Demonstrating ‘a great blend of patience and persistence’, the group at Kirkland & Ellis LLP is a strong choice for the gamut of deal types, including buy-side deals, exits, and IPOs. Major private equity houses, financial sponsors and sovereign wealth funds look to the group for its cross-border expertise and international footprint. The practice is co-led by Vincent Ponsonnaille, lauded for his ‘proactive and thoughtful advice’. Alongside him, Laurent Victor-Michel acts as co-head and has particular experience in matters relating to foreign direct investment. Corporate specialists Louis Gosset and Emmanuel Enrici are additional names to note.
Private equity: LBO in France
Kirkland & Ellis LLP
Responsables de la pratique:
Vincent Ponsonnaille; Laurent Victor-Michel
Autres avocats clés:
Louis Gosset; Emmanuel Enrici
Les références
‘For our recent transaction, K&E was able to provide comprehensive services including detailed French/US legal structure, tax, HR, regulatory, and other domains. The team was able to manage a complex process and structure. They were able to manage the process seamlessly.’
‘The team maintained a very balanced view and did not get rattled easily. They had a great blend of patience and persistence and were always available to address questions or issues.’
‘Vincent Ponsonnaille and Emmanuel Enrici – proactive and thoughtful advice.’
‘Excellent legal skills, commitment, and availability, as well as a good understanding of the software segment.’
Principaux clients
AXA Investment Management
Advent International
Antin Infrastructure Partners
Ares Management Corporation
Cinven
CPP Investments
Five Arrows PE
GIC Private Limited
Groupe Bruxelles Lambert
Hellman & Friedman
PAI Partners
Partners Group
Platinum Private Equity
Providence Equity Partners
Searchlight Capital
Silver Lake
Thoma Bravo
Vista Equity Partners
Warburg Pincus
Wendel
Principaux dossiers
- Advised Groupe Bruxelles Lambert on the agreement to combine Webhelp and Concentrix Corporation.
- Advised Data4 and Axa IM – Real Assets on the sale of Data4 to Brookfield Asset Management.
- Advised co-controlling shareholders WP GG Holdings IV and ARCHIMED on the sale of Polyplus to Sartorius, a life science group.
Latham & Watkins
The group at Latham & Watkins regularly advises major private equity houses on high-profile, large-cap LBOs. The team works closely with the firm's leveraged finance team and is bolstered by its capabilities in the finance and capital markets spaces. Disposals, restructurings, joint ventures, and M&A are also core areas of expertise. The practice is co-directed by Thomas Forschbach, Olivier Du Mottay, Gaëtan Gianasso, Denis Criton, Alexander Benedetti, Alexander Crosthwaite, Simon Lange, and Charles-Antoine Guelluy.
Responsables de la pratique:
Thomas Forschbach; Olivier du Mottay; Gaëtan Gianasso; Denis Criton; Alexander Benedetti; Alexander Crosthwaite; Simon Lange; Charles-Antoine Guelluy
Principaux clients
Ardian
Astorg Partners
Bain Capital
BC Partners
PAI Partners
Advent International
Bridgepoint
ICG
Apollo Global Management
KKR
Partners Group
Platinum Equity
PSP Investments
TA Associates
Permira
Sagard
Silverfleet
SK Capital
Ontario Teachers Pension Plan
Summit Partners
Silverfleet
Temasek
GTCR
One Rock Capital Partners
Ares Management
Arkea Capital
Cinven
Dentressangle
EMZ Partners
Equistone
IK Partners
L Catterton
Montefiore Investment
The Carlyle Group
Towerbrook
CDPQ
Principaux dossiers
- Advised Webhelp on its combination with Concentrix, through the sale and contribution of 100% of the shares of Webhelp by GBL, the two founders (Olivier Duha and Frédéric Jousset) and the 700+ managers.
- Advised Astorg Partners on its acquisition of Corden Pharma, a Germany-based provider of specialised technologies for manufacturing of oral, sterile, and antibiotic pharmaceutical drug products and pharmaceutical ingredients.
- Advised PAI Partners on the acquisition of a majority participation in ECF Group, a business-to-business distributor of equipment and consumables for hospitality and care professionals.
Weil, Gotshal & Manges LLP
Weil, Gotshal & Manges LLP assists private equity sponsors, industrial and financial groups and family-owned groups with large-cap LBO transactions. The group is also well placed to advise clients on domestic and cross-border M&A, divestitures, build-ups, financings, and distressed M&A transactions. Infrastructure funds, insurance companies, and pension plans also look to the team for its expertise in the infrastructure segment. David Aknin steers the practice; additional names to note include Jean Beauchataud, Frédéric Cazals, Alexandre Duguay, and Guillaume Bonnard, who focus on high-profile LBOs and M&A transactions.
Responsables de la pratique:
David Aknin
Principaux clients
3i
Advent International
Alpha Private Equity
Adagia Partners
A&M Capital
Antin Infrastructure
Altamir
Archimed
Ardian
Aleph Capital
Astorg Partners
Bain Capital
Capza
Caravelle
Carlyle
Cathay Capital Private Equity
Cerba Healthcare
Ceva
Chequers Capital
Cinven
Clayton, Dubilier & Rice
Compagnie Nationale à Portefeuille
CVC Capital Partners
Ergon Capital Partners
Eurazeo
EQT
Equistone
Generation IM
HLD Europe
Infravia Capital Partners
LFPI
L-GAM
Montagu Private Equity
Montefiore
Naxicap
Omers
Ontario Teacher’s Pension Plan
PAI Partners
Parquest
Permira
PSG Equity
Qualium Investissement
Sagard
Seven2 (previously named Apax Partners)
Sienna Private Equity
TCV
Thétys
Towerbrook
Voodoo
Willkie Farr & Gallagher LLP
The private equity group at Willkie Farr & Gallagher LLP regularly handles large-cap private equity transactions including cross-border leveraged buyouts, joint ventures, platform acquisitions, and exits, working across all mainstream sectors. The practice is co-led by a trio of partners, comprising: Eduardo Fernandez, who has particular experience advising on transactions involving the professional services, consumer products, food and healthcare segments; and private equity and M&A specialists Christophe Garaud and Cédric Hajage. Additional names to note include Gabriel Flandin, Grégory de Saxcé, Hugo Nocerino. Gil Kiener left the firm in December 2022.
Responsables de la pratique:
Eduardo Fernandez; Christophe Garaud; Cédric Hajage
Les références
‘Experienced team, which follows the LBO market very closely and therefore knows market practices well. Team which knows how to make itself available to its clients. Good value for money in their services.’
‘Christophe Garaud knows the market and the different players well, he has a business vision of his advisory role and comes with solutions when there is an obstacle in a transaction; he knows how to mobilize the right resources internally to support his clients.’
‘Very professional team and flexible on the fee structure. Impeccable quality of service.’
Principaux 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
Cobalt Capital
CVC Capital Partners
Ekkio Capital
EQT
Equistone Partners Europe
Five Arrows Managers
IK Partners
Insight Partners
Intermediate Capital Group
Latour Capital
Lauxera Capital Partners
Montefiore Investment
OpenGate Capital
PAI Partners
Peugeot Invest (FFP)
Qualium Investissement
RAISE Investissement
Sagard
Searchlight Capital Partners
Seven2 (former Apax Partners)
Syntagma Capital
TA Associates
The Carlyle Group
Vaultier7
Warburg Invest
Waterland Private Equity
Weinberg Capital Partners
Wendel
Principaux dossiers
- Assisted PAI Partners with the €2.3bn sale of Perstorp to Petronas Chemicals group.
- Assisted PAI Partners with the acquisition of Looping Group, a pan-European leisure park operator, from Mubadala Capital’s Private Equity business and Bpifrance, the French national investment bank.
- Assisted IK Partners, a mid-market European private equity group, with the sale of Exxelia to Heico Corporation.
A&O Shearman
A&O Shearman fields a 'business-oriented and pragmatic' team. The group is jointly led by Marc Castagnède, who acts for listed and non-listed companies, and Romy Richter, whose broad private equity practice involves assistance to private equity funds, founders and managers with their fund raising, acquisitions and disposals. The team is active in the large-cap and mid-cap space.
