Under the leadership of Bertrand Andriani, the banking and finance practice at Linklaters stands out for its expertise in advising on real estate finance, leveraged finance deals, restructuring matters, corporate finance, acquisition finance and large syndicated loans. The group acts as counsel to banks, borrowers and alternative lenders on a wide array of complex matters. In addition, the group is active in the growing private credit fund financing space. Cyril Abtan advises on syndicated loans, while Rhéa Christophilopoulos assists borrowers and financial sponsors with a range of transactions. Other key practitioners include Pierre-Arnoux Mayoly, Shirin Deyhim, counsels Lauren Hanley and Elisabeth Maze, and managing associate Fanny Allouche. Kathryn Merryfield retired from practice in 2025.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary
Profile
Work Department
Banking/R&I
Position
Cyril is a partner in the banking practice of Linklaters in Paris notably involved in secured and unsecured syndicated loans, acquisition financings (private and leveraged) and real estate financings.
Career
2013 to date Partner, Linklaters Paris
2008 - 2013 Counsel, Linklaters Paris
2000 - 2008 Associate, Linklaters Paris
Languages
French, English
Education
2000 - Admission to French bar
1999 - DECSF
1997 - DEA in Business Law, Université Paris Nanterre
DESS in Corporate Tax Law, Université Paris Dauphine
1996 - Maîtrise in Business Law, Université Paris Nanterre
1994 - Maîtrise in Finance, Université Paris Dauphine
Content supplied by Linklaters
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
- ‘Pierre-Arnoux Mayoly and Shirin Deyhim have excellent interpersonal skills and a wealth of experience. They are always responsive and very knowledgeable about market operations.’ ‘Rhéa Christophilopoulos is a brilliant and impactful partner. Her advice is always insightful and astute. The work she delivers is exceptional. Her expertise in her field makes her indispensable.’ ‘Rhéa Christophilopoulos is an excellent lawyer. A brilliant technician, she knows how to put her skills at the service of clients and adopt pragmatic approaches that allow even the most complex matters to move forward.’ ‘Rhéa Christophilopoulos' strengths are her technical expertise, responsiveness, reliability, and excellent negotiation skills. Rhéa is innovative in that she always manages to propose solutions when there are roadblocks.' ‘The team has recognised expertise in the field of acquisition financing; the services are always of excellent quality.’ ‘Lauren Hanley is exceptionally efficient and definitely worth knowing.’ ‘The Linklaters team stands out primarily for its exceptional availability. They demonstrate an excellent understanding of business and an ability to adopt a true "business partner" approach. This pragmatic and results-oriented approach translates into advice that considers strategic and operational challenges, rather than simply a theoretical analysis of risks.’ ‘Lauren Hanley and Fanny Allouche stand out for their high level of professionalism and their excellent understanding of business, enabling them to offer truly personalised and pragmatic support. They understand operational challenges and know how to tailor their advice to the priorities and realities on the ground. Their availability, attentiveness, and solution-oriented approach make them particularly valued contacts and true partners in our daily work.’
Key clients
- Société Générale Viridien (previously known as CGG) BNP Paribas Clariane (previously known as Korian) John Cockerill Defense Bank of America Comptoir Général des Fromagers Français Crédit Agricole Corporate and Investment Bank (CACIB) Natixis S.A.