Clifford Chance > Paris, France > Firm Profile
Clifford Chance Offices

1 RUE D'ASTORG
75008 PARIS
France
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Clifford Chance > The Legal 500 Rankings
France > Administrative and public law Tier 1
Clifford Chance’s stellar workload and client base make the firm stand out. The practice is able to deal with the most complex work, spanning almost any industry and field of public law. It is retained by many leading players including the French state which also turns to the firm for its most challenging issues, especially in the transport sector. The team is praised for its high-level public procurement and PPP expertise which materializes by its involvement in many of the country’s largest projects in the motorway, rail, public housing and construction and broadband areas. It is also assisting sponsors and lenders on many of France’s ongoing landmark offshore wind projects. In parallel, the team is solicited to assist with complex regulatory situations and issues, notably in the energy sector. The practice is also trusted to resolve the most pressing issues pertaining to landmark projects and public procurement, including before administrative or arbitral courts. This is notably the case in the railway and airport sectors where the team is handling high-profile matters, such as damage compensation and indemnities claims. Co-heads of practice David Préat and Gauthier Martin rank among the best in their field. They are supported by counsel Jean-Baptiste Merigot de Treigny and associate Daphné Celet.Practice head(s):
David Préat; Gauthier Martin
Other key lawyers:
Testimonials
‘The firm has been handling our matters with outstanding efficiency, thanks to its long experience in the public private partnerships (PPP) and its capacity to call up lawyers in different countries, with a very deep knowledge of national laws. Thanks to their international presence, they are eager to suggest the best solutions to exceed our expectations, no matter what laws are concerned and what problems are encountered.’
‘The firm has advised us in a very convenient and efficient way, that has helped us to best protect our interests. Its valuable advice and legal strategy have been leading to extremely valuable judgments for us.’
‘This firm has a lot of strengths (I can hardly think of any weakness) : top quality of its staff, from junior lawyers to associates ; the depth, the rigour and the intelligence of their analysis; their reactivity and proactivity. Our main contacts at the firm are David Préat and Daphné Celet.’
‘David Préat’s team is doing outstanding work with us. They do not just deliver legal aid, they craft tailored solutions for their clients, combining strategic and legal analysis. They very much care about sharing their analysis with us and discussing on the different options, which is necessary to share the same means and goals and to be linked by strong bonds with the team.’
‘David is really one of the most talented lawyers in the field of public private partnerships. He has managed to build a team of exceptional quality. We are used to working with Daphné Celet on a day-to-day basis, and we are more than highly satisfied by her work, under the supervision of David. We highly value their work and advice and we totally trust their judgement.’
‘The team has very good expertise.’
‘David Préat has a very good knowledge and expertise of public and administrative law. In addition, he knows perfectly well the functioning and the mysteries of the various services of the state and their way of functioning. These two elements combined, mean that he immediately knows how to understand the cases and guide us in a legal process so that they lead to the best possible outcome for the client.’
Key clients
French Ministry for an ecological transition (Ministry in charge of transport and in charge of energy)
EDF Renouvelables
Société du Grand Paris
Eiffage Concessions
Vauban Infrastructure Partners
Soladvent
Tenergie
Bolloré Energie
Construcciones y Auxiliar de Ferrocarriles (CAF)
French Rugby Fédération (Fédération française de rugby – FFR)
Work highlights
- Advising SGP regarding public procurement contracts for the design and the construction of the western and the eastern sections of the Line 15, part of the new Paris metro network project ‘Grand Paris Express’.
- Advising Eolien Maritime France (the joint venture between EDF Renouvelables, Maple Power and wpd) and the project company on the financing of an offshore wind farm off the coast of Courseulles-sur-Mer, with an installed capacity of 448 MW.
- Advising and representing CAF in the context of the public tender launched for the replacement of the rolling stock operated on one of the lines of the Paris regional train service (RER B).
France > Banking and finance: Bank regulatory Tier 1
Clifford Chance‘s financial regulatory practice is led by Frédérick Lacroix and covers prudential supervision, dispute resolution, conduct of business questions as well as a wide range of licensing and regulatory perimeter issues. Lacroix is also involved in lobbying for the drafting of pieces of banking legislation. The team notably handled the ‘reverse merger’ of Bpifrance, involving the restructuring of the group and advisory services regarding the regulatory process and the prudential impact of the transaction.Practice head(s):
Other key lawyers:
Key clients
Bank of America
Goldman Sachs
Watford Holdings
Société Générale
CACEIS Bank
Bpifrance
HSBC Continental Europe
Cathay Capital
Citi
Amundi
Onbrane
Samsung
Shell
FIA
Natixis
Work highlights
- Advised Goldman Sachs on setting up a new trading venue in Paris, the multilateral trading facility called SIGMA X Europe MTF, to avoid Brexit disruption.
- Counsel to Amundi, a global leader in asset management, on the acquisition from Société Générale of another French asset manager, Lyxor, including its subsidiaries and branches, to create a European leader in the ETF market.
- Assisting Bpifrance with the structuring and implementation of an intragroup ‘reverse merger’ for the purposes of facilitating the financing of the French economy in the specific Covid-19 context.
France > Banking and finance: transactional work Tier 1
Working in close collaboration with the firm’s capital markets, securitisation, M&A and private equity teams, Clifford Chance‘s banking practice draws on its leading expertise in both French and English law to advise some of the most high-profile financial institutions, private equity sponsors, debt funds and corporate borrowers. The group generates a strong flow of work in relation to acquisition and leveraged finance, and particularly stands out in the market for infrastructure financing and refinancing. On the corporate lending side, the team is noted for advising Airbus on its €15bn revolving credit facility granted by JP Morgan, BNP Paribas, CACIB, HSBC and Société Générale. The practice is complemented by a team of derivatives lawyers, which is led by Jonathan Lewis, and a regulatory team led by Frédérick Lacroix. Thierry Arachtingi, Daniel Zerbid, Piere-Benoît Pabot Du Chatelard, Nikolaï Eatwell and Delphine Caramalli are other key contacts. Counsel Mary Serhal is noted for her work on acquisition finance transactions.Practice head(s):
Thierry Arachtingi; Daniel Zerbib; Pierre-Benoît Pabot du Chatelard; Nikolaï Eatwell; Delphine Caramalli; Jonathan L. Lewis; Frédérick Lacroix
Other key lawyers:
Testimonials
‘Pierre Benoit Pabot du Chatelard is an excellent partner. Beyond his technical expertise, he defends his clients with great commitment while adopting a constructive and open approach with the opposing party. This allows the parties to come out of the situation from above. I have total confidence in him and his team to deal with complex and confidential matters.’
‘Thierry Arachtingi and his team are probably among the best in this practice in Paris. Thierry is not only very experienced and technical but also has unique interpersonal skills that come useful during negotiations.’
Key clients
BNP Paribas
Crédit Agricole
CACEIS
Natixis
Société Générale
Bank of America Merrill Lynch
Barclays
BTMU
Credit Suisse
Deutsche Bank
Goldman Sachs
HSBC
ING
IKB
JP Morgan
UniCredit
SMBC
AccorInvest
Airbus
AXA
Bouygues
Carrefour
EDF
Eiffage
L’Oréal
Pierre & Vacances
Ramsay Santé
Systra
SANEF
TOTAL
Vinci
Private Equity Funds:
3i
Apax Partners
Apollo
Ardian
Bridgepoint
DIF Infrastructure
Carlyle Group
CDC I Capital
Cinven
Clayton Dublier & Rice
Eurazeo
KKR
InfraVia
Macquarie
Meridiam
Permira
Wendel
Government / International Institutions:
CDC (Caisse des dépôts et consignations)
EIB
Ministry of Transport of Finance
BPI France
The European Bank for Reconstruction and Development
FIA Europe
LCH Clearnet S.A.