Responsables de la pratique:
Marc Castagnède; Romy Richter
Autres avocats clés:
Jules Lecoeur
Les références
‘Very available and competent team, aware of technical and regulatory developments. Good collaboration and fluidity between the different corporate and tax teams for the LBO.’
‘Generally very competent team, having worked particularly with Rémy Richter and Jules Lecoeur. Excellent interpersonal skills, very professional, very fluid collaboration, available. Business-oriented and pragmatic.’
Principaux clients
Advent International
Apax Partners (Seven2)
Ardian
Bridgepoint
Chequers Capital
Crédit Mutuel Equity
Eurazeo
ICG
Ivanhoé Cambridge
LFPI Gestion
PAI Partners
Weinberg Capital Partners
Wren House
Principaux dossiers
- Advised PAI Partners on its proposed acquisition of Infra Group from ICG.
- Advised Pathé and IDG Capital on their entry into exclusive negotiations with Eagle Football Holdings LLC for the sale of their stakes in Olympique Lyonnais Group.
- Advised Carmignac regarding its Investment in Clipway.
AYACHE
The team at AYACHE is equipped to assist clients with LBOs, M&A transactions, and restructurings. The group has particular sectoral expertise in retail, consumer goods, e-commerce, real estate, and healthcare. Olivier Tordjman steers the practice and is well-versed in LBO transactions, debt and equity restructurings, syndicated loans, and asset finance. Gwenaëlle de Kerviler also majors on private equity transactions and is an additional key partner.
Responsables de la pratique:
Olivier Tordjman
Autres avocats clés:
Gwenaëlle de Kerviler
Principaux clients
Intermediate Capital Group (ICG)
ICG Infrastructure
Towerbrook
Verso Energy
Sagard
Sagard NewGen
ISAI
Inveready
Capza
Founders / Groupe Open
Upperside Capital Partners
Bredin Prat
The skill set of the ‘commercial, knowledgeable, responsive and hard-working’ team at Bredin Prat spans cross-border M&A, international financing, and securities matters. Key contacts include 'highly effective communicator and negotiator' Olivier Assant, who specialises in M&A, corporate governance, and securities matters; 'commercial and hands-on partner’ Adrien Simon; and Florence Haas, who handles market consolidation transactions, public takeovers and LBOs. Barthélémy Courteault has particular experience with regards to M&A involving the infrastructure and energy sectors and Clémence Fallet majors on corporate governance.
Autres avocats clés:
Olivier Assant; Adrien Simon; Florence Haas; Barthélémy Courteault; Clémence Fallet
Les références
‘Commercial, knowledgeable, responsive and hard-working.’
‘Olivier Assant is very commercial and a highly effective communicator and negotiator. Adrien Simon is incredibly hard-working, very knowledgeable, and similarly a great communicator.’
‘Very dynamic and creative team.’
‘Adrien Simon is a very commercial and hands-on partner.’
‘The team can mobilize quickly, quickly understands the subjects/issues; always responsive.’
‘Adrien Simon is always responsive, listens to his client, anticipates possible points of friction and offers solutions when there are blocking points. He puts the files into perspective in the light of the knowledge he has of his client. He surrounds himself with an efficient and well-coordinated team.’
Principaux clients
Alfa Laval
Casino Guichard-Perrachon (Casino Group)
CGI
Dermapharm AG
Despature Family
Eiffage
Eramet
GE (General Electric)
iliad
Artémis Domaines / Maisons Bouchard et Henriot
Ramsay Santé
Rothschild & Co
Stellantis
Technicolor Creative Studios
Ineos
Crédit Mutuel
Nexity
Principaux dossiers
- Advised Rothschild & Co and Concordia, the holding company of the Rothschild family and Rothschild & Co’s largest shareholder, in connection with the take-private of Rothschild & Co, by Concordia for €3.8bn.
- Advised Stellantis in connection with the sale of its remaining 25% stake in GEFCO (now Ceva Logistics) to the CMA CGM Group.
- Advised EDF, the French multinational electric utility company, in connection with the acquisition by the French State by way of a simplified takeover bid, of 100% of EDF’s shares capital.
Clifford Chance
The group at Clifford Chance has ‘very good sectoral knowledge coupled with strong commercial acumen’ and is routinely instructed by mid-cap and large-cap private equity houses, infrastructure funds, and financial institutions. The department is jointly led by Fabrice Cohen, who handles both cross-border M&A and private equity transactions. Alongside him, Benjamin De Blegiers has notable experience in infrastructure-related transactions. Emmanuel Mimin is an additional key contact.
Responsables de la pratique:
Fabrice Cohen; Benjamin de Blegiers
Autres avocats clés:
Alexandre Namoun; Emmanuel Mimin
Les références
‘Very good sectoral knowledge coupled with strong commercial acumen.’
‘Benjamin de Blegiers: very good commercial knowledge which allowed us to manage a complex situation.’
‘I regularly work with Clifford Chance (and in particular with Benjamin de Blegiers) on LBO (Large cap) transactions. Their geographic presence and sectoral expertise are assets that few firms in Paris can claim at this level! It is in the most complex deals that they can express all their talent. They are constantly reinventing themselves.’
Principaux clients
PE
3i
Apax Partners
Blackstone
Bpifrance
Bridgepoint
The Carlyle Group
Cinven
Clayton Dubilier & Rice
KKR
PAI Partners
Partners Group
Perceva
Permira
Triton
Wendel
Infrastructure
Apollo
Ardian
Macquarie
Meridiam
Mirova
Omnes Capital
DIF Capital Partners
Eurazeo
InfraVia
Financing
BNP Paribas
Crédit Agricole
Natixis
Société Générale
Ardian Private Debt
Ares Capital
Barings
BlackRock
LBPAM
SCOR Investment Partners SE
Bank of America Merrill Lynch
Barclays
Crédit Suisse
Deutsche Bank
Goldman Sachs
HSBC
IKB
JP Morgan
UniCredit
Capzanine
Principaux dossiers
- Advised a consortium of private equity funds, composed of DIF Capital Partners and PGGM, on the acquisition of c. 50% of the SAUR group, a leading innovator and service provider in the global water sector with operations in more than 20 countries, from EQT.
- Advised Cinven on the sale of the Tractel Group, a global security specialist that provides reliable and innovative vertical access solutions and services to the building and industrial sectors, to Alimak.
- Advised Permira on the disposal of the Vacanceselect Group to European Camping Group (ECG), the recently acquired portfolio company of PAI Partners.
Freshfields Bruckhaus Deringer LLP
The group at Freshfields Bruckhaus Deringer LLP is regularly called upon by private equity and pension funds, REITs, and alternative capital providers seeking assistance with deal and fund structuring, acquisition financing, tax, and regulatory matters. The team handles both mid-cap and large-cap transactions, which are additionally often cross-border. Private equity specialist Nicolas Barberis steers the department; Guy Benda, Yann Gozal, Julien Rebibo, and Stéphanie Corbière are additional key contacts.
Responsables de la pratique:
Nicolas Barberis
Autres avocats clés:
Yann Gozal; Julien Rebibo; Guy Benda; Stéphanie Corbière
Les références
‘One of the best teams, if not the best, in private equity – Nicolas Barberis, Yann Gozal, Julien Rebibo, Guy Benda, Stéphanie Corbière.’
Principaux clients
Caisse de Dépôt et Placement du Québec (CDPQ)
Carlyle
Charterhouse Capital Partners LLP
Chequers Capital
Cinven Capital Management
Compagnie Nationale à Portefeuille (CNP)
CVC Capital Partners
EQT Private Equity
General Atlantic
J.C. Flowers & Co.
Kartesia
Marlin Equity Partners
PAI Partners
The Blackstone Group
Principaux dossiers
- Assisted Cinven with its entrance into exclusive negotiations to acquire a majority stake in the Euro Techno Com Group (‘ETC’), a one-stop shop specialised distributor for the telecom and technology infrastructure industry, from Carlyle.
- Assisted EQT Infrastructure with its entering into exclusive negotiations to sell 50% of its stake in Saur to a consortium composed of global infrastructure fund manager DIF Capital Partners and the Dutch pension fund service provider PGGM.
- Assisted the management of the House of HR group with the acquisition by Bain Capital of a majority participation (55%) in the House of HR group from the existing shareholders (Naxicap, Conny Vandendriessche and management).
