Linklaters > Luxembourg, Luxembourg > Firm Profile

Linklaters
AVENUE JOHN F. KENNEDY 35
L-1855 LUXEMBOURG
Luxembourg

Luxembourg > Banking, finance and capital markets Tier 1

A strong offering in its own right and also able to leverage international resources across the network, the 'approachable, dedicated and efficient' team at Linklaters is able to ensure full alignment for large global creditors and debtors engaged in cross-border financings. ‘Always abreast of legal developments and market trends,’ team head Melinda Perera has gained trusted advisor status for clients on banking as well as debt capital markets work, where she has regular engagement from banks as underwriters on landmark supranational debt issuances. The ‘exceptional’ Patrick Geortay has a broad ranging practice that includes both regulatory and transactional expertise, including in relation to asset, acquisition and real estate finance. Nicki Kayser is ‘definitely someone you want in your team for complex matters,’ including for advice on debt issuances in digital form through DLT. The ‘very accessible, responsive and solutions oriented’ Eliane Dejardin Botelho is also recommended on regulatory issues and the establishment of bespoke derivatives and securities financing structures.  

Practice head(s):

Melinda Perera

Other key lawyers:

Nicki Kayser; Patrick Geortay; Eliane Dejardin Botelho; Rémy Bonneau; Delphine Horn; Anna Christina Görgen; Thibaud Müller; Tiago Ventura Mendes; Merve Nazli Kaylan; Laura Mbo; Laurent Benoit; Adrian Danciu

Testimonials

They have strong industry knowledge and connectivity with all the landmark deals in the market coupled with a global reach in regard to sector knowledge and regulatory insight/compliance.

‘The team, from partners to associates is very well trained, well versed, supportive, protective, commercial, and is seen nearly as an extension of the business.’

‘The team is approachable, dedicated and efficient.’

‘Melinda Perera is a trusted advisor for banking and capital markets work and is always abreast of legal developments and market trends.’

‘The exceptional Patrick Geortay is a brilliant lawyer with deep knowledge of banking, security interests and restructuring issues.’

Nicki Kayser is definitely someone you want in your team for complex matters. He is excellent at making you consider all the potential real issues (legal and others) and providing you with good and practical solutions.’

‘Delphine Horn has shown outstanding qualities both in terms of availability, flexibility, time and cost constraint management.’

Eliane Dejardin Botelho is a wonderful professional who is very accessible, responsive and solutions oriented.’

Key clients

Bank of China

AXA Logistics Europe Master S.C.A.

Moolec Science Limited

ISDA

Artex Services AG

Crédit Agricole Corporate and Investment Bank/Skandinaviska Enskilda Banken AB

Work highlights

  • Advised lead managers in the connection with several issuances of notes by the European Union under the debt issuance programme.
  • Advised the joint lead managers in relation to a dual tranche (10-year tenor and 20-year tenor) bond issue by the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg for an aggregate amount of €3bn.
  • Advised Crédit Agricole Corporate and Investment Bank and Skandinaviska Enskilda Banken AB with the issuance by the European Investment Bank of its first ever digital Climate Awareness Bond.

Luxembourg > Commercial, corporate and M&A Tier 1

With a ‘deep understanding of Luxembourg corporate laws and regulations,’ allied to an international mindset and a collaborative approach to working with lawyers across the firm’s global network, Linklaters is well-placed to advise corporates, financial services entities and private equity firms across a wide range of domestic and cross-border mandates, from ongoing corporate governance and commercial contracts advice through to big-ticket M&A transactions. The ‘technical but pragmatic’ Rémy Bonneau is recognised for his ability to ‘navigate through complicated and unusual structures,’ including on private equity-led M&A mandates, as well as in relation to de-SPAC business combinations. ‘Very collaborative’ team head Nicolas Gauzès is noted for his ‘client-centric’ delivery of advice to clients across range of sectors, including TMT, pharmaceuticals and professional services.

Practice head(s):

Nicolas Gauzès

Other key lawyers:

Manfred Müller; Rémy Bonneau; Maxime Bertomeu-Savalle; Florence Forster;  Catherine Kremer; Aurélie Mounier

Testimonials

‘The team is responsive and its advice is very business sensitive.’ 

‘They have a deep understanding of Luxembourg corporate laws and regulations, as well as strong analytical skills and a high attention to detail.’

‘Nicolas Gauzès is very collaborative and adopts a client-centric approach.’

