan shareholders)


Carlyle


Vauban Infrastructure Partners


CDPQ


Partners Group


CVC Capital Partners


EQT


Cobepa


Antin Infrastructure Partners


InfraVia Capital Partners


PAI Partners


Blackstone


Marguerite


Montagu Private Equity


Apollo Management International


Advent International


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 a TDR-led consortium, the shareholders of LeasePlan, one of the world’s leading vehicle leasing companies, on its contemplated combination with ALD, Société Générale’s car leasing division, for €4.9bn.
  • Advised Carlyle on the acquisition of AutoForm, a leading provider of end-to-end software solutions for the engineering, evaluation and improvement of the entire sheet-metal forming and body in white assembly engineering process, notably for the automotive industry, from Astorg and the founder of the group.

Mayer Brown

Mayer Brown's private equity team is regularly instructed on complex mid-cap deals, leveraging the wider firm's expertise in transactional, tax, and finance to advise established funds and managers. The practice is headed up by Guillaume Kuperfils who also co-leads the firm's global private equity group. Olivier Aubouin has experience advising on securities issues and capital markets, and Emily Pennec specialises in public-to-private and public takeover transactions.

Practice head(s):

Guillaume Kuperfils


Other key lawyers:

Olivier Aubouin; Emily Pennec; Hadrien Schlumberger


Testimonials

‘Strong analysis and rigor.’

‘The partners personally get to the bottom of things, always in control of the case. Very competent team.’

Key clients

Abénex Capital


Bridgepoint / Bridgepoint Development Capital


Elaïs Orium


Intermediate Capital Group (ICG)


IDI


IK Partners


L Catterton


LBO France


Marlin Equity Partner


Oaktree


Qualium Investissement


Quilvest Capital Partners


Raise


Sagard


Stirling Square Capital Partners


Work highlights


  • Advised Quilvest Capital Partners and IK Partners on the sale of its interest in Groupe EDH following the investment of Five Arrows Principal Investments and the reinvestment in the group.
  • Advised LBO France on the sale of its interests in Groupe RG.
  • Advised Bridgepoint on the acquisition of a majority stake in CAST and the launch of a mandatory simplified tender offer to acquire the remaining CAST shares.

McDermott Will & Emery AARPI

McDermott Will & Emery AARPI advises investment funds on the full range of LBO operations, including acquisitions, build-ups and disposals. The practice is notable for its advisory services on major mid-cap transactions on the French market, as well as specialised advice to management teams, an area where Henri Pieyre de Mandiargues takes the lead. Grégoire Andrieux works with sponsors and founders across all major sectors, and Diana Hund regularly represents German corporate groups in their investments in France.

Key clients

Abénex


Andera Partners


Ardian


Ardian Growth


Argos Wityu


CAPZA


Gaïago and its founders


Groupe Herbarom


HLD


Five Arrows Growth Capital (FAGC)


IK partners


Eurazeo


MML Capital


Management team of Cheops Technology


Management team of Sogelink and Geodesial


Naxicap Partner


Nov Santé Actions Non Cotées fund (managed by Eurazeo)


Quilvest Capital Partners


RAISE Investissement


Work highlights


  • Represented Ardian, through its fund Ardian Expansion V (€2 billion under management), on its acquisition of Group RG, a leading distributor of personal protective equipment in France with €300 million of revenue, from LBO France, alongside the management team and Latour Capital.
  • Represented Quilvest Capital Partners, a global alternatives investment and well-known player with c. $6 billion AUM across its four business units, on its acquisition, with Crédit Mutuel Equity, of a minority stake in the Minafin group.
  • Represented HLD, an investment firm specialising in the growth and development of European companies, on the negotiations related to the acquisition of the founders of eyewear brand Jimmy Fairly and investment fund Experienced Capital (ECP), to acquire a majority stake in the French eyewear brand.

Orrick

Orrick combines cross-practice expertise to advise clients on LBOs, OBOs, MBOs, secondary buyouts, and sales of portfolio companies. The team acts for buyers, sellers, investors, and lenders on both large and small-to-mid cap deals. Patrick Tardivy co-chairs the firm's global M&A and private equity group, and has notable expertise across the energy, infrastructure, and real estate sectors. Olivier Jouffroy is able to draw on previous experience practising in Luxembourg.

Practice head(s):

Patrick Tardivy; Olivier Jouffroy


Testimonials

‘Patrick Tardivy: the best – excellent negotiation skills, deep understanding of sector, master all related topics (tax, structure…), able to create consensus.’

‘The team is well placed to handle complex large-cap transactions while handling all ancillary matters via their global network.’

‘Olivier Jouffroy is tech-savvy and hardworking.’

Key clients

3i Group plc


Almaviva Capital


Antin Infrastructure Partners


Ardian


AXA IM


CNP Assurances


Eurofiber


Kem One


NXMH


Proximis


Safran


Saur


Société d’Investissement Bastide – SIB


Stokke AS


Work highlights


  • 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.
  • Advised CNP Assurances on the €9 billion acquisition of New Suez from Veolia, and the acquisition from Engie of an additional 11.5% stake in GRTgaz, a deal worth around €1.6 billion.
  • Advised Antin Infrastructure Partners on its c. €2 billion disposal of private hospital group Almaviva Santé to WrenHouse.