Gide Loyrette Nouel A.A.R.P.I.
The group at Gide Loyrette Nouel A.A.R.P.I. is regularly seen on transactions ranging from small to large-cap, assisting sponsors and financing banks. The 'experienced and highly specialized' team displays additional strength in management packages and governance. Olivier Diaz steers the practice and specialises in acquisitions, joint ventures, leveraged buyouts, and corporate restructurings. Additional key partners include the 'very experienced' Jean-François Louit, the 'pragmatic, efficient' Antoine de la Gatinais, and Caroline Lan, who demonstrates expertise in tax matters, as well as private equity transactions.
Responsables de la pratique:
Olivier Diaz
Autres avocats clés:
Jean-François Louit; Caroline Lan; Antoine de la Gatinais
Les références
‘Experienced and highly specialized team on topics related to management packages.’
‘Jean-François Louit and Caroline Lan are both senior and very experienced.’
‘Very ‘user-friendly’, excellent quality work, offers a complete service allowing you to benefit from the different expertise present within the firm.’
‘Antoine de la Gatinais – pragmatic, efficient, good relations with the various stakeholders, very available.’
‘Very close-knit Gide team that is one with the client’s team. With this approach we have a feeling of moving forward with our projects together.’
‘Caroline Lan stands out for her competence and interpersonal skills. She brings technique to a multitude of subjects and knows how to calm situations. This is very appreciable in M&A to process the file and prepare the merger of two companies.’
‘Very good team with very qualified partners who are involved in the deal until the end. Gide has succeeded in setting up a client-centric and multidisciplinary platform that is very effective in the execution of Private Equity/LBO deals.’
‘Caroline Lan: exceptional professional qualities, very strong work force, total involvement in her files with a deep understanding of the issues of the deal (economic, legal, tax) and an ability to go into the details of LBO models and business agreements, a real ability to find concrete solutions (some very innovative) and to find solutions to the most complex legal blockages, good negotiator, very educational with her clients with precision in the analyses and clarity in her recommendations. Probably the best lawyer I have ever had the chance to work with.’
Principaux clients
Groupe Bruxelles Lambert (GBL)
Primonial REIM
Worldine
April
Providence Equity Partners
Somfy
Meridiam
Primonial
TRAIL & Vendis Capital
B & Capital
Harvest
Exaion
Saverglass
Omnes Capital
Principaux dossiers
- Advised Groupe Bruxelles Lambert on the negotiation of a business combination of Webhelp, 61.5% owned by GBL, and US-based group Concentrix, listed on Nasdaq, creating a prominent global player in customer experience.
- Advised Primonial REIM on the acquisition of Icade’s stake in Icade Santé, a leading healthcare property company with a portfolio worth €6.9bn.
- Advised the management of the TSS business of Worldline in the context of its spin-off from the Worldline group.
Goodwin
Goodwin's 'efficient, fast, and pragmatic' team is often called upon by buyers, sellers, investors, equity sponsors, and senior management teams for its private equity expertise. Maxence Bloch steers the practice and handles litigation relating to equity financing and shareholder disputes, in addition to M&A and leveraged buyouts. Thomas Maitrejean majors on LBO transactions, working with domestic and international private equity funds.
Responsables de la pratique:
Maxence Bloch
Autres avocats clés:
Thomas Maitrejean
Les références
‘Efficient, fast, and pragmatic.’
Principaux clients
Armen
Azulis Capital
B & Capital
Capza
Cerea Partners
EMZ
Equistone
FCDE
Latour Capital Management
LFPI
Montefiore Investment
Parquest Capital
Sagard
Three Hills Capital Partners
Tikehau Capital
Principaux dossiers
- Advised a consortium of investors including IK Partners, Keensight Capital, Parquest Capital and GIC on the acquisition of the Unither group, a European pharmaceutical contract development and manufacturing organisation, from Ardian.
- Advised the sellers and the management of Sevetys, a veterinary services provider in France with a network of over 200 clinics throughout the country, on the sale of the group to Eurazeo.
- Advised Parquest on the acquisition of a stake in Imacam, CRP and I.Seris, three groups specialised in radiology and medical imaging in the area of Montpellier (France).
Hogan Lovells (Paris) LLP
The 'excellent' Hogan Lovells (Paris) LLP team handles mid-cap and large-cap transactions on behalf of sovereign wealth funds, private equity funds, institutional investors, strategic investors, and management teams. The practice is jointly directed by Stéphane Huten, who offers 'creativity, responsiveness, and negotiation skills' and focuses on private equity transactions and corporate governance matters. Leading alongside him, Matthieu Grollemund has notable experience in buyout transactions involving the tech and healthcare segments. Xavier Doumen is an additional name to note.
Responsables de la pratique:
Stéphane Huten; Matthieu Grollemund
Autres avocats clés:
Xavier Doumen; Ali Chegra
Les références
‘Excellent team capable of managing very complex files with excellent peace of mind.’
‘Stéphane Huten – excellent understanding of the issues, creativity, responsiveness, negotiation skills.’
‘Ali Chegra – rigour, attention to detail, ability to grasp and monitor all the aspects of a transaction.’
Principaux clients
Ambianta
Apax
Atomico
Auum
Azulis Capital
Arkea Capital
BNPP Développement
Socadif
MACSF
Bigblue
Blisce Advisors
BPI France
Bregale
Brut SAS
Calyxia
Capzanine
Cathay Capital Private Equity & Cathay Innovation
Chequers Capital
Chevrillon
Ciclad
Equinor Ventures
Eurazeo
Exotec
FCDE
Felix Capital
Five Elms Capital
GimV
Hi Inov
Homa Games
IDI
Idinvest Partners
Isai
Keensight
Korelya Capital
Latitude
Laurexa Capital Partners
Ledger
LFPI
Long Arc Capital
Montefiore
Naxicap
Northzone
Partech
Proovstation
Quilvest
Raise
Red River West
Seventure Partners
Siparex
TCI Fund Management
Tikehau
TowerBrook Capital Partners (U.K.) LLP
Trocadero Partners
Vade Secure
Verkor
Vestiaire Collective
Wendel SE
White Star Capital
Ÿnsect
Principaux dossiers
- Advised TowerBrook Capital Partners (U.K.) LLP on the acquisition of Inforpro.
- Represented Wendel in its exclusive negotiations to acquire the Scalian Group.
- Advised Maris and the founders on the sale of its majority stake in Equator Energy to a consortium of investors led by IBL Energy Holdings (IBL Energy) and STOA.
Jeausserand Audouard
The 'professional, complementary, and responsive team' at Jeausserand Audouard is highly specialised in the negotiation and structuring of LBO management packages. The group has additional expertise in tax, litigation, and M&A and is routinely called upon by management teams, founders and family investors. The practice is co-directed by five practitioners: Jérémie Jeausserand, Carole Degonse, Elodie Cavazza, Patrick Loiseau and Antoine Dufrane.
Responsables de la pratique:
Jérémie Jeausserand; Carole Degonse; Elodie Cavazza; Patrick Loiseau; Antoine Dufrane
Les références
‘Great proximity, a strong position to support managers, a very professional, complementary, and responsive team; Jérémie Jeausserand and Elodie Cavazza particularly stand out.’
Principaux clients
Partedis
Simago
Adit
Univet
Groupe LAF Sante
Nutrimuscle
Holweg Weber
Akiem
Vacanceslect Group
Mediascience
Senstronic
A2mac1
Clayens
Saur
Simpliciti
Myha Partners
Mazarine Groupe
Compagnie des Desserts
IH Groupe
Cine Digital
Groupe Irbis
Coriance
Principaux dossiers
- Advised the top management of A2MAC1 on their LBO.
- Advised the top management of CORIANCE on their LBO.
- Advised the top management of SAUR on their LBO.
Linklaters
The practice at Linklaters is frequently instructed by private equity houses seeking assistance with primary and secondary buyouts, restructurings, refinancings and consortium deals. Practice co-head Bruno Derieux specialises in public and private M&A, corporate governance issues, and buyouts, with particular experience in the infrastructure and energy segments. Alongside him, corporate all-rounder and 'exceptional talent' Florent Mazeron garners praise for his 'very strong legal and diplomatic skills'.