‘Remy Bonneau is a technical but pragmatic lawyer.’

‘Remy Bonneau really is a go-to person for whoever needs a trusted partner able to navigate through complicated and unusual structures.’

‘Florence Forster has a very hands-on approach.’

‘The team lead by Rémy Bonneau is very efficient, responsive and dedicated to its clients, which makes this team\’s work feel more like a collaboration with our legal department rather than a simple use of a service provider.’

‘Output is always at the right level, so that their advice can be turned into informed business decisions.’

Key clients

Montagu Private Equity

HgCapital

Astatine Investment Partners

Triton Fund IV

GIC

DBG Advising GmbH & Co. KG

Moolec Science Limited

Cornerstone Investment Management

Deutsche Börse/Clearstream

Antin Infrastructure Partners

Macquarie

Arrival

Work highlights

  • Advised Astatine Investment Partners on the $460m sale of their stake in Emitel S.A.
  • Advised Moolec Science Limited on its business combination with LightJump Acquisition Corporation, which resulted in a newly formed holding company of the combined entity, Moolec Science SA, which listed on Nadsaq.
  • Advised Deutsche Börse Aktiengesellschaft/Clearstream on the bundling of the business area Investment Fund Services, in connection with the establishment of a new Luxembourg bank for global investors.

Luxembourg > Dispute resolution Tier 1

The ‘efficient and friendly’ team at Linklaters is best-known for its aptitude at handling funds and banking-related litigation, where it ‘excels in providing out-of-the box thinking.’  Team head Guy Loesch provides ‘strategic advice with added-value’ both in relation to full-scale litigation, as well as in the context of regulatory investigations for financial services entities. As part of his litigation prowess, Loesch is also well-versed in bringing and defending urgent injunctive relief claims. Katrien Baetens represents clients across a myriad commercial and finance disputes, including in relation to international arbitration matters. Louis-Eudes Giroux counsels clients in commercial litigation, arbitrations or investigations and is noted for his expertise in providing ‘balanced and pragmatic’ representation in multi-pronged disputes, including in relation to white-collar criminal allegations.

Practice head(s):

Other key lawyers:

Testimonials

‘The team is always accessible, also for non-standard topics and excels in providing out-of-the box thinking.’

‘The team is efficient and friendly.’

‘Guy Loesch is very experienced and provides advice of great value.’

‘Guy Loesch has incredible expertise and provides strategic advice with added-value. He is very good at analysing a situation and related risks and he is very clear in his explanations.’

‘Louis-Eudes Giroux provides balanced and pragmatic advice.’

‘I particularly like Guy Loesch’s calm personality and his spot-on assessment of matters.’

‘The team is able to handle complex situations and brings valuable expertise. Irrespective of the matter, we are confident that we are supported by a team of experts with great experience and strong technical skills.’

‘Louis-Eudes Giroux is really appreciated for his availability, his capacity to understand our professional issues and to propose relevant solutions.’

Key clients

Caixa Geral de Depositos, S.A.

Propertize B.V.

Enel

CC/Devas (Mauritius) Ltd., Devas Employees Mauritius Private Ltd., and Telcom Devas Mauritius Ltd.

Sella Bank SpA

Work highlights

  • Represented Devas (Mauritius) Ltd., Devas Employees Mauritius Private Ltd., and Telcom Devas Mauritius Ltd. (the “Devas shareholders”) on a billion-dollar UNCITRAL arbitration claim under the Mauritius-India BIT relating to the cancellation of a lease agreement.
  • Represented Enel in its challenge of an ex-parte exequatur order to prevent a ruling of an Albanian Court obtained by the Albanian company Albania Beg Ambient becoming enforceable in Luxembourg.
  • Represented Caixa Geral de Depósitos in a criminal matter and subsequent civil proceedings issued as a result of the embezzlement of several million euros by an ex-employee.

Luxembourg > Investment funds Tier 1

With ‘strong bench strength from the partners down to junior associates’, Linklaters has the the critical mass to handle a tremendous volume and range of work for many of the highest-profile international fund managers, particularly within the alternative asset space. Here the team excels in advising on complex cross-border matters and is noted for its cohesion ‘and excellent ability to work well with other offices in the network’, including London. Team head Silke Bernard is ‘very well plugged in to many of the key industry forums and bodies’, ensuring she is abreast of market trends, including as these relate to the growing importance of ELTIFs. Of counsel Hermann Beythan is ‘very well connected’ and is a ‘reassuring presence’ across a wide range of matters, including the structuring of RAIFs and funds of funds, as well as the creation of AIFMs and other regulatory issues. Other key members of the team include the ‘thoughtful and commercial’ Claire Prospert, as well as the ‘highly technical’ counsel Adrien Timmermans, who along with Martin Mager spearheads the team’s investor-side work.