World Bank
Ardian Private Debt
Ares Capital
Barings
BlackRock
Capzanine
CDPQ
EQT Infrastructure III
LBPAM
Pemberton
SCOR Investment Partners SE
Work highlights
- Advised Eolien Maritime France (the joint venture between EDF Renouvelables and Maple Power (Enbridge & CPPIB) and the project company on the financing of an offshore wind farm off the coast of Courseulles-sur-Mer, with an installed capacity of 448 MW.
- Advised Bank of America Europe Designated Activity Company, Crédit Agricole Corporate and Investment Bank, HSBC Continental Europe and Morgan Stanley Bank AG on the tender offer (OPA) of Veolia Environnement for Suez.
- Advised Ares Capital on the unitranche financing of the acquisition of Laboratoire XO and Cardixo by Novalpina Capital Partners.
France > Capital markets: debt capital markets Tier 1
Clifford Chance acts in a wide range of vanilla and structured matters. The practice has recently been especially active in corporate hybrid bonds and continues to build its track record in advising on sustainable and sustainability-linked bonds, for example in the context of EMTN programmes. Other areas of strength are liability management matters and sovereign debt offerings in the Middle East and Africa. Acting for banks as well as for a range of issuers, including corporates, financial institutions and government entities, the group consistently attracts headline matters across the full gamut of debt capital market transactions. With the lead trio of Alex Bafi, who is admitted to the bar of New York, Cédric Burford, who is admitted as a solicitor in England and Wales, and Jonathan Lewis, US-qualified and a solicitor in England and Wales, the practice has a clear international positioning. Counsel Auriane Bijon is particularly experienced in green and acquisition financings while counsel Olivier Plessis is growing a profile in US securities work. Counsel Andrew McCann's practice includes sovereign debt issuances in francophone Africa.Practice head(s):
Other key lawyers:
Testimonials
‘Olivier Plessis is a remarkable lawyer, his advice is of excellent quality, he is efficient and listens to his clients. I highly recommend him.’
‘The Clifford Chance Paris team are incredibly engaged with clients with excellent attention to detail, innovative thinking from both partners and associates alike and are always one step ahead ensuring the most practicable and intelligent solutions are found. I find the team warm, available and thoughtful and they certainly stand out from some of their other competitors in the region. In terms of innovations I have been impressed with their collaboration, willingness to explore bespoke fee structuring arrangements and constant striving to keep clients abreast of key changes in the law/market.’
‘Cédric Burford is technically excellent, available and dedicated to his clients and projects, leads seamlessly a fantastic team of lawyers and most importantly is commercially-focused and pragmatic which makes him an incredibly safe pair of hands. I couldn’t recommend him highly enough.’
‘Stand-out associates are Andrew McCann and Alexander Tollast. I am sure both have very promising careers ahead.’
Key clients
RCI Banque
Société Générale
Natixis
Crédit Agricole CIB
BNP Paribas
Tikehau Capital
Goldman Sachs
Bank of China International Holdings Ltd
Citigroup
EIB
HSBC
J.P. Morgan
Morgan Stanley
National Bank of Abu Dhabi
Standard Chartered Bank
Accor Hotels
Alstom
Carmila
Carrefour
Dassault Systèmes
Neopost
Pernod Ricard
Unibail – Rodamco -Westfield
VINCI
Volvo
Thales
Société du Grand Paris
The Government of Sultanate of Oman
CADES
Work highlights
- Advising Tikehau Capital on the issuance of the first ever public sustainable benchmark bond issued by an alternative asset manager in Euro.
- Advising The bank syndicate (Natixis, Deutsche Bank, Mizuho Securities, MUFG, BBVA, BNP Paribas, CIC Market Solution, Mediobanca, SMBC Nikko, Standard Chartered Bank and UniCredit Bank) on dual-tranche issuance by Veolia Environnement of €2bn hybrid notes.
- Advising Bpifrance Financement on the first French Covid-19 related bond issuance launched in the market with a dedicated framework.
France > Capital markets: equity capital markets Tier 1
Clifford Chance focuses on initial public offerings and US securities issues, but also handles a busy caseload in share capital increases, convertible and exchangeable bonds, block trades and public M&A matters. With Aline Cardin at the helm of the equity capital market practice and Alex Bafi as the head of the US securities practice, the group is well placed to handle major domestic and multijurisdictional matters. An area of particular growth are international employee share schemes and stock option schemes, a practice led by Anne Lemercier and counsel Ekaterina Zaboussova-Celsa.Practice head(s):
Other key lawyers:
Testimonials
‘The capital markets team based in Paris is very knowledgeable and able to advise from a US securities law perspective on a wide variety of capital markets transactions in various jurisdictions. Practical advice, always timely and available for discussion/questions.’
‘Alex Bafi and Olivier Plessis are great specialist lawyers and great to work with.’
‘Aline Cardin has distinguished herself by her precision and rigour on cutting-edge, varied and fundamentally innovative subjects off the beaten track. Solving these varied and complex problems denotes a very high level of expertise.’
Key clients
BNP Paribas
Natixis
Crédit Agricole CIB
Goldman Sachs
Citibank
Morgan Stanley
J.P. Morgan
Deutsche Bank
HSBC
UBS
Barclays
Credit Suisse
ING
ABN Amro
Rabobank
Jefferies
La Française des Jeux
Unibail-Rodamco-Westfield
Alstom
Airbus
Ubisoft
Europcar Mobility Group
Jackpotjoy
Accor
Veolia
Carmila
Arkema
Scot
Nicox
Suez
Apax
Caisse de dépôt et placement du Québec
PrimaryBid
Work highlights
- Advised a syndicate of banks (including Citigroup, Goldman Sachs, J.P. Morgan, ABN Amro, Barclays, BNP Paribas, Jefferies, DMBH, ING and Pekao) on the offering and listing on Euronext Amsterdam of shares of InPost, an Advent backed company and the leading e-commerce enablement platform in Poland.
- Advised Primary Bid on the launch of its securities offering in France.
- Advised Veolia on the implementation of an international employee share plan 2020 which relies on the entry into by a fund of complex equity derivative transactions relating to the Veolia shares.
France > Compliance Tier 1
Clifford Chance assists a prominent client base of French and international companies from a wide range of sectors, including the luxury goods, retail, aeronautics and defence sectors. The practice advises on the setting up of French anti-corruption programmes and risk assessment work, as well as on the design of anti-money laundering and whistle-blowing policies. The Paris practice, which can also rely on the firm’s large international capabilities, also acts for clients facing AFA-led controls and in assists with internal investigations, both in a national or international context. Key client Airbus has entrusted the practice with a groundbreaking multi-jurisdictional corruption case and with the negotiation of settlements with the French, US and UK authorities. The practice is co-headed by Thomas Baudesson and Charles-Henri Boeringer. Counsel Sophie Levy is also noted.Practice head(s):
Thomas Baudesson; Charles-Henri Boeringer
Other key lawyers:
Testimonials
‘True experts.’
‘Innovative thinking.’
Key clients
Airbus
L’Oréal
Savencia
Dassault Systèmes
Teva Pharmaceuticals
LVMH
Pernod-Ricard
Work highlights
- Assisting with the resolution of the Airbus corruption case with the French enforcement authority (the PNF).
- Advising LVMH on a group-level anti-money laundering risk assessment and the drafting of guidelines covering all jurisdictions in which the client operates.
- Assisting Pernod Ricard with the anti-corruption control conducted by the French Anti-Corruption Agency (AFA).
France > Derivatives and structured finance Tier 1
Clifford Chance‘s practice includes securitisation, structured finance and derivatives. Repackaging, factoring and alternative market financing products, for example through dis-intermediation, are included in the team’s track record. Increasingly, the group is acts on transactions involving ESG criteria. Auto ABS transactions and RMBS transactions are also growing lines of work. The firm’s derivatives practice includes the full range of derivatives products, advising among others on clearing and margining, repurchase agreements, and pre-contentious and contentious matters. Acting for a wide range of clients, including supra-nationals, public institutions, insurers, corporates and private equity funds, the practice is among the most versatile in the market. With its team of French, US and English-qualified lawyers the practice is an excellent choice for complex multijurisdictional matters. Thanks to the firm’s regulatory, fund formation, capital market and finance specialists, the group is also very well placed for multi-disciplinary matters. Jonathan Lewis, Julien Rocherieux and regulatory expert Frédérick Lacroix direct the practice.Practice head(s):
Other key lawyers:
Testimonials
‘I am delighted to be assisted by this excellent team in the context of my company’s projects and also welcome their excellent knowledge of the market, their sharing legal knowledge, their pragmatism, their invaluable assistance during negotiations as well as their competitive fees.’
