A&O Shearman
A&O Shearman is an international law firm formed in May 2024 as the resulting entity of the merger between two remarkable firms, Allen & Overy and Shearman & Sterling. The A&O Shearman team in France boasts of 150 lawyers with specialty in French, English, and US law led by managing partner Julien Roux who is a highly regarded practitioner in the market. The team advises on a wide spectrum of practice areas spanning from banking, financing, project development and financing to capital markets and M&A.
Highlights
A notable example of the firm’s deal work includes advising
BNP Paribas and Société Générale on the acquisition financing provided to La Française des Jeux.
The firm has also advised Bolloré on the €5 billion acquisition of Bolloré Logistics by CMA CGM.
The firm notably advised Société Générale and BNP Paribas regarding the €1 billion Bpifrance-covered facility for the design, construction and maintenance of Line 1 of Abidjan Metro in Côte d'Ivoire.
Testimonials
"Strong expertise and experience." - Banking
"Proactiveness, pragmatism, quickness and availability." - Financial Services Regulatory
"Reactiveness, availability and quality advice." - Insolvency
"Availability, effectiveness and good value for money." - Restructuring
Key clients
Amundi, Bpifrance, BNP Paribas, Bolloré, Crédit Agricole CIB and JP Morgan.
Bentam Société d’Avocats
Bentam is a French law firm founded by Guillaume Ansaloni, who is also the co-managing partner of the firm, in 2021. The firm is headquartered in Paris, Île-de-France. The team comprises notable legal professionals and provides high quality legal advice to their clients. The firm has a particular focus on debt capital markets and project finance.
Highlights
The firm advised CAISSE D’EPARGNE CEPAC and NATIXIS, as arranger, lender and hedging bank, on the $230.8 million senior financing of 291 rooftop photovoltaic plants located in France developed and owned by French IPP Technique Solaire.
The firm also advised GreenYellow on the $72 million financing of a diversified portfolio of 133 solar plants located in France by CAISSE D’EPARGNE ILE DE FRANCE (mandated lead arranger and original lenders), and NATIXIS (hedging bank).
Key Clients
Aurel, CAISSE D’EPARGNE CEPAC, EDMOND DE ROTHSCHILD ASSET MANAGEMENT, GreenYellow, and Région Île-de-France.
Testimonials
“Outstanding expertise and service.” - Project finance Client
“Business and legal knowledge.” - Guillaume Ansaloni
Cleary Gottlieb Steen & Hamilton
Cleary Gottlieb Steen & Hamilton is a leading international law firm headquartered in New York with about 16 offices around the major financial hubs in the world including Paris. The firm's presence in France could be traced back to 1949 when it opened its Paris office. The Paris office boasts of both locally qualified and US qualified lawyers with international expertise. The Paris team advises on a variety of practice areas spanning from banking, capital markets, financial services regulatory, M&A to project development and financing.
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.
Key clients
Attestor, Artémis, BNP Paribas, Crédit Agricole and Roquette
Clifford Chance
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 leader achieving a tier one ranking across a wide range of practice areas in France.
Highlights
A notable example of the firm's deal work is advising
bpiFrance, Euler Hermes and SACE (as export credit agencies), and
BNP Paribas, Deutsche Bank, ING and Intesa Sanpaolo (lenders) on the €4.4 billion project financing of Automotive Cells Company’s portfolio of gigafactories across France, Italy and Germany.
The firm advised Unibail-Rodamco-Westfield on its €1.15 billion innovative hybrid bonds exchange offer.
The firm also advised Advised La Banque Postale and LBP AM on the acquisition of La Financière de l'Échiquier.
Testimonials
" Very efficient, very responsive and very much up to date." (Banking Client)
"Support on the transaction and availability." (Project finance client)
Key clients
BNP Paribas, Crédit Agricole, Deutsche Bank, ING Bank and La Banque Postale.
De Pardieu Brocas Maffei
De Pardieu Brocas Maffei
is a French business law firm established in 1993. The firm is led by managing partner Emmanuel Fatôme, with about 170 lawyers including 42 partners, and has one office in Paris. The firm has a particular focus on banking and restructuring and insolvency work, where the firm is in the top tier for France. The firm is also very active in financial services regulatory, M&A and private equity deals.
Highlights
The firm advised Apsys on the largest green financing deal of 2024 and on a convertible bond emission subscribed by Banque des Territoires (Caisse des Dépôts et Consignations), dedicated to an urban redevelopment project.
The firm advised W-GROUP on its $128 million acquisition of CAMO Group.
The firm is advising TDR on the financial restructuring of Buffalo Grill.
Key Clients
AXA IM, DEUTSCHE BANK, LA BANQUE POSTALE, LA SOCIETE GENERALE and TIKEHAU CAPITAL.
Testimonials
“Availability, technical knowledge, commercial understanding, and value for money.” –
Banking Client
“Reactiveness, flexibility, technical expertise, and pragmatism." – Banking Client
“Customer service - One fit all." – M&A Client
“Expert. Manage very well the counterpart" – Corenti Coatalem
Jeantet
Jeantet is a leading French business law firm established in 1924. The firm prides itself on being one of the longest established independent law firms still active in the market. Through its partnerships with other firms, the firm has spread its tentacles across Africa, Asia and Europe. The deal team in Paris has many reputable legal professionals including eight highly regarded lawyers. The firm is particularly active in banking, debt and equity capital markets, M&A private equity, and restructuring and insolvency.
