Cleary Gottlieb Steen & Hamilton's M&A practice is among the most established and regarded ones in France with the large Parisian team advising a prestigious client base comprising many of France’s leading companies and banks, as well as leading international corporations and funds. A thriving practice in both the public and private M&A spheres, the team is often retained to advise on France’s most high-profile public M&A deals while also regularly advising on cross-border and global complex carve-outs and strategic joint ventures. The team also assists French clients undertaking strategic transactions overseas, notably in Asia and the US. Its involvement spans many industry sectors including the retail, banking and financial sectors. Pierre-Yves Chabert , who is one of France’s finest advisers, co-heads the practice alongside Rodolphe Elineau. Also recommended are Valérie Lemaitre, Marie-Laurence Tibi and Sophie De Beer .
Legal 500 Editorial commentary
- Profile
Accolades
Client satisfaction
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
‘Cleary Paris provided top-notch legal advice, including nuanced, accurate and commercially sensitive analysis.’
‘Sophie De Beer is a prominent M&A lawyer in the financial services sector. Her combination of in-depth knowledge of applicable regulation and sharp drafting skills are hard to match. She is a calm and measured negotiator.’
‘Marie-Laurence Tibi is particularly dedicated to hers clients, always very active and above all absolutely relevant.'
Key clients
- Alimentation Couche-Tard
- Artémis
- Attestor
- Auchan Retail
- Decathlon
- Giammaria Giuliani
- JCDecaux
- Pernod Ricard
- Roquette Frères
- Wendel
Work highlights
- Representing Pernod Ricard in its sale of its portfolio of strategic international wines to Australian Wine Holdco Limited.
- Represented Solvay SA in the global separation of its business into two companies, EssentialCo and SpecialityCo,
- Represented My Money Group and its controlling shareholders, funds advised by Cerberus Capital Management, in the acquisition of HSBC Continental Europe’s retail banking operations in France
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.
Practice head
Pierre-Yves Chabert; Rodolphe Elineau
Other key lawyers
Valérie Lemaitre; Marie-Laurence Tibi; Sophie De Beer.