‘I work mainly with Fabien Jacquemard (counsel) and I am delighted with this collaboration. His invaluable legal advice, his excellent knowledge of the market, his pragmatism and his negotiating skills make him an essential asset in the context of the activity that my company practices in France.’
‘Very good securitisation team. Trust. Reasonable on fees.’
Key clients
Crédit Agricole
Natixis
CIC
My Money Bank/My Partner Bank
Credit Mutuel Factoring
Factofrance
EBRD
EIB
EIF
IFC/World Bank
Banco Santander
Deutsche Bank
Credit Suisse
Banque Internationale à Luxembourg
Ecobank
Morgan Stanley
Bank of America/Merrill Lynch
NatWest
Assured Guaranty
Coface
AXA
Covéa
CNP Assurances
Corporates
Carrefour
Constellium
Rexel
Elior
Vinci
Akiem
Dassault Systèmes
Ingram Micro
Unibail
Rodamco Westfield
SNCF Mobilités
ENR’Cert
EDF
Enbridge
wpd
AEW
AXA REIM
Pimco
Ostrum Asset Management/Natixis Investment Managers International
Vauban Infrastructure Partners
Kartesia
Montefiore
Meridiam
Primonial
Swiss Life AM
Zencap Asset Management
Schroder
Prime Capital
Cale Street LLP
DEKA
Work highlights
- Advising Factofrance & Credit Mutuel factoring on the setting-up of their refinancing platform taking the form of a securitisation fund (FCT) and aiming at refinancing factoring transactions originated by Factofrance & Credit Mutuel Factoring by way of a securitisation transaction.
- Advising Bpifrance on its first French Covid-19 response bond issuance launched in the market with a dedicated framework.
- Advising LMA S.A. as issuer and CACIB as sponsor of conduit in relation to Brexit and various amendments and restructurings of the LMA commercial paper programmes, including in particular: (i) amendments necessary to allow for the first issuances of green asset-backed commercial paper and (ii) accession to the “Now CP” multilateral trading facility and the use of blockchain in relation to issuances of commercial paper).
France > Dispute resolution: Commercial litigation Tier 1
Clifford Chance stands out through its ability to manage a wide range of cases and its high-profile French and international client base, made up of leading banks and corporations, including from the retail, sport, healthcare, telecoms and energy sectors. The team has particularly strong know-how in high-stakes commercial disputes, often handling cases opposing leading competitors in their field, for example in the telecoms sector. The practice also has a strong presence in the retail sector, acting in high-stakes disputes involving complex consumer rights and regulatory issues for several giant distributors. It is also the go-to-firm for high-profile commercial disputes in the sports industry; notably acting in a hard-fought headline case concerning the stakes of French football competition broadcasting rights after that business was severally impacted by the Covid-19 crisis. Product liability cases are another area of strength. Thomas Baudesson, Diego de Lammerville and Thibaud d’Alès form the lead trio.Practice head(s):
Thomas Baudesson; Diego de Lammerville; Thibaud d’Alès
Testimonials
‘Diego de Lammerville and his team intervene for our company on the most complex and strategic disputes. They stand out through their ability to build the most effective strategy by identifying the commercial issues associated with litigation. The results obtained are excellent.’
‘Thibaud d ‘Alès showed stubbornness and enthusiasm, which enabled us to succeed.’
Key clients
Carrefour
Ligue de Football Professionnel (LFP)
SFR
Crédit Agricole Corporate & Investment Bank
Wells Fargo Bank
Construcciones Y Auxiliar De Ferrocarriles (CAF)
World Rugby
Novartis – Sandoz
Pfizer
JP Morgan
AXA IM
Airbus
Europcar
Kaufman & Broad
Rexel
IPSEN
Work highlights
- Representing the LFP in litigation against Groupe Canal+ and beIN Sports France in the wake of Mediapro’s business defaulting.
- Representing the banks in the context of Veolia’s hostile tender offer on Suez.
- Representing CAF in the context of the public tender launched for the replacement of the trains operating on one of the lines of the Paris regional train service (RER B).
France > EU, competition and distribution Tier 1
The antitrust team at Clifford Chance remains a market leader as its broad practice acting for major corporates involved in high-profile investigations, state aid procedures, damages claims and merger control cases at the EU and national levels attests. Headed by David Tayar, who leads on abuse of dominance and restrictive arrangement cases, and tech antitrust enforcement expert Katrin Schallenberg, the team’s client portfolio features an impressive list of household names, mainly from the sports, healthcare, tech, retail and energy sectors. Counsel and foreign investment specialist Emily Xueref-Poviac is another key name.Practice head(s):
Other key lawyers:
Testimonials
‘This practice possesses in-depth knowledge of competition law with high availability. They are proactive and straight to the point.’
‘David Tayar possesses in-depth knowledge of competition law and provides very high availability. He always responds swiftly and with clear and practical answers. He is proactive and seeks information before I have to ask for it.’
‘Professional and accessible team. The team delivers high-quality work with real closeness to its clients and with a pragmatism that allows useful progress in cases.’
‘Katrin Schallenberg and David Tayar maintain a high level of intervention with close proximity to their clients and their activities.’
‘Very rigorous, efficient, organised team.’
Key clients
Adobe
Airbus
Amazon
Amundi
Ariane Group
Arkema
BNP Paribas
Carrefour
Crédit Agricole/CACEIS
Crédit Mutuel
DGEC
Electrolux
Engie
Europcar
Framatome
General Electric
Hearst
Ivanhoé Cambridge
Manpower
Ligue de Football Professionnel
L’Oréal
Oracle
Rexel
Sandoz
Starbucks
Shell
Tereos
Teva Pharmaceuticals Industries
TotalEnergies
Work highlights
- Advising Teva in the context of the European Commission’s investigation into an alleged abuse of dominance in the field of treatments for multiple sclerosis in the EEA.
- Advising General Electric on its agreement with AerCap to merge GE’s aircraft leasing business (GECAS) with AerCap to create a major aircraft lessor.
- Successfully represented the Ligue de Football Professionnel (LFP) in the context of highly-publicised proceedings initiated by Groupe Canal Plus before the Commercial Court and the French Competition Authority against the tender organised by the LFP in January 2021, following Mediapro’s bankruptcy.
France > Industry focus: Energy Tier 1
Clifford Chance‘s full-service practice is experienced in advising any type of stakeholder on any energy-related matter in France or overseas. The team’s excellent public law, corporate, regulatory and finance expertise has earned it mandates on France’s largest ongoing offshore projects as well as complex regulatory matters, especially in renewables. Public law experts David Préat and Gauthier Martin, banking and finance partner Daniel Zerbib and corporate partner Laurent Schoenstein are the key names here. In overseas matters, the team’s renowned project finance expertise stands out. Sponsors, development banks and lenders alike entrust their projects to the team. The practice has a strong presence in Africa, advising on numerous solar projects as well as on several landmark hydropower and other projects. The group’s geographical reach also extends to other regions, for example to central Asia. Several strategic oil and gas pipeline projects are highlights in the group’s overseas practice. The team of first-class international experts includes project and finance partners Anthony Giustini, Delphine Siino Courtin, Nikolaï Eatwell, Richard Tomlinson and Milica Zatezalo-Falatar, who made partner in 2021, Emmanuel Mimin, Pierre-Benoit Pabot Du Châtelard and counsels Corinne Duvnjak and Nadezhda Varbanova.Practice head(s):
Anthony Giustini; Delphine Siino Courtin; Nikolaï Eatwell; Richard Tomlinson; Milica Zatezalo-Falatar; David Préat; Laurent Schoenstein; Daniel Zerbib; Gauthier Martin; Emmanuel Mimin; Pierre-Benoît Pabot du Châtelard
Other key lawyers:
Testimonials
‘One of the top energy practices in Europe with global reach.’