Highlights
The firm advised ING Bank, Coöperatieve Rabobank, and ABN Amro Bank on the €190 million amended financing provided to Luiten Van der Valk.
The firm advised HBX Group on its EUR175 million acquisition of equity stakes in PerfectStay.
The firm advised BPIFrance & Caisse d’Epargne et de Prevoyance Ile de France on the EUR52 million credit facilities for the financing of a mixed-use plant.
Key Clients
Abeille, Credit Mutuel Arkea, Julius Baer, Société Générale, and Treezor.
Testimonials
“Responsiveness and pragmatism.” – Banking Client
“Extremely knowledgeable experts with strong business acumen, always trying to find the most pragmatic solution to problems in transactions.” –
Equity Capital markets Client
“Very didactic, pedagogical to explain complex processes and recommend best approach.” –
Equity Capital markets Client
“Depth of the team, always close to the ball.” – Equity Capital markets Client
“Deliver hands-on advice; be pragmatic and deliver the input that is being requested, not more less, in a timely manner.” –
Alexae Fournier-de-Fay
“Cyril is a top notch professional, extremely knowledgeable and available. He is very didactic and find pragmatic answers to deal with related issues.” –
Cyril Deniaud
Skadden Arps Slate Meagher & Flom
Skadden Arps Slate Meagher & Flom is an international law firm established in 1948 and has offices in the Americas, Asia and Europe. The French office of Skadden boasts of having both French and US qualified legal professionals advising on notable transactions across Europe. The deal team in Paris is led by highly regarded partner Armand Grumberg and 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.
Highlights
The firm advised JAB Holding Company on its over $ 1.4 billion acquisition of Cardif Pinnacle from BNP Paribas Cardif to form a strategic joint venture.
The firm also advised Renault Group on a €764 million share buyback of Nissan Motor Co. Renault Group sold 211,000,000 Nissan shares, representing 5% of Nissan share capital, to Nissan Motor Co.
Key clients
Air France-KLM, Ardian Private Equity, JAB, HG Capital and Renault.
White & Case
White & Case is the Paris office of the international law firm of the same name. The office was established in 1926 and is the firm’s oldest office in Europe. The office is led by executive partner Guillaume
Vallat.
White & Case is an international law firm established in 1901. The firm has
more than2,200 lawyers in 44 offices located in 30 countries and is chaired by Hugh Verrier.
The Paris office has a strong practice in debt, equity and structured finance capital markets, and in restructuring and insolvency, achieving top-tier status in France in all these areas. The firm is also very active in banking, M&A, project development and project finance work.
In banking, key clients of the firm include BNP Paribas, Crédit Agricole, Société Générale,
Tereos, LVMH,
Adisseo,
Cobepa, IK Investment Partners, HPS Investment Partners and Centerbridge.
In capital markets, key clients of the firm include Barclays, Belfius Bank,
BofA Merrill Lynch, Air France-KLM, Air Liquide, Atos, Casino, 3CIF,
Agence France Locale,
Agence des Participations de
l’Etat and Caisse des Dépôts et Consignations.
In financial services regulatory, key clients of the firm include Jefferies Finance, Macquarie Capital, JP Morgan, Goldman Sachs, Santander, Facebook, Klarna, Trade Republic, Qonto and Lydia.
In M&A, key clients of the firm include BNP Paribas,
Boussard &
Gavaudan,
Cardif, DRT,
Equens, Europ Assistance, Faurecia,
Novasep, Oberthur, Orange and Pernod Ricard.
In project finance and development, key clients of the firm include Vinci Concessions, Themis Energy, Bouygues Telecom, Phoenix France Infrastructure, Altitude Infrastructure, Caisse d'Epargne Bretagne Pays de Loire, Crédit
Industriel et Commercial, Natixis, Société Générale and Chaabi International Bank Offshore - Groupe Banque Centrale Populaire.
In restructuring and insolvency, key clients of the firm include Air Austral, KKR,
Kartesia, CVC, Hertz France, Global
Media
Entertainment, Whitebox, Davidson Kempner,
Centerbridge and Varde.
Addleshaw Goddard
Addleshaw Goddard is
the Paris office of
the
international law firm
of the same name. The
Paris
office is led by finance partner
Julien Bacus.
The firm has a particular focus on financial services regulatory, banking and finance and debt capital markets.
Key clients
Morgan Stanley, Nomura, Royal Bank of Scotland, Natixis, Engie Global Markets, UBS, Société Générale, Credit
Suisse, Deutsche Bank, JP Morgan Chase Bank and
UniCredit Bank.
Client feedback:
32nd edition (2022/2023)
"Responsive and hands-on. Creative. Provided solutions." -
Capital markets: Debt
"The team is very professional and creative, responsive and reliable." - Capital markets: Debt
Argos Avocats
Argos Avocats is a French law firm based in
Paris.
The firm has a particular focus on
M&A and private equity.
Key clients of the firm include Cafeyn,
Alira Health,
Groupe Up,
Bregal Milestone and
Pr0ph3cy.
ASAFO & Co
Asafo & Co is the French office of the international law firm of the same name. The firm has one French office in Paris.
Asafo & Co is an international law firm dedicated to Africa-related business. The firm has experienced teams of more than150 lawyers and legal professionals in eight offices in Abidjan, Casablanca, Johannesburg, Mombasa, London, Nairobi, Paris and Washington DC.