Responsables de la pratique:
Bruno Derieux; Florent Mazeron
Les références
‘Florent Mazeron is an exceptional talent. Very strong legal and diplomatic skills. He is much more than the lawyer accompanying you on the legal aspects of a deal. He is a true dealmaker.’
Principaux clients
ARDIAN
Caisse de dépôt et placement du Québec (CDPQ)
Carlyle
Cross-Border Impact Ventures (CBIV)
Cobepa
EIC Fund (European Innovation Council Fund)
EQT Infrastructure
Eurazeo
Extendam
InfraVia Capital Partners
Ivanhoé Cambridge
Kouros Investment
Marguerite
Montagu Private Equity
NW Storm
Peninsula Capital
Qatar Investment Authority
Tassec Investment Holdings Africa
TDR-led consortium
Vauban Infrastructure Partners
Principaux dossiers
- Advised a TDR-led consortium, the shareholders of LeasePlan, on its successful combination with ALD, Société Générale’s car leasing division, for €4.8bn.
- Advised Cobepa on the sale of Scalian Group, a leading European consulting firm in digital transformation, project management and operational performance to Wendel.
- Advised EQT Infrastructure on the acquisition of a majority stake in Trescal, a global leader in calibration laboratories.
Mayer Brown
The 'efficient, pragmatic' group at Mayer Brown frequently supports funds and managers with mid-cap deals and mandates relating to investments and leveraged financings. Practice head Guillaume Kuperfils specialises in advising investors on M&A, joint ventures, and offerings. Key partner Olivier Aubouin routinely advises private investment funds on acquisitions, sales, and strategic minority investments. Vincenzo Feldmann joined the group in November 2022. Gautier Elies and Emily Pennec departed in July and August 2023, respectively.
Responsables de la pratique:
Guillaume Kuperfils
Autres avocats clés:
Olivier Aubouin; Marine Ollive; Vincenzo Feldmann
Les références
‘Efficient, pragmatic and highly professional services. Complete range of skills (legal, tax, financing). Partners and collaborators are committed and passionate about their work.’
‘Team that has perfect knowledge of the LBO market, the conditions of the latest deals, and how to resolve certain specific difficulties through their extensive experience.’
‘Good quality team, attentive, available, knows how to do tailor-made work.’
‘Marine Ollive is a very good quality counsel with very strong potential.’
Principaux clients
21 Invest
Bridgepoint / Bridgepoint Development Capital
Eurazeo
Idi
Intermediate Capital Group (ICG)
Keensight Capital
LBO France
L Catterton
Marlin Equity Partners
Meanings Capital Partners
Montefiore Investment
Oaktree
Ophiliam Management / Funecap Groupe
Qualium Investissement
Raise
Sagard
UI Investissement
Principaux dossiers
- Advised Funecap Groupe and its management on a transaction over the capital of the group in the context of the reinvestment of all shareholders.
- Advised ICG on the sale to PAI Partners of its majority interests in Infra Group.
- Advised Keensight Capital on its majority investment in Nomios Group from IK Partners.
McDermott Will & Emery AARPI
McDermott Will & Emery AARPI's 'smart, friendly, multidisciplinary' practice specialises in advising investment funds on LBO operations, namely acquisitions, build-ups and disposals. The team also assists family shareholders with capital restructuring operations, management teams with LBO mandates and corporations with fundraising. A group of six practitioners co-direct, comprising: the 'highly professional' Grégoire Andrieux and Diana Hund; Henri Pieyre de Mandiargues, who is focused on advising management teams; and Fabrice Piollet, who handles the gamut of mid-cap transactions. Guillaume Kellner and Guillaume Panuel complete the leadership team.
Responsables de la pratique:
Grégoire Andrieux; Diana Hund; Henri Pieyre de Mandiargues; Fabrice Piollet; Guillaume Kellner; Guillaume Panuel
Les références
‘Dynamism, relevance, structuring, very good quality, it’s above its competitors.’
‘Diana Hund – dynamism, mobilization.’
‘Smart, friendly, multidisciplinary, recognized.’
‘Diana Hund and Grégoire Andrieux – both highly professional, get along well with the management teams.’
Principaux clients
Abénex
Ardian
Five Arrows Principal
Bpifrance Investissement
Fabernovel
Chequers Capital
Montefiore Investment
Siparex
Zenchef
Andera Partners
Groupe Finoli
G Square
MBO & Co
Amundi Private Equity Funds
Arkéa
Capza
Luxempart
Treo NOAL GP Sarl (formerly BRG)
MML Capital Partners
Nov Santé Actions Non Cotées fund (managed by Eurazeo)
Fabernovel
Principaux dossiers
- Advised Five Arrows Principal Investments, the European corporate private equity business of Rothschild Merchant Banking, on entering into exclusivity negotiations with Quilvest Capital Partners and IK Partners to acquire a majority stake in Groupe EDH.
- Advised Capza, an established European private investment platform focused on small and mid cap companies, on the acquisition of Adone Conseil.
- Advised Nov Santé Actions Non Cotées fund, which is managed by Eurazeo and is dedicated to the development of healthcare in France, in connection with its minority investment in the Imapôle, a medical imaging group.
Paul Hastings LLP
Paul Hastings LLP's group is well-equipped to handle buyout transactions ranging from mid to large-cap, and has expertise in acquisition finance, restructuring, and tax structuring. Olivier Deren steers the team and frequently advises private equity funds and managers on LBO transactions, in addition to advising portfolio companies on growth strategies and reorganisations. Arthur de Baudry d’Asson specialises in public-to-private deals, while Sébastien Crepy garners client praise for his 'excellent professional qualities'.
Responsables de la pratique:
Olivier Deren
Les références
‘Very high-quality team, extremely responsive and professional. The work is really very accomplished. Great sense of anticipation, and ability to put oneself in the customer’s shoes. At the cutting edge on all technological topics such as invoicing and remote signing.’
‘Sébastien Crepy is a lawyer of very high technical quality – he knows how to adapt to situations to streamline exchanges and achieve a deal. Excellent relationships also, including with the managers we support, which is very appreciable.’
‘The team is very present in the LBO segment, very innovative, proactive and business-driven. The quality and availability of the teams is incomparable on the market. The Paul Hastings team is a true partner in the structuring and deal making of many of our transactions. ’
Principaux clients
21 Invest
Abry Partners
Amundi Private Equity Fund
Andera Partners
Arkéa Capital
Astorg
B & Capital
BNP Paribas Développement
Bpifrance
Capza
EMZ Partners
EQT
Equistone
Eurazeo
FCDE
Five Arrows Principal Investment
Francisco Partners
Gimv
IK Partners
Insight Partners
Intermediate Capital Group (ICG)
ISAI
Keensight Capital
Keysight
LFPI
LGT Capital
Mérieux Equity Partners
MML Capital
Montefiore Investment
Morgan Stanley Infrastructure Partners
Mubadala Capital
Providence Equity Partners
Qualium Investissement
RAISE Investissement
Sagard NewGen
Siparex
SOCADIF
Société Générale Capital Partenaires
Symphony Technology Group
Tikehau Capital
Turenne Capital
Wendel
Principaux dossiers
- Advised Five Arrows Principal Investment (FAPI) on the sale of A2MAC1, in the context of an LBO structured by Providence Equity Partners.
- Advised Providence Equity Partners in connection with its investment in Marlink.
- Advised Keensight Capital in connection with the LBO of Unither Pharmaceuticals, a consortium composed of GIC, Keensight Capital, IK Partners and Parquest.
Scotto Partners
The 'excellent, hyper-dedicated' practice at Scotto Partners is a strong choice for managers and executives seeking advice on management packages. The group is equipped to handle mid to large-cap transactions and has additional capabilities in M&A, corporate, employment, and tax matters. Six partners co-direct the team: Lionel Scotto le Massese, Claire Revol-Renié, and Adrien Badelon major on advising senior management on private equity transactions; Isabelle Cheradame is singled out by one client for her 'rigour, availability, and involvement'; and Jérôme Commerçon and Emilie Renaud focus on tax.
Responsables de la pratique:
Lionel Scotto le Massese; Claire Revol-Renié; Isabelle Cheradame; Adrien Badelon; Jérôme Commerçon; Emilie Renaud
Les références
‘Excellent practice, hyper-dedicated to its clients.’