Paul Hastings LLP

The team at Paul Hastings LLP is predominantly active on mid-market and upper-mid market deals, handling all aspects of buyout transactions including acquisition finance, restructuring, and tax. Practice head Olivier Deren advises funds and managers, as well as portfolio companies, on their growth strategies. Arthur de Baudry d’Asson handles leveraged transactions and public-to-private deals for major clients.

Practice head(s):

Olivier Deren


Other key lawyers:

Sébastien Crépy; Charles Cardon; Alexis Terray; Arthur de Baudry d’Asson


Testimonials

‘Classic but effective and transparent working method. Advantages: fair and balanced advice for all parties which allows you to move forward quickly and efficiently, gives you the impression of being its unique/privileged client, contribution of new ideas/creativity, reasonable billing for this type of firm.’

‘Very strong, precise, commercial and fast execution.’

‘We work with Arthur de Baudry d’Asson who is outstanding.’

Key clients

21 Invest


Amundi Private Equity Fund


Ardian


Astorg


B&Capital


Bpifrance


EMZ Partners


EQT


Equistone Partners Europe


Five Arrows Principal


Gimv


Intermediate Capital Group (ICG)


Isai


KC Invest


Keensight Capital


LGT European Capital


Montefiore Investment


Morgan Stanley Infrastructure Partners


Mubadala Capital


Olma


PAI Partners


Qualium Investissement


RAISE


Société Générale Capital Partenaires


Tikehau Capital


Turenne Capital


Providence Equity Partners


Sagard NewGen


Wendel


Work highlights


  • Advised Astorg and the other shareholders of AutoForm in connection with the disposal of Autoform, a leading provider of software for product manufacturability, tool and material cost calculation, die face design and virtual stamping as well as BiW assembly process optimisation to the Carlyle Group.
  • Advised EQT in connection with the acquisition of a majority stake in Lifebrain, the leading Italy-based laboratory diagnostics services operator.
  • Advised Keensight Capital in connection with the acquisition of a majority stake in Adista, the leading alternative B2B hosted services provider.

Scotto Partners

Scotto Partners advises top executives, managers, and founders on mid and large-cap mandates. The team is notable for its strength advising on management packages, drawing on cross-practice expertise in tax, M&A, corporate finance, and employment law to provide clients with a comprehensive service. The practice is jointly led by Lionel Scotto le MasseseClaire Revol-ReniéIsabelle CheradameAdrien Badelon and Jérôme Commerçon.

Practice head(s):

Lionel Scotto le Massese; Claire Revol-Renié; Isabelle Cheradame; Adrien Badelon; Jérôme Commerçon


Testimonials

‘Scotto’s practice is not only unique but rare: the price point of working only for management teams is the key. All other business law firms are dependent on client funds which provide a significant flow of business; their independence is therefore called upon when it comes to advising management teams. Scotto fulfils this role perfectly. Moreover, having adopted this positioning for a long time, Scotto has a focus on management package practices, with which even its direct competitors cannot compete.’

‘Very committed and competent team, also attentive to our concerns. Efficient use of new technologies and total availability!’

‘Good team; very complete and available when we have an intense period that requires their presence. Very professional and reassuring in their approach, they provide all the necessary services to the management team.’

‘One of the most experienced teams on LBO deals with the ability to provide solutions on operations of great complexity, both in terms of management advice and legal and tax structuring. Have the ability to implement incentive plans for management teams that are complex and large in terms of the number of people involved.’

‘Lionel Scotto: ability to find solutions to complex situations – strong reactivity. Adrien Badelon: ability to defuse potential conflicts and execute complex operations – excellent monitoring of post transaction operations.’

‘They are the pioneers of management advice in the context of LBO operations. They have a deep knowledge of the players’ market and the practices of each of the players.’

‘I last worked with Isabelle Cheradame and her collaborators. They are efficient, rigorous, pragmatic. In other words, they are deal-makers. More particularly Isabelle possesses the gentleness and firmness necessary in negotiations to act in the best interests of her clients.’

‘Claire Revol-Renié has a lot of experience and great professionalism. Very strong in negotiation, and anxious to always defend the best interests of her clients.’

Key clients

Greenyellow


Imerys HTS


Arkopharma


Linxis


Kiloutou


Indigo


Mail in Black


Lapeyre


Diot-Siaci


Adista


Wifirst


Vinventions


Agora Technologies


+Simple


Rydoo


Aquilus


ISGA


Eidosmedia


Work highlights


  • Advising the managers and founders of Greenyellow on the sale by Casino of its majority stake to Ardian Infrastructure (Casino, BPI and Tikehau rolling over as minority investors in the next transaction).
  • Advised the management team of Siaci on the dual transaction comprising (i) the consolidation of Siaci and Burrus Group and (ii) the purchase by Siaci management team, Mr Christian Burrus and various investment funds of the Charterhouse’s and Ardian’s former stakes in Siaci.
  • Advised the founder and rest of the management team in the purchase by Capza (new majority financial investor) of Amundi and BPI’s previous stake (who rolled over as minority financial investors).

