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A&O Shearman traces its history to May 2024, when it was formed through the merger of two distinguished firms, Allen & Overy and Shearman & Sterling. The firm's team in France comprises more than 150 lawyers qualified in French, English, and US law and is led by managing partner Julien Roux, a highly regarded practitioner in the market. The team advises on a broad range of practice areas, including banking, finance, project development and finance, capital markets, and M&A.
Key clients
Bpifrance, Crédit Agricole CIB, Euronext, Peugeot Invest, and Wendel.
Highlights
A notable example of the firm's deal work is its advice to Euronext on the issuance of senior unsecured bonds due in 2032. The firm advised the client on the issuance and listing of the bonds across several jurisdictions. This also marked Euronext's first bond issuance.
The firm has also advised the DomusVi Group on the repricing of its existing term loan financing, including the satisfaction of conditions subsequent relating to the establishment of a new senior term loan facility through an additional facility notice.
Testimonials
"Availability and expertise" - Structured Finance and Securitisation
"Fabrice Faure-Dauphin has a lot of expertise, and helpful in negotiation of the legal documentation."
"Hector Arroyo has an expertise in restructuring."
"Théo Demeslay is available, very nice to work with and efficient."
Key clients
Bpifrance, Crédit Agricole CIB, Euronext, Peugeot Invest, and Wendel.
Highlights
A notable example of the firm's deal work is its advice to Euronext on the issuance of senior unsecured bonds due in 2032. The firm advised the client on the issuance and listing of the bonds across several jurisdictions. This also marked Euronext's first bond issuance.
The firm has also advised the DomusVi Group on the repricing of its existing term loan financing, including the satisfaction of conditions subsequent relating to the establishment of a new senior term loan facility through an additional facility notice.
Testimonials
"Availability and expertise" - Structured Finance and Securitisation
"Fabrice Faure-Dauphin has a lot of expertise, and helpful in negotiation of the legal documentation."
"Hector Arroyo has an expertise in restructuring."
"Théo Demeslay is available, very nice to work with and efficient."
Bentam is a French law firm founded in 2021 by Guillaume Ansaloni, who is also the firm’s co-managing partner. The firm is headquartered in Paris, Île-de-France. The team comprises notable legal professionals, including co-managing partner Gautier Chavenet, and provides high-quality legal advice to its clients. The firm has a particular focus on debt capital markets and project finance.
Key clients
Aurel BGC, Caisse d’Epargne CEPAC, Crédit Agricole Transitions et Energies, Edmond de Rothschild Asset Management, and Région Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur.
Highlights
Recent examples of the firm’s banking work include advising Edmond de Rothschild Asset Management on the refinancing of an asset-backed green bond, as well as advising Crédit Agricole Transitions & Energies and Bpifrance on a portfolio of senior and junior debt financing for CVE FIN51.
In debt capital markets, the firm has recently advised Région Île-de-France on its $1.2 billion bond issuance, which was the largest issuance by a French local authority during the year.
Testimonials
“Strong experience. Secure advice. Swift and personalized answer.” - Banking and finance
“We appreciate the firm for its responsiveness and the quality of the documents provided.” - Debt Capital markets
“Availability, trust, and hard work.” - Project finance
“Antoine de Sevin builds pleasant relationships and gives secure advice.” - Banking and finance
“Guillaume Ansaloni is trustable, delivers transaction and find some smart solutions which protect client's interests.” - Project finance
“Gautier Chavanet gives secure and customized advice with full proficiency.” - Banking and finance
“Gautier Chavanet responds quickly and reliably.” - Debt Capital markets
Key clients
Aurel BGC, Caisse d’Epargne CEPAC, Crédit Agricole Transitions et Energies, Edmond de Rothschild Asset Management, and Région Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur.
Highlights
Recent examples of the firm’s banking work include advising Edmond de Rothschild Asset Management on the refinancing of an asset-backed green bond, as well as advising Crédit Agricole Transitions & Energies and Bpifrance on a portfolio of senior and junior debt financing for CVE FIN51.
In debt capital markets, the firm has recently advised Région Île-de-France on its $1.2 billion bond issuance, which was the largest issuance by a French local authority during the year.
