Cleary Gottlieb Steen & Hamilton is the go-to firm for many leading French corporations and investment firms, as well as for US and international entities seeking to conduct strategic and complex transactions. The team is particularly valued for its ability to handle prominent public M&A transactions and projects, with its expertise ranging from the acquisition of stakes and sale of shares to the spin-off of leading listed companies and subsequent listing of entities. The firm is also an excellent fit for large cross-border transactions, especially with a US component, while also frequently acting in financial services industry transactions. The practice is co-headed by one of France’s most revered advisers, Pierre-Yves Chabert, and the excellent Rodolphe Elineau. Other key members include Marie-Laurence Tibi, Sophie De Beer, as well as 2025’s promoted partners Hugues Tabardel and Alexis Raguet.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary
Accolades
Client satisfaction: Sector knowledge
Client satisfaction: NPS ®
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
- ‘Pierre-Yves Chabert is a strategist, grasps issues within a global context, and he is an excellent negotiator.’
- ‘High mastery of operational and corporate issues, commitment and proactivity at all levels; strategic thinking; ability to propose concrete solutions to complex problems and to implement them quickly; quality and coordination of team members both in France and in other jurisdictions.’
- ‘Rodolphe Elineau particularly distinguishes himself through his strategic vision, his unwavering commitment, his ability to conduct complex negotiations with excellent results, and his mastery of all the details of the matter at hand.’
- ‘A top-level team, highly professional and responsive. Significant added value, particularly in international cases. Good knowledge of the financial sectors (banking, insurance, asset management).’
- ‘Sophie de Beer: great technical mastery, ability to put legal matters into context and to find pragmatic solutions.’
- ‘The work is of exceptionally high quality. The team possesses excellent technical skills in corporate M&A, particularly in transactions with a significant US component. The partners are highly involved and have a detailed understanding of issues at hand. This team is among the top performers in the Paris M&A market.’
Key clients
- Vivendi SE
- Colruyt Group
- L’Oréal
- General Mills Inc.
- Pernod Ricard
- Auchan Retail
- Amundi
- BNP Paribas
- Synopsys
- Temasek
- The French State
- Wendel
Work highlights
Advised Vivendi SE(Vivendi) on its global spin-off that created three independent, publicly listed companies operating separately from Vivendi,.
Advised Roquette on its acquisition of the Pharma Solutions segment of International Flavors & Fragrances Inc. (IFF).
Advised Pernod Ricard in the sale of its portfolio of international wines to Australian Wine Holdco Limited.
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.
Leading partners
The strongest partners in their field, leading on market-leading deals and endorsed by peers and clients alike.
Next Generation Partners
Junior partners with significant recognition from clients and peers in the market and key roles on multiple matters.
Alexis Raguet
Practice head
Pierre-Yves Chabert; Rodolphe Elineau
Other key lawyers
Marie-Laurence Tibi; Sophie De Beer; Hugues Tabardel; Alexis Raguet