Firms To Watch: Banking and finance: transactional work

Launched in April 2022 with the hire of Richard Jadot, DWF (France) AARPI‘s practice focuses on project and asset finance.
Prad Avocats hired Danhoé Reddy-Girard (ex Gowling WLG) in June 2024, who has particular expertise in real estate financing.
Reed Smith hired Ilana Smadja (ex Weil, Gotshal & Manges LLP) in 2024 to co-head its practice alongside Baptiste Gelpi; the duo assist debt funds, agents as well as companies with their financing needs.
Squair acquired financing expertise after hiring Blandine Gény  (ex Kramer Levin Naftalis & Frankel LLP) in 2023, who was followed the following year by Clara Toubert  (formerly with Gide Loyrette Nouel A.A.R.P.I.); the duo notably advising on private debt and mezzanine financing.

Banking and finance: transactional work in France

A&O Shearman

A&O Shearman impresses by its large resources that allow for a comprehensive coverage of financing needs, that are completed by an excellent in-house capital markets practice. The Parisian based team, which combines UK and French law expertise and access to an excellent international platform, advises leading French, US and UK banks on the granting of large corporate financing facilities to leading French and international corporations (sustainable loans, RCF, senior term loans, syndicated financing). The practice also has excellent acquisition finance expertise that include LBOs and the financing of prominent public tender offers. Finally, its range of expertise also extends to asset, export and trade finance work, notably involving emerging markets. The excellent Julien Roux  , Adrian Mellor and Thomas Roy co-head the practice, which was further strengthened in September 2024 with the arrival of Michel Houdayer  (ex Latham & Watkins LLP ). Counsel Tristan Jambu-Merlin also provides support.

Practice head(s):

Julien Roux; Adrian Mellor; Thomas Roy


Other key lawyers:

Michel Houdayer; Tristan Jambu-Merlin


Key clients

Crédit Agricole Corporate and Investment Bank


La Banque Postale


In’Li


Louis Delhaize


Sodexo


CIC Private Debt


Eurazeo


Goldman Sachs


IK Partners


PAI Partners


Mercurial


Allied Irish Banks


Work highlights


  • Advised the lender on the financing of the tender offer launched by La Française des Jeux to acquire the entire share capital of Kindred.
  • Advised the underwriters and bookrunners on the debt financing for InVivo Group’s takeover of United Malt Group.
  • Advised a multinational financial institution on a MIGA guaranteed, short-term financing to the Republic of Senegal.

Clifford Chance

Clifford Chance advises all types of stakeholders including leading French banks as well as companies, investment funds and alternative debt providers, on the financing of major LBO transactions and also of public takeover deals. Recently, the practice is also regularly seen assisting clients with major debt refinancing work, while infrastructure financing is another key area of strength, especially in the data center, energy and telecoms infrastructure areas. The highly seasoned Daniel Zerbib supervises the practice alongside Pierre-Benoit Pabot Du Châtelard and Chloé Desreumaux who was promoted to partner in May 2024. Counsel Maroussia Cuny provides support. Of note, the firm considerably strengthened its ranks at the end of 2024, notably in the LBO and acquisition finance field, after hiring Arnaud Fromion  and Frédéric Guilloux  from Goodwin .

Practice head(s):

Daniel Zerbib; Pierre-Benoît Pabot du Châtelard; Chloé Desreumaux


Other key lawyers:

Maroussia Cuny


Testimonials

‘Without a doubt one of the top teams in Paris.’

‘Pierre-Benoît Pabot du Châtelard: a young partner who stands out for his finesse, his rigor and his pragmatism.’

‘Availability, responsiveness, efficiency.’

Key clients

BNP Paribas


Crédit Agricole


CACEIS


Natixis


Société Générale


Bank of America Merrill Lynch


Barclays


BTMU


Crédit Suisse


Deutsche Bank


Goldman Sachs


HSBC


ING


IKB


JPMorgan


UniCredit


SMBC


AccorInvest


Airbus


AXA


Bouygues


Carrefour


EDF


Eiffage


L’Oréal


Pernod Ricard


Ramsay Santé


SANEF


TotalEnergies


Vinci


FUNDS


Apera Tikehau Capital


Ares Management


Bridgepoint


Bridgepoint Private Credit


Eurazeo


Five Arrows


Glencore


HLD


Infravia


Mérieux Equity Partners


Pricoa


Siparex


Work highlights


  • Advised the export credit agencies (Bpifrance, Euler Hermes and SACE) and lenders (BNP Paribas, Deutsche Bank, ING and Intesa Sanpaolo) on the €4.4 billion project financing of Automotive Cells Company’s portfolio of gigafactories across France, Italy and Germany.
  • Advised the creditors in connection with the refinancing of the existing indebtedness of the group Infopro Digital for a total amount of €1.105 billion.
  • Advised Hitachi Rail on the financing aspects of the acquisition of Thales’ Ground Transportation Systems business for €1.66 billion.

Latham & Watkins

Latham & Watkins excels at advising leading French and international banks as well as prominent sponsors on the setting up of complex and large financings, often mixing TL and RCF loans. Recently, the Parisian team has also been particularly busy advising on amend and extend deals and repricing negotiations of large facilities. Finally, the practice also stands out for its high-level LBO finance expertise that advises on mid to large transactions.  Xavier Farde and Lionel Dechmann are two highly regarded figures. The practice is led by Carla-Sophie Imperadeiro . Of note, Michel Houdayer  left the firm in September 2024.

Practice head(s):

Carla-Sophie Imperadeiro


Other key lawyers:

Xavier Farde; Lionel Dechnmann


Testimonials

‘Always relevant, deal oriented, always available, very nice team.’

Key clients

Ardian


Ares


Astorg Partners


BNP Paribas


Bridgepoint Advisers Limited


Circet group


Club Med


Credit Agricole Corporate and Investment Bank


Domus group


IK Partners


Intermediate Capital Group (ICG)


ING Bank N.V., French Branch


J.P. Morgan


KKR Corporate Lending


Natixis


Partners Group


Pemberton


SK Capital


Trigo


Société Générale


TA Associates


Work highlights


  • Advised Barclays Bank Ireland PLC, J.P. Morgan SE, Banque Nomura France, Crédit Agricole Corporate, Investment Bank and Natixis on a €2.3 billion equivalent dual-tranche TLB leverage financing for Ceva Santé Animale.
  • Advised AccorInvest in connection with the extension of the maturity of its EUR 4.5bn senior facilities.
  • Advised HomeVi in connection with the implementation of an amend and extend consent process relating to the maturity extension of its senior syndicated debt of an aggregate principal amount of EUR 2,160,000,000.

Linklaters

Linklaters ‘s large team, which combined top French and UK law expertise, heavily assists leading French and international banks on the granting of complex and large financings including syndicated and bilateral loans, RCF and super RCF facilities, as well as bridge and ESG loans. The practice regularly advises on complex debt refinancing and large acquisition finance deals, including public tender offers.  Finally, the team also assists corporations and investment funds, especially in the real estate finance sector where it has strong knowhow - it recently completed a high volume of refinancing and amend and extend work in that area.  Cyril AbtanKathryn Merryfield and  Rhéa Christophilopoulos are all excellent partners. They are supported by counsel Lauren Hanley and managing associate Fanny Allouche .

Practice head(s):

Bertrand Andriani


Other key lawyers:

Cyril Abtan; Kathryn Merryfield; Rhéa Christophilopoulos; Lauren Hanley; Fanny Allouche


Testimonials

‘One of the most competent law firms in France with regards to large corporate loans (bilateral or syndicated).’

‘High technicality and in-depth knowledge of their market. Great availability and quality of advice. Top team in the banking and finance market.’

‘The team is excellent. They are very efficient, responsive, competent and know how to adjust its advice according to issues.’

‘The team is truly at the forefront of the latest trends, very attentive and always available for enriching discussions.’

‘Rhéa Christophilopoulos particularly stands out. Rhéa is always responsive, relevant, efficient, and knows how to find solutions in all types of situations.’

‘Rhéa Christophilopoulos has great ability to drive negotiations under pressure. Ability to support clients including on matters sitting “on the fence” between commercial and legal is helpful.  Fanny Allouche: technically very able.’

‘Kathryn Merryfield has excellent knowledge of the market and its players, and is qualified in English and French law.’

‘The team of Cyril Abtan impresses with their professionalism, their availability, their selflessness and their pedagogy.’

Key clients

BNP Paribas


Clariane


Crédit Agricole Corporate & Investment Bank


Crédit Suisse


Engie


HSBC


JP Morgan


Lhyfe


Morgan Stanley


Royal Bank of Canada


Société Générale


Teleperformance


Work highlights


  • Advised Holding Manne and the initial shareholders of La Rosée Cosmétique in relation to the acquisition by Holding Manne of La Rosée Cosmétique.
  • Advised the coordinators and other mandated lead arrangers in relation to the super senior revolving credit facility made available to Picard alongside an issuance of €650m senior secured notes.
  • Advised Natixis and Société Générale in relation to the financing of the tender offer to be followed by the delisting of Allego N.V.  by Madeleine Charging BV.

White & Case LLP

White & Case LLP 's large dedicated team assists leading French banks, corporations and investment funds with the negotiation, amending and refinancing of large corporate loans (including RCF and ESG facilities), and acquisition finance deals (including the financing of spin-off and takeover bids). Acting alongside the restructuring practice, the banking and finance team also regularly advises debtors and investors on the restructuring of large banking and bond debts linked to large and prominent corporations. The highly regarded Raphaël Richard supervises the practice, within which  Denise DialloSamir Berlat and  Neeloferr Roy are other key members.