Testimonials
“Strong experience. Secure advice. Swift and personalized answer.” - Banking and finance
“We appreciate the firm for its responsiveness and the quality of the documents provided.” - Debt Capital markets
“Availability, trust, and hard work.” - Project finance
“Antoine de Sevin builds pleasant relationships and gives secure advice.” - Banking and finance
“Guillaume Ansaloni is trustable, delivers transaction and find some smart solutions which protect client's interests.” - Project finance
“Gautier Chavanet gives secure and customized advice with full proficiency.” - Banking and finance
“Gautier Chavanet responds quickly and reliably.” - Debt Capital markets
Cleary Gottlieb Steen & Hamilton is a leading international law firm headquartered in New York, with approximately 14 offices around the major financial hubs worldwide, including Paris. The firm's presence in France dates back to 1949, when it opened its Paris office. The Paris office boasts both French-qualified and US-qualified lawyers with extensive international expertise. The team advises clients across a broad range of practice areas, including banking, capital markets, financial services regulation, M&A, and project development and financing.
Key clients
Attestor, Artémis, BNP Paribas, Crédit Agricole and Roquette.
Highlights
The firm notably advised MAIF regarding the €1.55 billion financial restructuring of Orpea. The firm also advised Artémis in its acquisition of a majority stake in the creative Artists Agency.
The firm also advised the Republic of Senegal on the €370 million facility arranged by Standard Chartered Bank, Crédit Agricole Corporate and Investment Bank and JPMorgan Chase Bank for the acquisition of equity stake in DP World Dakar.
Testimonials
“Good in large-cap M&A.” – M&A
Key clients
Attestor, Artémis, BNP Paribas, Crédit Agricole and Roquette.
Highlights
The firm notably advised MAIF regarding the €1.55 billion financial restructuring of Orpea. The firm also advised Artémis in its acquisition of a majority stake in the creative Artists Agency.
The firm also advised the Republic of Senegal on the €370 million facility arranged by Standard Chartered Bank, Crédit Agricole Corporate and Investment Bank and JPMorgan Chase Bank for the acquisition of equity stake in DP World Dakar.
Testimonials
“Good in large-cap M&A.” – M&A
London-headquartered multinational “Magic Circle” law firm Clifford Chance opened its Paris office in 1962. The office has a team of experienced lawyers led by partner Mathieu Remy, who is highly regarded in the French legal market, and supported by other prominent lawyers. The firm is renowned for its stellar reputation as market-leading position, achieving a tier one ranking across a wide range of practice areas in France.
Key clients
Brookfield, EDF, EQT, Eurazeo, and Tikehau.
Highlights
The firm has advised Tikehau on a series of banking transactions, including, advising the client, alongside Natixis, Eurazeo and Five Arrows, on financing the acquisition of Groupe Adit by a consortium of investors comprising Sagard, Bpifrance, Amundi and Parquest. The firm also advised Tikehau on a €120 million bond financing.
In the M&A space, the firm advised Brookfield on its acquisition of a majority stake in Neoen from Impala, Fonds Stratégique de Participations and other minority shareholders.
Testimonials
" In-depth knowledge of the French offshore wind market and bid process." – M&A
“They are great professionals with a strong expertise. What make them stand out is their ability to read their client and adjust their needs, always in a pragmatic and constructive way.” – M&A
“Highly expert team with practical, actionable, and on-point advice.” – M&A
“Aline Cardin is an excellent corporate lawyer with deep practical knowledge and sound advice.” – M&A
“Catherine Naroz is an expert in M&A topics. She reads her client perfectly and knows how to navigate, adjust, and provide high-quality work.” – M&A
“David Tayar navigates clients through the complexities of the regulatory landscape with a practical and solution orientated mindset.” – M&A
“Hans Menski is knowledgeable in project M&A including offshore wind.” – M&A
“Katerina Drakoularakou is well versed in her area of expertise with exceptional project management skills.” – M&A
“Gilles Lebreton has an extensive experience in all types of M&A transactions. He is very pragmatic and always provides high-quality work. He is a very reliable professional who provides clients with what they need, in the way the client needs it.” – M&A
“Suguru Kimura was very helpful in bridging between French counsel and Tokyo. He also provided helpful monthly updates on global legal changes.” – M&A
Key clients
Brookfield, EDF, EQT, Eurazeo, and Tikehau.
Highlights
The firm has advised Tikehau on a series of banking transactions, including, advising the client, alongside Natixis, Eurazeo and Five Arrows, on financing the acquisition of Groupe Adit by a consortium of investors comprising Sagard, Bpifrance, Amundi and Parquest. The firm also advised Tikehau on a €120 million bond financing.
In the M&A space, the firm advised Brookfield on its acquisition of a majority stake in Neoen from Impala, Fonds Stratégique de Participations and other minority shareholders.