‘Isabelle Cheradame is noted for her rigour, availability, involvement and seriousness.’
Principaux clients
Diot-Siaci
Greenyellow
Calderys (Imerys HTS division)
Arkopharma
Linxis
Kiloutou
MailinBlack
Indigo
Lapeyre
Doctrine
Babcock Wanson
LFDE
Courir
+Simple
White & Case LLP
White & Case LLP routinely advises private equity houses, alternative capital providers, credit and sovereign wealth funds on primary and secondary LBOs, venture capital and growth investments, fundraising, and debt restructuring. The team collaborates closely with colleagues in the firm's M&A, finance, capital markets, tax, and employment groups. Saam Golshani steers the practice and has particular experience advising clients on private equity transactions involving the tech segment. Nathalie Nègre-Eveillard and Xavier Petet are additional key contacts.
Responsables de la pratique:
Saam Golshani
Principaux clients
Eurazeo
Cathay Capital
Macquarie Capital
Tikehau Capital
Carlyle
Cube Infrastructure Managers
Caisse des Dépots et Consignations (CDC)
Caisse de dépôt et placement du Québec (CDPQ)
Bpifrance
Omnes Capital
Mérieux Equity Partners
Qualitas Equity Partners (Qualitas Energy)
FCDE
Mazarine Group
LFPI Gestion
Softbank
Revaia
CVC Capital
Oaktree Capital
Goldman Sachs
Sienna Capital
Principaux dossiers
- Advised Freo and Cheyne Capital on the acquisition of Confiance.
- Advised Mazarine Group and its founder in connection with the investments of LBO France, FG Bros and another private equity fund in its capital.
- Advised Carlyle, acting through Telis Energy, on its investment in Terapolis, a France-based renewable energy company, with Terapolis’ founder, Carole Descroix, to develop renewable energy projects in France.
Ashurst LLP
Responsables de la pratique:
Noam Ankri; François Hellot; Anne Reffay
Principaux clients
Dyal Capital Partners
Sun Capital Partners
Blackrock
CBRE
Caravelle
Klee Group
Mrs Karin Sartorius Herbst
Merieux Equity Partners
Creadev
Certares
Agilitas Private Equity
Arcapita
Axioma
73 Strings
Safran Corporate Venture
Oxford Properties
Principaux dossiers
- Advised Caravelle in connection with opening the share capital of its majority-owned subsidiary Kestrel Vision to a minority investment in equity and quasi equity by a Luxembourg-based investor.
- Advised an affiliate of Sun Capital Partners LLP on the sale of C&K Holdings Inc., a manufacturer of high quality electromechanical switches to Littelfuse Inc. for $540m.
- Advised Kasada Hospitality Fund LP on its acquisition of the Lamantin Beach Hotel, a first class hotel in Dakar, Senegal.
August Debouzy
Responsables de la pratique:
Julien Aucomte; Julien Wagmann
Autres avocats clés:
Etienne Mathey
Les références
‘August Debouzy is truly exceptional. Their client-centered approach, cutting-edge technology and outstanding track record set them apart from the rest. Highly recommended for anyone in need of legal assistance.’
‘The individuals I work with at August Debouzy are truly exceptional. Their expertise, dedication, and collaborative spirit set them apart from competitors. I’ve particularly valued the guidance and insights provided by Julien Wagmann, which have been instrumental in achieving our goals.’
Principaux clients
I Squared Capital
Cathay capital
Kohlberg Kravis Roberts & Co. Partners LLP (KKR)
Meridiam
Infravia capital partners
IK Partners
Argos Wityu
Raise investissement
Capzanine
Creadev
Cleary Gottlieb Steen & Hamilton
Responsables de la pratique:
Charles Masson
Les références
‘The Cleary team has no equivalent on the market for its ability to handle the most complex and difficult transactions requiring creativity.’
‘I have been working with Charles Masson for several years. He is the best lawyer and one of the smartest men I have ever worked with. What impresses me the most is his ability to cover all the topics and all the details, without ever having any blind spots. 100% secure.’
Principaux clients
Sixth Street
Apollo
NVHL
Bridgepoint
Sienna Capital
Latour Capital
De Agostini
Cerberus
CGF Bourse
Principaux dossiers
- Assisted Sixth Street with its €260.8m investment in Series F shares issued by Content Square S.A.S. (Contentsquare).
- Assisted the investment funds managed by affiliates of Apollo (Apollo Funds) in the proposed acquisition and acquisition financing of the Terminals, Solutions & Services (TSS) business line from Worldline.
- Assisted Latour Capital with its acquisition of Gutor from Schneider Electric SE (Schneider Electric).
De Pardieu Brocas Maffei
Les références
‘High-performance team with a complete offering for an LBO transaction. Team among the very best on the mid-cap market at a lower price than other firms. Team at the forefront of recent developments in arrangements in terms of structuring. Finally, their colleagues located elsewhere in Europe are also first-rate.’
‘Humility. Simplicity. Efficiency’
‘Cedric Chanas is an exceptional lawyer who knows how to navigate complicated environments with energy and a smile.’
Principaux clients
Elyan
Arkea
Gimv
Initiative & Finance
Emz Partners
Exor
Mbo & Co
Ui Investissement
21 Invest
Credit Mutuel Equity
Dentressangle
Cathay Capital Private Equity
Eiffel Investment Group
BNP Paribas Developpement
Five Arrows
Kartesia
Mubadala Capital
Société Générale Capital Partenaire
Florac Investissement
Siparex
Raise Investissement
Meanings Capital Partners
Indigo Capital
Credit Agricole
Ergon Capital
Principaux dossiers
- Advised Cédric Varasteh, founder and partner of EuroTechnoCom group (ETC), front line supplier specialising in telecommunication and technology facilities, in connection with the acquisition by Cinven of a majority stake in ETC’s share capital.
- Advised Exor N.V., a holding company controlled by the Agnelli family, heirs of the founder of Fiat, and shareholders of Ferrari, Stellantis and PartnerRe, on the signing of a long-term partnership with Institut Mérieux, which specialises in global health, under the terms of which Exor will acquire, through a capital increase, a 10% stake in Institut Mérieux for an investment of €833m.
- Advised EMZ Partners on the sale of its stake in Onet Group, an international player in engineering and services.
DLA Piper
Responsables de la pratique:
Sarmad Haidar; Simon Charbit
Autres avocats clés:
Thomas Priolet
Les références
‘Thomas Priolet has a sense of customer service, is very commercial when necessary and masters the most complex technical issues.’
Principaux clients
Mérieux Equity Partners
Vauban Infrastructure
MML Capital Partners
Symphony Technology Group
Cube Infrastructure Partners
LBO France
Cathay Capital Private Equity
Metric Capital Partners
Tikehau Capital
Eurazeo
Circet management
21 Partners
Newfund
Sun Capital Partners
Summa Equity
Keensight Capital
The Carlyle Group
Dentressangle
Meanings Capital Partners
IDI
Chevrillon
HY 24
ID Logistics
Principaux dossiers
- Advised Vauban Infrastructure Partners in the context of the exit of FGP MidCo Limited (Funds Asterion) from Financière Groupe Proxiserve.
- Advised Mérieux Equity Partners in the context of the acquisition of a minority stake in Janvier Labs group, followed by the refinancing and the implementation of a new debt at the level of the group.
- Advised MML Capital on its investment in the Arηs Group, alongside the founders and managers of the group, through a leverage primary buy-out transaction.
Franklin
Responsables de la pratique:
Yam Atallah; Alexandre Marque
Autres avocats clés:
Lionel Lesur; Laura-Isabelle Danet; Jacques Mestoudjian
Les références
‘The team is solid and competent. Fast and clear.’
‘Very agile team and very focused on the specific issues of its clients, beyond the deal itself. Real relationship-building approach with a desire to help.’
‘Multi-disciplinary, committed, reliable, responsive and of good quality for intermediate-sized M&A files or legal due diligence. Quality service provided.’
‘Lionel Lesur – good perspective, ability to find solutions to problems, does not hesitate to give an opinion.’
‘Laura-Isabelle Danet – responsive, hardworking, systematic, does not forget anything, reliable, rigorous.’
