Herbert Smith Freehills LLP assists leading French banks as well as alternative leanders and digital banks, credit insurers and other asset management and financial institutions in dealing with a large array of issues: business reorganisation, sales of financial product portfolios, M&A deals as well as digital and payment issues. The team’s advisory practice is complemented by established experience in managing prudential and regulatory investigation, notably led by France’s prudential regulator ACPR. The team is co-headed by Régis Oréal, Vincent Hatton, Antoine Juaristi , Martin Le Touzé and Sonia Rogez who joined as of counsel from Racine in June 2024.
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Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
‘The team knows the ecosystem and understands clients' issues.'
‘Vincent Hatton is proactive and offers solutions.'
‘Martin Le Touzé has undeniable technical qualities and fully understands expectations of his clients. He is pragmatic and gets straight to the point, while formulating the most subtle nuances in a simple way.'
‘The team is humble, diligent and attentive. They combine professional and human qualities.'
‘Sonia Rogez is a high-quality lawyer, who has strong expertise in payment services'.
' The team is always available. Easy and fluid collaboration which allows files to move forward quickly.'
'Antoine Juaristi and Martin Le Touzé bring undeniable added value through their extensive legal expertise and interpersonal skills.'
Key clients
- AXA
- Ayvens Group
- BPCE/Natixis group
- Bpifrance
- BTP Banque
- CNP Assurances
- Crédit Agricole
- Allianz Trade
- FIFA Clearing House
- Generali
Work highlights
- Advising BNP Paribas Cardif on the acquisition of 80-100% of the share capital of Neuflize Vie from ABN AMRO Bank N.V. and AXA SA.
- Advised Ayvens, a French fleet managing and operational car leasing company, on the filing of applications for regulatory approvals with banking and insurance regulators in more than 25 jurisdictions in connection with the integration of the respective local businesses of ALD and Lease Plan.
- Advised BTP Banque on the disposal of its shareholding in CGI Bat to SMABTP.
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Martin Le Touzé
Practice head
Vincent Hatton; Antoine Juaristi; Martin Le Touzé; Régis Oréal; Sonia Rogez