Testimonials
" In-depth knowledge of the French offshore wind market and bid process." – M&A
“They are great professionals with a strong expertise. What make them stand out is their ability to read their client and adjust their needs, always in a pragmatic and constructive way.” – M&A
“Highly expert team with practical, actionable, and on-point advice.” – M&A
“Aline Cardin is an excellent corporate lawyer with deep practical knowledge and sound advice.” – M&A
“Catherine Naroz is an expert in M&A topics. She reads her client perfectly and knows how to navigate, adjust, and provide high-quality work.” – M&A
“David Tayar navigates clients through the complexities of the regulatory landscape with a practical and solution orientated mindset.” – M&A
“Hans Menski is knowledgeable in project M&A including offshore wind.” – M&A
“Katerina Drakoularakou is well versed in her area of expertise with exceptional project management skills.” – M&A
“Gilles Lebreton has an extensive experience in all types of M&A transactions. He is very pragmatic and always provides high-quality work. He is a very reliable professional who provides clients with what they need, in the way the client needs it.” – M&A
“Suguru Kimura was very helpful in bridging between French counsel and Tokyo. He also provided helpful monthly updates on global legal changes.” – M&A
De Pardieu Brocas Maffei is a French business law firm established in 1993. The firm is led by managing partner Emmanuel Fatôme and comprises around 180 lawyers, including 43 partners. It has a particular focus on banking and restructuring and insolvency matters, where the firm is in the top tier for France. The firm is also highly active in financial services regulatory work, as well as M&A and private equity transactions.
Key clients
CDC Habitat, Caisse des dépôts et consignations, La Banque Postale, Société de la Tour Eiffel, and TotalEnergies.
Highlights
A recent example of the firm's equity capital markets work is its advice to Société de la Tour Eiffel on its rights issue. The firm has also advised Caisse des Dépôts et Consignations, through La Banque des Territoires, on the sale of its stake in TDF Fibre to CVC DIF.
In project finance, the firm recently advised Société Nationale des Pétroles du Congo on the senior and mezzanine financing facilities provided by Mercuria to fund the acquisition, development, and operation of an oil field.
Testimonials
“Professionalism and availability.” – Equity Capital markets
“Absolutely, the team was very accurate and proactive in proposing solutions." – Financial services regulatory
“Skills, availability, people skills.” – Investment funds
"Holistic view of each aspect of a deal. Dealmaker team, which knows exactly the key points." – Investment funds
“Quality of work.” – Project finance
“We have really appreciated their availability throughout. They were reliable, no matter the hours or the days. Besides, they agreed to postpone the deadline without any new charges.” – Project finance
“Rigor, precision, quality of advice, and ability to bring a group of banks together.” – Restructuring
“Good relationship network." – Restructuring
“Extensive knowledge and experience, quality relationships with financial institutions, judicial administrators, and various legal advisors, allowing the firm to address different business situations in financial difficulty. Very strong writing skills, structured and concise. Great connection between the team in charge of negotiations and protocols, and the team that takes over for drafting contractual documents, maintaining the same high level of writing quality.” – Restructuring
“Alice Gaillard is very accurate and has a very specific experience of hard negotiation.” – Financial services regulatory
“Alexandre Blestel is professional and available." – Equity Capital markets
“Alexandre Vermynck is very competent, good negotiator and pragmatic.” – Financial services regulatory
“Antoine Payen can always be counted on him, no matter the period and the fact of our requests.” – Project finance
“Antoine Payen provides perfect work in time.” – Project finance
“Cédric Chanas gives a strategic point of view of the deal.” – Investment funds
“Etienne Boursican is professional and available." – Equity Capital markets
“Gregoire Balland is a big worker and always available.” – Financial services regulatory
“Ilhem Haouas has a lot of qualities. She is very available, kind and she doesn't hesitate to help us even in a short delay.” – Project finance
“Jean-Renaud Cazali understands clients’ needs.” – Project finance
“Jimi-Vincent Bonaimé is professional and available." – Equity Capital markets
“Mathieu Rétiveau has a very good ability to manage the timing of the deal.” – Investment funds
“Paul Talbourdet is very senior, analytical, thoughtful, and good negotiator.” – Investment funds
“Philippe Dubois is a good negotiator.” – Restructuring
“Roland Crevits supports banks.” – Restructuring
“Sandra Aloui is a good communicator with clients and other counsels.” – Investment funds
“Ségolène Coiffet speaks well in meetings.” - Restructuring
Key clients
CDC Habitat, Caisse des dépôts et consignations, La Banque Postale, Société de la Tour Eiffel, and TotalEnergies.
Highlights
A recent example of the firm's equity capital markets work is its advice to Société de la Tour Eiffel on its rights issue. The firm has also advised Caisse des Dépôts et Consignations, through La Banque des Territoires, on the sale of its stake in TDF Fibre to CVC DIF.