Principaux clients
Addinsoft
Altice
Biotech Investissement
Créations Fusalp
EFESO Consulting
Eurazeo
Groupe Magellim
Guémas
Perseus
Perwyn
Sagard
TKH Group NV
Tikehau Investment Management (ex-Tikehau Ace Capital)
Turenne Invest
Principaux dossiers
- Advised Perwyn on the acquisition of the business from Tikehau Capital and Montefiore de Cruiseline.
- Advised the owners and managers of insurance broker Guémas on the two-stage sale of their interests in three separate insurance brokerage companies to a holding company controlled by Naxicap.
- Advised TKH Group NV on an exclusivity agreement in favour of the European investment fund Argos Wityu for the disposal, by way of an LBO, of all the shares in TKH France.
Gibson Dunn
Responsables de la pratique:
Bernard Grinspan; Ariel Harroch
Les références
‘Perfect mastery of files. Great competence, permanent availability.’
‘The team is excellent from top down. They have a great knowledge of the market and all the relevant players. They give great, commercial advice, and are capable of assisting us in problem-solving.’
‘Bernard Grinspan is excellent and his mastery of French law and the entertainment industry was impressive. He gave us great service!’
Principaux clients
Platinum Equity Advisors
Brookfield
KKR
The Carlyle Group
Veritas Capital
Bpifrance Investissement
Stirling Square Capital Partners
Kartesia
Mutares
Tikehau Ace Capital
HOCHE AVOCATS
Responsables de la pratique:
Jean-Luc Blein; Marie Peyrega; Didier Fornoni
Principaux dossiers
- Advised Meanings Capital Partners on the acquisition of the majority stake in Jems Group.
- Advised Derichebourg Group on the transfer of Derichebourg Multiservices to Elior Group.
Jeantet
Responsables de la pratique:
Philippe Matignon; Pascal Georges
Autres avocats clés:
Maxime Brotz
Les références
‘Highly competent within field of expertise. Actively taking part in negotiations and solutions in difficult transaction and structures. ’
‘Negotiation skills. Reading the positions and develop compromises. Legally technically strong.’
‘It is a multidisciplinary team, which brings together experts in many fields, who can be mobilized quickly. Very proactive team in processing files, great stability of contacts, adaptability and availability.’
Principaux clients
Argos Wityu
LBO France
DZETA Conseil
Turenne Capital
Five Arrows Principal Investments
Omnes Capital
Bridgepoint Development Capital
Apollo Global Management
Otium Capital
Conquest
2° Investing Initiative
Tikehau Investment Management
Principaux dossiers
- Advised Apollo Global Management on the signing of a final agreement for a €500m investment in a subsidiary of Air France-KLM.
- Advised Bridgepoint Development Capital on the French aspects of the acquisition of a majority stake in the share capital of Analysys Mason from Datatech.
- Advised LBO France in connection with the entry into exclusive negotiations with Groupe HLD for the sale of its majority interest in Infodis, Entreprise des Services Numériques.
LL Berg
Responsables de la pratique:
Olivier Abergel; Gaëlle Quillivic
Autres avocats clés:
Julien Caracosca
Les références
‘Very great rigour and commitment. Formidable agility.’
‘Olivier Abergel: excellent understanding of deals, unparalleled negotiation skills, excellent interpersonal skills. Gaëlle Quillivic: great technical skills, excellent understanding of dynamics, total commitment to her clients.’
‘Olivier Abergel – extraordinary leader, ability to orchestrate and mobilize his teams, great tactical sense on deals, real commercial sense, references on impressive deals. Gaelle Quillivic – ultra efficient, very structured, capable of taking deals very far, great strength. Julien Caracosca – in-depth technical expertise, commercial sense, particularly with younger generations of entrepreneurs.’
‘Olivier Abergel stands out for his holistic view of files with an ability to focus on key points. Gaëlle Quilivic is a formidable negotiator with an eye for detail.’
‘The LL Berg team stands out from competitors by its strong knowledge of its clients’ businesses, its responsiveness and its ability to involve all the skills necessary for the success of the project from the start of the project.’
‘All members of the team are excellent lawyers and their strength comes in particular from their ability to work together and bring together other professionals around them.’
‘Complete, responsive, professional. Simple, direct and above all very pragmatic relationship.’
‘The team is very professional, very committed and innovative in its approach.’
Principaux clients
Mon Véto
Mademoiselle Desserts
Cambon Partners
123 Investment Managers
Globeducate
Providence Equity Partners
Idico
FCDE
Enalia
Principaux dossiers
- Advised Mon Veto on the investment of Ardian in Mon Veto’s share capital.
- Advised Mon Veto on Barings’ unitranche investment of €200m following the unitranche lender’s financing of Mon Veto’s debt last year.
- Advised 123 Investment Managers, a private investment house managing €1.3bn assets, on its cumulated investment of €100m in a pharmaceutical group comprising 100 pharmacies.
Mermoz Avocats
Responsables de la pratique:
Thomas Hermetet; Gilles Roux; Tristan Segonds
Les références
‘Availability, clarity of explanations, good quality.’
Principaux clients
Amundi Private Equity Funds
Andera Acto
Andera Partners
Apax Partners (Now Named Seven2)
Banque Populaire|Cic, Credit Agricole Societe Generale
B&Capital
Bnp Paribas Développement
Bpi
Ciclad
Docoon
Eurazeo
Idico (Ex Omnes Capital)
Isai
Momentum Invest
New Alpha
Nci
Ouest Croissance
Pictet
Pinson Paysages
Seven2 (Ex Apax Partners)
Siparex
Unigrains
Principaux dossiers
- Advised Amundi on its investment in ADIT’s capital, enabling it to become one of the group’s main shareholders alongside Bpifrance, Parquest and Amundi.
- Advised lender Banque Populaire du Nord in the LBO of Juliette Has a Gun (perfumes), led by Cathay Capital and Weinberg Capital Partners.
- Advised Omnes Capital on its acquisition of a stake in Eclairion, the first containerised supercomputer hosting centre in Europe.
Moncey Avocats
Responsables de la pratique:
Guillaume Giuliani
Les références
‘Friendly, pragmatic team that delivers!’
Principaux clients
Seven2
Capza
EMZ Partners
Andera Partners
Raise
Quilvest Capital Partners
IK Partners
Trajan Capital
MBO+
Cerea Partners
Sparring Capital
Activa Capital
Trocadero Capital Partners
B & Capital
21 Invest France
M80 Partners
Perwyn
Turenne Group
Principaux dossiers
- Assisted E.C.F. Group and its managers, in exclusive negotiations with PAI Partners for the sale of a majority stake (LBO) by Naxicap Partners and Weinberg Capital Partners.
- Assisted EMZ Partners in its c. €300m acquisition of Clubfunding Group.
- Assisted Rougnon Group’s founders and managers in the acquisition of a stake by Chevrillon Group.
Orrick
Responsables de la pratique:
Patrick Tardivy; Olivier Jouffroy
Autres avocats clés:
Marine Jamain
Les références
‘Marine Jamain is very responsive and professional.’
Principaux clients
3i Group
Almaviva Capital (a Wren House portfolio company)
Antin Infrastructure Partners
Aptean (a portfolio company of TA Associates)
Ardian Infrastructure
Axa Investment Managers
CNP Assurances
DIF Capital Partners
EDF Invest
Eurofiber (a portfolio company of Antin)
Impax Asset Management
NXMH
Pasqal
Proximis
Safran
Saur (a portfolio company of EQT)
Société d’investissement Bastide – SIB
Société Générale
Stokke AS (a portfolio company of NXMH)
Sunfunder
Principaux dossiers
- Advised Ardian Infrastructure on the acquisition of a majority stake in the capital of GreenYellow from French mass-market retail giant Groupe Casino, Tikehau Capital and Bpifrance.
- Advised EDF Invest on its acquisition of a 27% stake in US datacentre operator DataBank alongside co-investor Swiss Life AM.
- Advised Antin Infrastructure Partners, a France based private equity firm, on its acquisition of a controlling stake and further investments in Power Dot, a Portugal based EV charging infrastructure operator.
Archers A.A.R.P.I.
Autres avocats clés:
Mark Richardson; Kamal Naffi; Marc Baffreau; Emily Pabot du Chatelard
Les références
‘Professionalism, flexibility, customer service.’