White & Case LLP

White & Case LLP's cross-practice team combines expertise in M&A, finance, capital markets, tax, employment, and real estate to service a spectrum of clients on complex private equity transactions. The team is particularly skilled in debt restructurings, de-SPACing, IPOs, and stressed and destress M&A transactions. Saam Golshani leads the practice, and is supported by key lawyers Marc Petitier, Nathalie Nègre-Eveillard, and Xavier Petet.

Practice head(s):

Saam Golshani


Other key lawyers:

Marc Petitier; Hugues Racovski; Nathalie Negré-Eveillard; Xavier Petet; Alexis Hojabr; Jean Paszkudzki


Key clients

Macquarie Asset Management


CVC Capital Partners


Amber Capital


Bpifrance


Altitude Infrastructure


Cube Infrastructure


Mérieux Equity Partners


FCDE


Omnes Capital


Angelo Gordon


Sogecap


BNP Paribas


Softbank


Goldman Sachs


Tikehau


DEE Tech


SPAC Pegasus Entrepreneurs


Eurazeo


Work highlights


  • Advised Macquarie Asset Management, in a consortium with British Columbia Investment Management Corporation (BCI) and MEAG Munich Ergo Asset management GmbH (MEAG), on its EUR 2.5 bn enterprise value acquisition of Reden Solar, from InfraVia Capital Partners and Eurazeo.
  • Advised investment firm CVC Capital Partners on the signing of an investment commitment agreement with France’s Ligue de Football Professionnel (LFP) related to the creation of a commercial subsidiary intended to support the financing of professional and amateur football clubs.
  • Advised 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.

Ashurst LLP

Practice head(s):

Noam Ankri; François Hellot; Anne Reffay; Vincent Trevisani


Testimonials

‘Very professional, technical, available and friendly team.’

‘Anne is a very good lawyer, pragmatic and efficient.’

Key clients

Bpifrance


Dyal Capital Partners


The managers of the Chryso Group


Klee Group


Apollo Infrastructure Opportunities


Sun Capital Partners


Creadev


CVL 3


Caravelle


Ms. Karin Sartorius Herbst


IHS Markit Ltd


Work highlights


  • Advised an affiliate of Sun Capital Partners on the sale of C&K Switches Group, a manufacturer of electromechanical switches, to Littelfuse, Inc. for an enterprise value of $540 million. The transaction remains subject to customary regulatory approvals.
  • Advised EPIC Bpifrance, acting on behalf of the French State as part of the Convention French Tech Souveraineté, on its EUR 15,000,000 investment in Unity-SC.
  • Advised the controlling shareholders and founders of Klee Group in the context of the minority investment by an LBO fund called ‘MBO & Co’ in the Service branch of Klee Group.

AYACHE

Practice head(s):

Bernard Ayache; Olivier Tordjman


Other key lawyers:

David Ayache; Gwenaëlle de Kerviler; Grégoire Zeitoun


Key clients

Sagard


Towerbrook


Kardinal


Inveready


CAPZA


Groupe Open (founders)


ICG Infra


Towerbrook, CAPZA Expansion


Waterland (fund)


B&Capital


Montefiore Investment


Ubibene founders and Managers / Eduservice


Founders and Managers of DESTIA


La Foir’Fouille


Cleary Gottlieb Steen & Hamilton

Practice head(s):

Charles Masson


Other key lawyers:

Valentin Lefebvre


Testimonials

‘Very strong long-term relationship with our advisor Charles Masson. He does a great job of giving strong advice, while limiting billing.’

‘Charles is more than a lawyer, giving us strategic and other advice, a real consigliere.’

Key clients

Apollo


De Agostini


NVHL


Cerberus / My Money Group


Bridgepoint


Sienna Capital


Emerging Capital Partners


Latour Capital


Yeelen Capital


HOPU Investments


Work highlights


  • Representing the investment funds managed by affiliates of Apollo (Apollo Funds) in the proposed acquisition and acquisition financing of the Terminals, Solutions & Services (TSS) business line from Worldline.
  • Advised De Agostini in connection with the business combination of FL Entertainment (holding company of Banijay group and Betclic group) with Pegasus Entrepreneurial Acquisition Company Europe (SPAC-backed by institutional sponsors Financière Agache and Tikehau Capital), resulting in a public listing of FL Entertainment on Euronext Amsterdam.
  • Advised Sienna Investment Managers in connection with its acquisition of a majority of the share capital of Malakoff Humanis Asset Management and long-term strategic partnership with Holding Malakoff Humanis in the field of retirement and employee savings.

Dentons

Practice head(s):

Olivia Guéguen


Other key lawyers:

Guillaume Kessler; Olivier Genevois


Testimonials

‘Great team of professionals.’

‘Olivier Genevois remains very involved in the files. He is available at all key moments in the case, including long SPA negotiation sessions.’