Practice head(s):

Raphaël Richard


Other key lawyers:

Denise Diallo; Samir Berlat; Neeloferr Roy


Testimonials

‘Availability, expertise and professionalism.’

‘Always relevant, deal making oriented, always available, very nice team.’

Key clients

BNP Paribas


Crédit Agricole


Société Générale


Natixis


HSBC France


Morgan Stanley


Deutsche Bank


JP Morgan


Goldman Sachs


Bank of Ireland


SMBC


Keolis


Aéma Group


Orpéa


Alstom


Tereos


LVMH


Adisseo


Vivescia


Verallia


SPIE


Engie


Suez


Michelin


Coface


Les Mousquetaires


Rubis


Terminal


Cobepa


Eurazeo


IK Investment Partners


Antin Infrastructure


Partners


I Squared Capital


Fosun


BlackRock


Permira


CVC Capital Partners


Barings


Hps Investment Partners


Centerbridge


Redwood


Alcentra


Work highlights


  • Advised Alstom in connection with the renewal of its revolving facility.
  • Advised Sodexo on a financing in connection with the spin-off of its Benefits and Rewards Services business, Pluxee.
     
  • Advised Vallourec, a world leader in premium tubular solutions, on its refinancing.

Ashurst LLP

Ashurst LLP has a strong involvement alongside leading French banks, as well as with some international institutions, which it assists with corporate financing and refinancing deals and acquisition finance. The team's main focus is on mid to large transactions and its client base also counts some corporations. Its wide array of expertise also spans RCF loans and the financing of public tender offers.  The practice is headed by Eric Fiszelson . Pierre Roux  is the other key name within the practice, which also includes counsel  Audrey Lesage.

Practice head(s):

Eric Fiszelson


Other key lawyers:

Pierre Roux;  Audrey Lesage


Testimonials

‘Good responsiveness’.

‘Pierre Roux is an excellent manager and is very pleasant to work with. Communication is fluid and direct. The team is methodical, reliable and does not let anything slip’.

‘Competent team with good bench strength.’

‘Responsive and commercial. ’

‘The team stands out for its availability, attentive listening and efficiency. It offers pragmatic solutions, always adapted to specific needs. They show flexibility and ability to maintain a quality customer relationship, while being technically impeccable. Their human approach and good humor are a plus’.

Key clients

Crédit Agricole Corporate & Investment Bank


Amer Sports


Natixis


BNP Paribas


Caisse des Dépôts et Consignations


CIC Lyonnaise de Banque


Deutsche Bank AG


Goldman Sachs Asset Management


European Investment Bank


BlackRock


Société Générale


Landesbank Saar


Work highlights


  • Advised CACIB and the lenders on the EUR 1.7bn refinancing of the debt of Idex group.
  • Advising the lending banks, led by BNP Paribas, Crédit Agricole Corporate and Investment Bank, Crédit Industriel et Commercial and Natixis, in connection with the proposed simplified public takeover bid for the shares of SII Group.
  • Advised a banking syndicate, led by BNP Paribas and CIC Lyonnaise de Banque, on the €226 million financing of the takeover bid for Groupe Boiron launched by Boiron Développement.

Bredin Prat

Bredin Prat's particular strength lies in advising French corporations, family offices and investment funds on their corporate financing needs by way of banking facilities (syndicated loans, RCF, SRCF) and notes issuances. The team often assists clients on arranging large corporate financing and refinancing facilities, often combining hybrid products. The practice also regularly assists companies and investment funds with acquisition financing deals, including public M&A transactions. The practice is led by Raphaële Courtier and includes Samuel Pariente  and Karine Sultan.

Practice head(s):

Raphaële Courtier


Other key lawyers:

Samuel Pariente; Karine Sultan


Testimonials

‘Excellent technique. Availability.’

‘Karine Sultan has a high level technique, and provides exceptional support.’

‘Excellent technique, very responsive and very knowledgeable of the various stakeholders. Concrete advice.’

‘Raphaële Courtier is always very responsive and comes up with solutions.’


Key clients

Ateliers de France


Elastikos


Financière Agache


Fnac Darty


KKR/April Group


Klépierre


Marcegaglia


Marle Group


Rothschild & Co / Concordia


Sapmer


Seven2


The Group Thom


Viola Crédit


Work highlights


  • 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 by way of a simplified tender offer.
  • Advised Fnac Darty in connection with extending the maturity of its Delayed Draw Term Loan (DDTL).
  • Advising the Consortium comprising CD&R and Everest UK HoldCo Limited on the proposed acquisition of a majority stake in Exclusive Networks followed by a simplified mandatory tender offer.

Cleary Gottlieb Steen & Hamilton

Cleary Gottlieb Steen & Hamilton is the go-to-firm for large French and international corporations, notably among publicly listed companies, for their large credit facilities needs (including senior and medium-term loans and RCF), or to finance large acquisitions. Valérie Lemaitre is the key name here, and is supported by counsel Laura Birène. Additionally, the firm is also retained by many African states and private entities to assist with Africa-related transactions, often dealing with infrastructure, energy and natural resources projects. In that area, Barthélemy Faye   is highly sought after.

Practice head(s):

Valérie Lemaitre; Barthélemy Faye


Other key lawyers:

Laura Birène


Testimonials

‘Efficiency, pragmatism.’

‘High availability, diligence and quality of services. Advice is always very relevant.’

‘Barthélemy Faye is extremely brilliant and competent.’

‘Extremely competent and responsive team. Excellent support.’

‘Great capacity for analysis and synthesis which allows for quality strategic exchanges.’

‘Availability, speed and expertise.’

Key clients

Attestor


Lagardère


Artémis


Groupe Canal + S.A.


Editis Holding


SEN-TER


Vivendi


Apollo / Poseidon Bidco


Sulo


Nexans


Publicis


Transdev


Institut Pasteur de Dakar


Aéroport International Blaise Diagne SA


BNDE


The Republic of Benin


The Republic of Côte d’Ivoire


The Republic of Senegal


Petrosen Trading & Services


Port Autonome de Cotonou


Work highlights


  • Representing Groupe Canal + S.A., as borrower, and Vvendi S.E., as guarantor, in a €1.9 bn term facility agreement in connection with the acquisition by Groupe Canal + S.A. of MultiChoice Group Limited
  • Represented Sulo (a portfolio company of Latour Capital) in connection with a €410 million Sustainability Linked Senior Secured Financing comprising of a €350 million TLB and €60 million RCF.
  • Assisted Editis Holding in connection with the negotiation and implementation of a new €290 million term loan and credit facilities agreement.

De Pardieu Brocas Maffei

De Pardieu Brocas Maffei hosts one of the market's largest banking and finance team and has a strong following among leading French and international banks, while also advising borrowers. The firm is a leading reference for real estate and project finance, recently assisting banks with the refinancing of large property loans. Combining forces with the firm’s top restructuring team, the banking and finance practice is also well positioned to play a key role on large debt restructuring cases. Its corporate and acquisition finance expertise is also well regarded and sought after for ESG, syndicated credit and RCF loans as well as for mid-cap LBO finance work. The practice is led by Christophe Gaillard and also includes  Corentin Coatalem and Sébastien Boullier de Branche , who are all experts in corporate and acquisition finance. Also recommended are real estate finance stars Yannick Le Gall , Emmanuel Fatôme and Pierre Gebarowski , while Jean-Renaud Cazali  is another strong name for project finance.

Practice head(s):

Christophe Gaillard


Other key lawyers:

Emmanuel Fatôme; Yannick Le Gall; Corentin Coatalem; Jean-Renaud Cazali ; Sébastien Boullier de Branche ; Pierre Gebarowski


Testimonials

‘Dedicated, committed, responsive and reliable team.’

‘Christophe Gaillard really gets involved in files’.

‘Emmanuel Fatôme’s reputation is well established’.

‘Pierre Gebarowski is a great professional with strong negotiation skills’.

‘Jean-Renaud Cazali has exceptional knowledge of the financing players in France (sponsors and banks) in the fields of renewable energy and is remarkably adept at assimilating his clients’ guidelines to provide precise and personalized advice.’

‘Yannick Le Gall shows great pedagogy towards his clients and third parties.’

‘Corentin Coatalem shows ability to bring important points to the forefront in a gentle manner’.

‘Sébastien Boullier de Branche : great availability, technical competence, market knowledge and ability ability to move things forward’.

Key clients

AXA IM


BPI


CA-CIB (CREDIT AGRICOLE GROUP)


CDC HABITAT


DEKABANK


DEUTSCHE BANK


EIB


HSBC CONTINENTAL EUROPE


ING


LA BANQUE POSTALE


LA SOCIETE GENERALE


LCL


NATIXIS


PIMCO PRIME REAL ESTATE


TIKEHAU CAPITAL


Work highlights


  • Advising the 57 French banks of the “G6”, preferred creditors of Orpea, on the second phase of its global restructuring.
  • Advising the lenders on the signature with 23 banks of an amendment to its “RCF1” syndicated line of credit.
  • Advising the lenders (Groupe Crédit Agricole, BPIFRANCE, Crédit Lyonnais, Crédit Industriel et Commercial) on the due diligence aspects and the financing of the Solarhona project.

