BDGS Associés has a large and deep bench that combines highly senior and more junior advisers. The firm advises a superb client base, including many of France’s leading companies, on their strategic domestic public and private M&A deals. The firm is seen as a go-to adviser for deals involving the public sector or the French state, such as complex corporate reorganisation projects. The team includes prominent names such as Marc Loy, Antoine Bonnasse, Jean-Emmanuel Skovron and Youssef Djehane. Other key names include Thomas Méli, Lucile Gaillard , François Baylion, Jérôme du Chazaud, David Andréani and Hannah Cobbett, who was promoted to partner in May 2025.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary
Accolades
Client satisfaction: Lawyer & team quality
Client satisfaction: Billing & efficiency
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
- ‘The team is not only expert but also very available and extremely agile while remaining very accessible and friendly.’
- ‘An innovative and pragmatic team, deal maker. Thomas Méli is creative and his technical expertise allows him to overcome most of the obstacles that can arise in an M&A transaction.’
- ‘BDGS has a deep understanding of issues and is capable of facilitating discussions with other advisers, adding significant value by providing solutions thanks to their high level of expertise and track record in complex transactions.’
- ‘Exceptional support. They are always very responsive, which allows for quick and precise answers. Their constant availability strengthens trust and ensures smooth communication. Each matter is handled with a high level of professionalism and rigour. They are a true strategic partner.’
- ‘Youssef Djehane, François Baylion, Antoine Bonnasse: very strategic in their thinking and approach (always a step ahead), open-minded.’
- ‘Marc Loy, Thomas Méli and David Andréani form a highly complementary trio. They are very easy and pleasant to work with, and they are readily available and adapt well to challenges and unexpected developments.’
Key clients
- ADEME
- Betclic
- BPI France
- Bouygues Telecom
- Butler Industries
- CMA CGM
- Comexposium
- Coty Inc.
- Cowen
- Diageo
- ENGIE
- Europcar Mobility Group
Work highlights
Advised Téthys Invest and GIC on their €3bn investment in Septeo Group.
Advised La Caisse des Dépôts et Consignations (CDC) on the €1.4bn+ privatisation of Transdev.
Advised M. Rodolphe Saadé’s family holding company in connection with its acquisition of a 20% stake in Pathé.
Lawyers
Hall of Fame
The lawyers at the very top of the profession, widely known and respected by peers and clients for their longstanding involvement in market-leading work.
Next Generation Partners
Junior partners with significant recognition from clients and peers in the market and key roles on multiple matters.
Other key lawyers
Antoine Bonnasse; Youssef Djehane; Jean-Emmanuel Skovron; Marc Loy; Lucile Gaillard; Thomas Méli; François Baylion; Jérôme du Chazaud; David Andréani; Hannah Cobbett