Key clients

Abenex


Alpha Private Equity


B& Capital


Bpifrance


Essling Capital


Genesius HID


Gilde Healthcare


KKR


KSL


Microport


Mirova


Neo Investment Partners


Ouest Croissance


PAREF


Pechel


Vauban Infrastructure Partners


Zetland Capital Partners


Work highlights


  • Advised Essling Capital on its LBO on Teknimed, a leader in orthopaedic products. This was a secondary LBO financed together with private debt fund Apera (Teknimed was sold by Apax after a first LBO).
  • Advised Arcole Industries, a French specialist in taking over distressed or underperforming companies, on the sale (open bid) of Solice Group to Ciclade.
  • Advised the founders of Valiantys, a digital transformation consulting firm and one of Atlassian’s leading global partners, in connection with an LBO structured with the management team and Tercera Capital on the Valiantys group.

DLA Piper

Practice head(s):

Simon Charbit; Sarmad Haidar; Fanny Combourieu


Testimonials

‘Good collaboration within the team, where we feel the desire of the partners to transmit their expertise. It is also worth noting the fluid transmission of information between the teams of different specialities, thus facilitating the effective progress of a case.’

‘Mr Haidar’s international experience is a huge asset for any cross-border deal.’

Key clients

Andera Partners


BPIFrance


Bridgepoint


Premium Partners


Capzanine / Barings


Montefiore Investment


Cathay Capital Private Equity SAS


HTC Vive Investment (BVI) Corp


Metric Capital Partners


The Carlyle Group


Tikehau Capital


Eurazeo


Lion Capital


MML


B&B Management


Circet Management


Summa Equity


Mérieux Equity Partners


STG Funds


21 Partners


OGGI Climate Investments


Work highlights


  • Representing the Carlyle Group in connection with a range of multimillion EUR projects.
  • Advised Bridgepoint on the French tax structuring of their flagship private equity investment fund Bridgepoint Europe VII, including advice related to carried interest.
  • Advising the founders and management of CIRCET in connection with its entry into exclusive negotiations with ICG for the sale by ADVENT of its stake in CIRCET and their co-investment with ICG.

Franklin

Practice head(s):

Yam Atallah


Other key lawyers:

Alexandre Marque; Lionel Lesur; Jacques Mestoudjian; Laura Danet


Testimonials

‘Strong partner involvement and only senior associates with relevant knowledge and experience.’

‘Lionel Lesur and Laura Danet demonstrated very strong engagement and availability. On top of M&A/PE Lionel Lesur was also very knowledgeable in competition law, providing very clear guidance and pragmatic on these – sometimes – quite obscure matters of EU competition law. Very good knowledge of the practice, of the sector, and precedents, including in emerging markets. Excellent ability to work with other advisors. Very good quality of documents produced. Excellent at advocating and defending client position.’

‘The Franklin team is tight and offers quality service on classic M&A transactional themes. During their last transaction with us, I was particularly impressed by their responsiveness and their ability to collaborate effectively and coordinate a large number of stakeholders. The pleasant mode of collaboration and the quality of the work (especially in view of the price paid) make me want to renew the experience.’

Key clients

ACE Capital Partners


Altice


Biotech Investissement


Eurazeo


Geopost


Groupe Magellim


Perseus


Perwyn


Tikehau Ace Capital


Work highlights


  • Advised Créations Fusalp on the entry of two investment funds, Mirabaud Private Capital and Mirabaud Patrimoine Vivant, into its share capital.
  • Advised Eurazeo in the frame of the joint acquisition with Sagard of I-Tracing.

Gibson Dunn

Practice head(s):

Bernard Grinspan; Ariel Harroch


Other key lawyers:

Judith Raoul-Bardy


Key clients

Platinum Equity Advisors


Brookfield


RedBird Capital Partners


KKR


TPG


Bpifrance Investissement


Stirling Square Capital Partners


Naxicap Partners


OFI Asset Management


Tikehau Ace Capital


Mutares


HOCHE AVOCATS

Practice head(s):

Jean-Luc Blein, Grine Lahreche


Other key lawyers:

Ariane Berthoud


Testimonials

‘Excellent knowledge of LBO law, excellent availability, legal team of an excellent level. Very business oriented, very strong knowledge of the ecosystem which allows them to provide relevant advice and in line with expectations/constraints.’

‘Grine Lahreche has remarkable knowledge of their sector, very high availability and excellent responsiveness. This allows them to deliver very high quality advice and an excellent ability to execute.’

‘Tight team, close to its customers, able to find availability even in periods of intense activity. Rather economically competitive, able to work with a bonus for success.’

‘Grine Lahreche: friendly, courteous with colleagues and management teams, very good follow-up of subjects, good technical skills, commercial.’

‘Mastery of LBO subjects with current practices, availability, speed, rigor.’

‘Grine Lahreche: availability, very good knowledge of LBO operations and current practices.’

‘Grine Lahreche is a lawyer who knows how to understand the needs of his clients and handle complex situations with finesse and professionalism.’

Key clients

21 INVEST FRANCE


APAX PARTNERS


BRIDGEPOINT PORTFOLIO SERVICES


CAPZA


IK PARTNERS


KEENSIGHT CAPITAL


MEANINGS CAPITAL PARTNERS


QUILVEST CAPITAL PARTNERS


SIPAREX


UI INVESTISSEMENT


OMNES


Moncey Avocats

Practice head(s):

Guillaume Giuliani


Testimonials

‘Nice team, pragmatic dealmakers who work very well as a team in an effective & efficient way.’