In project finance, the firm recently advised Société Nationale des Pétroles du Congo on the senior and mezzanine financing facilities provided by Mercuria to fund the acquisition, development, and operation of an oil field.
Testimonials
“Professionalism and availability.” – Equity Capital markets
“Absolutely, the team was very accurate and proactive in proposing solutions." – Financial services regulatory
“Skills, availability, people skills.” – Investment funds
"Holistic view of each aspect of a deal. Dealmaker team, which knows exactly the key points." – Investment funds
“Quality of work.” – Project finance
“We have really appreciated their availability throughout. They were reliable, no matter the hours or the days. Besides, they agreed to postpone the deadline without any new charges.” – Project finance
“Rigor, precision, quality of advice, and ability to bring a group of banks together.” – Restructuring
“Good relationship network." – Restructuring
“Extensive knowledge and experience, quality relationships with financial institutions, judicial administrators, and various legal advisors, allowing the firm to address different business situations in financial difficulty. Very strong writing skills, structured and concise. Great connection between the team in charge of negotiations and protocols, and the team that takes over for drafting contractual documents, maintaining the same high level of writing quality.” – Restructuring
“Alice Gaillard is very accurate and has a very specific experience of hard negotiation.” – Financial services regulatory
“Alexandre Blestel is professional and available." – Equity Capital markets
“Alexandre Vermynck is very competent, good negotiator and pragmatic.” – Financial services regulatory
“Antoine Payen can always be counted on him, no matter the period and the fact of our requests.” – Project finance
“Antoine Payen provides perfect work in time.” – Project finance
“Cédric Chanas gives a strategic point of view of the deal.” – Investment funds
“Etienne Boursican is professional and available." – Equity Capital markets
“Gregoire Balland is a big worker and always available.” – Financial services regulatory
“Ilhem Haouas has a lot of qualities. She is very available, kind and she doesn't hesitate to help us even in a short delay.” – Project finance
“Jean-Renaud Cazali understands clients’ needs.” – Project finance
“Jimi-Vincent Bonaimé is professional and available." – Equity Capital markets
“Mathieu Rétiveau has a very good ability to manage the timing of the deal.” – Investment funds
“Paul Talbourdet is very senior, analytical, thoughtful, and good negotiator.” – Investment funds
“Philippe Dubois is a good negotiator.” – Restructuring
“Roland Crevits supports banks.” – Restructuring
“Sandra Aloui is a good communicator with clients and other counsels.” – Investment funds
“Ségolène Coiffet speaks well in meetings.” - Restructuring
Jeantet was established in 1924. The firm prides itself on being one of the longest established independent law firms still active in the market. Through its collaboration with other firms, the firm has expanded its presence across Africa, Asia and Europe. The Paris-based team has many reputable legal professionals including nine highly regarded lawyers. The firm is particularly active in banking, debt and equity capital markets, M&A, private equity, and restructuring and insolvency.
Key clients
Argos Wityu, Elkem, EURENCO, HES International and LBO France.
Highlights
The firm has advised LBO France on a series of private equity transactions, including advising the client on the sale of Eurotab to McBride and the sale of Prenax to Triton Partners.
Another notable example of the firm's transaction is the advice provided to EURENCO on the acquisition of a significant stake in a Slovak company from ZVS Holding.
Testimonials
“Jeantet demonstrated competence and experience in the financial institution sector, and specifically with respect to a very complex area of the law, that is, local perfection requirements in the context of sophisticated financial contracts between international banks, broker dealers, and institutional customers. The majority of the law firms lack this expertise, so this is what made Jeantet stood out.” – Financial services regulatory
“Responsive, fast and good work” – M&A
“Available, experienced, efficient, smart, solution oriented, and deal-maker.” – M&A
"Excellent legal, regulatory and industry knowledge and experience, very practical, and very responsive." - Project development
“Jean-Francois Adelle is very thoughtful, responsive and precise in his advice. Highly competent in the field of financial contracts, their enforceability, and insolvency risks relating to financial contracts". - Financial services regulatory
“Ruben Koslar has an excellent legal, regulatory and industry knowledge and experience. Ruben is very practical and responsive.” – Project development
"Karl Hepp de Sevelinges has an excellent legal, regulatory and industry knowledge and experience. Karl is very practical and responsive.” - M&A
Key clients
Argos Wityu, Elkem, EURENCO, HES International and LBO France.
Highlights
The firm has advised LBO France on a series of private equity transactions, including advising the client on the sale of Eurotab to McBride and the sale of Prenax to Triton Partners.