Freshfields Bruckhaus Deringer LLP

Freshfields Bruckhaus Deringer LLP 's strong and solid team is often retained by prominent investment funds or their portfolio companies to assist with large corporate financing and refinancing deals and acquisition finance transactions. Recently, the practice has been particularly busy assisting with large amend and extend and refinancing deals spanning banking term loans, RCF loans as well as unitranche and ESG loans. It is also able to advise on the financing of public M&A deals and is highly respected by creditors to assist with market’s landmark debt restructuring transactions. Finally, infrastructure finance is also dealt with. The practice is headed by the excellent Stéphanie Corbière , with Fabrice Grillo,Marie Roche and Laurent Mabilat being other key names within the practice.

Practice head(s):

Stéphanie Corbière


Other key lawyers:

Fabrice Grillo; Laurent Mabilat; Marie Roche


Testimonials

‘Best restructuring team on the creditor side of the Paris market.’

‘Laurent Mabilat is the best restructuring lawyer in the market for creditors with unparalleled attention to detail, unmatched mastery of documentation and procedures, a strategic vision and an unrivaled tactical sense coupled with a very good knowledge of his clients (banks and funds) and the Parisian business microcosm.’

‘Team available, quite responsive and very friendly.’

Key clients

Antin Infrastructure Partners


Charterhouse Capital Partners


Cobepa


Phoenix Tower International (Blackstone)


Delachaux


IQ EQ


Verallia


Alvest


La Française des Jeux


Idex


BNPP


CACIB


Segula


CDPQ


Foundever


Ekinops


Clayens


One Equity Partner


DIF Capital Management


Ardian Infrastructure


CMA CGM


EDF Invest / EDF


Renault


Diot Siaci


Blackstone (Tactictal Opportunities Advisors)


Babilou


Work highlights


  • Advising La Française des Jeux on the EUR2bn financing of a tender offer to acquire the entire share capital of Kindred.
  • Advising a group of commercial banks, including BNP Paribas, on the financial restructuring of the indebtedness of the Casino Group.
  • Advising DIF Capital Management and certain affiliated funds in connection with the acquisition financing of TDF Fibre (fiber business) from TDF.

Gide Loyrette Nouel A.A.R.P.I.

Gide Loyrette Nouel A.A.R.P.I. has a strong involvement alongside banks, while also assisting some borrowers with the setting up of ESG, syndicated and bilateral loans and on acquisition finance and financing of public tender offers. The range of expertise also spans the financing of asset and infrastructures. The team is co-headed by the Eric Cartier-MillonNathalie Benoit Laetitia Lemercier and Farah El-Bsat. Margaux Allilaire , Faten Anis  and Eric Bolis  were promoted to counsel in January 2024.

Practice head(s):

Eric Cartier-Millon; Laetitia Lemercier; Farah El-Bsat; Nathalie Benoit


Testimonials

‘Very professional and responsive team. Good ability to understand, explain and defend banks’ position. Effective management.’

‘Excellent technique and availability.’

Key clients

BANQUE EUROPEENNE D’INVESTISSEMENT


INVENTIVA S.A.


CDC HABITAT


ROTHSCHILD


WENDEL


STAHL


EUROPCAR


BPIFRANCE


CREDIT AGRICOLE CORPORATE AND INVESTMENT BANK


LA BANQUE POSTALE


SOCIETE GENERALE


ARDIAN


CHARTERHOUSE


VEOLIA ENVIRONNEMENT


CENTAURUS


EURAZEO


MCARTHURGLEN


NATIXIS SA


ROQUETTE FRERES


LIMAGRAIN


Herbert Smith Freehills LLP

Herbert Smith Freehills LLP is one of the few firms equally expert at advising borrowers and French lending banks. Through Louis De Longeaux , the team has a busy practice assisting leading French corporations on the granting and refinancing of large corporate loans. Complementing the practice, Laure Bonin is appreciated by leading French banks for mid-cap LBO and corporate loans financing. Additionally, seasoned partner Régis Oréal also contributes, advising on project finance, sovereign loans and real estate finance.

Practice head(s):

Vincent Hatton


Other key lawyers:

Louis De Longeaux ; Régis Oréal; Laure Bonin


Testimonials

‘Great proactivity. Constructive and pragmatic in negotiations.’

Key clients

Amundi Asset Management


Guerbet


Société Foncière Lyonnaise


Soitec


Vicat


Australia New Zealand Bank (as panel firm)


Bank of America Merrill Lynch


BNP Paribas (as panel firm)


BPCE – Natixis group (as panel firm)


Bpifrance


Citi


Crédit Agricole (as panel firm)


Crédit Industriel et Commercial (and other entities of the Crédit Mutuel CIC Group)


Crédit Lyonnais


European Investment Bank


HSBC Continental Europe


International Finance Corporation


JPMorgan


La Banque Postale


Société Générale (as panel firm)


Accor


Agence Française de Développement (AFD)


Airbus


Air Liquide


Alten


Arkema


Bureau Veritas


Compagnie des Alpes


Danone


EssilorLuxottica Devialet


Elo (Auchan)


EssilorLuxottica


Financière Mauffrey


Gifi


Indigo


InnovaFeed


JC Decaux


Kering


L’Oréal


Maison du Monde


Monoprix


Muzinich & Co


Onet


Orange


Proparco


RTE


Safran


Schneider Electric


SEB


Stelantis


Vinci


Worldline


Hogan Lovells (Paris) LLP

Hogan Lovells (Paris) LLP  has a strong involvement alongside leading French financial institutions (the firm is on the panel of many of the world’s leading banks) while also assisting corporations and alternative lenders. The practice regularly advises on the setting up of mid to large corporate loans and refinancing deals (term loans and RCF notably) and is also renowned for its excellent mid-cap acquisition finance and LBO finance expertise. Its range of involvement also extends to property and asset financing. The team is co-headed by  Sabine Bironneau-Loy and Alexander Premont, and also includes Cassandre Porgès, as well as counsels Guergana Zabonova  and Maria Klass .

Practice head(s):

Sabine Bironneau-Loy; Alexander Premont,


Other key lawyers:

Cassandre Porgès, Guergana Zabonova; Maria Klass; Ouassila El Asri


Testimonials

‘The financing team is dynamic, commercial, highly technical and works on market files with a multi-jurisdictional component. It is a top team, particularly in the field of acquisition financing.’

‘Alexander Prémont, Sabine Bironneau and Cassandre Porges form a team who are highly recognized in the market. Alexander Prémont is particularly recognized for his ability to manage highly complex international cases and for his great negotiating skills.’

‘The team has perfect knowledge of the market and the essential technical skills to advise on the most complex operations. The lawyers are good listeners and know how to remain proactive in suggesting pragmatic solutions. They are responsive and involved in all their files. The work is qualitative and completed within the allocated time. ‘

‘The team is very professional and is greatly appreciated for its drive on commercial and recovery issues, the quality of the renderings and its network with international firms.’

‘Alexander Premont: Alexander does everything to successfully complete a transaction using a proven process and great calm’.

‘Great availability and responsiveness.’

‘Guergana Zabonova is calm and quick to manage the unexpected methodically in all circumstances.’

‘Ouassila El Asri is professional and fully involved. She provides good advice and makes herself available when necessary.’

Key clients

AccorInvest Group and AccorInvest SAS


Banque Populaire Rives de Paris


BNP Paribas


Bred Banque Populaire


Caisse d’Epargne et de Prévoyance Languedoc-Roussillon


CIC


Crédit Agricole Corporate and Investment Bank


Crédit Lyonnais


French Ministry of Finance


HSBC Continental Europe


ICG Real Estate Investments VI S.a.r.l


Infravia Capital Partners


MBO &Co


Montefiore Investment


Prony Resources New Caledonia


Riverbank S.A.


Roundshield


Seven2 (Apax)


Société Générale


Tikehau ACE Capital


Tikehau Investment Management


TowerBrook Capital Partners


Pictet Asset Management


Sienna Asset Management


Work highlights


  • Advised Crédit Agricole Corporate and Investment Bank and other lenders including French and international banks, in the setting up of a EUR 700,000,000 revolving credit facility for the benefit of Rexel.
  • Advised Astek on its €560 million CAPEX financing with 3 direct lenders and the development of a new strategic partnership with ICG for €110 million.
  • Advised Exosens on the arrangement of new bank financing for its IPO in Paris.

Weil, Gotshal & Manges LLP

Weil, Gotshal & Manges LLP is a reference in France among leading private equity sponsors and private debt funds undertaking major to large LBO and acquisition financing transactions. The practice has strong knowhow advising on unitranche and hybrid financing, while the team also assists some companies with banking and debt bond financing. The practice is co-headed by James Clarke , Jean-Christophe David and Géraldine Lezmi .

Practice head(s):

James Clarke; Jean-Christophe David; Géraldine Lezmi


Testimonials

‘The Paris financing team provides top and constant quality of service coupled with a strong understanding of what matters for PE investors. The team is very homogenous in terms of quality, from partner to more junior resources.’

‘Géraldine Lezmi demonstrates superior technical and commercial skills coupled with an impressive sense of commitment. She is the lawyer you want on your side, especially on complex and time sensitive transactions. Once you worked with her it is very difficult to work with someone else.’

Key clients

Barings


Hayfin


Arcmont


Antin


Ceva


Eurazeo


Keensight


Montagu


TowerBrook


Pacific Avenue Capital Partners


Willkie Farr & Gallagher LLP

Willkie Farr & Gallagher LLP is a go-to-firm for financing and refinancing needs pertaining to the private equity sector. The team, which assists the most prominent private equity sponsors and private debt providers, is retained to advising on the market’s largest LBO and unitranche financing deals. Recently, the practice has also been particularly sought after by funds and companies to help with refinancing and amend and extend negotiations, and by bondholders to work on large debt restructuring.  Paul Lombard heads the practice, with Thomas Binet being the other key name within the practice. Igor Kukhta left the practice.