The French office has a focus on project development work.
Key clients of the firm include EDF, ANSUT,
Emerging Africa Development Fund, Citi, Société Générale, CACIB and Globeleq.
Client feedback:
32nd edition (2022/2023)
"Good relationship with local counsel in a difficult jurisdiction. Good technical work."
August Debouzy
August Debouzy is a law firm in France established in 1995 by Gilles August and Olivier Debouzy. The firm has 150 lawyers and is based in Paris.
Focusses / specialisms
The firm has a particular strength in restructuring and insolvency work but is also very active in banking and M&A.
Key clients
In banking key clients of the firm include Visa, Microsoft, Royal Bank of Canada, ING, HSBC, Royal Bank of Scotland, AnaCap Financial Partners and Société Générale.
In M&A key clients of the firm include Orange, Total, Dassault Aviation, Thales, Engie, EDF, Banque des Territoires, Société Bic and Argos Wityu.
In project development key clients of the firm include Total, Veolia, EDF, ALSF, NEoT Capital, ONVHYM and Total Quadran.
In restructuring and insolvency key clients of the firm include XL Airways, Groupe Nox, United Mining Suppliers International, OGER International, Groupe Cahors, Groupe Famar, Mars Films and Dietrich Carebus.
Research period review:
33rd edition (2023/2024)
During the research period the firm was active in the banking, M&A, and project development practice.
In banking the firm advised mostly lenders in the banking industry sector on diverse financing transactions.
In M&A the firm advised on acquisitions and financial investments transactions for clients in the energy, technology, and banking sectors.
In project development the firm advised clients in the energy, mining, and utilities sectors.
Client feedback: 33rd edition (2023/2024)
M&A
“Very competent. Very swift and clear answer. Availability. Very good negotiation.”
“Very strong general practice firm with strong capabilities in all relevant areas.
Very responsive and knowledgeable.”
“Extremely impressive technically and very pleasant to work with.”
“Excellent all-round service.”
“Providing resources at short notice.”
Restructuring and Insolvency
“They have a deep expertise in this type of work and are familiar with all type of legal implications resulting therefrom (labour, bankruptcy, and others). On top of that it is remarkable its business-oriented approach.”
“Problem solving orientation and large experience in this area are its most remarkable attributes.”
Laurent Cotret
“His deep knowledge and experience as well as a very pragmatic and business-oriented approach.”
“He has a problem-solving approach that we appreciate much and a vast experience in restructuring.”
Valéry Denoix de Saint Marc
“Very strong and experienced M&A lawyer.
Excellent knowledge of international market standards.”
“Excellent all-round lawyer.”
Youssef Djehane
“Absolutely top-notch M&A lawyer, in particular for public M&A.”
Mahasti Razavi
“Good personal contact.”
Julien Wagmann
“I have known Julien for a number of years and have worked alongside him on many projects. He is an excellent lawyer and a real pleasure to work with.”
Bignon Lebray
Bignon Lebray is a French law firm with offices in Paris, Lille, Lyon and Aix Marseille as well as two international offices located in New Delhi and Shanghai.
Focusses / specialisms
The firm has a particular focus on M&A work.
Key clients
Key clients of the firm include Bank of Communications (Luxembourg), Banque Palatine, FT Invest, Stratus, Satys, Swell, Ademe, Elysis, Bank of China, Faber France, Aptea, Sighor, Altima, Atlantic Dawn, Tikamoon and Desmazieres.
Research period review: 33rd edition (2023/2024)
During the research period, the firm was active in banking and M&A practice.
In banking the firm was seen advising on financing transactions for clients in the banking and real estate sectors.
The M&A practice of the firm was particularly visible during the research period advising clients on private acquisitions, joint ventures, financial investments, and corporate restructurings. The firm was seen advising clients in the private equity, healthcare, real estate, technology, banking, food and beverage, industrials and manufacturing, and consumer goods and services sectors.
During the research period, Associate
Dimitri Nadelgaft joined the firm’s banking practice while Partner Taous Mabed and Counsel Edouard de Limairac joined the M&A practice. Partner
Guillaume Douillard joined the restructuring practice of the firm.
Deal highlights: 33rd edition (2023/2024)
Bank of China €120 million financing
Bank of Communications Luxembourg
€100 million financing
Banque Palatine €75 million financing
Groue Positive €3.5 million acquisition of Marketing 1by1
ID Logistics €40 million acquisition of Colisweb
Client feedback: 33rd edition (2023/2024)
Banking
“Reactive, open-minded and friendly.”
“The support was excellent. The skills of the teams, their experience fully met our expectations. Their availability was total and their advice very valuable.”
Financial restructuring
“Bignon team is very proactive with client approach, they always managed to deliver their services on time.”
M&A
“Top-notch advice on M&A topics. A trusted adviser in difficult auction process.”
Restructuring and Insolvency
“Competence, very responsive, very dedicated and engaged.”
“Expertise. Responsiveness. Results and deadlines committed.”
Guillaume Douillard
“Guillaume is very competent and has extensive experience in banking relations. He listens and always offers the best solution. Above all, he manages to solve our problems.”
Alexandre Ghesquière
“Problem-solver; makes it happen; very well skilled.”
Serge Rastorgoueff
“Very well experienced professional. Excellent VFM.”