‘The team showed great knowledge when supporting our capital operations. Here I am talking about great expertise to defend our interests, but also responsiveness to find suitable solutions for all parties.’
‘Very good brand image on the market; reputation and experience; tailored support by a small and integrated team with cross-functional skills. Very professional and structured support.’
‘Kamal Naffi – very high technical skills and in-depth knowledge of the actors of this type of operation and their constraints; strength of proposal and innovation; excellent interpersonal skills for negotiation.’
Principaux clients
Abenex
Amundi
Capza
Sagard
Francisco Partners
Quilvest
Trocadero Capital Partners
Capsule Technologies
11 Strat Management Team
Naxicap
Yellow Wood Partners
Talan
Sumeru Equity Partners
MiiMosa
Private Corner Management
Omnes Capital
Bersay
Responsables de la pratique:
Jérôme Bersay; Pauline Darmon; Anya Hristova; Pierre-Louis Périn
Principaux clients
Perspecteev
Frédéric Jousset / Quadia
METabolic Explorer
EureKARE
3.6.2 Participations
Entrepreneur Invest
Quadient
Principaux dossiers
- Assisted Entrepreneur Invest in the MBO of CEMOM, a French-Polish group specialised in the production and distribution of door and window hinges.
- Advised the 3.6.2 Participations fund on its acquisition of Garella Mode & Design.
- Assisted Quadient with the divestiture of one of its business units – Shipping Technology Products – to some of its managers through a MBO.
Bignon Lebray
Principaux clients
Tikamoon
Rabot Dutilleul
Rodricap
Principaux dossiers
- Advised Tikamoon on its acquisition by the LFPI group.
- Advised RABOT DUTILLEUL, an independent family-owned construction group, on its €6m fund-raising from four investors in the Hauts-de-France region.
D'Ornano + Co.
Responsables de la pratique:
Raphaëlle d’Ornano
Les références
‘Raphaelle d’Ornano – innovation, involvement, listening, creativity, rigour.’
Principaux clients
Bridgepoint
MML Capital
Marlin Equity Partners
Keensight Capital
Montagu
The Carlyle Group
Montefiore Investment
Sagard
Activa Capital
Sagard
Principaux dossiers
- Advised Stanley Capital on its buyout operation on Laboratoire X.O.
- Advised Keensight Capital on its buyout operation on Lisam Systems.
- Advised Meanings Capital Partners on its buyout operation on Kaliti.
Dentons
Responsables de la pratique:
Olivia Guéguen
Autres avocats clés:
Caroline Pucel; Pierre-Marie Gallo
Les références
‘Very responsive, excellent support for clients. Caroline Pucel did an excellent job.’
‘Competent team in both M&A and pure corporate support. Good customer service and responsiveness.’
‘Olivia Gueguen has a good understanding of business issues and is a dealmaker who defends the interests of her clients. She has a good team around her including Pierre-Marie Gallo.’
Principaux clients
The partners of Financière Desselligny
Uptoo
Pechel / Sparring Capital
Abenex
Alpha Private Equity
Essling Capital
Gilde Healthcare
KKR
Neo Investment Partners
Vauban Infrastructure Partners
Principaux dossiers
- Advised Uptoo and its founders, Didier and Marie Perraudin, in the context of an owner buy out (OBO) led by private equity house Ardian.
- Advised Neo Investment Partners, founder Pierre Marcolini, as well as the management, on the sale of chocolatier Pierre Marcolini.
- Advised Pechel on the sale (via a secondary LBO and a share deal) of Financière Java, a service provider for data-driven companies to Meanings Capital Partners.
FIDAL
Responsables de la pratique:
Sabrina Bol
Principaux clients
Energy Pool Developpement
Glass Invest
Faguo
Siparex
Bioswell
Unexo
Idia Capital Investissement T
Bnp Developpement
Principaux dossiers
- Advised Energy Pool Developpement and its founders in the context of an LBO.
- Advised Faguo, B Corp certified eco-responsible clothing and footwear retailer, and its founders, in the context of an LBO.
- Advised Bioswell on the creation of an integrated group between 3 companies.
Fieldfisher
Autres avocats clés:
Pascal Squercioni; Jean-Baptiste Van de Voorde; Philippe Netto
Les références
‘Availability, high quality support, pragmatism, diplomacy.’
‘Pascal Squercioni – always provides good advice, knows how to build excellent links with all stakeholders.’
Principaux clients
Aerophile
Biogest Invest
Vivalto Partners
Swen Capital Partners
HIVEST Capital
Crédit Mutuel Equity
123 IM
Idia Capital Investissement
FTPA
Responsables de la pratique:
Nathalie Younan
Autres avocats clés:
Charles-Philippe Letellier; François-Xavier Beauvisage
Principaux clients
Noema Pharma
Groupe Monplaisir
Amavi Capital
NextStage AM
Iris Galerie
Pennylane
Dilitrust
Principaux dossiers
- Advised Amavi in the context of its investment in Check & Visit.
- Advised NextStage AM and Sodero Gestion on their investment in Faguo.
- Advised Noema Pharma on the French aspects of its oversubscribed Series B financing round.
Joffe & Associés
Responsables de la pratique:
Virginie Belle; Aymeric Degremont; Christophe Joffe; Thomas Saltiel; Romain Soiron
Principaux clients
Gpg Granit
Groupe Pilocap / Capital Croissance
Groupe Zephyr
Bpi France
Glass Partner Solutions
Automatique & Industrie (Ai)
Numworks
Irbis Group
Hygie 31 / Eslker Group
Arj / Socadif
Be Spline / Adamson Systems Engineering
Fogale Sensors
Itfacto
Nextstage
Avignon Ceramic
Aktid
Principaux dossiers
- Advised the Irbis group on a primary LBO alongside IK Partners as minority shareholder, Nextage AM and Matignon Investissement et Gestion, the historical shareholders.
- Advised the investors (Capital Croissance, Sofimac and Adaxtra) in the context of the LBO of Pilocap Group, a specialist in professional training in the fields of security and logistics.
King & Spalding LLP
Responsables de la pratique:
Laurent Bensaid
Principaux clients
Montefiore Investments
Cathay Capital Partners
Almerys
Blackfin Capital Partners
EMZ
Ardian
Spie batignolles
KPMG Avocats, France
Responsables de la pratique:
Franck Bernauer; Delphine Capelli; Jean-Etienne Chatelon; Albane Egliner; Sophie Fournier-Dedoyard; Mathieu Gautier; Xavier Houard; Audrey-Laure Illouz; Vincent Lacombe; Xavier Lemarechal; David Lucas; Olivier Masi; Laurence Mazevet; Florence Olivier; Benoît Roucher; Jérôme Talleux
Principaux clients
IK Partners
Isai
Charterhouse
Siparex
MyFlower
Wendel
Latour Capital
Emeraude Solaire
Arkea Capital
Pur Project
Abenex
Arkéa Capital
Florac/Peninsula
Infravia
Geneo Capital Entrepreneur
Macquarie Asset Management
NCI
Opleo Avocats
Responsables de la pratique:
Pierre-Olivier Bernard; Antoine Degorce
Les références
‘Pierre-Olivier Bernard is fast and effective.’
‘Good background and experience on relevant management packages. Very good level of associates.’
Piotraut Giné Avocats (PGA)
Responsables de la pratique:
Raphaël Piotraut; François Giné
Autres avocats clés:
Suzanne de Carvalho; Gabriel Percevaut
Les références
‘The team’s members demonstrated availability, responsiveness and pugnacity. They were able to navigate independently but keep our attention on essential subjects’
‘Raphael Piotraut, Suzanne de Carvalho, and Gabriel Percevaut – responsive, competent, proactive, dealmakers.’
‘Team that listens and takes your comments into account.’
Principaux clients
Paillard
Andera
Manymore
Sfeir
Apsim Groupe
Digisap
Hubvisory
Size Factory
Teolia
Novepan
Momentum / Digital Prod
Vendome Investissement Conseil
Orchestra (Travel Compositor)
Novexa
CIMG
Splashr
Hillstone
Principaux dossiers
- Advised Andera (Actomezz) on the acquisition via LBO of Auris Gestion.
- Advised Digisap’s founder on the LBO transaction realised with Naxicap.
- Advised Teolia’s founders on the LBO transaction realised with Adaxtra.