Practice head(s):

Paul Lombard


Other key lawyers:

Thomas Binet


Testimonials

‘High availability and responsiveness. Excellent technique and good commercial sense.’

‘Paul Lombard: very available and responsive, excellent technical skills and extensive knowledge of the unitranche market.

‘Team combining professionalism, rigor and responsiveness. A benchmark player among LBO financing advisors.’

‘Paul Lombard is close to his clients, available and very efficient. He has a programmatic approach and a perfect knowledge of the subjects. A pleasure to collaborate with him and his team.’

‘Very available and very engaged. Partner gets very involved, spends time on the details as well. Associates are extremely experienced, professional and helpful. ’

‘Thomas Binet: pragmatism, ability to reach compromises. Paul Lombard: dynamic in negotiations.’

‘Thomas Binet is a responsive lawyer, attentive to his clients and their expectations, who knows his market perfectly and who has established himself as a key player in small & mid cap financing in France.’

‘Thomas Binet: ability to identify key issues from the first discussions and to effectively resolve sticking points with a very pragmatic approach.’

Key clients

Ardian Private Debt


Astorg


Barings


BlackRock Private Debt


Bluegem


Bonduelle


BNP Paribas


Bridgepoint


CACIB


CVC


EMZ


Eurazeo


Fidera


Five Arrows


Goldman Sachs


GSquare


Hayfin


H.I.G. Whitehorse


HLD


IK Partners


IQ-EQ


Latour Capital


Macquarie Capital


Montefiore


Motion Equity Partners


PAI Partners


Pemberton


Sandaya


Tikehau


Work highlights


  • Advising IK Partners on the financing of its acquisition of Eurofeu, a leading player in the French fire protection market
  • Advising Barings on the unitranche financing of the acquisition of Groupe Premium by Blackstone and Eurazeo.
  • Advising Arcmont on the unitranche financing for the acquisition of a spin-off of Nexity by Bridgepoint.

Baker McKenzie

Baker McKenzie is a reference for leading French and international banks as well as international ECAs in the field of trade and export finance, ESG and corporate financing of companies operating in emerging markets, especially in Turkey and Africa. Domestically, the team also advises companies on the granting of facilities (ESG, RCF). The practice is led by the highly experienced Michael Foundethakis, who is supported by Gonzague BassoThomas Lefebvre left the firm in December 2024.

Practice head(s):

Michael Foundethakis


Other key lawyers:

Gonzague Basso


Testimonials

‘In-depth knowledge of cross-border financing, including managing of local law specifics.’

‘Michael Foundethakis combines in-depth knowledge and leadership qualities.’

‘Gonzague Basso has very good knowledge of processes, and skillful negotiations capabilities. Pleasant collaboration and availability.’

Key clients

bioMérieux


BNP Paribas


Société Générale


Natixis


Ardian (formerly AXA Private Equity)


African Export-Import Bank


PROPARCO (the subsidiary of the Agence française de Développement dealing with the private sector)


Bank of America Merrill Lynch


MUFG Bank


Commerzbank


SMBC


ALD Automotive


Work highlights


  • Advised BNP Paribas and CaixaBank in relation to Swedish export credit agency EKN covered facilities agreement provided to Bouygues Telecom SA to finance the import of 5G equipment from Ericsson AB in Sweden.
  • Acting for bioMérieux in obtaining EUR 600,000,000 dual currency and ESG linked financing from a syndicate of banks led by Crédit Agricole and Natixis.
     
  • Acted for Akbank in relation to its multi-million dual currency sustainability-linked term loan facilities agreement.

Dentons

Dentons  displays solid ability to cover a wide range of financing deals, acting for lenders or borrowers. Recent involvements mostly include corporate refinancing and project-related transactions, spanning various sectors such as healthcare, real estate and railway. The firm is also a top reference in the private fund financing space where it assists leading banks on the equity financing of major investment funds, spanning notably private equity, infrastructure and real estate. Jean-Marc Allix and Philippe Max are the key names. They are supported by counsels  Meryll Aloro and Steeve Jaskierowicz .

Practice head(s):

Pascal Jouannic


Other key lawyers:

Jean-Marc Allix; Philippe Max; Meryll Aloro; Steeve Jaskierowicz


Testimonials

‘Fund finance expertise, responsiveness and efficiency, quality of work and attention to detail, professionalism and courtesy. The firm’s fund finance team remains the reference in France.’

‘In-depth knowledge of the fund finance market. Problem-solving skills.’

‘Complementary, stable, experienced team.’

Key clients

Cornerstone Investment Management


Caisse des Dépôts et Consignations (CDC)


Laboratoire Groupe Rocher


Maisons de Famille


BRED Banque Populaire


HSBC Continental Europe


Caisse d’Epargne et de Prévoyance Hauts de France


Credit Agricole Corporate and Investment Bank


The Royal Bank of Scotland International Limited


Société Générale


AlpInvest Partners


B.V.|LGT Capital Partners


La Banque Postale|Caisse d’Epargne et de Prévoyance Hauts de France


BNP Paribas


European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD)


Laboratoires Expanscience


Work highlights


  • Advised a consortium of banks on a green loan for Hoog Catharijne shopping center in Utrecht.
  • Advised Cornerstone Investment Management on the financing of its acquisition of a leading manufacturer of biodegradable wet wipes Ecowipes, together with its French affiliate Hydra Beauty & Clean.
  • Advised CDC on the financing, under an innovative contractual scheme (“ROSCO scheme”), granted to a local public company held by the French Regions of Occitanie and Nouvelle-Aquitaine for the acquisition, renewal and maintenance of railway rolling stocks operated in the Regions of Occitanie and Nouvelle-Aquitaine..

DLA Piper

DLA Piper offers a good market coverage advising banks and debt funds. The team has a strong mid to upper-mid cap corporate financing and LBO financing practice, including unitranche, bridge loans and RCF facilities. Additionally, the firm houses strong real estate expertise that covers various property assets as well as solid domestic and African project finance capabilities. The practice is headed by real estate finance expert Erwan Lacheteau  and includes the talented Sophie Lok and Romain Guénin, while Eric Villateau focuses on project financing work.

Practice head(s):

Erwan Lacheteau


Other key lawyers:

Eric Villateau; Sophie Lok; Romain Guénin; Aurélie Bossert


Testimonials

‘The service is excellent.’

‘High availability and adaptability; very good understanding of business issues; highly precise legal analysis.’

‘This is a talented team that provides a level of service that is hard to improve upon.’

‘The team is particularly responsive and professional. The level of service is above market market standards’

‘Good responsiveness, understanding of issues.’

‘Sophie Lok is exceptional: very attentive, very available, very professional and able to adapt to any type of situation.’

‘Eric Villateau (partner) and Aurélie Bossert (counsel) are very attentive and available and above all solution providers. Very good negotiators.’

‘Erwan Lacheteau mainly works on domestic and international real estate financing transactions. He has excellent knowledge of the market. He combines technical expertise with great negotiation skills. Discussions always take place in a calm, constructive and respectful manner. Romain Guénin is reactive and has great negotiation skills’.

Key clients

Société Générale group


BNP Paribas


Blackstone Group International Partners LLP


The Carlyle Group


Natixis and Caisse d’Epargne and Banque Populaire (BPCE group)


Crédit Agricole Corporate and Investment Banking


Caisse des Dépôts et Consignations


ING Bank N.V.


Goldman Sachs


Norddeutsche Landesbank Girozentrale (Nord/LB)


Realterm


GLP (Gazeley)


Brookfield/Edyn


Fortress


Invesco


Mount Street


Pricoa / PGIM (Prudential group)


Crédit Industriel et Commercial


Oxford Properties Group


Work highlights


  • Advising a pool of banks of the Crédit Agricole Group in the context of the 200 million euros bridge loan to capital increase made available to Clariane for its global restructuring plan.
  • Advised Goldman Sachs on a €385m refinancing package granted to Olympic Lyonnais.
  • Advising Blackstone on the refinancing of several acquisitions of logistics assets located in France.

Gibson Dunn

Gibson Dunn‘s banking and finance team is a perfect fit to the firm’s thriving restructuring practice where it advises debtors and creditors on many of the market’s largest and most challenging debt restructuring and refinancing transactions. The versatile team also assists borrowers including investment funds and companies with mid-cap corporate and acquisition finance deals and also handles some real estate finance work. The range of work also extends to project, infrastructure and utilities financing. The practice is conducted by Amanda Bevan-De Bernède , who is supported by of counsel Julia-Barbara Michalon and also includes Darko Adamovic on the project finance side.

Practice head(s):

Amanda Bevan de-Bernède


Other key lawyers:

Darko Adamovic; Julia-Barbara Michalon


Testimonials

‘The team always gives good advice even on very technical points. They are responsive’.

‘Amanda Bevan de-Bernède is an excellent technician and excellent negotiator. Julia Barbara Michalon is a great professional. They are excellent, responsive. It is great to be able to count on them. They are available and their advice is of high quality.’