‘Complementary team that is used to working together, communication and the process are therefore very fluid. In terms of execution capacity, the Moncey team is very experienced, the whole team has a great ability to listen and is very available, which is appreciable vs other firms where the partners are sometimes more difficult to reach. Digital signature process via Closed.’

‘Guillaume Giuliani and Marie-Victoire James are very available, attentive, with a strong ability to resolve problems by proposing innovative solutions. The Moncey teams are very proactive, they anticipate problems to clear them in advance.’

‘Excellent knowledge of LBO law, availability of partners, and knowledge of the sector and its ecosystem.’

‘Guillaume Giuliani has an excellent knowledge of the mid-cap LBO sector in France and of the entire ecosystem (lawyers, funds, etc.) which allows him to deliver very high quality advice, taking into account the expectations and leeway of counterparties. He is also available at any time.’

‘Very efficient team, deal makers. Renowned among colleagues. Efficient implementation of the electronic signature.’

‘Guillaume Giuliani, Marie-Victoire James and their team are strongly committed to the success of their client.’

‘Great availability and professionalism.’

Key clients

Capza


MBO & Co


Apax Partners


Siparex


Quilvest Capital Partners


Andera Partners


Sparring Capital


Trajan Capital


Activa Capital


B & Capital


M80 Partners


Raise


Trocadero Capital Partners


Cerea Capital


CIR Group


Groupe SCP


Work highlights


  • Advised Capza on its €100m+ acquisition of Nutravalia, a French laboratory specialising in food supplements and pharmaceuticals.
  • Advised MBO & Co on its €80m+ acquisition of L.E.N. Médical Group, a leading marketing and communication platform dedicated to healthcare professionals.
  • Advised Apax Partners on its €80m acquisition of CEME Group, a leading national and independent energy player.

Shearman & Sterling LLP

Practice head(s):

Jeremy Scemama


Other key lawyers:

Xavier Norlain; Guillaume Isautier; Matthieu Lampel


Testimonials

‘Innovative, solid, friendly, deal makers.’

‘Very strong team responsiveness and pragmatic approach, going straight to the essentials and available options. Particularly appreciable cost effectiveness.’

‘Tight team and strongly committed to the customer. Very high responsiveness, even during periods of reduced availability.’

‘The team seems to me to combine the strength of a large firm with the flexibility, responsiveness and above all the proximity of a smaller firm. I therefore place them among the best law firms in France.’

‘Jeremy Scemama: a real star partner on a daily basis in my negotiations, not only on the legal documentation but on all the dynamics of the deal and the interactions with all the parties. All in good humour and a great climate of trust.’

Key clients

Abenex


Alpha Private Equity


Apax


Bpifrance


Bridgepoint


Experienced Capital


The Carlyle Group


Montefiore Investment


Eurazeo


Meanings Capital Partners


PAI Partners


MML


FNB PE


Metric Capital Partners


Experienced Capital Partners


Tikehau


Work highlights


  • Advised PAI Partners and European Camping Group (portfolio company) on the acquisition of Vacanceselect.
  • Advised Groupe Premium (Eurazeo portfolio company) on the acquisition of Groupe Forward and the acquisition of a stake in the asset management firm Linard Charbonnel.
  • Advised the Carlyle Group and other shareholders in connection with the entry into exclusive negotiations to sell a controlling stake in Euro Techno Com Group, a leading “one-stop shop” value-added distributor for the telecoms network and technology infrastructure industry, to Cinven.

Archers A.A.R.P.I.

Other key lawyers:

Mark Richardson; Marc Baffreau; Emily Pabot du Chatelard; Kamal Naffi


Key clients

Abenex


Amundi


Capza


Sagard


MyHeritage


Francisco Partners


Quilvest


Trocadero Capital Partenaire


Capsule Technologies


11 Strat Management Team


Naxicap


Yellow Wood Partners


Talan


Sumeru Equity Partners


August Debouzy

Practice head(s):

Julien Aucomte; Julien Wagmann


Other key lawyers:

Etienne Mathey


Key clients

CAISSE DES DEPOTS ET CONSIGNATIONS


TIGER GLOBAL MANAGEMENT


ARGOS WITYU


RAISE INVESTISSEMENT


CAPZANINE


CREADEV


I SQUARED CAPITAL


CATHAY CAPITAL


KKR


MERIDIAM


INFRAVIA CAPITAL PARTNERS


BRIDGEPOINT


10T


GREENOAKS CAPITAL


ELAIA PARTNERS


AXELEO CAPITAL


ISAI GESTION


KERNEL INVESTISSEMENTS


Work highlights


  • 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, the leading French engineering company specialising in construction engineering and mobility services.
  • Advised the shareholders of Laboratoires Majorelle in the context of its sale to the investment fund EW Healthcare Partners.
  • Advised the French Private Equity fund Argos Wityu on the sale to Crédit Agricole Leasing & Factoring of Olinn group, a major operator in France of rental solutions for technological equipment, under LBO since 2018.

