The practice group at Clifford Chance is frequently called upon by large and mid-cap private equity houses, banks, and specialised infrastructure funds for its substantial private equity expertise, which encompasses M&A, leveraged finance, tax structuring and management packages. The team is co-directed by Benjamin De Blegiers, who specialises in private equity and M&A operations, with particular emphasis on the infrastructure sector. Alongside him, Fabrice Cohen majors on M&A transactions and securities law. Gilles Lebreton and Emmanuel Mimin are additional names to note. The practice was strengthened by the arrival of Arnaud Fromion and Frédéric Guilloux in December 2024.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
‘Well-rounded team with a deep knowledge of the infrastructure sector. Benjamin de Bleguiers has a strong commercial acumen and an ability to be creative and think outside the box.’
'Having Benjamin de Blegiers at your side in a competitive auction procedure or a complicated transaction is a real asset. He is capable of helping you win a transaction. Alexandre Namoun, with whom Benjamin often works, is also quite extraordinary.'
‘The Clifford Chance Paris PE/M&A team is an exceptional deal machine. They are able to seamlessly ramp up on short notice, pull in expertise on a global scale, and execute on complex transactions with ease. From junior lawyers to senior partners, their deal acumen and legal talent is market leading. The Clifford Chance team is dedicated, experienced, and motivated - they can move mountains. I am astounded by what they can achieve.’
'Gilles Lebreton has a formidable legal mind. His expertise in public M&A has been indispensable. Gilles is a true professional, and an absolute pleasure to work with. Catherine Naroz is a rising star in European Corporate M&A. She an outstanding lawyer, with a sharp legal mind. Catherine has the unique ability to brings a sense of calm and order, even in the most challenging of circumstances. This is a lawyer you want at your table.'
‘Very high level and well-structured team. Good distribution between senior, middle and junior. Excellent staff and customer care. Benjamin de Blegiers and Alexandre Namoun are my go-to people. I have an excellent relationship with them and have full trust in their competences. They are by far the best lawyers in Paris.'
‘Benjamin de Blegiers is a partner at the very top of his game. He combines a brilliant legal mind with very astute commercial awareness, with the result that he is often advising well beyond the legal remit to get deals done. He is without question among the best in France.’
‘The Clifford team is extremely creative compared to other teams. When we face a complex situation, structure or deal, we always think about the Clifford team. They have an excellent overview of the market and are always ahead of events. Benjamin de Blegiers is an exceptional partner who brings his depth of talent to every deal.'
'Benjamin de Blegiers: Very good business sense, focuses on the essential subjects to advance the deal. Excellent network. Extreme driving force to advance the deal; smart and pragmatic.'
Key clients
- PE
- Abu Dhabi Investment Authority
- 3i
- Blackstone
- Bpifrance
- Bridgepoint
- The Carlyle Group
- Cinven
- Clayton Dubilier & Rice
- KKR
Work highlights
Acted as legal deal advisor to Brookfield in the context of the contemplated acquisition by Brookfield of a majority block of shares in Neoen from Impala, Fonds Stratégique de Participations, the CEO of Neoen and other minority shareholders.
Advised Exclusive Networks on the contemplated take private initiated by a consortium led by Clayton Dubilier & Rice and Permira.
Advised Macquarie Asset Management as lead investor in Verkor's Series C financing round.
Lawyers
Next Generation Partners
Junior partners with significant recognition from clients and peers in the market and key roles on multiple matters.
Practice head
Benjamin de Blegiers; Fabrice Cohen
Other key lawyers
Gilles Lebreton; Emmanuel Mimin; Alexandre Namoun; Catherine Naroz