Key clients

Financiere SNOP Dunois (FSD)


Casino Guichard-Perrachon


Kartesia


KKR


Arc Holdings


Tikehau Ace Capital


Goodwin

Goodwin is recommended for its private debt and private equity acquisition finance expertise. Retained by banks, private debts funds as well as private equity firms, the team assist with the setting of senior debt, unitranche, super senior credit revolving and hybrid financing of mid cap transactions. The practice is also mandated to advise on large debt restructuring and loan financing work. The team is solely headed by  Adrien Paturaud  following the departures at the end of 2024 of Arnaud Fromion  and Frédéric Guilloux  .

Practice head(s):

Adrien Paturaud


Testimonials

‘Strong technical skills and ability to coordinate complex processes.’

‘ Very nice team that well the market and give good advice.’

‘Adrien Paturaud is good professional and a friendly person.’

‘Good adaptive skills and great responsiveness.’

‘Very experienced team, great availability and ability to innovate.’

Key clients

Access Capital Partners|Independent


Amundi


Artemid


Bank of Ireland


Barings


BlackRock


BNP Paribas


Capza


Cerea Partners


Crédit Industriel et Commercial


Crédit Agricole CIB


CVC Credit Partners


Eiffel Investment


Eurazeo


Hayfin


Iliad Holding


Five Arrows


LGT Capital Partners


Morgan Stanley


TA Associates


Tikehau Capital


King & Spalding LLP

Headed by Fernand Arsanios , King & Spalding LLP ‘s versatile team acts for all types of stakeholders (lenders, private debt funds, private equity funds and financial institutions) which it advises on a range of transactions. The practice is particularly recommended for its solid refinancings, corporate lending and LBO and acquisition finance practice, and regularly assists private funds with unitranche finance deals and also advises on ESG financings.

Practice head(s):

Fernand Arsanios


Testimonials

‘Very competent in private equity financing.’

Key clients

Andera Partners/Andera Acto


EMZ partners


PGIM, Inc.


Aether Financial Services SAS


L Catterton


New Gen Holding


Axway Software SA White Peaks Capital


LBO France


Manutan International


Etix Everywhere Holding France SAS


Voltalia


Banque Palatine


Work highlights


Kirkland & Ellis LLP

Led by French and UK qualified Kalish Mullen, Kirkland & Ellis LLP ‘s Parisian practice works in close combination with the London office to advise leading sponsors and borrowers on large corporate financing and LBO and acquisition financing deals. The firm regularly assists clients with the setup of large TLF, RCF, bridge and debt bond financings or refinancings.

Practice head(s):

Kalish Mullen


Testimonials

‘The finance team embodies the renewal on the Parisian market, supported by impeccable logistics. They bring the best of American networks, with the essential local touch.’

‘Kalish Mullen is a reference. He is responsive and creative, focused on the solution and the deal, avoiding unnecessary debates. He is well surrounded by a young and dynamic team.’

‘High quality team, responsive, attentive and very customer oriented.’

‘Kalish Mullen goes above and beyond, is always available and is very hands.’

‘The quality of service is excellent and efficient, and the team has excellent knowledge of the market and its requirements. It is also a real pleasure to work with them. The technical and analytical qualities of the team are its strength, added to this is their perfect knowledge of the commercial aspects, they are among the best on the market, especially as advisors to sponsors, their defense of the interests of their clients is a major asset, and often they succeed in drastically improving the position of their clients. The team is innovative in several aspects, diversity, use of technologies, they are very efficient.’

‘Kalish Mullen, who leads the financing team, is an excellent lawyer who has the advantage of perfectly mastering the financial aspects and the modus operandi of these operations. Kalish also has a very accomplished vision of his clients’ interests and understands their business perfectly, which allows him to defend their interests in a very effective and accomplished manner.’

Key clients

Searchlight Capital


BC Partners


D’Ieteren Group


Cinven Capital Management


Core Equity


Partners Group


Kohlberg Kravis Roberts & Co.


Banijay Group


Arctos Partners LP


Provalliance


Emeria


SK Capital Partners


Ipackchem Group


HgCapital


PAI Partners


Advent


Idemia Group


April


Vantiva


iliad


Gallant Capital


Mediawan


Work highlights


  • Advised Parts Europe, owned by D’Ieteren Group, on the implementation of its new €960 million term loan facility and c. €240 million revolving facility.
  • Advised Mediawan, a portfolio company of KKR, on the implementation of its new €500 million term loan facility and €225 million revolving facility.
  • Advised April, a portfolio company of KKR, on the implementation of its new €1.2 billion term loan facility and €205 million revolving facility.

Mayer Brown

Mayer Brown strong team has a strong repute among leading private equity firms and private debt providers for the financing of mid to large LBO acquisitions, while also regularly assisting private equity firm’s portfolio companies with the setting up of corporate financing and refinancing deals (notably through debt bond, unitranche and RCF facilities). The range of expertise also encompasses some real estate financing work and some debt restructuring. Patrick Teboul  leads the practice, with Maud Bischoff being the second key member. They are supported by counsels  Marion Minard and Constance Bouchet while a team from AYACHE, led by Alain Levy, joins early 2025, adding further strength in the private equity helm.

Practice head(s):

Patrick Teboul


Other key lawyers:

Maud Bischoff;  Marion Minard; Constance Bouchet; Alain Levy


Key clients

AmeXio


Bridgepoint Development Capital


Corum


Cristal Union


EFOR Group


EKKIA


Elis


Eurazeo


FCDE


Groupe DFM


ICG


L Catterton


Mediawan


Montefiore Investment


Naxicap Partners


Pemberton Asset Management


Primonial


Qualium Investissement


Sagard


Telamon


Waterland Private Equity


Work highlights


  • Advised Primonial group on the financing aspects of the sale of La Financière de l’Echiquier (LFDE) to La Banque Postale Asset Management.
  • Advised ICG on the financing aspects of the acquisition of a stake in Oak Nation, subsidiary of Charlois, alongside its founder.
     
  • Advised Sagard on the acquisition of a majority stake in Primelis, from Initiative & Finance and the management.

McDermott Will & Emery AARPI

McDermott Will & Emery AARPI‘s practice boasts high-end expertise in the field of large cap equity bridge and NAV fund financing, where it is retained by leading asset managers. Additionally, the team also runs a busy practice assisting leading private equity firms on small to mid cap senior and mezzanine LBO financing. The practice is co-headed by  Pierre-Arnoux Mayoly and Shirin Deyhim who was promoted to partner in 2024. Counsel Aurélien Jugand  left the firm.

Practice head(s):

Pierre-Arnoux Mayoly; Shirin Deyhim


Testimonials

‘Very competent and available’.

Key clients

Tikehau Capital


Five Arrows Principal Investments


Eurazeo Private Debt


Capza


BNP Paribas


Ardian


Andera


Indigo Capital


Siparex


Abénex Capital


Activa Capital


Aldebaran


CR3 Holding


Société Coopérative des Aquaculteurs Landais (SCAL)


Work highlights


  • Advised Tikehau Capital in the context of the implementation of a sponsorless bonds with warrants issuance by Groupe Rayne Holding.
  • Advised Activa Capital on several transactions.
  • Represented Aquaculteurs Landais in the context of the financing the acquisition of smoked trout supplier Groupe Aqualande.

Norton Rose Fulbright

Norton Rose Fulbright needs no introduction in the field of asset and export financing where the firm runs a busy practice advising French and international banking institutions and ECAs on the financing of aircraft, shipping vessels and other transport and infrastructure assets. Practice head Christine Ezcutari and Alexandre Roth  are notably recommended for the above, while the team also has strong property finance expertise through Kamel Ben Salah who recently worked on major portfolio refinancing. Finally, the range of expertise also extends to general banking, advising lenders and some borrowers.

Practice head(s):

Christine Ezcutari


Other key lawyers:

Alexandre Roth; Kamel Ben Salah


Testimonials

‘Proactive team’.

‘Great communication and availability. Great market and practical knowledge  in export finance.’

Key clients

Crédit Agricole Corporate and Investment Bank


HSBC Continental Europe


BNP Paribas


Citibank


Bpifrance


SFIL


Oddo BHF


Oikocredit international


Natixis Corporate and Investment Bank


Triodos


CA Indosuez (Switzerland) SA


Natixis Corporate and Investment Bank


Gunvor SA


Work highlights


  • Advising Bpifrance in the structuring of a 1,2 bn euros enhancement program in relation to the financing provided by SFIL to CAFIL in connection to the investment program of Chantier de l’Atlantique.
  • Advising HSBC CONTINENTAL EUROPE, BNP PARIBAS, LCL, BECM, SOCFIM on the refinancing of an existing bank debt amounting to €444m and the partial financing of general corporate needs of the borrowers amounting to €30m.

Paul Hastings LLP

Headed by Olivier Vermeulen, Paul Hastings LLP‘s practice stands out for its deep involvement alongside leading private debt funds and sponsors on LBO and acquisition finance deals that include unitranche and PIK financings. The team also ranks among the few market’s experts in the fund financing space, where the team assists leading asset managers on large NAV and equity bridge fund financing deals. Also recommended are Tereza Courmont Vlkova and Marc Zerah. Of note, Thibaut Lechoux joined the practice from De Pardieu Brocas Maffei at the end of 2024.

Practice head(s):

Olivier Vermeulen


Other key lawyers:

Tereza Courmont Vlkova; Marc Zerah


Testimonials

‘Technical team, with in-depth know-how. Pleasant team.’

‘Responsive and high level expertise. Excellent services.’

‘Perfect mastery, sound advice and effective support in negotiations. The team also strives to adopt a pragmatic approach, taking into account the challenges and constraints of its clients’ businesses, while remaining rigorous on legal aspects, which is particularly pleasant.’