Bersay

Practice head(s):

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


Key clients

Perspecteev


Frédéric Jousset / Quadia


METabolic EXplorer


Save Market


EureKARE


3.6.2 Participations


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 (METEX), the French leader in fermentation, (1) on the acquisition of 100% of the shares of Ajinomoto Nutrition Europe (AANE); (2) on 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 entrepreneur Frédéric Jousset and the Quadia fund on their acquisition of a stake in Bio Conquête, a group of organic and in-conversion farms as well as agri-food plants.

Bignon Lebray

Practice head(s):

Edouard Waels


Other key lawyers:

Laetitia Benoit; Tanguy Dubly; Alexandre Ghesquière; Jacques Goyet; Neil Roberston; Thierry Permezel; Alban Van de Vyver


Key clients

Altima


Capital Croissance


Turenne Capital Partenaires


Axialease


NewAlpha Verto


Financière Fonds Privés


Bolk


Ween


Cap Horn


123 Roulement


EIC Fund (European Commission)


Jagger & Lewis


Work highlights


  • Advising Jérémy Guffroy and Michael Dumas, shareholders of 123 Roulement, in the context of the sale of their stake to Trajan, LT Capital and BPI (investment fund).
  • Advising private equity firm Capital Croissance in the context of the majority takeover of France-based ad-tech firm Smart AdServer in a funding round that also involves Idinvest and Adelie Capital.
  • Advising EIC Fund (European Commission) in the context of multiple investments in France and, in particular, its investment in Karos, Netswave, Osivax, and Altaroad.

D'Ornano + Co.

Practice head(s):

Raphaëlle d’Ornano


Other key lawyers:

Thomas Priolet; Marcus Schmidbauer; Arthur Leclerc


Testimonials

‘One-stop shop for due diligence.’

‘Work to timetables well and competitive pricing.’

Key clients

Keensight Capital


Marlin Equity Partners


The Carlyle Group


Montefiore Investment


Sagard


Five Arrows Private Equity


Eurazeo


Capza


Apax Partners


Work highlights


  • Advised Sagard on the acquisition of Audensiel through an LBO in March, 2022.
  • Advised Sagard on the acquisition of EOS through an LBO on February 10, 2022.
  • Advised Padoa on its €80 million fundraising on February 2, 2022 with Five Arrows Growth Capital.

FIDAL

Practice head(s):

Sabrina Bol


Other key lawyers:

Olivier Josset; Mathieu Aurignac


Fieldfisher

Practice head(s):

Philippe Netto


Other key lawyers:

Christopher Mesnooh; Jean-Baptiste Van de Voorde


Testimonials

‘The Fieldfisher team has grown significantly over the past few years with very experienced and complementary practitioners, which allows the client to address many subjects (legal, tax, social) with a single firm as ‘interlocutor.’

‘Jean-Baptiste Van de Voorde is a remarkable partner who always makes himself available to support his clients, takes the time to fully understand all the subjects. His knowledge of the market and stakeholders is a real advantage on a daily basis.’

Key clients

123 IM


DealbyDeal Invest


Socadif Capital Investissement


Entrepreneur Invest


Luxempart


Financière Arbevel


Crédit Mutuel Equity


Trocadero Capital Partners


MACSF, Vivalto, Socadif, BNP Paribas Developpement


Isatis Capital


Swen Capital Partners


Alpha PE


INTM


Apivia Macif Mutuelle


iMuze France (now named Match Tune)


Mermoz Avocats

Practice head(s):

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


Testimonials

‘A very competent team and easy to work with.’

‘Tristan Segonds and Gilles Roux: 2 very good professionals, always seeking consensus and capable of proposing innovative solutions.’

Key clients

ARKEA CAPITAL


AMUNDI PRIVATE EQUITY


IDIA CAPITAL INVESTISSEMENT


SPARRING CAPITAL


UI INVESTISSEMENT


21 INVEST


CICLAD


APAX


CREDIT MUTUEL EQUITY


Bpifrance


ANDERA ACTO


CRÉDIT AGRICOLE RÉGIONS INVESTISSEMENT


ORYX GROUP MANAGERS


POINT VISION GROUP MANAGERS


UNIVERSIGN MANAGERS


EKOSPORT FOUNDERS


ZURFLÜH FELLE’ MANAGERS


SOCIÉTÉ GÉNÉRALE CAPITAL PARTENAIRES


GERFLOR


VISCO


Work highlights


  • Advising Akéa Capital, Bpifrance and Macif on their participation in the capital strengthening of DomusVi.
  • Advising Amundi Private Equity and Idia Capital Investissement on the new LBO of LMB Aerospace.
  • Advising the sellers, Sparring Capital and the Oryx group managers in the framework of their LBO.

Jeantet

Practice head(s):

Philippe Matignon


Other key lawyers:

Thierry Brun; Karl Hepp de Sevelinges; Stephen Walters; Pascal Georges


Testimonials

‘Availability, strong and multiple skills, listening, responsiveness.’

Key clients

Argos Wityu


LBO France


Thoma Bravo


DZETA Conseil


Turenne Capital


Five Arrow


Apollo Global Management


Work highlights


  • Advised Apollo Global Management on the signing of a final agreement for a €500 million investment in a subsidiary of Air France-KLM.
  • Advised LBO France in connection with its acquisition of a majority stake in Origine Cycles.

