CMS is an international law firm with around 80 offices across over 45 countries and a particularly strong presence in Europe. Established in Luxembourg in 2011, the office is led by managing partner Vivian Walry and features a deep bench of recognised practitioners including Gérard Maîtrejean, Pawel Hermelinski, Aurélien Hollard and Aurélia Viémont. The firm is particularly noted for its cross-border banking and finance, capital markets, financial services regulatory and corporate/M&A capabilities.

Key clients
APG Strategic Real Estate Pool, Avellinia Capital, Barings, Cardif Assurance Vie, Frux Capital, Global Student Accommodation (GSA), Pimco Prime Real Estate, Railpool, re:cap, The Renewables Infrastructure Group (TRIG), White Star Real Estate.

Highlights
Corporate partner Gérard Maîtrejean led the team advising Global Student Accommodation (GSA) on its joint venture with Nuveen Real Estate and the €538 million acquisition of a major French student housing portfolio from Gecina. The matter highlights the firm's strength in complex real estate M&A and cross-border investment platform structuring.

Maîtrejean also led the Luxembourg aspects of the restructuring of a €3.5 billion real estate investment platform involving Cardif Assurance Vie, Pimco Prime Real Estate and APG Strategic Real Estate Pool. The mandate involved the restructuring of an existing Luxembourg fund, a potential conversion into a RAIF and the implementation of a new joint venture framework across several European jurisdictions.

The capital markets team, led by Aurélien Hollard, advised Avellinia Capital and re:cap on the launch of a Luxembourg-based private credit and loan origination platform expected to provide more than €100 million of financing to innovative European SMEs.

Testimonials
“They are quick to respond and always willing to help. As we are a start-up, the firm has supported us not only on specific projects but also through one-to-one discussions on the best way forward, often in a conversational and approachable manner rather than through formal advice.” – Financial services regulatory

“The team delivers very high-quality work, resolving even complex matters brilliantly and with impressive speed.” – Investment funds

“Gérard Maitrejean demonstrates exceptionally strong technical knowledge and a proactive approach, which is greatly appreciated.” – Investment funds

“Stéphane Boutoundou consistently delivers high-quality work with a rapid turnaround time.” – Investment funds

“The firm stands out for its pragmatism, flexibility, professionalism, responsiveness and reliability.” – Private equity

“Aurélien Hollard makes time to discuss our projects before undertaking formal work to ensure he fully understands our objectives while helping us maintain reasonable costs as a start-up operating in an innovative sector.” – Financial services regulatory