Practice head(s):

Silke Bernard

Other key lawyers:

Hermann Beythan; Martin Mager; Claire Prospert; Raoul Heinen; Adrien Timmermans; Victor Louvet; Conrado Vanden Berghe; Marie-Christine O’Mahony; Laurie Mamane; Cédric Danois

Testimonials

‘The investment funds team is excellent in carrying out funds due diligence on very short notice.’

‘The team is very cohesive and has an excellent ability to work well with other offices in the network.’ 

‘They have strong bench strength from the partners down to junior associates.’

Silke Bernard is a standout partner – she is very well plugged in to many of the key industry forums and bodies and she is great at sharing this information.’

‘Adrien Timmermans is highly technical and my trusted adviser on funds-related products. He has a very good knowledge of the market and can mobilise the right resources and leverage the Linklaters network to deliver top-quality legal advice.’

‘Hermann Beythan continues to be a reassuring presence and very well connected.’

‘Raoul Heinen is on top of the detail of the law but also able to communicate in a concise and easy-to-understand manner. ’

Claire Prospert is thoughtful and commercial. She can get comfortable with commercial nuances and risks and quickly determine the overlying legal issues.’

Key clients

KKR

Partners Group

Ardian

Carlyle

HSBC

DWS

CBRE

LaSalle

Global Asset Management (GAM)

AXA

Unicredit

KGAL

Swisslife

Siemens

Blue Orchard

Macquarie

Montagu

HgCapital

Asset Management One (AMO)

Alcentra

Cromwell

Work highlights

  • Advising Barings on the establishment of Barings Global Private Loan Fund 4 which is Barings’ fourth private credit fund product in relation to its flagship global private loan platform.
  • Advising HSBC Asset Management on the fundraising of its fifth generation of impact fund-of-fund series and the structuring, establishment and fundraising of the sixth generation of HSBC’s infrastructure fund-of-funds series.
  • Advising HgCapital and Montagu Private Equity on the acquisition of controlling stakes in the Waystone Group.

Luxembourg > Private equity Tier 1

Able to leverage the firm’s vast international resources as well as the office’s full-service offering, Linklaters is a popular destination for private equity sponsors seeking a one-stop-shop service across the broad scope of their requirements, from fund structuring through to acquisitions and exits, as well as attendant work relating to management incentive programs. On the M&A front, the team, which is led by Nicolas Gauzès, has a ‘strong understanding of investment strategies’, with a versatile practice that also leans into strong industry expertise within the infrastructure and real estate sectors. Luxembourg and New York-qualified partner Rémy Bonneau is ‘able to navigate through complicated and unusual structures’, both on the corporate M&A front and in the context of capital markets-related exits, as well as offering a niche expertise of SPAC capital raisings.

Practice head(s):

Nicolas Gauzès

Other key lawyers:

Manfred Müller; Rémy Bonneau; Maxime Bertomeu-Savalle; Florence Forster; Catherine Kremer; Aurélie Mounier

Testimonials

‘They have a strong understanding of investment strategies, valuation methods and capital structuring.’

‘The team is very efficient, responsive and dedicated to its clients which makes this team’s work feel more like a collaboration with our legal department rather than a simple use of a service provider.’

‘Rémy Bonneau has always shown an extraordinary dedication to his work and clients. We also appreciate his creativity and his commercial approach when we face complicated issues.’

‘Rémy Bonneau is a go-to-person for whoever needs a trusted partner who is able to navigate through complicated and unusual structures.’

‘Florence Forster has a very hands-on approach, which is very helpful and appreciated.’