Key clients

Alcentra


Antin Infrastructure Partners


Apollo


Arcmont Asset Management


Ardian


Astorg


Bpifrance


Bridgepoint Development Capital


Capza


Cheyne Capital


Crédit Mutuel Equity


Equistone Partners Europe


Exens Solutions


FCDE


Finaxy


Francisco Partners


GLAS


Goldman Sachs


HIG


InfraVia Capital Partners


Keensight Capital


Mirova


Oakley Capital


Partners Group


Salins du Midi


Tikehau Investment Management


Proskauer Rose LLP

Through the hiring of a team led by the highly experienced Maud Manon in September 2023, Proskauer Rose LLP  now boasts excellent knowhow in LBO acquisition finance. The Parisian team is equally retained by leading private equity sponsors as by private credit providers to assist with mid-cap LBO financing transactions, while also advising on debt refinancing deals. Counsel Pierre Tardivo also contributes,

Practice head(s):

Maud Manon


Other key lawyers:

Pierre Tardivo


Testimonials

‘Highly competent professionals.’

‘Excellent team.’

‘Great team. Excellent technical and legal practice and ability to negotiate in the best interests of the client.’

‘Very nice team.’

‘Maud Manon and Pierre Tardivo are two very good professionals who defend the client’s interests well and proactively.’

Key clients

Barings


Artemid


CAPZA


Pemberton


ICG


Bridgepoint


Carlyle


Funecap


MML Capital


IMDEV


Montefiore Investment


Work highlights


  • Advised ICG (Barossa Financing) in relation to a 110,000,000 Euros secured bonds for the financing of the acquisition, by Financière Astek, of (Groupe) Astek SA.
  • Advised Ardian in connection with the EUR 320,000,000 credit facilities for partially financing the acquisition by Financière Vendôme II of the Diam Group and the refinancing of its existing financial indebtedness.
  • Advised Montefiore Investment with the setting up of a senior credit facilities agreement to Discovery Holding.

Archers A.A.R.P.I.

Practice head(s):

Jean-Maurice Gaillard


Other key lawyers:

Paul-Henri de Cabissole; Raphaële Cremona


Testimonials

‘Respect deadlines Responsiveness. Good market knowledge and negotiation skills.’

Key clients

Banque Européenne du Crédit Mutuel


Cheyne Capital


Colony Capital


PBB


La Française REM


Natixis


BC Partners


Crédit Agricole Corporate & Investment Bank


LCL


Altarea


BNP Paribas


Société Générale


Greystar


Iroko


SOCFIM


Banque Palatine


BDGS Associés

Practice head(s):

Yaëlle Cohen


Other key lawyers:

Jules Brizi; Jeanne Fattal


Testimonials

‘The team stands out for its responsiveness and its skills extended to various types of financing. The team is very efficient and friendly.’

‘Yaëlle Cohen is a team leader who stands out for her pragmatism and dynamism.’

‘Yaëlle Cohen has in-depth knowledge of market practices on various types of financing including in debt restructuring scenarios. Availability, experience and seriousness in handling files.’

‘Proactive, professional.’

‘Jules Brizi, Yaëlle Cohen and Jeanne Fattal are available, efficient, rigorous, professional, empathetic’

Key clients

Agence des Participations de l’Etat


Bouygues Telecom


Bpifrance Investissement


Butler Industries


Caisse des Dépôts et Consignations


Crédit Agricole Assurances (Predica)


Crédit Agricole Assurances Retraite (CAAR)


Engie


Icade


OpenGate Capital


Sagard


Sagis


Siparex


Work highlights


  • Advised Raise and Eiffel Investment Group as lenders on the refinancing of Hysetco’s indebtedness.
  • Advised Icade SA on the debt portability of €1,5 billion financial indebtedness and the implementation of a 550 million euros bridge term loans facilities as part of the sale of its majority stake in Icade Santé.
  • Advised Crédit Agricole Assurances as reference shareholder of Clariane on the action plan adopted by Clariane to strengthen its financial structure with the support of Predica in its capacity as key shareholder.

Bird & Bird

Practice head(s):

Boris Martor


Other key lawyers:

Jessica Derocque; Sébastien Hoff


Testimonials

‘Responsiveness, multidisciplinarity, good quality of advice, good value for money.’

‘Boris Martor demonstrates great responsiveness and relevance’.

‘Very available team, very professional, attentive and showing great pedagogy’.

‘Experienced, very agile team, supported by a solid reputation in the field of restructuring’.

‘Jessica Derocque: great availability and proximity to her clients, proactivity.’

Key clients

Crédit Agricole CIB


La Banque Postale


Banque CIC Sud-Ouest


Caisse d’Epargne et de Prévoyance Midi-Pyrénées


Banque Populaire Occitane


Natixis


Akuo


Norddeutsche Landesbank – Girozentrale


Banque Palatine


Caisse d’Epargne et de Prévoyance Ile De France


Bred Banque Populaire


ABN AMRO Bank N.V.


BNP Paribas


CIC Private Debt


Société Générale


Société Air France


Epopée Gestion


Amea Power


Banque Populaire Rives de Paris


Schelcher Prince Gestion


Work highlights


  • Advised Amea Power in the context of the phase 2 and phase 3 financing  of the largest solar park in West Africa located in Blitta, Togo.
  • Advised Tikehau Capital in relation to a€25m financing and partnership with Carb0n for the development and the financing of energy efficiency solutions in buildings.
  • Advised Société Air France on the JOLCO financing with Sustainability Linked Loan of one new Airbus A350-900.

Bryan Cave Leighton Paisner

Practice head(s):

David Blondel


Other key lawyers:

Olivier Borenstejn


Testimonials

‘Seriousness, skills and the ability to deliver within tight deadlines.’

‘David Blondel knows how to find suitable and innovative solutions. He is able to bring together points of view’.

‘Very good knowledge of issues and problems related to financing of renewable energies.’

Key clients

Crédit Agricole d’Aquitaine


Auxifip


Crédit Agricole du Nord Est


Crédit Agricole Pyrénées Gascogne


Crédit Agricole Nord de France


Crédit Agricole du Languedoc


Crédit Lyonnais


Natixis


Caisse d’Epargne Rhône Alpes


Caisse d’Epargne Ile-de-France


Caisse d’Epargne Aquitaine Poitou Charentes


Helia Conseil


Crédit Coopératif


BPCE Energeco


Banque Palatine


Caisse d’Epargne Languedoc-Roussillon


Caisse d’Epargne de Midi-Pyrénées


Caisse d’Epargne CEPAC


Bpifrance


BNP Paribas


Arkea


Société Générale


Tenergie


Orbimed


Enerfip


RGIS Group


TP ICAP Europe


Sienna AM (ex Acofi)


Landesbank SAAR


MUFG Bank


KEB Hana Bank


Norddeutsche Landesbank – Girozentrale


Goldman Sachs


Cheyne Capital Management


DWS


Tristan Capital Partner


Work highlights


  • Advised Caisse d’Epargne Ile-de-France CEIDF, Bpifrance and Caisse d’Epargne CEPAC on the financing of Reservoir Sun.
  • Advised Orbimed Advisors and Deerfield Management Company, as lenders, on the financing of the Austria-based subsidiary of Valneva.
  • Advised Deutsche Hypo – NORD/LB as arranger and lender in the context of the financing of the acquisition of a logistics portfolio with two properties in France, managed by GLP Capital Partners.

CMS Francis Lefebvre

Practice head(s):

Grégory Benteux; Alexandre Bordenave; Geoffrey Levesque; Alexandre Chazot


Testimonials

‘Quality of customer relations, good expertise, and ability to provide support on innovative products’.

‘Gregory Benteux: ability to innovate, technical expertise and a deal maker. Alexandre Bordenave: great technique and legal knowledge, good customer support.’

Key clients

Bpifrance


Natixis


BPCE Lease


La Banque Postale


Bel Group


Aéroport Toulouse Blagnac


Société Générale


Banque Populaire Rives de Paris


CIC


Work highlights


  • Advising Aéroport Toulouse Blagnac on a multimillion-euro sustainability-linked facility with multiple banks.
  • Assisting the banks Société Générale, Banque Populaire Rives de Paris, and CIC as lenders a LBO financing of group Citwell.
  • Advising NGE on the setting-up of a new line of credit and a bridge to securitisation financing for the acquisition of the Sade Group.

Cornet Vincent Ségurel

Practice head(s):

Bertrand Coste; Matthieu Guignard; André Watbot


Testimonials

‘Responsive, collaborative, attentive to banks’  requests.’

‘Professionalism. Availability.’

Key clients

Arkea Banque Entreprises et Institutionnels


CIC Group


Banque Populaire Group


Crédit Agricole Group


Crédit Lyonnais


Unexo Financement


Caisse d’Epargne


Carvest


Work highlights


  • Advised the banks on the fundraising of UnseenLabs.
  • Advised the banks on the LBO financing acquisition of My Pie.
  • Advising Acelec on the financing of the acquisition by Agriwatt of Acelec.

De Gaulle Fleurance & Associés

Practice head(s):

May Jarjour; Sylvie Perrin; Jean-Baptiste Santelli; Jonathan Souffir; Cyril Tour


Testimonials

‘Very high availability of teams, quality of advice, transparency and excellent communication.’

‘Ability to innovate, excellent advice, agile.’