Joffe & Associés

Practice head(s):

Virginie Belle; Aymeric Dégremont; Christophe Joffe; Thomas Saltiel; Romain Soiron


Key clients

BPIFrance / WYZ


Syspertec


Human & Work (Stimulus)


Atelier de Recherche et de Conceptions


EMP Rotomoulage


GPG Granit / Reprise


IT Facto


Capital Croissance


Nextstage


Work highlights


  • Advised management of Human & Work on the LBO 3.
  • Advised the historical partners (Elie Benmergui, NextStage™ and Mi3) on the LBO of GPS Glass Partners Solution.
  • Advised Capital Croissance on the LBO of Pilocap Group.

King & Spalding LLP

Practice head(s):

Laurent Bensaid


Key clients

Cathay Capital Partners


Almerys


Montefiore Investments


Neotys


Creadev


Envea (Founders and management team)


Olivier Creed


Baker Hughes


EODEN


DALET


HLD group


Blackfin Capital Partners


Work highlights


  • Advised Cathay Capital Private Equity on an agreement with 3i to sell Havea Group to BC Partners, which will take a majority stake via BC Partners XI.
  • 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 values 100% of its equity at approx.
  • Advised Montefiore Investment, on the exclusive negotiations with Pléiade Investissement and the management of Generix Group, to conclude an investment agreement for the acquisition of control of Generix Group by a dedicated vehicle in which Pléiade, Montefiore and Generix’s management will be shareholders.

Opleo Avocats

Practice head(s):

Pierre-Olivier Bernard; Antoine Degorce


Other key lawyers:

Aude Chartier


Testimonials

‘A team specialized in management packages and taxation of executives. Very experienced and competent.’

‘A highly competent, highly experienced and highly responsive team.’

‘Opleo has accompanied the management on the occasion of several successive LBOs: in the negotiation and implementation of the management package – the partnership and the understanding of the issues are 2 differentiating elements. Other positive points concern Opleo’s ability to deal with the collective and specific cases within management. Extensive experience also in benchmarking and market practice concerning management packages.’

‘Aude Chartier: very good at listening to the client, proactive search for solutions, very professional and reactive.’

‘Antoine Degorce: very keen on management package issues and tactical in negotiations with the investment fund on behalf of the management.’

‘Competence, transparency, responsiveness.’

Piotraut Giné Avocats (PGA)

Practice head(s):

Piotraut Raphaël; Giné François


Testimonials

‘A team oriented towards “deal-making”. Employees very committed to customer service, with excellent responsiveness.’

‘Very efficient, responsive and well-coordinated team.’

‘François Gine: efficient, concise, deal maker, very responsive. Explains clearly and simply. Reassured on the critical points. Finds solutions.’

Key clients

Hélène Linard Cabinet Linard Charbonnel


Travelsoft


Momentum Invest


Tiepolo


Digital Value


GSDI


UI Investissement


Apicap


SAT France


Food & Baverage


Coptis


WShop


Amplitude


Eurogerm


Apax


Alliance Entreprendre


Sfeir


Mesotrans


Squad


Doreau


Netinvestissement


AerotechPro


Global Media Sante


Crédit Mutuel Equity


Yunit


Ciméa


Work highlights


  • Advised the founders and majority shareholders of JDDG on the acquisition via LBO of Tiepolo with Andera as sponsor.
  • Advised the PE Fund Food And Beverage on the LBO regarding the company Fromagerie Terre d’Or.
  • Advised the PE Fund UI Investissement on the LBO regarding the company Omnitrans.

Sekri Valentin Zerrouk

Practice head(s):

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


Key clients

AMUNDI Private Equity


QIMA


ZOUARI STOKOMANI


ZOUARI MAXI BAZAR


2MX ORGANIC / IN VIVO RETAIL


APAX Partners


BA&SH


TURENNE CAPITAL


GENEO LEADER GROUP


GENEO GNBA GROUP


WHOZ


CHEQUERS CAPITAL / OCI


IM SQUARE IK LUXEMPART


IM SQUARE SYZ Asset Management


IM SQUARE Zadig Gestion SA


FOUNDERS IZIPIZI


CLS


Valtus


Diapason


BK CONSULTING


Work highlights


  • Advised QIMA on the acquisition of a minority stake by CDPQ (Caisse de Dépôt et Placement du Quebec).
  • Advised the Zouari family on its acquisitions of Stokomani.
  • Advising BA&SH in the context of the sale by L Catterton of a majority stake to the HLD fund.

Spark Avocats

Practice head(s):

Ariane Olive; Mathieu Ducceschi


Other key lawyers:

Sonia Codazzi; Floran Mayor


Testimonials

‘Young, friendly and empathetic firm.’

‘Ability to “overflow” (in a good way) from the classic role of lawyer. Help in negotiations, on the financial modeling part, coordination of the various councils, etc. Real handling, very useful in the case of an individual buyer who does not have the means, the teams or the experience of a fund.’

‘Availability and responsiveness of teams. Response within the day, deadlines always met.’

‘Ariane Olive and Sonia Codazzi.’

