Firm Profile > FTPA > Paris , France

Construction Tier 1

FTPA advises private companies, hospitals, universities and public sector entities, as well as engineering companies and other contractors. The firm has good knowledge of judiciary surveys and advises clients from the first stage of a construction project through to possible litigation issues. The practice is notably handling litigation cases in the rail, energy and public infrastructure sectors. Serge-Antoine Tchekhoff, Robert Corcos, Emmanuel d’Antin and Raphaël Crespelle are high-quality advisers.

Insolvency Tier 2

FTPA is appreciated for its ‘winning’ approach and for the ‘full attention given to its clients’. The team, which demonstrates ‘great capability to negotiate with a full range of stakeholders’, is able to deal with a complete range of situations including distressed M&A, restructuring and insolvency cases. The team recently handled high-profile work, especially in the transport, retail, press and hotel sectors. Highlights included representing Maranatha and its administrator in insolvency proceedings; advising Hersant Media as majority shareholder of insolvent company Antilles Guyane Media; and acting for Monplaisir on its restructuring in Guadeloupe. The group represented BAT as creditor in obtaining a landmark decision from the Versailles Appeal Court in opposing the adoption of Sequana’s safeguard proceedings agreement. Key names include Serge-Antoine Tchekhoff, Bruno Robin, who is a leading name for acting as a trustee (fiduciaire) in insolvency and distressed situations, and Edouard Fabre. Sandra Esquiva-Hesse is now with Simmons & Simmons.

Intellectual property: copyright Tier 2

The 'very dedicated and professional' team at FTPA covers all aspects of intellectual property including trade marks, patents, designs and unfair competition matters. Antoine Gautier-Sauvignac recently advised clients on the negotiation of publishing contracts and production arrangements as well as contentious infringement cases. Other key names include Boriana Guimberteau and Philippe Pochet, who advises clients on counterfeiting.

Intellectual property: Trade marks and designs Tier 2

FTPA 'provides a very responsive and excellent overall service' through practitioners like joint practice heads Boriana Guimberteau and Antoine Gautier-Sauvignac: 'two outstanding individuals who always provide superlative advice that is easily accessible to all clients'. In addition to several high-profile and sensitive trade mark infringement and cancellation proceedings, the team is handling advisory and pre-litigation matters related to the launch of new brands in the luxury sector. On the non-contentious side, the group also advising on the filing of trade marks and the negotiation of licence agreements.

Dispute resolution: commercial litigation Tier 3

FTPA acts for various high-profile French companies. The practice handles commercial litigation and has particular expertise in industrial cases involving long-term judicial discovery procedures. It is also instructed to deal with crisis situations and international matters. Serge-Antoine Tchekhoff, Edouard Fabre, Robert Corcos and Bruno Robin are all highly regarded.

Private equity: venture/growth capital Tier 3

Administrative and public law Tier 4

FTPA shows ‘outstanding flexibility and client care’, displays ‘great contract drafting skills’ and is ‘always able to find solutions to problems’. The four-lawyer team is particularly proficient in public law contracts, on both the advisory and the litigation sides, and recently handled work in the transport and construction areas. Universities, hospitals, government entities, public law entities and private sector operators are clients. The practice also has a strong presence in the art and cultural sectors and notably advises prestigious cultural institutions and museums. Practice head Raphaël Crespelle ‘has a great talent for suggesting practical solutions’.

Employment Tier 4

Mergers and acquisitions Tier 4

Dispute resolution: International arbitration Tier 5

Tax Tier 5

Media and entertainment: advertising

FTPA specialises in domestic communication and advertising matters in the sports sector but also covers disputes between agencies and sports clubs, data protection issues and the organisation of events. Fabrice Lorvo co-heads the 'knowledgeable and efficient' intangibles department and is a marketing, advertising and communications law expert; he is currently advising a media company on the commercialisation of media rights in sub-Saharan African countries with the assistance of associates Julien Lombard and Frédéric Goldberg. In other highlights, the team acted for an international client on the sale and management of a Spanish football club.