“Problem-solver attitude and responsiveness.”
“Serge is very competent and has extensive experience in banking relations. He listens and always offers the best solution. Above all, he manages to solve our problem. He also has excellent human qualities.”
Pierre-Emmanuel Scherrer
“Competence, very responsive, very dedicated and engaged.”
“Responsiveness. Accuracy and commitment to results and deadline. Solutions-driven.”
Delphine Tagand
“Competence, very responsive, very dedicated and engaged.”
Bird & Bird
Bird & Bird is the French office of the international law firm of the same name. The firm has two offices in France, located in Lyon and Paris.
Bird & Bird is an international law firm with
more than1,300 lawyers in 29 offices across Europe, the Middle East, Asia-Pacific and North America.
The French office has a focus on restructuring and insolvency work but
is also very active in banking work.
In banking, key clients of the firm include Mastercard, Vocalink, BNP Paribas,
Enterome, Norddeutsche Landesbank, Barclays, Société Générale,
Arkéa Banque Entrepriseset
Institutionnels, SVM Group and Gunvor.
In M&A and private equity, key clients of the firm include PP Yarns & Co, Pixium Vision,
Isatis Capital, SVP Groupe and
Socavit Holding.
In projects, key clients of the firm include Volkswind,
Envitec, Bluefield, Boreas, Engie, Akwa Group, Gunvor Group, Eiffage Energie, WKN France and JDR Cable Systems.
In restructuring and insolvency, key clients of the firm include Natixis, BNP Paribas, Société Générale, Renault, UPS France, French State, HSBC, Banque Palatine,
Norgine Ventures and Crédit Agricole.
Client
feedback:
32nd edition (2022/2023)
"Commitment to help us close the deal and to support us during key negotiations."
Project development: Energy
"Pragmatic analysis and following the issue even after the
end of collaboration."
Bredin Prat
Bredin Prat is a French law firm established in 1966. With offices in Paris and Brussels, Bredin Prat today has over 190 lawyers, including 46 partners and 21 counsels.
For international and cross-border work, Bredin Prat lawyers work with lawyers from the firm’s Best Friends, a network of independent firms. This network comprises 2,700 lawyers in 37 offices worldwide.
Focusses / specialisms
The firm has a particular focus on M&A work where they are in the top tier of ranked firms in France. However, the firm is also very active in equity capital markets, private equity and restructuring and insolvency work.
Key clients
In banking and debt capital markets key clients of the firm include Alstom, Altamir, Bain Private Equity, Firmenich, Lagardère, Maisons du Monde, Mizuho Bank, Natixis, Rabobank and SEB.
In equity capital markets key clients of the firm include Air Liquide, Brasil Warrant S.A., Carrefour, EDF, Stellantis (ex-PSA), PSP Investments, Saint-Gobain and Ubisoft.
In M&A key clients of the firm include Allianz, BPCE, Carrefour, Danone, EDF, General Electric, Motorola, Natixis, Suez and Techniolor.
In private equity key clients of the firm include KKR, Carlyle, HLD, Blackstone, Five Arrows Principal Investments (FAPI), Eurazeo, Wendel, PSP Investments, Sagard, Téthys Invest and Dentressangle.
In restructuring and insolvency key clients of the firm include Antalis International, Areva/Orano, Aviva, DHL, Fradim, Groupe Flo, Jaccar Holding, Liberty Steel, Oceanwood and St Mamet.
Chammas & Marcheteau
Chammas & Marcheteau was founded in 2004 by Lola Chammas and Denis Marcheteau, notable practitioners in the M&A and Private equity practice areas. The firm boasts of having more than 60 legal professionals, including 15 partners with extensive experience in cross-border investment transactions, mostly across Africa, Asia and Europe. The firm is particularly known for its private equity practice where it advises clients on a variety of legal issues including leveraged buyout and venture and growth capital among others.
Highlights
The firm advised Arkéa Capital, Socadif Capital Investissement, Mutuelle Assurances Corps Santé Français and BNP Paribas Développement on the majority leveraged buyout of the Formalian group.
The firm also advised Sodero Gestion and Bpifrance's Fonds Bois et Eco-Matériaux in the takeover of the Riaux Group.
The Restructuring & Insolvency team advised
Krono Safe during its receivership procedure.
Testimonials
"Competences, Availability, Reactivity and Negotiation capacity." (Restructuring client)
" Professional and always available - the team is super-efficient." (Restructuring client)
CMS Francis Lefebvre Avocats
CMS Francis Lefebvre Avocats is a business law firm in France established in 1925. The firm has almost 450 lawyers and three offices in France: in Lyon, Paris and Strasbourg.
The firm has a focus on debt capital markets deals, but
it is also very active in structured finance and securitisation capital markets, financial services regulatory and project development.
For banking and finance, key clients of the firm include Société Générale, BNP Paribas, Crédit Agricole Corporate and Investment Bank, Natixis, LCL Le Crédit Lyonnais, CIC (including Crédit
Industriel et Commercial, Banque CIC Est, Banque CIC Ouest and CIC Lyonnaise de Banque),
Arkéa Banque Entreprises et
Institutionnels, NGE, Warburg Pincus/Groupe
Polyplus Transfection and
Credit
Suisse Asset Management.