Key clients

Aqua Asset management


Ardian


Arkéa Banque Entreprises et Institutionnels


Auchan Holding


Banque Hapoalim


Banque Internationale à Luxembourg


Banque Palatine


Banques Populaires


BayWa r.e.


Bpifrance


Belfius Bank


BNP Paribas


Bowe Systec


Caisse des Dépôts et Consignations


Caisse d’Epargne et de Prévoyance Auvergne Limousin


Caisse d’Epargne et de Prévoyance Ile de France


Cap Vert Energie


Carnegy


CDP Caisse des Dépôts italienne


Ceetrus


Covéa


Credit Agricole Corporate and Investment Bank


Crédit Agricole d’Ile de France


Crédit Agricole Immobilier


Crédit Coopératif


Crédit du Nord


Crédit Mutuel Capital Privé


Crédit Mutuel CIC


CSI Leasing


Demeter Partners


Deutsche Pfandbriefbank


Engie Green


Evergaz


Fonds Européen d’Investissement


French Ministry of Défense


French Ministry of Justice


Générale du Solaire


HSBC Continental Europe


Icade Promotion


IDCM Partners


IdInvest


Infracapital


Islamic Corporation for the Development of the Private Sector (ICD)


J. Stern & Co


John Laing


KFW Epex


La Banque Postale


LCM Partners


Midas Wealth management


Mitsubishi


Natixis / BPCE Energeco / BPCE Lease


Neuflize OBC


Philips


Photosol


Pierre Fabre


Préjeance


Proparco AFD


Prosolia


QEnergy


Quaero Capital


République du Cameroun


Santander


Sienna Private Credit


SMBC


Société Générale


Société Générale Equipment France


Tikehau Investment Management


Total SA


Touax


Transdev


Triodos


Unifergie


Urbasolar


Windvision


Wiseed


Yenigün


Work highlights


  • Advised Caisse d’Epargne et de Prévoyance Auvergne Limousin on the financing of Eurazeo’s investment in 2BSI in the form of a leveraged buy out acquisition.

Dechert LLP

Practice head(s):

Privat Vigand


Testimonials

‘Versatility, experience and expertise, innovation.’

‘Very good knowledge and expertise.’

‘Privat Vigand has great expertise in structuring, particularly complex ones, negotiation skills and availability.’

Key clients

Abivax


Crédit Agricole CIB


Natixis


BNP Paribas


Société Générale


Work highlights


  • Advised Crédit Agricole CIB in connection with a financing of the development of a portfolio of student residences.
  • Advised a consortium of banks on a Green Loan mortgage facility for the acquisition of one of the largest shopping centers in the Paris Region.
  • Advised the lender in connection with the restructuring of the existing financing in the context of the implementation of a heavy refurbishment program.

Fieldfisher

Fieldfisher

Practice head(s):

Hélène Lefebvre


Other key lawyers:

Aurélien Jugand; Jean-Baptiste Van de Voorde


Testimonials

‘Aurélien Jugand: great responsiveness and availability. Efficient and pleasant.’

‘With the arrival of Aurélien Jugand, the team has acquired an extremely responsive and particularly effective lawyer in the LBO financing market.’

‘Aurélien Jugand is constructive, attentive and pragmatic in negotiations, thus allowing the most complex files to move forward calmly.’

Key clients

Crédit Agricole Corporate and Investment Bank


SWEN CAPITAL PARTNERS


KWALEE


Work highlights


  • Advised CACIB on the drafting and negotiating of the finance documentation for  Klépierre.
  • Advised TRYON in the project development aspects of its €6 million fundraising.

Jeantet

Practice head(s):

Jean-François Adelle; Alexae Fournier-de Faÿ


Other key lawyers:

Delphine Baudouin


Testimonials

‘They are super skilled and hard workers’.

‘Jean-François Adelle is a very competent professional with a very deep knowledge of the legal matters. ’

‘Availability, flexibility, technical skills, experience.’

‘Jean-François Adelle is very available. Good legal knowledge and experience.’

‘Great team, highly experienced in a broad range of products.’

‘Jean François Adelle is very knowledgeable and responsive. ’

‘Depth of knowledge and expertise in financial services and investment fund matters.’

‘Delphine Baudouin is particularly knowledgeable in financial services and investment fund matters’

Key clients

AGRICULTURAL BANK OF CHINA


APOLLO MANAGEMENT


BPIFRANCE


BANQUE PALATINE


BPCE ENERGECO


BRED BANQUE POPULAIRE


CAISSE D’EPARGNE ET DE PREVOYANCE ILE DE FRANCE


COFACE FINANZ – FACTOFRANCE


CHINA CONSTRUCTION BANK


CRÉDIT AGRICOLE


CIC


ETIC PARTNERS


KAWASAKI KISEN KAISHAI KLINE


LANDESBANK BADEN-WÜRTTEMBERG


LBO FRANCE


METROPOLITAN LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY


NORDEA BANK ABP, FILIAL I SVERIGE NORDEA


NIH AND ELO (GROUPE AUCHAN)


SOCIÉTÉ GÉNÉRALE


SOLARHONA


STANDARD BANK OF SOUTH AFRICA


SMALT CAPITAL


SUSI PARTNERS


TIKEHAU INVESTMENT MANAGEMENT


Work highlights


  • Advised 15 Chinese and German banks, schuldschein lenders, in the debt restructuring of Orpea.
  • Assisting Solarhona in signing a bank loan to help finance its large-scale investment plan.
  • Advised Apollo Global Management in €500,000,000 financed by way of subscription through funds under management, to undated deeply subordinated notes issued by an Air France-KLM operational subsidiary.

Jones Day

Jones Day

Practice head(s):

Frederic Gros; Diane Sénéchal; Carine Mou Si Yan; Philippe Goutay; Jean-Guillaume de Tocqueville


Other key lawyers:

Isabelle Maury; Romain Guirault


Testimonials

‘Super responsiveness.’

‘Jean-Guillaume de Tocqueville is a great professional and a very good negotiator.’

‘Serious, creative.’

‘Great team.’

‘Diane Sénéchal knows the market very well and above all she knows her files perfectly. She provides very good advice. Romain Guirault is also a very good professional.’

Key clients

Agence Française de Développement


American Industrial Partners/Aluminium Dunkerque


Allianz Global Investors


Banque Publique d’Investissement (BPI)


BNP Paribas


CDC Investissement Immobilier


Coöperatieve Rabobank U.A.


Crédit Agricole CIB and Crédit Agricole Nord de France


EDF (Electricité de France)


Goldman Sachs


Natixis/Caisse d’Epargne IdF


Pemberton Capital Advisors


Sanofi


Société Générale


SFIL


Orange


Tikehau Capital/Tikehau Capital Advisors


Tikehau Private Debt


Tristan Capital Partners


Waga Energy SA


Lacourte Raquin Tatar

Practice head(s):

Cédric Bonnet; Chloé Thiéblemont


Testimonials

‘Very close-knit team, made up of complementary members, very attentive to the client to structure the transaction and support them in the negotiations in a proactive manner with a strong search for solutions.’

‘Chloé Thiéblemont has experience in structured financing of complex real estate transactions. She has excellent legal skills, is very available to the client, plays a mediator role and allows the most difficult negotiations to be concluded smoothly.’

Work highlights


  • Advising Credit Agricole Corporate and Investment Bank and BNP Paribas in connection with the financing of the acquisition and restructuring of the Polygone Riviera air shopping center by FREY.
     
  • Advising BNP PARIBAS, BANQUE POPULAIRE BOURGOGNE FRANCHE-COMTE, SOCFIM, and Schelcher Prince Gestion acting as lenders, in connection with the financing of a management buy-out operation (MBO) of the real estate developer TELAMON.

Moncey Avocats

Practice head(s):

David Malamed


Other key lawyers:

Jonathan Devillard


Testimonials

‘Rigorous and knowledgeable’.

‘Excellent finance team led by David Malamed, with a rigorous approach and strong reactivity, comprising excellent lawyers who understand well clients’ interests in finding solutions in a most efficient and creative manner.’

‘David Malamed is an outstanding finance lawyer, very professional and accurate. David demonstrates exceptional availability and responsiveness.’

Key clients

Sagard


Flacks Group


Hivest Capital Partners


Meridiam


Onepoint


EMZ Partners


IK Partners


M80 Partners


Seven2


Capza


EMZ Partners


Raise


Quilvest Capital Partners


IK Partners


Trajan Capital


MBO+


Cerea Partners


Activa Capital


Trocadero Capital Partners


Work highlights


  • Advised Onepoint on the exit and refinancing of Metric Capital by Carlyle.
  • Advised Flacks Group on the acquisition of the paper division of the Imerys Group.
  • Advised EMZ Partners on the structuring of a new MBO on Fauché Group.

Morgan, Lewis & Bockius LLP

Morgan Lewis

Practice head(s):

Sophie Perus; Gilles Saint Marc; Hubert de Vauplane


Nabarro Béraud Avocats

Nabarro Béraud Avocats

Practice head(s):

Jonathan Nabarro; Magali Beraud; Anthony Minzière


Testimonials

‘Essential firm on the mid-market in France,’

‘Anthony Minziere is fantastic,  an excellent lawyer who understands the business points. He is proactive and diligent – always a pleasure to work with.’

‘The team is an agile, available, efficient,  a friendly team that knows market practices.’

‘Anthony Minzière, a partner who is an extremely competent, technically savvy, available professional who, thanks to his experience and knowledge of practices and the market, is very effective in negotiation.’

‘The banking and finance team is a young and dynamic team that is close to its clients and handles files in a very professional and rigorous manner, while being pragmatic.’