Key clients

Montagu Private Equity

HgCapital

Astatine Investment Partners

Triton Fund IV

GIC

DBG Advising GmbH & Co. KG

Moolec Science Limited

Cornerstone Investment Management

Deutsche Börse / Clearstream

Antin Infrastructure Partners

Macquarie

Arrival

Work highlights

  • Advised Astatine Investment Partners on the $460m sale of its stake in Emitel S.A, a leading terrestrial TV and radio broadcast infrastructure operator in Poland, to Cordiant Digital Infrastructure Partners, a specialist investment company focused on investing in digital infrastructure assets in Europe and North America.
  • Advised Moolec Science Ltd on its business combination with LightJump Acquisition Corporation, which resulted in a newly formed holding company of the combined entity, Moolec Science SA, which listed on Nasdaq.
  • Advised Deutsche Börse Aktiengesellschaft/Clearstream on the bundling of the business area Investment Fund Services in connection with the establishment of a new Luxembourg bank for global investors.

Luxembourg > Real estate and construction Tier 1

Leaning into the firm’s broader corporate, banking, tax and investment funds practices, Linklaters deploys a cross-disciplinary approach to real estate work, providing ‘flexible, technical and commercial’ advice to institutional investors, end users and developers across a range of downstream investment work relating to office, retail and logistics buildings. Corporate real estate counsel Anton Cox is the main contact for this work and provides ‘straightforward and deal-oriented advice’ on acquisitions and disposals through share deals, as well as being well-versed in commercial leases and environmental and town planning matters. Patrick Geortay and Melinda Perera also handle finance work in the sector for borrowers and lenders.

Practice head(s):

Anton Cox

Other key lawyers:

Patrick Geortay; Melinda Perera; Aurélie Mounier; Thibaud Muller; Louis-Eudes Giroux; Laurent Benoit; Adrian Danciu

Testimonials

They are flexible, technical and commercial.’

‘Anton Cox is respectful, humble and sharp. His mastery of the subject ensures that he is able to provide straightforward and deal-oriented advice.’

‘Anton Cox is very passionate and hands-on.’

Anton Cox has extensive technical and commercial knowledge; I would definitely recommend Anton to any peers in the real estate industry in Luxembourg.’

Key clients

Allianz Benelux

Allianz Life Luxembourg

DEREIF Luxembourg Bronze Gate S.à.r.l.

UBS REAL ESTATE GmbH

Work highlights

  • Advising Allianz on the sale (through share deal) and financing of important commercial real estate in Luxembourg of 4,500 sqm located in the heart of Luxembourg’s business district.
  • Advising Allianz Life Luxembourg on the sale to BPI Real Estate Luxembourg S.A. of an office building to be redeveloped, located in Luxembourg, and on existing major co-ownership issues.
  • Advising DEREIF Luxembourg Bronze Gate S.à.r.l., acting as lessor, in negotiating a lease with international law firm CMS Luxembourg as lessee.

Luxembourg > Tax Tier 2

Leveraging ‘an excellent depth and breadth of expertise’, including on corporate, finance and funds matters, Linklaters‘ small tax team, which is led by Joakim-Antoine Charvet, excels in providing ‘well-rounded advice’ on the Luxembourg structures to facilitate M&A and other transactional work handled by the firm. Danièle Buchler, who was promoted to partner in May 2023, and Cyrielle Nis are ‘excellent tax advisers regarding Luxembourg private equity structuring and deals’.

Practice head(s):

Other key lawyers:

Guido De Wit; Danièle Buchler; Adrien Piron; Cyrielle Nis

Testimonials

‘They have an excellent depth and breadth of expertise across various areas of the law (tax, corporate etc) leading to well-rounded advice and better and more complete solutions.’

‘The team is responsive, pragmatic and commercial in its approach.’

‘Joakim-Antoine Charvet is easily reachable for questions and his team provides a quick turnaround on tasks.’

Danièle Buchler and Cyrielle Nis are excellent tax advisers regarding Luxembourg private equity structuring and deals.’

‘Cyrielle Nis is responsive, professional and collaborative.’

Key clients

EQT Exeter

Triton Investment Management

Antin Infrastructure Partners

Moolec Science Limited

Deutsche Beteiligungs AG

Deutsche Börse

Macquarie

Barings

Stoneshield Capital

Capman

Work highlights

  • Advising Antin Infrastructure Partners on the formation of a joint venture vehicle with Scandinavian Enviro Systems and the support of Michelin.
  • Advising Moolec Science Ltd during its business combination with LightJump Acquisition Corp, a publicly traded special purpose acquisition company (SPAC), as a result of which a newly formed Luxembourg holding company of the combined entity was listed on the Nasdaq.
  • Advising Deutsche Börse on the reorganisation of the Investment Fund Services business of Clearstream in order to create a standalone Luxembourg investment funds ecosystem supporting the entire service chain and life cycle with respect to interests in funds.