For capital markets, key clients of the firm include Crédit Agricole, HSBC, CAFFIL, Bpifrance, My Money Bank, Barclays, Imerys,
Klépierre, Octo Finances, SFIL and La Banque
Postale.
For financial services regulatory, key clients of the firm include Hines, N26, iMGlobal Partner, Kriptown,
Agrica, Redburn (Europe), Market Securities, Makor Securities,
Mirovaand
Stellium Invest.
For project development, key clients of the firm include GRTgaz,
Photosol,
Sorégies, Nordex,
Montansolar, EWZ, Meridiam and Ailes Marines.
For project finance, key clients of the firm include 3i, Mirova, Engie, Bouygues
Bâtiment, Meridiam, Syndicat Mixte des Transports en Commun de
l’Agglomération Clermontoise and Deutsche Bank
For restructuring and insolvency, key clients of the firm include Atradius, Banque Palatine and FCP Micado France,
Sodiaaland its affiliates, Saint-Gobain,
Mutares, Hainan Airlines, Vita Polymeres,
CEGC (Natixis/BPCE), Natixis and Monsoon Accessorize.
Client
feedback:
32nd edition (2022/2023)
"Respond on time and understand the complexity of the situation."
Crefovi
Crefovi is a French law firm established in 2012. The firm is led by founder and managing partner Annabelle
Gauberti and has offices in London and Paris.
The firm has a focus on private equity work.
Dartevelle Dubest Bellanca
Dartevelle Dubest Bellanca is a
French law firm
founded in 2009 and
based in
Paris.
The firm has a particular focus on
financial services regulatory work.
Key clients of the firm include BNP Paribas Securities Services, Crédit Agricole Group, Crédit Mutuel Alliance Fédérale, ING Bank, Total, Veolia and Coface.
Client
feedback:
32nd edition (2022/2023)
Financial services regulatory
"Excellent knowledge of regulations.
Very high availability.
Very rigorous in the drafting of documents."
"Know-how and rapid analysis."
Dentons
Dentons is the Paris office of the multinational firm of the same name. The office was first established in 1978 and is currently led by France managing partner Séverine
Hotellier.
Dentons is an international law firm with 20,000
professionals including 12,000 lawyers, in more than 200 locations in more than 80 countries.
The Paris office has a particular focus on project development work but is also very active in structured finance and securitisation capital markets, M&A and restructuring and insolvency.
In banking key clients of the firm include Crédit Agricole, CACEIS Bank, BNP Paribas, Groupe Rocher, Meridiam, KSL Capital Partners, LRC, Essling Capital, Prudentia Capital and Sparring Capital.
In capital markets, key clients of the firm include JP Morgan, HSBC, Credit Suisse, Natwest, Royal Bank of Scotland, Crédit Agricole Corporate and Investment Bank, Rallye, Casino, Vinci and Faurecia.
In investment funds, key clients of the firm include Amundi Private Equity Funds, BNP Paribas Capital Partners, CA Indosuez (Switzerland), Five Arrows Managers,
Flexstone,
Idinvest Partners, ODDO BHF Private Equity, Omnes Capital, Swen Capital Partners and White Star Capital General Partner.
In M&A, key clients of the firm include Rio Tinto, Lactalis, Pfizer, Accor, Bayer,
Cerdia,
Dradura, EDF,
Wavestone and Zentiva.
In private equity, key clients of the firm include Abenex,
Arcole Industries, CS Group, Essling Capital, Gilde Healthcare, KKR,
Mirova,
Paref, Sparring Capital and
Verdoso.
In restructuring and insolvency, key clients of the firm include Havas Voyages, Elrond
NPL 2017, Wilmington Savings Fund Society,
Adova, Paris Bedding, Supra,
Lacelier, Publications International and
Dalloyau.
Client
feedback:
32nd edition (2022/2023)
"Incredibly impressed with Dentons
– one of the best firms I have worked with. Diligent, hard-working, smart, knowledgeable, practical and positive attitude."
"Deep knowledge of our sector (healthcare) and dynamics of foreign PE firms."
DLA Piper
DLA Piper is the Paris office of the global firm of the same name. The office is led by Xavier Norlain and T. Alexander Brabant and more widely the office has over 175 lawyers.
DLA Piper is a global law firm established in 2005 through a merger and has lawyers in more than 40 countries throughout the Americas, Europe, the Middle East, Africa and Asia Pacific.
Focusses / specialisms
The Paris office has a particular focus on private equity but the firm is also very active in banking and M&A.
Key clients
Key clients of the firm include Capza, BNP Paribas, Funecap Holding, Solina, BlackRock, Idinvest Partners, France Air, Societe Generale, Medtronic France and ETEX Group.
DS Avocats
DS Avocats is a French law firm established in 1972. The firm’s president is Olivier Fages and the firm has four offices in France located in Bordeaux, Lille, Lyon and Paris.
The firm has a particular focus on private equity work but is also active in financial services regulatory, M&A, project finance and restructuring and insolvency.
In financial services regulatory, key clients of the firm include BNP Paribas Securities Services, Crédit Agricole Group, Crédit Mutuel Alliance Federale Group, Total, Coface and Veolia.
In M&A, key clients of the firm include Cheops Technology, Boss - Nexa Technologies, BDF Conseils, Holiday Inn, Synergie & Partners,
Fibocom,
Yatsen,
Invio, Nishimoto Trading and LDC.