Key clients

Theia / Flavien Reille


GHS/David Lescure


GPF / François d’Aligny


Data Dynamic Systems / Jérôme Bour


Cojean / Stéphane Jitiaux


Moonsol / Valérie Bizot


RNI Conseil / Violaine Chaumont


Data Legal Drive/ Sylvain Staub


Seair / Richard Forest


Aveine / Nicolas Naigeon


Metron / Jérémie Rendolet


Buyco / Geoffroy Willaume


Groupe Performer / Bruno Léa


Sec / Fiorenzo Tagliabue


Tatetis / David Gaon


Altheo / Thierry Lamarque


Afigec / Cédric Voisin


Finergreen / Arthur Omont


Invest CF / Raphaël Rosselo


Nine 58 / Pierre Chabrelie


Work highlights


  • Advised DLCP on its equity and quasi-equity structuration for the purpose of financing the acquisition of GHS (4,2M€).
  • Advised METRON on its Series B fundraising carried out, among other reasons, for the purpose of financing the acquisition of DAPESCO Belgium (20M€).
  • Assisted MEAC, acting as lead investor, in its participation to Tallano Technologie’s Series B fundraising.

Stephenson Harwood

Practice head(s):

Clotilde Billat; Guillaume Briant


Testimonials

‘Very available, smart, fast and precise.’

Key clients

Creadev


Andera Partners


Trocadero Partners


Access Capital Partners


Educas Tertiary Investments LLP (NMN Cap)


EasyVista and its shareholders Eurazeo and Cathay Capital


Groupe Netiwan


Caisse d’Epargne de Midi Pyrénées


AfricInvest


Joint Partner


Julien Castel (Vitalliance)


Ahmed Mhiri


Itexis


Work highlights


  • Advised the financial investors, Andera Partners and Trocadero Capital, on their acquisition of a stake in the capital of Groupe Pégase.
  • Advised Creadev International as lead manager of a pool of investors, on the occasion of the fundraising of €30 million carried out by Ouihelp.
  • Advised EasyVista in connection with several build-up transactions as for example the acquisitions of CoservIT and Itexis.

Valther

Practice head(s):

Velin Valev; Bruno Fiacre


Testimonials

‘I have worked with this team for more than 20 years: proximity, family atmosphere, ability to negotiate by building trust and understanding of the opposing party.’

‘Within this team, I almost exclusively work with Velin Valev, founding partner.’

‘Reactivity, pragmatism, customer oriented.’

‘Listening skills, a wealth of experience in M&A which allows sound advice, responsiveness.’

‘Competent and reliable.’

Key clients

ALLIANCE ENTREPRENDRE


NAXICAP


ARKHEA CAPITAL


BNP DEVELOPPEMENT


ARTS & BIENS


SOCIETE GENERALE CAPITAL PARTENAIRES


CAISSE D’EPARGNE IDF


BPI Investissement


SIPAREX


SGP Hôtel Investissement Capital


Work highlights


  • Advising Alliance Entreprendre and Capitem Partenaires for the MBO OXY Signalétique.
  • Advising the Honotel Group in the context of the entry into the capital of LBO France.
  • Advised Arkhea Capital and BNP Developpement for the LBO of the company MEDIASCIENCE.

Veil Jourde

Practice head(s):

Laurent Jobert; Géraud Saint Guilhem


Testimonials

‘Excellent M&A/private equity team led by Laurent Jobert. Team always available, pragmatic, technically excellent, good advice and with whom it is always extremely pleasant to work.’

‘Laurent Jobert and his team are excellent professionals, they have very good interpersonal skills, are extremely competent and work at very reasonable rates.’

Key clients

Trail


Crédit Agricole


Idia


Socadif


Perceva Capital


Bpifrance


Latour Capital


Chequers Capital


Work highlights


  • Advised Tediber on its primary LBO operation with the management, the funds Parquest and Eutopi
  • Advised LFPI on the acquisition by LBO of IFOP, bought from Dentressangle.
  • Advised Trail on its integration with the consortium of financial investors and management financing the LV Overseas LBO.

Villechenon

Villechenon

Practice head(s):

Morgan Hunault-Berret; Isabelle Burel-Blasoni; Alexander Kotopoulis; Erwan Tostivint


Testimonials

‘Extremely competent and very responsive team, stable over time: our relationships are gaining in depth and efficiency.’

‘Morgan Hunault-Berret is the leader. She has great judgement and knows how to delegate accurately to her collaborators to lighten the bill and speed up the pace. However, she remains very vigilant and in control. Extremely reliable and responsive, she is also a good negotiator.’

Key clients

Assessfirst


Bonitasoft


Middeo


Pixagility


VOLT Associés

Practice head(s):

Emmanuel Vergnaud; Lucas d’Orgeval; Stéphane Letranchant; Alexandre Tron; Alexis Rapp


Key clients

Teknimed


BSK Immobilier


Astrea Pharma/Chevrillon & Cie


Vespa Capital


FinalCad


Darewise


HR Path


IK Partners


Adopt Parfums


Andera Partners


Work highlights


  • Advising Andera Partners on the buy-out acquisition of Atalys.
  • Advised BSK Immobilier and its shareholders on the acquisition of a minority stake in the company by Activa Capital.
  • Advised Astrea Pharma on the acquisition of 100% of the capital of Recipharm Fontaine.