Willkie Farr & Gallagher LLP is well regarded for its work on private equity transactions for sponsors, portfolio companies and management teams and brings particular strength in large-cap LBOs, joint ventures, public-to-private transactions, minority investments and exits. The practice is jointly steered by Eduardo Fernandez, who focuses on LBOs and growth capital transactions, alongside Christophe Garaud and Cédric Hajage, both of whom specialise in private equity and M&A work. Mathilde Faure is recognised for her expertise in complex cross-border matters.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary
Accolades
Client satisfaction: Lawyer & team quality
Client satisfaction: Billing & efficiency
Client satisfaction: Sector knowledge
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
- ‘Strong level of competence, high customer service, very proactive in its approach, complete in its services being able to complement the LBO offer with other legal expertise in several jurisdictions.'
- ‘Willkie Farr & Gallagher's private equity team combines exceptional technical expertise with a mastery of complex transactions. Their international approach and deep understanding of the challenges of private equity make Willkie a key player in the market.’
- ‘Eduardo Fernandez brings leadership, operational excellence, strong negotiation skills in complex situations within constraints. He is a dealmaker and highly transaction-driven.'
- 'Hugo Nocerino stands out for his ability to combine solid legal expertise with a keen understanding of economic issues. He knows how to strike the right balance to guide our projects and defend our positions during negotiations with sellers. His structured approach and sound judgement inspire confidence. We consider Hugo a true partner, capable of anticipating needs and effectively managing complex matters. We have great confidence in the quality of his work and advice.’
Key clients
- 21 Invest France
- Abénex Capital
- Adagia Partners
- Aglae Management
- Alpha Private Equity
- Aquiline Capital Partners
- Ardian
- Astorg Partners
- BIM
- BlackFin Capital Partners
- BNPP Agility Capital
- Bpifrance
Work highlights
Advised Cooper Consumer Health, a CVC portfolio company, in a complex carve-out transaction in connection with the €2bn acquisition of Viatris Inc.’s OTC Business.
Advised PAI Partners on the sale of ELITech Group, a French manufacturer of chemical and biological products, to Bruker Corp, the listed United States-based provider of innovative life science tools.
Advised PAI Partners on the €1.8bn acquisition of a majority stake in Alvest.
Lawyers
Leading partners
The strongest partners in their field, leading on market-leading deals and endorsed by peers and clients alike.
Leading associates
Leading associates with regular involvement in their team's key work, and recognition from peers or clients as being ones to watch.
Mathilde Faure
Practice head
Eduardo Fernandez ; Christophe Garaud; Cédric Hajage
Other key lawyers
Grégory de Saxcé; Hugo Nocerino; Marie Aubard; Georges Balit; Mathilde Faure