‘Anthony Giustini is one of the top project finance practitioners, full stop.’
‘In-depth knowledge and ability to provide creative solutions.’
‘Delphine Siino Courtin is extremely experienced in working on energy projects in Africa, has a strong ability to lead negotiations and demonstrates great energy during negotiations, and is able to work with a very large pool of lenders. Nikolaï Eatwell is extremely experienced working on energy projects in central Asia, able to provide very useful insights on a transaction. Milica Zatezalo-Falatar shows the ability to adapt to clients’ expectations in terms of negotiation strategy and fees, and is very pragmatic. Corinne Duvnjak is extremely clear and persuasive during negotiations, concise and efficient.’
‘A strong sense of team work ensuring that there is always access to legal advice, especially relevant today in international negotiations across multiple time zones. Strong language skills, enabling easy comprehension for multiple team members of different nationalities. Clear billing, easy to read and understand. Always professional as well at the same time highly personable.’
‘Anthony Giustini is always available, shows the ability to simplify the legal requirements, is personable and professional, has extensive legal knowledge, is patient and able to put clients at ease, and is fluent in several languages.’
‘Richard Tomlinson is always available, has strong legal knowledge, and is professional and calm. Nadezhda Varbanova is a subject matter expert on complicated legal matters, calm and professional, fluent in several languages.’
Key clients
Corporates
Bahrain Steel
Africa50 Infrastructure Fund
Bouygues
CDC Group Plc
Eiffage
EDF
ENGIE
ENEL
Meridiam
TOTAL
International Financial Institutions
Agence Française de Développment (AFD)
Africa Finance Corporation
African Development Bank (ADB)
Asian Development Bank
Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB)
DEG
EBRD
EIB
FMO
IDA
IFC
Inter-American Development Bank
Inter-American Investment Corporation
MIGA
OeEB
OFID
OPIC
Proparco
The Emerging Africa Infrastructure Fund (EAIF)
The Korean Development Bank
ECAs
Bpifrance
Euler Hermes
K-sure
SACE
UK Export Finance
International Banks
Auxifip
Barclays
CIC
HSBC
Macquarie
MUFG
Santander
Standard Chartered bank
Türkiye Garanti Bankasi A.Ş.
UniCredit
French Banks
BNP Paribas
CACIB
Natixis
Société Générale
Government Authorities
Ethiopian Electric Power
French Ministry of Ecology, Sustainable Development and Energy
Ministry of Water Irrigation and Energy, Government of the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia
Work highlights
- Advising the international and domestic lenders on the 253 MW expansion of the Azito Power Plant, located in Abidjan (Côte d’Ivoire).
- Advising Soladvent as coordinator for Seasons 1 and 2 of the consultation platform of approximately 50 value chain participants in respect to a full value chain green hydrogen project with production in Spain (solar powered), transport and offtakers in Spain, France and Germany.
- Advising the DGEC on the structuring, design and drafting of related legislative texts and the assessment of legal robustness, under national and EU law (in particular State aid law) of several economic regulation mechanisms relating to the historic nuclear facilities operated by EDF, and their impact on the upstream power production market, that should supersede the current ARENH applicable until 2025.
France > Media and entertainment: Sports Tier 1
Clifford Chance‘s cross-practice sports group advises international, regional, and national sporting bodies, as well as investors, clubs, banks, and other stakeholders on transactional and contentious matters. Involved in some of the largest transactions, the team advised the French Rugby Federation on the long-term strategic partnership between Six Nations Rugby and CVC. On the contentious side, it represented the Ligue de Football Professionnel in commercial litigation initiated by the Groupe Canal+ due to football game rescheduling. Yves Wehrli, member of the UEFA Club Financial Control Body since 2009, heads the practice.Practice head(s):
Key clients
Fédération Française de Football
Ligue de Football Professionnel
Fédération Française de Tennis
Fédération Française de Rugby
Work highlights
- Advised the FFR in the negotiation between the Six Nations Rugby, the official organising body of the Six Nations Championships and Autumn Internationals, and CVC Capital Partners on the structuring of a long-term strategic partnership.
- Represented the Ligue de Football Professionnel in the context of several proceedings initiated by Groupe Canal+ against the tender organised by the LFP in January 2021, following Mediapro’s bankruptcy, in order to reattribute the broadcasting rights for the French championships which had been awarded to Mediapro in 2018.
- Acting as counsel to the French Tennis Federation in the context of the invitation to tender relating to the sale of the broadcasting rights of the Roland Garros Grand Slam tournament in Europe.
France > Private equity: Fund formation Tier 1
Clifford Chance’s private funds team excels in structuring and fundraising in relation to a wide range of vehicles, such as LBO, mezzanine, infrastructure, real estate and venture capital. It also assists with secondary portfolio transactions on both the seller and buyer sides. Practice head Xavier Comaills has expertise in the formation of French, Luxembourgish and pan-European private equity investment funds. Eric Davoudet specialises in the tax aspects of property investments, REITs and OPCIs. Alexandre Lagarrigue is another key individual.Practice head(s):
Other key lawyers:
Testimonials
‘Team capable of assembling investment vehicles in France and Luxembourg with extensive expertise in taxation.’
‘Xavier Comails is an excellent lawyer who really masters all the challenges of structuring investment funds. Marie Préat is an excellent lawyer who listens to her client and offers effective solutions to any type of problem.’
Key clients
Eurazeo
Vauban Infrastructure Partners
Archimed
Andera Partners
Montefiore Investment
Bpifrance
Investissement
Flexstone Partners
Raise Conseil
Generali Global Infrastructure
Kartesia Management
Lauxera Capital Partners
Cathay Innovation
Cathay Capital Private Equity
Eurazeo Investment Managers (formerly Idinvest Partners)
Sofinnova Partners
Work highlights
- Advised Eurazeo on the set up and fundraising of a newly created continuation fund acquiring a stake in Eurazeo Growth assets which were financed through Eurazeo balance sheet.
- Advised Vauban Infrastructure Partners on the creation and fundraising of its third infrastructure fund.
- Advised Kartesia Management on the structuring and fundraising of a successor secondary debt fund named Kartesia Credit Opportunities V.
France > Project finance Tier 1
The Paris office serves as one of Clifford Chance’s main projects hubs worldwide. The firm has impressive capabilities in the field and can intervene anywhere on all sizes and types of project work. The Paris practice is particularly active in the renewables and power energy sector in Africa, acting for sponsors, development banks and lenders in many of the continent’s countries. It is notably involved in large hydropower and many renewables projects. The practice also shows high-level know-how in infrastructure and energy projects in Central Asia, including working on prominent power projects in Georgia and Uzbekistan. Highly strategic pipeline and other oil and gas work are also included in the team’s portfolio of expertise. Project finance partners Anthony Giustini, Nikolaï Eatwell, Delphine Siino Courtin, Richard Tomlinson, Daniel Zerbib and Milica Zatezalo-Falatar, who was promoted to partner in 2021, are world-class experts. Counsel Corinne Duvnjak is another key member. In addition to its strong international caseload, the firm is also a top reference for infrastructure and renewables projects in France and acts on several of the country’s landmark transport, public construction and housing and offshore wind ongoing projects. Public law experts David Préat and Gauthier Martin are the key contacts in that regard, with Zerbib contributing on the financing side.Practice head(s):
Anthony Giustini; Nikolaï Eatwell; Delphine Siino-Courtin; Richard Tomlinson; Milica Zatezalo-Falatar; Daniel Zerbib; David Préat; Gauthier Martin
Other key lawyers:
Testimonials
‘Nikolai Eatwell and Milica Zatezalo-Falatar are both providers of valuable partner level input in drafting and negotiating requirements of clients with difficult counterparties and on short deadlines.’