Another notable example of the firm's transaction is the advice provided to EURENCO on the acquisition of a significant stake in a Slovak company from ZVS Holding.
Testimonials
“Jeantet demonstrated competence and experience in the financial institution sector, and specifically with respect to a very complex area of the law, that is, local perfection requirements in the context of sophisticated financial contracts between international banks, broker dealers, and institutional customers. The majority of the law firms lack this expertise, so this is what made Jeantet stood out.” – Financial services regulatory
“Responsive, fast and good work” – M&A
“Available, experienced, efficient, smart, solution oriented, and deal-maker.” – M&A
"Excellent legal, regulatory and industry knowledge and experience, very practical, and very responsive." - Project development
“Jean-Francois Adelle is very thoughtful, responsive and precise in his advice. Highly competent in the field of financial contracts, their enforceability, and insolvency risks relating to financial contracts". - Financial services regulatory
“Ruben Koslar has an excellent legal, regulatory and industry knowledge and experience. Ruben is very practical and responsive.” – Project development
"Karl Hepp de Sevelinges has an excellent legal, regulatory and industry knowledge and experience. Karl is very practical and responsive.” - M&A
Skadden Arps Slate Meagher & Flom is an international law firm established in 1948, with offices across the Americas, Asia and Europe. Skadden’s French office boasts both French and US qualified legal professionals who advise on notable transactions across Europe. The Paris deal team is led by highly regarded partner Armand Grumberg and is supported by notable practitioners such as Pascal Bine, François Barrière and Arash Attar-Rezvani. The team is particularly active in M&A and Private equity.
Key clients
Ardian, Capgemini, FTV, Financière LM, and Renault.
Highlights
Skadden has recently advised Ardian on a series of private equity transactions, including its investment in Froneri through PAI Strategic Partnerships II SCSp. The firm also advised the client, alongside a continuation fund led by Andera Partners, on the acquisition of Spherea and Averna.
The firm has also advised Capgemini SE on its acquisition of WNS by way of a court-sanctioned scheme of arrangement under
Key clients
Ardian, Capgemini, FTV, Financière LM, and Renault.
Highlights
Skadden has recently advised Ardian on a series of private equity transactions, including its investment in Froneri through PAI Strategic Partnerships II SCSp. The firm also advised the client, alongside a continuation fund led by Andera Partners, on the acquisition of Spherea and Averna.
The firm has also advised Capgemini SE on its acquisition of WNS by way of a court-sanctioned scheme of arrangement under
White & Case is an international law firm founded in 1901. The firm has more than 2,200 lawyers across 44 offices in 30 countries. The Paris office is the firm's oldest office in Europe, having been established in 1926. The Paris office has a strong practice in debt, equity and structured finance capital markets, as well as restructuring and insolvency, where it has achieved top-tier status in France. The firm is also highly active in banking, M&A, project development and project finance.
Key clients
Air Liquide, BNP Paribas, Crédit Agricole, Groupe BPCE, and Peugeot.
Highlights
The firm has advised Sodexo on a series of M&A transactions, including the spin-off of its Benefits and Rewards Services business under the new brand name, Pluxee, and its listing on Euronext Paris in February 2024, as well as the sale of Sofinsod, a holding company wholly owned by Sodexo, to Bellon.
In debt capital markets, the firm advised ENGIE on its €800 million and €1 billion subordinated fixed-rate resettable notes offerings under its €40 billion EMTN Programme.
Testimonials
“Teams are very strong and reactive, close as well to their customers and going beyond.” - Banking
“Good level of knowledge and expertise.” – Equity Capital markets
“White & Case has strong capabilities in project finance, energy and complex international transactions.” - Project finance
“Very smart.” – Restructuring
Key clients
Air Liquide, BNP Paribas, Crédit Agricole, Groupe BPCE, and Peugeot.
Highlights
The firm has advised Sodexo on a series of M&A transactions, including the spin-off of its Benefits and Rewards Services business under the new brand name, Pluxee, and its listing on Euronext Paris in February 2024, as well as the sale of Sofinsod, a holding company wholly owned by Sodexo, to Bellon.
In debt capital markets, the firm advised ENGIE on its €800 million and €1 billion subordinated fixed-rate resettable notes offerings under its €40 billion EMTN Programme.
Testimonials
“Teams are very strong and reactive, close as well to their customers and going beyond.” - Banking
“Good level of knowledge and expertise.” – Equity Capital markets
“White & Case has strong capabilities in project finance, energy and complex international transactions.” - Project finance
“Very smart.” – Restructuring
