Latham & Watkins stands out for its strong combined US and French law capabilities within its Paris office. The team can also rely on a strong international platform which allows it to handle a steady volume of US law and international transactions – the team is particularly known for its strong high-yield expertise. The practice regularly assists banks, underwriters, initial purchasers and issuers, including several French corporations, with mid to large bond issuances. Practice head Thomas Margenet-Baudry and Roberto Reyes Gaskin, who are both French and US qualified lawyers, are the key names. Supporting them is counsel Michael Ettannani.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary
Accolades
Client satisfaction: Lawyer & team quality
Client satisfaction: Sector knowledge
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
- ‘One of the best law firms in Europe in the capital markets sector, particularly in high-yield transactions. The team is extremely responsive, innovative, and has a very deep understanding of capital markets.’
- ‘Thomas Margenet-Baudry: broad perspective, "above the fray" approach, and ability to anticipate issues. He is reassuring.'
- ‘The team remains always available, very proactive and committed to provide great insight. They are also great persons to work with, very approachable and regularly happy to help.’
- ‘Roberto Reyes Gaskin brings a notable and insightful take from a legal standpoint. He brings a breadth of experience which is very helpful on more complex situations.’
Key clients
- AccorInvest
- Alain Afflelou SA
- Asmodée
- BNP Paribas
- Briarwood Chase Management LLC
- Burger King France
- Business Integration Partners
- Crédit Agricole
- Derichebourg
- Elior Group
- Eutelsat
- Fives
Work highlights
Advised Afflelou in connection with the issuance of €50 million additional 6.000% senior secured notes due 2029, and Afflelou PIKCO Limited on the private placement of €70 million senior secured floating rate notes PIK notes due 2030.
Advised Essendi (formerly AccorInvest) in connection with the issuance of three tranches of €550,000,000 Senior Secured Floating Rate Notes due 2032, €400,000,000 5.375% Senior Secured Notes due 2030 and €300,000,000 5.625% Senior Secured Notes due 2032.
Advised the underwriters in connection with Forvia’s issuance of a TAP offering of €250,000,000 5.625% Senior Notes due 2030 to be consolidated with the existing €750,000,000 5.625% Senior Notes due 2030 issued on March 24, 2025, and a U.S.$500,000,000 8.000% Senior Notes due 2030.
Lawyers
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Practice head
Thomas Margenet-Baudry
Other key lawyers
Roberto Reyes Gaskin; Michael Ettannani