Linklaters is a leading global law firm with some 3,000 lawyers based in 31 offices and operating in 21 countries.

This international network of knowledge offers extensive expertise, spanning jurisdictions and continents. It offers instant access to professional advice and first-class support around the world. We focus on our clients’ dynamic needs and aim to build relationships that endure through all business cycles and all economic climates.

Linklaters Luxembourg plays a vital and fully integrated role in the global firm. With more than 100 lawyers and 14 partners, Luxembourg’s multi-practice firm represents a diverse client base. From blue-chip names and multinationals to leading financial institutions, asset managers, sponsors and private investment companies, we offer intelligent solutions and clear strategies. We are at the forefront of legal innovation and at the centre of Luxembourg’s regulatory environment. An active participant in a number of advisory committees and industry bodies, we deliver precision results with a clear vision.

Linklaters Luxembourg is recognised for its commitment to innovation and diversity. We have embraced new ways of thinking and aim to set ground-breaking standards and encourage sustainable behaviours. As a responsible business, we seek to represent the diversity of our people, our clients and our communities. We have created an inclusive culture in which everyone, regardless of background, identity and circumstances, can reach its full potential.

Practices covered:

  • capital markets and banking
  • corporate/M&A
  • investment funds
  • tax
  • litigation, arbitration and investigations
  • employment
  • real estate
Photo Name Position Profile
Katrien Baetens photo Katrien Baetens Katrien is a dually qualified and all-round litigator. She represents clients in…
Silke Bernard photo Silke Bernard Silke is a Partner in the Luxembourg Investment Funds Group and is…
Maxime  Bertomeu-Savalle photo Maxime Bertomeu-Savalle Maxime is a counsel in the Luxembourg corporate group. He joined the…
Hermann Beythan photo Hermann Beythan Hermann is an Of Counsel in the Investment Funds practice. He has…
Rémy Bonneau photo Rémy Bonneau Rémy joined Linklaters’ Corporate/M&A practice group in 2007 and was appointed as…
Danièle Buchler photo Danièle Buchler Danièle Buchler joined Linklaters Luxembourg’s tax practice in 2009 and was promoted…
Joakim-Antoine Charvet photo Joakim-Antoine Charvet Joakim-Antoine joined Linklaters in 2011. He has been promoted to full -Equity…
Anton Cox photo Anton Cox Anton is a real estate lawyer who has advised on transactions in…
Guido De Wit photo Guido De Wit Guido works as a VAT partner for both the Linklaters Brussels and…
Eliane Dejardin Botelho photo Eliane Dejardin Botelho Eliane joined Linklaters Luxembourg’s capital markets and banking group in 2004 and…
Florence  Forster photo Florence Forster Florence joined the Luxembourg Linklaters mainstream corporate practice in 2011 and was…
Nicolas Gauzès photo Nicolas Gauzès Nicolas joined Linklaters in 2001 where he heads and leads the Luxembourg…
Patrick Geortay photo Patrick Geortay Patrick is a partner of the Luxembourg capital markets and banking group.…
Louis-Eudes Giroux photo Louis-Eudes Giroux Louis-Eudes specialises in commercial and civil litigation. He focuses on providing clear…
Raoul  Heinen photo Raoul Heinen Raoul joined Linklaters Luxembourg in 2012 and specialises in the structuring, setting…
Nicki Kayser photo Nicki Kayser Nicki is the national managing partner of the firm’s Luxembourg office. He…
Guy Loesch photo Guy Loesch Guy Loesch has been a litigation partner since 1998. He heads the…
Martin  Mager photo Martin Mager Martin is a partner in the Luxembourg Investment Funds Group. He has…
Manfred Müller photo Manfred Müller Manfred joined Linklaters’ corporate/M&A practice group in Luxembourg in 2002 and was…
Cyrielle Nis photo Cyrielle Nis Cyrielle joined the Tax practice of Linklaters Luxembourg in 2016, having previously…
Melinda Perera photo Melinda Perera Melinda joined Linklaters Luxembourg in 2003, was promoted to Partner in 2017…
Claire  Prospert photo Claire Prospert Claire is a partner in the Luxembourg Investment Funds group. Claire has…
Adrien  Timmermans photo Adrien Timmermans Adrien is a Counsel in the Luxembourg Investment Funds practice which he…
Partners : 14
Lawyers (incl. Partners) : 129
Total staff : 183