‘One of the best practices in Europe for project finance transactions globally. Particularly strong in energy. Very commercial, totally dedicated and top-notch legal skills.’
‘Always available, always delivering the idea that hits the mark to unblock a complicated commercial or legal situation, in short, it is the firm with which I prefer to work in project financing.’
‘I have worked with Delphine Siino Courtin and Corinne Duvnjak and can attest that these high-quality professionals have always been able to meet my expectations. They are not only excellent lawyers, but facilitators!’
‘Daniel Zerbib is an extremely competent and experienced lawyer. He has a great knowledge of the market, is available and clear in his explanations.’
‘A strong sense of team work ensuring that there is always access to legal advice, especially relevant today in international negotiations across multiple time zones. Strong language skills, enabling easy comprehension for multiple team members of different nationalities. Clear billing, easy to read and understand. Always professional as well at the same time highly personable.’
‘Anthony Giustini is always available, shows ability to simplify the legal requirements, is personable and professional, has extensive legal knowledge, is patient and able to put clients at ease, fluent in several languages. Richard Tomlinson is always available, has strong legal knowledge, is professional and calm.’
‘The team’s extensive experience as lenders’ counsel has been invaluable.’
Key clients
African Development Bank (ADB)
Asian Development Bank
Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB)
DEG
EBRD
EIB
FMO
IFC
Inter-American Development Bank
Inter-American Investment Corporation
MIGA
OeEB
OPIC
Proparco
The Emerging Africa Infrastructure Fund (EAIF)
The Korea Development Bank
Agence Française de Développement (AFD)
Africa Finance Corporation
Emerging Africa Infrastructure Fund
FMO
OEEB
OFID
Ethiopian Electric Power
French Ministry of Ecology, Sustainable Development and Energy
Ministry of Water Irrigation and Energy, Government of the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia
ECAs:
Bpifrance
Hermes
K-sure
SACE
UK Export Finance
BNP Paribas
CACIB
CDC
Natixis
Société Générale
Barclays
HSBC
Macquarie
Santander
Standard Chartered bank
Türkiye Garanti Bankasi A.Ş.
UniCredit
MUFG
Bouygues
EDF
Eiffage
ENGIE
Meridiam
Total
Vinci
OCP
CNPC
Globeleq
Soladvent
Work highlights
- Advising the lenders on the construction and operation of a 390 MW natural gas-fired power plant near Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire.
- Advising on all aspects of the project development and financing of a 100 MW solar PV project in the Navoi Region of the Republic of Uzbekistan.
- Advising Eolien Maritime France (the joint venture between EDF Renouvelables and Maple Power (Enbridge & CPPIB) and the project company on the financing of an offshore wind farm off the coast of Courseulles-sur-Mer, with an installed capacity of 448 MW.
France > Real estate Tier 1
One of the leading firms on the French real estate market, Clifford Chance is instructed to handle the legal aspects of most market-leading transactions. The firm notably advised Gecina on the build-to-rent residential development partnership with Nexity, an innovative new project to construct 4,000 new housing units across the greater Paris area. One of the largest single-asset deals in France this year, the firm also handled the sale of the newly redeveloped Altaïs office tower in Montreuil. François Bonteil leads the firm’s global real estate practice from the Paris office. Alexandre Couturier is highly regarded for his ability to ‘manage teams across practices in complex transactions’.Practice head(s):
Other key lawyers:
Testimonials
‘I work with the team of Alexandre Couturier and we are very satisfied with his service.’
‘An available team that knows how to anticipate deadlines and needs. Very good technicality.’
‘Alexandre Couturier knows how to be present and manage his teams, including on cross-functional practices, which is fundamental for complex transactions.’
‘Alexandre Couturier has a great capacity for composure and negotiation.’
Key clients
AEW Ciloger
Alderan
Allianz Real Estate
Arpent Capital
ATREAM
AXA IM
PineBridge (formerly known as Benson Elliott)
Bouygues Immobilier
Cale Street Partners
CDC Investissement Immobilier
CNP Assurances
Colony Capital
Covivio
Crédit Suisse Asset Management
Cromwell European REIT
Deutsche Bank
DWS
Fortress
Gecina
Generali Real Estate
GIC
HSBC REIM
Ivanhoé Cambridge
Kering
Klépierre
Maple Knoll Capital
Morgan Stanley Real Estate Investment
Natixis
OREIMA
Partners Group
Patrizia
PGGM
Primonial REIM
Proudreed
Richemont Luxury Group
Schroders
Swiss Life Asset Management
Total Energies
Union Investment Real Estate
Westbrook
Work highlights
- Advising Gecina on the signature of an innovative partnership with Nexity in the residential sector to develop 4,000 new housing units over four years in Paris, the Paris region and major French cities, on behalf of Gecina’s residential subsidiary.
- Acting as counsel for Alderan on the formation of a strategic partnership with PGIM Real Estate dedicated to the acquisition and management of logistics platforms in key areas in France.
- Assisting Fortress with the French and English legal aspects of the acquisition from Stena, and financing, of the ‘Big Mountain’ portfolio comprised of circa 45 properties located in the Netherlands, France and the United Kingdom, and the subsequent management and disposal of part of the properties located in France.
France > Aviation Tier 2
Clifford Chance‘s aviation team provides an extensive offering in the aerospace and defence field. Dessislava Savova specialises in commercial alliances and strategic industrial contracts and joint ventures. As one of the Airbus/Airbus SE global relationship partners, she has played a key role in the negotiation of complex commercial projects for Airbus. The firm also takes on impressive white-collar crime work due to Thomas Baudesson‘s expertise. He played a key role in the resolution of the Airbus corruption case with the French enforcement authority and in the global resolution of the case with UK and US authorities. Fabrice Cohen handles aerospace-related domestic and cross-border M&A transactions and securities law.Practice head(s):
Other key lawyers:
Testimonials
‘True aviation finance/contracts experts.’
‘The team was able to bring its vast legal expertise and experience and assist us with applying these legal concepts to a complex market. The firm is very reactive and makes itself available at short notice. Will work 24/7 if required to get the job done.’
‘Great knowledge and expertise. Great people to work with, real team players. Ability to learn quickly the specifics of new technology and industry sectors. Very hard workers with high work ethics.’
‘Particular understanding of large PFI contract complexities and adjusting to the various needs of the many stakeholders.’
‘We have a lot of confidence in the long relationship with Michael Pearson who has been connected to our contract for many years – this reassures us that our long term welfare is being assured.’
‘Very good knowledge and experience of the industry. Very good professionals with a combination of theoretical and practical skills.’
‘Dessislava Savova embodies the qualities that a good aviation lawyer should have.’
Key clients
Airbus
Airbus SE
ATR (Avions de Transport Régional G.I.E.)
Airbus Helicopters
Airbus Defence and Space
Cessna Citation European Service Center
ArianeGroup
AirTanker
Air France
Work highlights
- Conducted multiple investigations into allegations of bribery and corruption and played a key role in the successful resolution of the Airbus corruption case with the French enforcement authority, the Parquet National Financier, and more generally in the global resolution of this case which also involved the UK Serious Fraud Office and the US Department of Justice and State Department.
- Handling and coordinating close to 50 arbitrations and proceedings before local courts in 15 different jurisdictions over 6 continents.
France > Data privacy and data protection Tier 2
Clifford Chance‘s Paris office is a hub of expertise in data protection, cybersecurity and artificial intelligence. The Paris team regularly assists other teams within the firm’s network on key multi-jurisdictional projects. Advising French television production company Canal Plus on its major digital transformation project to broadcast more content online demonstrated the team's ability to handle large complex multidisciplinary matters. The practice is also sought after for structuring and implementing international data transfer strategies. Partner and practice-head Dessislava Savova is a go-to individual at the firm and is supported by counsel Grégory Sroussi.Practice head(s):
Other key lawyers:
Key clients
Airbus
Amundi
Canal Plus
Leading Chinese Bank
Geodis
Oracle
Legrand
Unifiedpost
Spotify
Tencent
Work highlights
- Advised Canal Plus in the context of its digital transformation on the reshaping and implementation of its international data transfers strategy.
