The Clifford Chance private equity team is regularly instructed by large and mid-cap private equity houses, banks and specialist infrastructure funds. The group draws on broad expertise across M&A, leveraged finance, tax structuring and management incentive arrangements, with important team members including M&A expert Gilles Lebreton and Marianne Pezant, a key contact for cross-border transactions. Benjamin De Blegiers left the firm in April 2026.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary
Accolades
Client satisfaction: Sector knowledge
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
- ‘They are always on top of things, they are fierce in the protection of our interests, and have a very good grasp of international M&A practices.'
- ‘Top-tier team known for deep bench strength, seamless international coordination, and flawless execution on complex cross-border matters.'
- ‘Clifford Chance is exceptional at managing large, strategic transactions. They run a core team of experts who are extremely dedicated and a genuine pleasure to work with.'
- ‘The team's strengths lie in its commitment, professionalism, and the quality of its advice. They are among the best law firms on the market. The team demonstrates innovative structuring strategies when necessary. It also maintains a strong network, allowing it to benefit from feedback, information on comparable transactions, and in-depth knowledge of each case.’
Key clients
- PE
- Aglaé Management
- 3i
- Blackstone
- Bpifrance
- Bridgepoint
- The Carlyle Group
- Cinven
- Clayton Dubilier & Rice
- KKR
- L Catterton
- Mubadala
- PAI Partners
- Partners Group
- Perceva
- Permira
- Seven2
- Triton
- Wendel
- Infrastructure
Work highlights
Advised Brookfield on the contemplated acquisition of a majority block of shares in Neoen from Impala, Fonds Stratégique de Participations, the CEO of Neoen and other minority shareholders, to be followed by a mandatory simplified cash tender offer.
Advised Younited and its main shareholders on its business combination with Iris Financial and its successful listing on the regulated market of Euronext Paris.
Advising EQT, through its EQT Transition Infrastructure strategy, on its entry into exclusive negotiations with the founders of Waga Energy and certain historical shareholders to acquire a majority stake in Waga Energy and launch a mandatory tender offer for 100% of the company followed, if legal conditions are met, by a squeeze-out.
Other key lawyers
Gilles Lebreton; Marianne Pezant; Laurent Schoenstein; Benjamin Saada; Elisabeth Kerlen;