Racine
Responsables de la pratique:
Marie Pouget
Autres avocats clés:
Linda Bessa
Les références
‘Superb private equity team.’
‘Team that masters the legal and technical aspects of LBO operations.’
‘Marie Pouget is a very good professional, very available and endowed with strong technical qualities.’
‘Excellent PE / LBO team, with a great level of involvement at all levels of the hierarchy, in a well-established full services independent firm.’
‘Marie Pouget is an outstanding negotiator who is able to create consensus. She is proactive, reliable, innovative and a very smart and committed deal-maker.’
‘Marie Pouget’s team: very efficient, with perfect interaction and mastery of the subjects. Files are handled with rigor and fluidity.’
‘A top-notch team which handles complex transactions including complex equity and debt financing transactions with cross-border aspects. Marie Pouget and her team deliver top quality services and succeeded in quickly breaking through in the French private equity market. ’
‘Marie Pouget is creative, reliable, technical, business driven and quite good at negotiating. She is an easygoing person, including when it comes to work under high pressure.’
Principaux clients
Five Arrows
Isatis Capital
Groupe HLD
TowerBrook Capital Partners
Demeter Investment Managers
Bridgepoint Capital Development
Abenex Capital
Andera Partners
Principaux dossiers
- Advised TowerBrook Capital Partners on a leverage recapitalisation transaction by Sabena Technics Participation.
- Advised Five Arrows Sustainable Investments on a secondary leveraged buyout (LBO) transaction on Financière Canella (SMRD-BAT 92’s and Harmonie’s holding) involving Andera Partners.
- Advised Senef Soft, its founders, and its management team on the acquisition of a minority stake in the client by Isatis Capital—an independent private equity firm specialising in small and medium-sized enterprises (SME) financing – accompanied with a cash-out by the founders.
Sekri Valentin Zerrouk
Responsables de la pratique:
Franck Sekri; Géraud de Franclieu; Pierre-Emmanuel Chevalier; Antoine Haï; Olivier Legrand; Oscar Da Silva
Principaux clients
Ba&sh
The Zouari Family
Geneo Capital Entrepreneur
Izipizi
Zenith Capital
Nijkerk Group
BK Consulting
Turenne Groupe
Valtus
A.P.C.
Zeway
Solcera
Qima
Seven2 Development (formerly know as Apax Partners)
Amundi Private Equity
Chequers Capital
Leader Group / Geneo Capital Entrepreneur
MMS
Principaux dossiers
- Assisted the management of fashion brand ba&sh in its LBO led by HLD fund.
- Advised the Zouari family on its acquisition of Stokomani.
- Advised QIMA, a leading provider of supply chain compliance solutions, in connection with the acquisition of a minority interest in CDPQ (Caisse de Dépôt et Placement du Quebec).
Spark Avocats
Responsables de la pratique:
Ariane Oliver; Mathieu Ducceschi; Florian Mayor
Les références
‘Versatile and rather open to new approaches and new technology.’
‘Ariane Oliver: unique combination of legal expertise and detailed understanding of business issues and the psychology and needs of stakeholders.’
‘Mathieu Ducceschi: defense of client interests, flexibility and creativity.’
‘Ariane Oliver – intelligent and pragmatic.’
Principaux clients
SELFEE
Constructions Babcock Services
Actionnaires Keyboss Grou
RNI Conseil
Data Legal Drive
Aveine
Metron
Buyco
SDEC GROUP
Ixo engineering
December Digital
Mors Transmission
Zimmermann St Barths
Stella Maris Equity
Albert
Sillage Transmission
Eliasun
Inovaloreg
Berceau des Rois
Primus Transmission and Actibio|
Principaux dossiers
- Advised Selfee on the negotiation and drafting of the documentation relating to the €11m capital increase.
- Advised December Digital on the acquisition of the group Cliken Web.
- Advised the founder and shareholders of the company RNI CONSEIL, on the sale of the 100% of the share capital of the company to ProductLifeGroup.
Stephenson Harwood
Responsables de la pratique:
Clotilde Billat; Guillaume Briant
Principaux clients
EasyVista and its shareholders Eurazeo and Cathay Capital
Joint Partner
Creadev International
Andera Partners
Trocadero Capital Partners
Access Capital Partners
Renaissance Fusion
Mirova
Altitude
Bienprevoir.fr – Primaliance
Arkéa Banque Entreprises & Institutionnels
Groupe Pegase
DMS GROUP
Principaux dossiers
- Advised Andera Croissance and Trocadero Capital Partners, as well as the Pégase Group, in the context of its first external growth operation to acquire Aléo Group.
- Advised Renaissance Fusion in the context of its €15m fundraising.
- Advised Mirova in the context of a fundraising of €32m carried out by Naïo Technologies.
Veil Jourde
Responsables de la pratique:
Géraud Saint Guilhem; Laurent Jobert
Principaux clients
LFPI
Idia
Socadif
Perceva Capital
Sofilaro
Bpifrance
Latour Capital
Trail
MBO &Co
Carvest
CDC (Caisse des dépôts et consignations)
UI Investissement
LVMH Luxury Ventures (LLV)
Principaux dossiers
- Advised LFPI on the acquisition by LBO of IFOP, bought from Dentressangle.
- Advised Cosmobilis on the complex acquisition of 100% of the share capital of Bee2Link from Bridgepoint funds, managers and shareholders, with a reinvestment of managers.
- Advised Equancy’s founders on the sale to European Digital Group.
Winston & Strawn LLP
Responsables de la pratique:
Grine Lahreche
Autres avocats clés:
Audrey Szultz; Thomas Pulcini; Ariane Berthoud
Les références
‘Grine Lahreche stands out for his commitment to his clients, availability and ability to adapt to customer needs and innovate to meet them. He is also an excellent negotiator. Audrey Szultz – rigour, ability to deliver – very high quality service.’
‘Expertise, availability, quality of advice and support.’
‘The entire team I dealt with was excellent in their area of expertise, monitoring and coordination: Grine Lahreche, Audrey Szultz, Thomas Pulcini.’
‘Proximity with customers, responsiveness, quality of relationship. Situational intelligence, market knowledge. Ability to find creative solutions and compromises.’
‘The team stood out for its technicality and professionalism. In particular, the team showed great availability throughout a difficult process.’
‘Grine Lahreche led the project with great professionalism. He showed a particularly keen understanding of the issues and forces involved. With great finesse, he knew how to defend the interests of our clients from start to finish.’
‘Very detailed knowledge of the French private equity market and great mastery of files.’
‘Professionalism and availability. Very good knowledge of the health sector.’
Principaux clients
123 Investment Managers
21 Invest France
Albarest Partners
Andera Partners
Apax Partners/Crystal Holding
Aqua Asset Management
Ardian Growth
Ardian Private Debt
Ardian Private Equity
Biofutur
Bpifrance
CAPZA
Eurazeo Direct Lending
H.I.G. Capital Partners
IK Partners
Indigo Capital
Initiative & Finance
ISAI
Keensight Capital
LBO France
MBO & Co
Muzinich French Private Debt
Omnes Capital (IdiCo)
Pléiade Investissement
Questel International
Quilvest Capital Partners
S2G Advisors llc
Siparex
Syparex Intermezzo
Telemos Capital
Principaux dossiers
- Advised CAPZA on the sale of its entire stake in Coutot-Roehrig, the largest probate research company in Europe.
- Advised Keensight Capital on the acquisition of a majority stake in BYG4lab, a leading data management software for medical laboratories.
- Advised the management team of the Milexia Group on the acquisition of a majority stake by Crédit Mutuel Equity.
YARDS
Responsables de la pratique:
Igor Doumenc; Jean-Philippe Jacob
Les références
‘Efficient, constructive and always available team.’
‘Igor Doumenc and Julien Brouwer: listening skills, pragmatic professional and quality of advice.’
Principaux clients
NextStage
Oasys & Cie
Esktend
Weinberg Capital Partners
BlaBlaCar
Malt
Back Market
Alantra International Corporate Advisory
Natixis Investment Manager
Peninsular Capital
Montaner Pietrini Distribution
Aquila Asset Management
Herbarom Group
Newen Studios
Flowdesk
Coinhouse
XAnge
Enowe
Proxistore
Mithril Security
Conquest
Nalo