- Advised Unifiedpost, an EU-based Fintech, on the context of a strategic partnership with a GAFAM and international data transfer aspects related thereto.
- Acting as counsel for Legrand, a leading group in electric and digital infrastructure solutions, to carry out the strategic launch of a new range of connected objects and related online applications on a worldwide basis.
France > Dispute resolution: Stock market litigation Tier 2
Clifford Chance acts for rating agency Standard & Poor’s in several AMF-led investigations. The firm's expertise in stock market abuse is sought after by companies and, in recent work, by a former banker for several insider trading cases. The team has also acted for the banks in the high-profile Suez-Veolia takeover battle. Thomas Baudesson, Diego de Lammerville and Charles-Henri Boeringer co-head the practice.Practice head(s):
Thomas Baudesson; Diego de Lammerville; Charles-Henri Boeringer
Key clients
Standard & Poor’s
Airbus
FXCM
Fortune Legend Ltd.
Work highlights
- Representing the banks in the context of Veolia’s hostile tender offer on Suez.
- Representing Fountain Legend Ltd in a litigation initiated by Consellior, a minority shareholder, in the context of the public tender offer initiated on the shares of Baccarat.
France > Dispute resolution: White-collar crime Tier 2
Clifford Chance has high-level capabilities fit to handle complex, often multi-jurisdictional, cases. The team also has developed strong experience in negotiations of settlement agreements with French and foreign authorities in several landmark cases. It regularly handles international corruption cases acting for leading French or international corporations. The firm also shoulders a stellar caseload in the banking sector, acting for leading international banks or their CEOs, for example in high-profile French tax fraud cases. Other lines of work include industrial accidents and consumer fraud allegations. Thomas Baudesson and Charles-Henri Boeringer are in charge, with counsel Sophie Levy providing key support.Practice head(s):
Thomas Baudesson; Charles-Henri Boeringer
Other key lawyers:
Testimonials
‘Very strong team with a complementary skillset. Global reach: ability to deliver first-class advice in cross-border situations. The team is used to leverage strong expertise in each jurisdiction and work seamlessly throughout time zones to deliver best-in-class advice.’
‘Charles-Henri Boeringer is extremely thorough and a thoughtful lawyer, completely engaged for the success of his client. Fully immersed in the case being able to deep dive into the smallest details while always keeping in mind the bigger picture. Very strong and creative problem solver with the ability to think ‘outside of the box’ to deliver first-class strategic advice in highly complex situations. His relationships and ability to work with regulators is very powerful.’
‘True experts in French and international business criminal law.’
‘Their collaborative and innovative thinking was second to none.’
‘This team is stellar. They are cool and clear-headed under pressure, have seemingly endless reserves of energy, and give smart, practical and wise guidance to their clients.’
‘Charles-Henri Boeringer is fantastically knowledgeable and wise beyond his years, and very practical and commercial. A killer combination. Sophie Levy is calm, clever and unflappable. The person you want on your side in a crisis.’
Key clients
Airbus
Bank of China
Work highlights
- Successfully assisting Airbus SE with the negotiation of a French style DPA (‘Convention judicaire d’interet public’ – CJIP) with the PNF.
- Assisting Bank of China with a criminal investigation for tax fraud money laundering.
- Defending a commercial bank’s CEO in criminal proceedings relating to alleged money laundering and tax fraud offences.
France > Industry focus: Healthcare and life sciences Tier 2
Clifford Chance is especially well known for its expertise in product liability, receiving instructions from global pharmaceutical and medical device companies, for example successfully representing Pfizer in two multi-claimant product liability litigations with respect to two of its early-stage vaccines. Counsel Gaëlle Merlier is a go-to name in this area. The firm is also wellregarded for compliance, internal investigation, and defense work for major healthcare clients. Thomas Baudesson is an expert in enforcement proceedings and white-collar litigation in the healthcare sector.Practice head(s):
Other key lawyers:
Testimonials
‘Excellent depth of knowledge in their specialist area, giving clear, commercial and client-friendly advice.’
‘Gaëlle Merlier – excellent application of specialist knowledge in tricky situations. She delivers results. Bastien Pavec – smart, articulate, and client-friendly.’
Key clients
Pfizer
Sanofi
Teva
NovoNordisk
IPSEN
Viatris
Ethics
GSK
Insmed
Mérieux Equity Partners
Sofinnova Partners
ArchiMed
Kurma Partners
Merck
Nicox
Theratechnologies Europe Limited
Dassault Systèmes
Stallergenes
Sandoz
Pyxus International
Ring Holding
LFB
Sanity Group
Innovative Surgery
Zoetis
Dedalus
Mitsui
Optimed Medizinische Instrumente
Creadev
Andera Partners
Work highlights
- Represented Pfizer successfully in a major collective action in relation to its former vaccine Meningitec.
- Acting as counsel for Teva in the context of the European Commission’s investigation into the alleged abuse of its dominant position in the field of multiple sclerosis in the EEA.
- Advised Archimed on the creation of its new build-up platform fund focused on European companies involved in the health sector.
France > Mergers and acquisitions Tier 2
At Clifford Chance, the Paris office leverages the firm’s international network, as well as its reputation as a Magic Circle firm, to act on a broad array of M&A and foreign investment matters. Managing partner Mathieu Rémy is particularly acclaimed for public and private M&A, joint ventures and private equity affairs and is especially active within the financial institution, TMT, energy, automotive, retail and consumer goods sectors. Rémy is supported by Fabrice Cohen, Gilles Lebreton , Marianne Pezant and Laurent Schoenstein who offer expertise in industries such as aerospace and defence, healthcare, industrials, real estate, energy and infrastructure.Practice head(s):
Fabrice Cohen; Gilles Lebreton; Emmanuel Mimin; Marianne Pezant; Mathieu Rémy; Laurent Schoenstein
Testimonials
‘Fabrice Cohen is just exceptional!’
Key clients
Airbus Group
APE
Ariane Group
Mannai Corporation
Axel Springer
Caisse des dépôts et consignations
Carrefour
Compass
Crédit Agricole
Crédit Agricole Assurances (Prédica)
EDF
Eiffage
Engie
Europcar
Geodis
Icade
InfraMed Infrastructure
Ipsen
Les Echos
L’Oréal
Mondelez
Nissan
Plastic Omnium
Rexel
Saur
Veolia
Willis Towers Watson
Work highlights
- Advising Amundi on the ongoing acquisition of Lyxor.
- Advising the presenting banks and the financing banks (Bank of America Europe Designated Activity Company, Crédit Agricole Corporate and Investment Bank, HSBC Continental Europe and Morgan Stanley Bank AG) on all aspects of the tender offer (OPA) of Veolia Environnement for Suez (financing, public M&A and litigation).
- Advising BNP Paribas, Crédit Agricole Corporate and Investment Bank et Société Générale as sponsoring banks and financing banks on the simplified tender offer for Tarkett.
France > Private equity: LBO Tier 2
Working closely with private equity teams across the firm’s European network, including UK and Germany, Clifford Chance's group in France is equipped to advise on both domestic and cross-border transactions. The practice handles M&A, leveraged financing and other related matters, including tax structuring and modelling, fund formation, employment benefits and management packages. It is highlighted for its strong focus on the infrastructure and telecommunications sectors. The department is jointly led by Fabrice Cohen and Marianne Pezant. Emmanuel Mimin, who focuses on the infrastructure and consumer food and retail sectors, is another name to note.Practice head(s):
Fabrice Cohen; Marianne Pezant
Other key lawyers:
Key clients
3i
Apax Partners
Blackstone
Bpifrance
Bridgepoint
The Carlyle Group
Cinven
Clayton Dubilier & Rice
KKR
PAI Partners
Partners Group
Perceva
Permira
Triton
Wendel
Apollo
Ardian
Macquarie
Meridiam
Mirova
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
Omnes Capital
DIF Infrastructure
Eurazeo
InfraVia
Work highlights
- Advised Cathay Capital on the merger between Siaci Saint Honoré and the Burrus Group to create an insurance brokerage group valued at €2.5bn.