In project finance, key clients of the firm include the International Finance Corporation, TDF, Altitude Infrastructure, Berkeley Energy, Vinci Construction Grands Projets, Ministry of Finance of Uganda, Nordic Solar, Neoen, Yunnan Overseas Investment Corporation and Eiffage.
In restructuring and insolvency, key clients of the firm include CIMC Tianda, Paris City Vision,
Fogale Nanotech, LDC,
Zetra International, KTK Seats France,
Oxala Consulting,
Spicesoft,
Arcole Industries and H2B Services.
Client
feedback:
32nd edition (2022/2023)
"Highly responsive, comprehensive understanding of the domains involved (construction, gas operations, EU law, public law)."
Fidal
Fidal is a French business law firm established in 1922. The firm has 90 offices throughout France and has 1,400 lawyers and consultants.
The firm has a particular focus on project finance and restructuring and insolvency work but is also very active in M&A work.
Key clients of the firm include Groupe Alliance, April Enterprise, Centum
Adetel,
Indelec, Konica Minolta,
Nautilhome,
Cullen Group,
L’eauVive,
Avirex and
Pronuptia.
Client
feedback:
32nd edition (2022/2023)
Gibson Dunn & Crutcher
Gibson Dunn & Crutcher is the Paris office of the international firm of the same name. The office was established in 1967 and is currently led by Amanda Bevan-de-Bernède and Bernard Grinspan, who
lead a team of approximately 40 lawyers.
Gibson Dunn & Crutcher is an international law firm established in 1872 and has 1,500 lawyers in 20 offices across the US, Europe, the Middle East, Asia and South America.
The Paris office has a particular focus on restructuring and insolvency work where the firm has achieved
top-tier status in France. The firm is also very active in M&A work.
Key clients of the firm include Gilead Sciences, Conforama Holding,
Mutares, Technicolor,
SoLocal Group, HSBC, BNP Paribas,
RedBird Capital Partners,
OFE Advisers and Celio.
Gide Loyrette Nouel
Gide
Loyrette Nouel is an international law firm from France established in 1920. In France, the firm has 81 partners and 265 associates and is led by managing partner Jean-François
Levraud.
Worldwide, the
firm has 500 lawyers, including 100 partners, in 11 offices.
The firm has a particular focus on banking, debt capital markets and structured finance and
securitisation capital markets, where the firm has achieved top-tier status in France.
In banking, key clients of the firm include BNP Paribas, Crédit Agricole Corporate and Investment Bank, Société Générale, Natixis, CIC, HSBC France, ING, Amundi, Morgan Stanley and ING.
In capital markets, key clients of the firm include Europcar Mobility Group, Deutsche Bank, Air France KLM, BNP Paribas, Jefferies, Goldman Sachs, HSBC, Barclays, JP Morgan and Bank of America Merrill Lynch.
In financial services regulatory, key clients of the firm include Morgan Stanley, Kepler Cheuvreux, Oddo BHF, Primonial REIM, La Banque
Postale, ENI, Lombard Odier Europe, Crédit Suisse, French State, KKR and Westbrook Partners.
In investment funds, key clients of the firm include BNP Paribas REIM, NNIP, Primonial REIM, Mizuho, 360 Capital Partners, Gaia Capital Partners, Sigefi Private Equity, Korelya Capital, Omnes Capital,
Idinvest and
Ibionext.
In M&A, key clients of the firm include Caisse des Dépôts et Consignations, EDF,
Unibail Rodamco, Nippon Steel Corporation, EOS Imaging, Essilor Luxottica, MSD, Europ Assistance,
Solocal (formerly Pages Jaunes) and
Fnac Darty.
In private equity, key clients of the firm include Idinvest Partners,
Balderton Capital, Temasek, Partech Partners,
Bpifrance, Socotec, April,
Vitalliance, Five Arrows Principal Managers and Kohlberg Kravis Roberts.
In projects, key clients of the firm include IFC, Government of Botswana, EIB, Government of Barbados, Government of Côte d’Ivoire, Delta Offshore Energy, Meridiam, FGIS, EDF and Naval Group.
In restructuring and insolvency, key clients of the firm include QBE Insurance Europe, Fundamental Films,
Stentys,
Fintyre Group, DFDS Seaways, Azul, LMDE, Akers, Reserve Bank of India and P3.
Herbert Smith Freehills Kramer
Herbert Smith Freehills Kramer
was formed in June 2025 from the merger between Anglo-Australian firm Herbert Smith Freehills and the formerly New-York headquartered Kramer Levin. Both firms had offices in France dating back before the merger, with Herbert Smith Freehills being the longest established, having opened in Paris in 1964.
The team is led by Paris office managing partner
Régis Oréal, and EMEA managing partner Nina Bowyer. the office has four senior partners handling corporate finance matters, with particular strengths in banking and finance, project financing and development, M&A, energy and infrastructure, and Africa-focused transactions.
Hogan Lovells
Hogan Lovells is the Paris office of the international law firm of the same name. The office is led by managing partner Xenia Legendre and the office has 150 lawyers.
Hogan Lovells is an international law firm, established in 1904 with offices across the world.
Focusses / specialisms
The Paris office has a particular focus on banking, debt capital markets, structured finance and securitisation markets, financial services regulatory and restructuring and insolvency work.