‘Magali Beraud  knows the market extremely well, has a frankness that moves files forward and is always ready to find solutions.’

Key clients

Alizon Participation


Altice


Antaria


Apera Asset Management GmbH


Acqua Asset Management


Arcmont Asset Management


Ares Management


Barings


BlackRock


BPIfrance


Caisse des Dépôts et Placements du Québec


Capza


Charlois


CIC Private Debt


Eurazeo Global Investor


Goldman Sachs


Herez


ICD


idiCo


JP Morgan


Koesio


La Maison Bleue


Laboratoires Lehning


LGT Private Debt


Locamod


Manuloc


Naxicap Partners


Perceva


SBM


Raise


Soler


Zencap Asset Management


Work highlights


  • Advised Barings as sole lender in providing senior secured credit facilities to support 21 Invest and Oakley Capital’s joint investment in ProductLife Group.
  • Advised Zencap Asset Management as lender in relation to the issue of bonds by Groupe Everwatt Finco for a total nominal amount of €5,000,000.
  • Advised KOESIO Groupe in connection with the restructuring of its debt in connection with the entry of Montefiore and two other partners as minority stakeholders.

Racine

Racine

Practice head(s):

Barna Evva; Linda Bessa


Key clients

AerFin


Crédit Mutuel Arkea


Raise Investissement


Faktus


Groupe Brandt


Gagéo


Malherbe Group


Bridgepoint


Eurazeo


Europa Group


Work highlights


  • Advising Amethis on the financing aspects of the LBO acquisition of Capital Banking Solutions Group.
  • Advising RAISE on the LBO on Alpha Group.

Sekri Valentin Zerrouk

Sekri Valentin Zerrouk

Practice head(s):

Emmanuelle Vicidomini


Testimonials

‘Hyper-responsive and agile team. Respects deadlines and budgets.’

‘Availability, efficiency, professionalism.’

‘Very good responsiveness and high quality work.’

‘Emmanuelle Vicidomini:  competence, availability and constructive spirit.’

‘Very responsive and available team.’

‘Real availability and responsiveness.’

Key clients

Izipizi


FFP Peugeot Frères Industrie


Marignan


Sienna


Famille Zouari


Siparex


Oquendo


GENEO Capital Entrepreneur


Apax Partners


IN Groupe


Egis


Substipharm


Eiffel Investment Group


Turenne Capital Entrepreneur


Work highlights


  • Advising Egis on securing a 830 million euros Sustainability-Linked loan.
  • Advising Substipharm in its first impact Euro PP bond financing (€220M).
  • Advising Egis in the context of its first “Euro PP” financing of €124M.

Stephenson Harwood

Stephenson Harwood

Practice head(s):

Alain Gautron; Yann Beckers; Florent Rigaud


Other key lawyers:

Hugo Le Ridou


Testimonials

‘Availability, good listening.’

‘Provides great service. The team always supports and responds in a timely manner. The advice and reasoning behind complex legal work is great.’

‘Hugo Le Ridou  is extremely helpful and knowledgeable. He is able to see things from a commercial perspective. He is friendly, polite but also confident in his ability.’

Key clients

Five Arrows Managers


Sienna Private Credit


CDC – Caisse des Dépôts et des Consignations


Accor Group


Bpifrance


Louis Dreyfus Company (LDC)


Access Capital Partners


Arkéa Banque Entreprises & Institutionnels


Natixis


Eurazeo


Brittany Ferries


Touax


Société des Grands Projets


Crédit Industriel Et Commercial (CIC)


Olympique Lyonnais Groupe


MUFG Bank Ltd.


Compagnie Du Ponant


Caisse d’Epargne Languedoc-Rousillon (CELR)


JP Morgan Asset Management


BNP Paribas


Crédit Agricole Corporate and Investment Bank (CACIB)


BPCE


Ritz Carlton Yacht Collection


JSC Halyk Bank


Ipoteka-Bank


Bora Africa


Acta Marine


Work highlights


  • Advised Olympique Lyonnais Groupe (OL Groupe) on the refinancing of the majority of its debt and that of its subsidiary Olympique Lyonnais SASU for a total amount of €385 million.
     
     
  • Advised Louis Dreyfus Company (LDC) on securing an USD 800 million revolving sustainability-linked facility for its Asian branch from a syndicate of international banks.

UGGC Avocats

Practice head(s):

Olivier Moriceau


Testimonials

‘The team is an expert in all financing contracts. Excellence and proximity’.

‘Exceptional value for money given the quality of advice, availability and restitution for customers.’

‘Olivier Moriceau is a partner who is as close to his clients as to his teams. Exceptional expertise.’

Key clients

First Abu Dhabi Bank


BIC Group


PromoGim


Pitchy


Agrial Group


Avril Group


RedTree Capital


Hasap


Stanwell Consulting


Logivolt Territoires


Dalkia


AnaCap


Evariste


Paralloy Group


Work highlights


  • Advising Stanwell Consulting in the context of a bank financing of its large MBO (Manager by Out), arranged by LCL, CIC and Bred groups for €10 million.
  • Advising  Paralloy Group on the takeover of Manoir Industries, in restructuring existing loans and negotiating new ones.
  • Advising Logivolt Territoires on the adaptation of its electric vehicle charging infrastructure financing offer to social landlords.

VOLT Associés

Practice head(s):

Alexandre Tron


Other key lawyers:

François Jubin


Testimonials

‘Responsive and professional team, demonstrating strong listening skills.’

‘Alexandre Tron is very close to his clients and shows a lot of pragmatism.’

‘Very professional, pragmatic, smooth, top quality.’

Key clients

Arkéa Banque Entreprises et Institutionnels


BNP Paribas


Crédit Lyonnais


Bred Banque Populaire


Banque CIC Est


CIC Private Debt


Banque Palatine


Crédit Agricole Corporate & Investment Banking


Crédit Industriel et Commercial


Banque Européenne du Crédit Mutuel


Caisse d’Epargne et de Prévoyance Ile de France


Société Générale


Banque Populaire Grand Ouest


Caisse Régionale de Crédit Agricole Alpes Provence


Eurazeo Investment Manager


Andera Partners


IK Partners


Vespa Capital


HR Path


Schelcher Prince Gestion


Sewan


Trajan Capital


Banque Internationale à Luxembourg


RAGT


Work highlights


  • Advised the senior lenders on the financing of the acquisition of Europa Group by a GP-led managed by Abenex.
  • Advised the senior lenders on the financing of the acquisition of Tronico group by Agôn Electronics held by Argos Wityu.
  • Advised HR Path group on financing of the LBO ter completed by Ardian alongside the founders and the management.

Watson Farley & Williams LLP

Practice head(s):

Laurence Martinez-Bellet


Other key lawyers:

Alexia Russell; Philippe Montfort


Testimonials

‘They understand their clients’ business and commercial drivers and seamlessly ensure those drivers are reflected in their work product. They are also charming to deal with – an absolute pleasure’.

‘Alexia Russell is wonderful to deal with, with a true understanding of her clients’ businesses. She leads her team effectively and efficiently. She works seamlessly with all stakeholders.’

‘Philippe Monfort: availability, relevance, competence.’

‘One of the only banking finance teams in Paris with real experts in asset finance and setting up financing through leasing, qualified in French and English law.’

‘Philippe Monfort: very competent in maritime financing and financing by credit-leases with tax leverage. Rachel Campbell: very competent in export financing and good knowledge of financing on the African continent. Alexia Russell: very competent in maritime financing.’

‘In-depth knowledge of the issues surrounding asset financing, particularly leasing operations.’

‘Philippe Montfort stands out for his very significant involvement in transactions with a proactive and relevant approach, having a perfect knowledge of the constraints of banking establishments and a systematic search for compromises that are always protective for financiers. ’

Key clients

Atlante


BNP Paribas


Crédit Agricole – CACIB


Crédit Industriel et Commercial


Crédit Mutuel Impact


Nexrail


SACE


Société Générale


Streem Holding


Technique Solaire


Work highlights


  • Advising Crédit Agricole Corporate and Investment Bank as agent, SACE S.p.A and a syndicate of nine banks on pre and post-delivery loan facilities granted to Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings Ltd.
  • Advising the independent renewable energy producer Technique Solaire on the €224m financing provided by Bpifrance and Caisse d’Epargne CEPAC.
  • Advising Nexrail on the closure of Project Sigma, a €322m sustainability-linked debt facility with a syndicate of ten banks.

Winston & Strawn LLP

Practice head(s):

Mounir Letayf


Other key lawyers:

Ariane Berthoud; Adeline Roboam


Testimonials

‘Very responsive and efficient team. Always very educational and concise in its explanations.’

‘Dynamic and efficient team. They know the market sector well and support very actively clients.’

‘Fast execution and friendly.’

Key clients

Ardian Private Equity


Eurazeo


Muzinich & Co.


Siparex Ingenierie et Finance


123 Investment Managers


Schelcher Prince Gestion


Compagnie de Phalsbourg


HPC Capital


Capza


O2 Capital


Compagnie de Phalsbourg


Amundi Asset Management


White Peaks Capital


Work highlights


  • Assisted lenders with the unitranche financing of the acquisition of Banook by Motion Equity Partners, alongside Turenne Santé  and the management team of Banook.
  • Advised Eurazeo on the establishment of a PIK bonds issuanceprogram in euros.
  • Advised Chabé on the financing of the acquisition of a majority stake in Palazzi Agency S.r.l.