- Advised Société Générale Assurances as they entered into exclusive negotiations regarding Altarea’s acquisition of 60% of Primonial Group’s capital in Q1 2022 and the remaining stake in Q1 2024.
- Assisted Vauban Infrastructure Partners with its joint venture with Bouygues Telecom relating to the acquisition of indefeasible rights of use of FTTH networks in French medium-density areas deployed and privately-funded by Orange, the subsequent renting of FTTH access rights to Bouygues Telecom, and with a financing platform with total principal amount of €1.509bn combining loan and bond financings.
France > Tax Tier 2
Clifford Chance is home to a transactional tax practice. The team is able to handle the full range of transactions, with its excellent real estate tax practice regularly including matters for leading players on headline asset or portfolio investments, as well as on the setting up of funds and partnerships. The team also handles major M&A and private equity work, notably relating to the financial sector. The fund structuring expertise is also noteworthy. Eric Davoudet and Alexandre Lagarrigue are at the helm of a practice which benefits from a strong bench of counsels in Jitka Susankova, Omar El Arjoun and Pierre Goyat.Practice head(s):
Eric Davoudet; Alexandre Lagarrigue
Other key lawyers:
Testimonials
‘Alexandre Lagarrigue is an excellent negotiator, a facilitator with a very appreciated risk management approach.’
‘The team, beyond its great technical competence, is to be characterised by a total commitment to clients which is reflected in particular by a great availability and a responsiveness very appreciated in a context of tight schedule. Very comprehensive support. The team tax team’s experience, interactivity and good coordination with the legal teams are qualities which reinforce the security and the reliability of the tax recommendations.’
‘Great listening and very precise, clear answers adapted to the client’s profile.’
Key clients
AEW
Wendel
Rexel
Carlyle European Real Estate
AXA
Orion
QIA
EDF
Amundi
Accor
Schroders
Ipsen
Primonial
L’Oréal
Engie
Amundi
Spie
Oreima
Axel Springer
DWS
IREIT Global
Work highlights
- Advised Amundi (Crédit Agricole Group) on the acquisition of Lyxor from Société Générale for a price in cash of €825m and on the subsequent reorganisation of the Lyxor group.
- Advised Swiss Life Asset Managers France on the tax structuring of the acquisition of ENGIE’s future headquarters.
- Advised AXA IM-Alts on the setting-up of AXA Partners in Infrastructure Equity (AXA PIE), an infrastructure investment fund raising €2bn of investor commitments.
France > Dispute resolution: International arbitration Tier 4
Clifford ChanceFrance > Employment Tier 4
Clifford ChancePractice head(s):
François Farmine
Testimonials
‘We benefited from a team demonstrating technical excellence, great pragmatism, speed of execution and significant qualities of empathy allowing them to understand their clients’ issues as closely as possible. Maître Farmine and his team, by combining these qualities, brought us innovative legal solutions, supported by solid legal arguments, and they supported us in all phases of execution including negotiations.’
‘I mainly worked with François Farmine, who demonstrated great listening skills, analysis, understanding of his clients’ needs, mastery of negotiation techniques, and litigation defense. His assistance is unique because it fits perfectly to the needs of his clients, even going so far as to anticipate their requests. Maître Farmine does not see his clients as an external lawyer, but as a full member of the team.’
‘Very strong responsiveness of the team: immediate consideration of questions and requests. An answer that is always precise and appropriate.’
‘I very much appreciate working with François Farmine, for his consideration of situations, especially with regard to complex cases, his ability to provide innovative answers and his very strong personal involvement.’
‘Excellent professional support.’
‘Outstanding and deeply knowledgeable.’
Key clients
Kidiliz Group
Amazon France Logistique
Wanzl
Von Roll
PayPal
Schaeffler
Hanon Systems Charleville
Visteon Corporation
Trèves
Pfizer
Allia (Geberit)
Visteon Electronics France
Beckman Coulter France
Fujifilm France
Unilever Group
France > Industry focus: IT and internet Tier 4
Clifford ChancePractice head(s):
Key clients
Airbus
Generali Global Infrastructure
Legrand
MTN
Nissan
Oracle
Sephora
Spotify
Tencent
Twitch
Work highlights
- Advising Sephora on a breakthrough cooperation that sees Sephora become Zalando’s strategic partner for prestige beauty on Zalando’s online platform for numerous countries in Europe.
- Assisting Legrand, a leading group in electric and digital infrastructure solutions, with implementing the strategic launch of a new range of innovative connected objects and related online applications on a worldwide basis.
- Assisting Nissan with the strategic migration of its IT systems from one country to another.
France > Insolvency Tier 4
Clifford Chance’s Delphine Caramalli leads the restructuring and insolvency practice. The team acts for various debtors, lenders, shareholders and investors. It recently completed several prominent matters in the retail sector. The practice is able to draw on the firm's international capabilities, recently acting in a global restructuring case alongside the London office. It also worked on a high-profile matter involving French football TV rights. Counsel Marie Crumière is the second key contact.Practice head(s):
Delphine Caramalli
Other key lawyers:
Testimonials
‘A close-knit team and good cooperation with the other departments of the firm.’
‘Delphine Caramalli knows how to find the right tone to tackle the most complex issues.’
Key clients
Carrefour
Kidiliz
VIVARTE
LABORATOIRES PHYTO/LABORATOIRES LIERAC
EDMOND DE ROTHSCHILD INVESTMENT PARTNER/ACTOMEZZ
IDINVEST
LFP (LIGUE PROFESSIONNELLE DE FOOTBALL)
Work highlights
- Assisting the client with its debt and operational restructuring.
- Advised Carrefour on the takeover of the Bio c’ Bon group.
- Assisting the client with negotiations led with Mediapro regarding issues pertaining to the distribution of French football Championship TV rights..
Tunisia > Foreign firms
Clifford Chance is considered by many as 'one of the premier advisers in the international projects space' and its prowess is evidenced in Tunisia through its historical involvement in a string of energy and infrastructure matters. The firm's Africa expertise also spans large-scale M&A, finance transactions and private equity. Clients include public, private and state-owned corporates from across the region and beyond. Casablanca-based Mustapha Mourahib co-heads the Africa practice and recently advised Honoris on its partnership with Esprit Group in Tunisia. Paris-based Delphine Siino Courtin focuses on projects throughout Francophone Africa.Practice head(s):
Mustapha Mourahib; Delphine Siino Courtin; Ouns Lemseffer; Nathalie Zanardo
Testimonials
‘The firm is recognised by the market and its competitors as one of the premier advisers in the international projects space. The firm brings a team of multidisciplinary lawyers, well equipped to deal with transactions across multiple sectors in all the key jurisdictions.’
‘Clients have access to a dedicated team of lawyers with the right balance of specific experience, industry knowledge and legal skills to deliver the best advice for each project and have a proven track record of providing a seamless service across multiple time zones and locations.’
Key clients
TAV Tunisie S.A.
EBRD
Actis
IFC
KfW
African Development Bank
Work highlights
- Advised TAV Tunisia, and its shareholders, on its groundbreaking debt restructuring.
- Advising Honoris on its partnership with the Esprit Group in Tunisia.
Clifford Chance > Firm Profile
The firm: Clifford Chance is one of the world’s pre-eminent law firms, with significant depth and range of resources across five continents. As a single, fully integrated, global partnership, it prides itself on its approachable, collegial and team-based way of working. The firm always strives to exceed the expectations of its clients, which include corporates from all the commercial and industrial sectors, governments, regulators, trade bodies and not-for-profit organisations. It provides them with the highest quality advice and legal insight, which combines the firm’s global standards with in-depth local expertise.
Types of work undertaken
Capital markets: the capital markets practice concentrates on securities transactions and other products sold into the capital markets. The practice is founded on a full-service US and UK securities law capability, complemented by local securities law expertise in each of the key financial centres. It provides practical, integrated legal advice covering the full spectrum of global capital raising activities including public and private domestic and international offerings of traditional debt and equity securities as well as convertible and other derivative and structured securities.