Key clients
In banking key clients of the firm include Crédit Agricole Corporate and Investment Banking, BNP Paribas, Crédit Lyonnais, L’Occitane, Akiem Group – Macquarie, Arc France, Bourbon Groupe, Towerbrook – Consolis, BNPP Asset Management – Mecachrome and Société Générale.
In capital markets key clients of the firm include BOURBON Group, Edmond de Rothschild (France), Société nationale, Valneva, Winance, BMW Finance, Citigroup Global Markets Europe and DBRS Ratings.
In financial services regulatory key clients of the firm include HSBC, BNP Paribas Group, Credit Agricole Group, Societe General (Group and Various Affiliates), CNH Financial Services (Financing Arm of The Fiat Group), Edenred, Euronet/ Ria, Moneygram, La Banque Postale and Opel Bank.
In M&A key clients of the firm include Akiem Group, Bertin Technologies, ESTEVE, Euro Ethnic Foods, Gilles Sales - Founder Oré Peinture, Gimv France participations, Groupe ADP, Helios Towers, Caisse des Dépôts et Consignations and Léon Vincent.
In private equity key clients of the firm include Argos Wityu, Azulis Capital, Arkea Capital, BNPP Développement, Socadif, MACSF, Blisce Advisors, BPI France, Cathay Capital Private Equity & Cathay Innovation and Chequers Capital.
In projects key clients of the firm include African Finance Corporation, Aéroports de Paris, Themis energy, IFC, Colas Projects, Mirova and Aéroports de Paris.
In restructuring and insolvency key clients of the firm include Bourbon Maritime, AccorInvest, TowerBrook Capital Partners (UK), Consolis, ACPS, Cineworld, FHB and Technicolor.
Joffe & Associés
Joffe & Associes is a French law firm established in 1996. The firm has three offices in Paris, Aix-en-Provence and London.
The firm has a particular focus on private equity work but is also very active in M&A.
Key clients of the firm include Fountaine Pajot, Daco Bello, Caisse
D'epargne Ile De France Capital Investissement,
Bpifrance,
Siparex, Rives Croissance, Elaia partners, Impact Partners,
Siparex Innovation and
Sofimac Innovation.
King & Spalding
King & Spalding is the Paris office of the international law firm of the same name. The office was established in 2009 and is led by managing partner Vanessa Benichou.
King & Spalding is an international law firm established in the 1890s and now encompassing 1,200 lawyers in 22 offices globally.
Focusses / specialisms
In France the firm has a particular focus on M&A work but is also active in project development.
Key clients
Key clients of the firm include Orange, EDF, Spie batignolles, Ingenico, Anadarko, Dragon Oil, Wintershall, Chevron, OMV, Petrofac and CNPC.
Lacourte Raquin Tatar
Lacourte Raquin Tatar is a French law firm established in 2013.
The firm has a focus on M&A work but is also active in banking and financial services regulatory.
Key clients of the firm include Korian, Lucky
Oldstone, Russell Investments, LaSalle Investment Management, Aviva Investors, Crédit Mutuel
Arkéa, SNCF, Orange, Tikehau and Bpifrance.
Latham & Watkins
Latham & Watkins is the Paris office of the international law firm of the same name. The office is led by managing partner Olivia Rauch-Ravisé. Latham & Watkins is an international law firm with more than3,000 lawyers in 14 countries.
The Paris office has a focus on private equity work, where the firm has achieved top-tier status in France. The firm is also very active in banking and restructuring and insolvency.
Key clients of the firm include Aviva, Credit Suisse, Diameter Capital, King Street Capital, Marathon Capital, Alcentra,
Ascometal, Baxter
Healthcare
Corporation,
Bpifrance Participations and BUT.
Client
feedback:
32nd edition (2022/2023)
"This was a very complex restructuring
– the team was in control and commercial. Despite the large number of parties involved, they were able to respond to individual requests swiftly.
Coordination between the various team members was smooth. Really impressed by their
approach."
"Latham and Watkins and the leading engagement partner provided invaluable guidance to our group in working through our very complex restructuring transaction. At every step of the transaction Latham was thorough in their legal analysis and candid in sharing their views of the merits of each option. When it came time to execute, Latham completed extremely detailed work documents with ease."
Mayer Brown
Mayer Brown is the Paris office of the international law firm of the same name. The office has 80 lawyers including 28 partners.
Mayer Brown is an international law firm which can trace its origins back to 1863. The firm operates on four continents and the managing partner is Jeremy Clay.
The firm has a particular focus on private equity work but is also very active in structured finance and securitisation capital markets
and also project development.
In banking, key clients of the firm include Groupe Panhard, Naxicap Partners, L Catterton,
Sagard, Bridgepoint Development Capital,
Qualium Investissement,
Quilvest Capital Partners, LBO France and Montefiore Investment.
In structured finance and
securitisation capital markets, key clients of the firm include Bank of America, Factofrance, Dow Chemical, BNP Paribas, JP Morgan, Rabobank and MUFG.
In M&A, key clients of the firm include Acolad,
Anaveo,
Mediawan, Pernod Ricard, Presto Engineering,
Sogal, Unilever, Oaktree Capital, ICG and Bridgepoint Development Capital.
In private equity, key clients of the firm include Ophiliam Management, UI Investissement, L Catterton, Bridgepoint Development Capital,
Sagard, Oaktree Capital, Marlin Equity Partners,
Qualium Investissement, Intermediate Capital Partners and
NewAlpha Verto.