Corporate: the corporate practice handles some of the world’s largest and most complex M&A transactions. It combines global transaction capability with a full service of English, US and civil law expertise in the key financial centres across Europe, the Americas and Asia Pacific. In addition to mainstream M&A, the firm also encompasses leading specialist practices in: commercial contracts, competition and antitrust, communications, energy, healthcare, financial institutions, funds, investment banking, insurance, media and technology, and private equity.
Finance: Clifford Chance’s finance practice is the leading international finance practice of any law firm. The practice provides highly commercial and practical advice across the full spectrum of financial products including syndicated lending and leveraged and acquisition finance, asset finance, derivative products, project finance, financial regulatory, insolvency, restructuring and structured finance.
Litigation, dispute resolution and risk management: the firm has experience in virtually all segments of the business and financial markets across multiple jurisdictions. The lawyers work with clients to resolve disputes efficiently and effectively – whether through arbitration, litigation or other techniques.
Real estate: Clifford Chance’s leading real estate practice offers UK, European, Asian and US real estate capability. The practice advises the real estate industry’s leading players on the entire property ‘life-cycle’ from the initial acquisition, development, leasing, joint venturing and financing through to the final exit, as well as tax structuring, PFI/PPP, corporate outsourcing, planning, environment and litigation.
Tax, pensions, employment and incentives: Clifford Chance has one of the world’s largest international tax groups within a single law firm. The firm is uniquely placed to provide leading edge advice to clients, and the practice is structured on an integrated global basis. Local tax groups within the practice work closely with areas such as securitisation, securities, M&A, corporate restructuring, private equity, real estate and funds.
The pan-European VAT group advises on all areas of VAT and has particular strength advising on novel and complex issues in the structured finance, financial services, corporate finance and real estate sectors.
The team of experienced employment, employee benefits, ERISA, immigration and pensions specialists work with clients from a wide range of sectors to address local and cross-border issues.
International offices:Abu Dhabi, Amsterdam, Bangkok, Barcelona, Beijing, Brussels, Bucharest, Casablanca, Dubai, Düsseldorf, Frankfurt, Hong Kong, Istanbul, Jakarta*, London, Luxembourg, Madrid, Milan, Moscow, Munich, New York, Paris, Perth, Prague, Rome, São Paulo, Seoul, Shanghai, Singapore, Sydney, Tokyo, Warsaw, Washington, D.C., Riyadh**
*Linda Widyati & Partners in association with Clifford Chance
**Clifford Chance has a co-operation agreement with Abuhimed Alsheikh Alhagbani Law Firm in Riyadh
Lawyer Profiles
Photo | Name | Position | Profile |
---|---|---|---|
![]() | François Bonteil | François Bonteil specialises in all areas of real estate work: Real Estate… | View Profile |
![]() | Reinhard Dammann | Reinhard Damman advises on insolvency law, with a particular emphasis on international… | View Profile |
![]() | Anthony Giustini | Anthony Giustini specialises mainly on project development and finance transactions in the… | View Profile |
![]() | Mathieu Rémy | Managing Partner, Avocat à la Cour | View Profile |
Staff Figures
Number of partners : 550 Number of other fee-earners : 3,300Advice From Women Lawyers
Advice To My Younger Self: Reflections of Successful Women Lawyers
Women lawyers open up about their careers and defining choices
Advice To My Younger Self: Reflections of Successful Women Lawyers is published by The Legal 500‘s GC Magazine in collaboration with Clifford Chance. Now in its second release, the book is a practical resource for anyone interested in charting a successful career path at a law firm or by moving in-house. It features interviews with 20 women partners, alumnae and in-house counsel, with additional contributions from members of Clifford Chance’s senior management and US-based recruiting team. Visit our website to learn more about practical tips for building your career.
http://www.legal500.com/clifford-chance/advice-to-my-younger-self
RISING LAWYERS open up about their priorities and strategies for success
Their Voices: Insights from Today’s Rising Lawyers by The Legal 500‘s GC Magazine in collaboration with Clifford Chance. Geared primarily for students and junior lawyers, the book is a practical resource for those considering law school or just beginning a legal career. Twenty junior lawyers offer diverse perspectives on what inspires them about the law, and the strategies that are helping them stay in touch with their priorities and define the future of their careers. Their Voices also provides insights for senior lawyers as they mentor the next generation of leaders.
Legal Briefings
Competition for competition claims?
Until recently, the lion’s share of follow-on claims in relation to large EU-wide cartels were brought in the English courts. The claimant is the one who decides where to bring the claim (subject to the chosen courts having jurisdiction) and the availability of broad disclosure and other aspects of English procedure have made England an …Securities litigation gathers momentum in the UK
Clifford Chance’s Ian Moulding, Chris Yates, Jason Epstein and Ryan Byrne consider the rising tide of US-style ‘stock drop’ shareholder class actions in the UK, and offer practical tips for in-house counsel on managing the risk of shareholder litigation Shareholders can bring claims against listed companies to recover losses suffered as a result of a drop …
Comparative Guides
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Australia: Bribery & Corruption
Published: June 2021
Authors: Tim Grave Kirsten Scott Lara Gotti
This country-specific Q&A provides an overview to Bribery & Corruption laws and regulations that may occur in Australia.
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The Netherlands: Real Estate
Published: November 2021
Authors: Liesbeth Buiter Lotte de Bruin Stern Flik Jasper Wesselman
This country-specific Q&A provides an overview to Real Estate laws and regulations that may occur in The Netherlands.
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United Kingdom: Real Estate
Published: November 2021
Authors: Lindsay Mann Michael Coxall
This country-specific Q&A provides an overview to Real Estate laws and regulations that may occur in United Kingdom.
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United States: Real Estate
Published: November 2021
Authors: Ness Cohen Eddie Frastai Jeanne Roig-Irwin
This country-specific Q&A provides an overview to Real Estate laws and regulations that may occur in United States.
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Spain: Real Estate
Published: November 2021
Authors: Maria Pradillo Carme Briera Fernando Escribano Javier Olabarri Laura de Campo
This country-specific Q&A provides an overview to Real Estate laws and regulations that may occur in Spain.
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Germany: Real Estate
Published: November 2021
Authors: Dennis Blechinger
This country-specific Q&A provides an overview to Real Estate laws and regulations that may occur in Germany.
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France: Real Estate
Published: December 2021
Authors: Anne-Sophie Plé Karen Bortolotti Jitka Susankova
This country-specific Q&A provides an overview to Real Estate laws and regulations that may occur in France.
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Australia: Private Equity
Published: January 2022
Authors: Andrew Crook Mark Currell Nicholas Henneberry Alice Bradshaw Tegan Kelly
This country-specific Q&A provides an overview to Private Equity laws and regulations that may occur in Australia.
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United Kingdom: Merger Control
Published: October 2021
Authors: Alex Nourry Daniel Harrison
This country-specific Q&A provides an overview to Merger Control laws and regulations that may occur in United Kingdom.
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United Kingdom: Insurance & Reinsurance
Published: April 2022
Authors: Imogen Ainsworth Katherine Coates
This country-specific Q&A provides an overview to Insurance & Reinsurance laws and regulations that may occur in United Kingdom.
- Administrative and public law
- Banking and finance: Bank regulatory
- Banking and finance: transactional work
- Capital markets: debt capital markets
- Capital markets: equity capital markets
- Compliance
- Derivatives and structured finance
- Dispute resolution: Commercial litigation
- EU, competition and distribution
- Industry focus: Energy
- Media and entertainment: Sports
- Private equity: Fund formation
- Project finance
- Real estate
Top Tier Firm Rankings
- Aviation
- Data privacy and data protection
- Dispute resolution: Stock market litigation
- Dispute resolution: White-collar crime
- Industry focus: Healthcare and life sciences
- Mergers and acquisitions
- Private equity: LBO
- Tax
Firm Rankings
- Tunisia > Foreign firms