McDermott Will & Schulte
McDermott Will & Schulte
is the Paris office of the international law firm of the same name. The office has 80 lawyers.
McDermott Will & Emery is an international law firm established in the 1930s. The firm is chaired by partner Ira Coleman and has 20 offices in seven countries and
more than1,200 lawyers.
The Paris office has a focus on banking, M&A, private equity and project finance.
Key clients of the firm include
Abénex, Andera Partners (ActoMezz), Natixis, Tikehau Capital, CAPZA, Five Arrows Direct Lending, Banco Santander, CACIB and LGT Private Debt.
Paul Hastings
Paul Hastings is
the French office of the international law firm of the same name. The firm
is based in Paris and the office is chaired by Olivier Vermeulen.
The firm has a particular focus on
M&A and private equity work.
Key clients of the firm include Amundi Private Equity Funds, Andera Partners,
Astorg, B&Capital,
Bpifrance,
Mediapro Sport France,
Liberty House Group,
US Wells Fargo,
xCelle Americas, Triumph Group and Air France Industries.
Racine
Racine is a French law firm established in 1981. The firm has more than200 lawyers, including 72 partners, located in seven offices in France and Belgium and is led by managing partners Frédéric Broud and Xavier Rollet.
The firm has a focus on restructuring and insolvency but is also very active in banking work.
Key clients of the firm include Tristan Capital Partners,
Presstalis, ING Bank, Themis Banque, Allianz France, Orange Bank, Adeo, Suez, Composites One and
Axtom.
Client
feedback:
32nd edition (2022/2023)
Financial services regulatory
"Challenging ideas and strong advice for target model."
Spitz Poulle Kannan
Spitz
Poulle Kannan is a French financial law firm established in 2011.
The firm has a focus on financial services regulatory, where the firm has achieved top-tier status in France.
Key clients of the firm include Deutsche Bank, EQT, Klarna, Edmond de Rothschild, BNP Paribas, UniCredit, Morgan Stanley, Natixis, Groupe BPCE and Total.
Client
feedback:
32nd edition (2022/2023)
Financial services regulatory
"Very clear, responsive, knowledgeable and practical."
"Spitz
Poulle are the standout leading financial services regulatory practice in the French market. Their partners are well known to international clients for their deep understanding of French regulations and the ability to provide practical advice to global groups."
Trinity International
Trinity International
is the Paris office of the international law firm of the same name. The office opened in 2016 and Pierre Benheim is the leading partner. Trinity International is an international law firm, established in 2006.
Focusses / specialisms
The Paris office is active in project development.
Key clients
Key clients of the firm include Tembo Power, Quair International, Scatec Solar, BIO, Electri Fi and Africa Ren.
Client Feedback: 31st edition (2020/2021)
Bank lending: Lender side
"Strong on legal knowledge and how to structure and deal with legal issues. Responsive and proactive."
UGGC Avocats
UGGC
Avocats is a French law firm established in 1993. The firm has 146 lawyers in nine offices.
The firm has a focus on private equity and restructuring and insolvency work but is also active in M&A.
Key clients of the firm include Colas, La Poste Suisse, LBO France, CDC Habitat,
Bpifrance, Invesco, Fides, Aeospace, Nimbus and Aequs Aerospace.
Client
feedback:
32nd edition (2022/2023)
"UGGC
arereally proactive and support our company as if they were employees of it; the work done is very professional and they have a broad approach of solutions; their enthusiasm is really pleasant and motivating."
"UGGC is very efficient and knowledgeable in M&A and very responsive. They
are able to talk to businesspeople as well as lawyers."
Valoren
Valoren is a French law firm based in Paris. The firm has a particular focus on restructuring and insolvency.
Client feedback:
32nd edition (2022/2023)
"Our matter is extremely complicated with various challenges and aspects requiring urgent and ongoing attention. The lawyers at
Valoren have been exceptional in dealing with this matter, providing expert assistance and guidance on all matters." - Insolvency
Weil Gotshal & Manges
Weil Gotshal & Manges is
a French law firm established through a merger in 2003. The firm is part of the international law firm of the same name.
It has one office in Paris, which is led by managing partner Emmanuelle Henry and has more than 80 lawyers.
Weil Gotshal & Manges is an international law firm established in 1931. The firm has 1,100 lawyers and is led by executive partner Barry Wolf.
The firm has a focus on private equity and restructuring and insolvency work, where the firm has achieved top-tier status in France. The firm is also very active in M&A work.
In M&A, key clients of the firm include Casino, Orange, Engie, Vinci, Eutelsat, Total, Vallourec, Lagardère,
Altarea Cogedim and April.
In private equity, key clients of the firm include 3i, Advent International, Alpha Private Equity, A&M Capital, Antin Infrastructure, Apax Partners, APG,
ArchiMed, Ardian and Astorg Partners.
In restructuring and insolvency, key clients of the firm include Rallye, Casino, Bpifrance,
the
French State, Glass Holdings, Arc Holdings,
Hayfin Capital Management,
Foraco, Corsair and Vallourec.
Client
feedback:
32nd edition (2022/2023)
"Deep knowledge of French restructuring and insolvency-related issues, providing sound advice in complex situations."
"Trust, understanding of our key issues, knowledge of the French restructuring world and advice on how to handle different stakeholders, including the government, collaboration with other advisors."
