The ‘responsive and technically excellent’ team at Clifford Chance is well-versed in the structuring of private debt, infrastructure, real estate, venture capital, impact funds and secondary funds. The group is also equipped to handle secondary transactions and advise GPs on their continuation funds. Practice head Xavier Comaills, who is lauded for his ‘expert and broad knowledge of the sector’, has notable experience of fund structuring and secondary portfolio transactions. Also noted are the ‘technically excellent’ Marie Préat, who advises portfolio managers on the management of their business activity and secondary portfolio transactions; and Elodie Cinconze, who was promoted to the partnership in 2024.
Private equity: Fund formation in France
Clifford Chance
Practice head(s):
Xavier Comaills
Other key lawyers:
Marie Préat; Elodie Cinconze; Véronique de Hemmer Gudme; Louis-Guillaume Cousin
Testimonials
‘The Clifford Chance team is responsive and handles issues professionally and efficiently. They know the French market well and are able to leverage the broader network of the company where necessary.’
‘The partners and senior team members are responsive and invest in understanding the business of their clients.’
‘Xavier Comaills, Véronique de Hemmer Gudme and Marie Préat are all are involved in their case and accessible at all times.’
Key clients
21 Invest France
Andera Partners
Archimed
Ardian
AXA
Blackstone
Bpifrance Investissement
Cathay Capital Private Equity
Cathay Innovation
Chenavari
Consolidation et Développement Gestion
CNP Assurances
Eurazeo Global Investor
Eurazeo
European Investment Fund
Flexstone Partners
Infranity
Kartesia Management
Keensight Capital
Kurma Partners
Lauxera Capital Partners
MBO+
Montefiore Investment
Natixis
Oddo Asset Management
Omnes Capital
Parquest Capital
Peugeot Invest
Qualium Investissement
Raise
Sagard
Siparex
Sofinnova Partners
Supernova Invest
Varsity Capital
Vauban Infrastructure Partners
Weinberg Capital Partners
Work highlights
- Advised Kartesia on the closing of its second-generation senior debt strategy, Kartesia Senior Opportunities, at €1.8bn.
- Advised Vauban Infrastructure Partners on the structuring and fundraising of a new generation infrastructure equity fund, Core Infrastructure Fund IV.
- Advised Montefiore Investment on the structuring and fundraising of its new flagship fund, Montefiore Investment VI, together with a second investment fund dedicated to smaller investments, Montefiore Expansion.
Goodwin
'Expertise, experience and professionalism' are the calling cards of the team at Goodwin, which is lauded by another client as 'among the best in the business'. The group deals with the gamut of funds mandates and regularly advises on the formation of private equity, infrastructure, tech, venture capital, and debt funds. Leadership is shared between 'leading fund formation partner' Arnaud David and 'problem solver' Sarah Michel, who is noted for her 'strong experience in the sector' and has experience in LP and GP-led transactions. A recent mandate of note saw the team advise BEX Capital on the formation of BEX Capital V for a target amount of $1bn.
Practice head(s):
Arnaud David; Sarah Michel
Other key lawyers:
Marie-Laure Bruneel; Galien Devillers
Testimonials
‘Specialist in fund structuring. Strong technical skills. Market leader.’
‘Sarah Michel – listening to the customer. Problem solver. Strong experience in the sector.’
‘Well structured team. Good responsiveness and advice. Very good work with the tax team.’
‘Marie-Laure Bruneel and Galien Devillers – expertise, experience, professionalism.’
‘Good team availability and quality of work (feedback in case of questions, review of documents, etc.)’
‘Goodwin’s fund formation team is among the best in the business – well organized and up to date with market trends. Sarah Michel – excellent.’
‘Arnaud David remains one of the leading partners in the Parisian fund formation market: available, efficient and organized.’
Key clients
Andera Partners
Antin Infrastructure Partners
Bex Capital
Cerea Partners
Chequers Capital
CIC Private Debt
Committed Advisors
EMZ Partners
Initiative & Finance
Latour Capital
MBO+
Mérieux Equity Partners
Naxicap Partners
Quadrille Capital
Quantonation Ventures
Rothschild & Co / Five Arrows
Slate Venture Capital
Tikehau Capital
Willkie Farr & Gallagher LLP
Willkie Farr & Gallagher LLP's group is well-placed to advise on the formation of small, mid and large-cap funds, regulatory matters and secondary transactions. Practice co-head Nathalie Duguay has noted experience in fund formation and operations that covers buyout funds, mezzanine funds, distressed funds, debt funds, venture funds, and real estate funds. Co-leading alongside her, Tiana Rambatomanga is well-versed in the creation of and fundraising for French, Luxembourgish and pan-European private equity and credit investment funds. A recent mandate of note saw the team advise Five Arrows managers on the creation of their first impact fund targeting startups committed to the ecological transition.
Practice head(s):
Nathalie Duguay; Tiana Rambatomanga
Testimonials
‘Tiana Rambatomanga stands out for her team spirit and forward thinking.’
Key clients
21 Invest France
Abénex Capital
Access Capital Partners
Adagia Partners
Alpha Private Equity
Altaroc
Alyse-Guyane
Ambienta
Astorg Partners
BJ Invest
BlackFin Capital Partners
BNPP Agility Capital
Bpifrance
CIC Private Debt
EDF Invest
Ekkio Capital
Elevation Capital Partners
EM 8 Private Equity
Epopée Gestion
Five Arrows Managers
Hivest Capital Partners
Idico
Indigo Capital
Ledger
L’Occitane
Lov Group
ODDO BHF
PAI Partners
Peqan
Peugeot Invest (FPP)
Power Corporation of Canada
Sagard Private Equity
Seven2 (former Apax Partners)
Sista Fund
SouthBridge Investments
Tikehau
UTI International Limited
Work highlights
- Advised PAI Partners on the structuring and fundraising of their flagship fund PAI Partners VIII.
- Advised seven2 on the structuring and fund-raising of Apax Development Fund II.
- Advised Bpifrance on the structuring of their Bpifrance Entreprises Avenir 1 (BEA 1) fund.
A&O Shearman
A&O Shearman's practice group is well-placed to advise management companies in relation to the fundraisings for and launches of their investment funds. The team's expertise also encompasses a range of related regulatory and tax aspects. Antoine Sarailler (asset management) and Brice Henry (regulatory and investment fund matters) share leadership. Additional key contacts include Mathieu Vignon and Guillaume Valois, both of whom focus on the tax structuring of domestic and cross border M&A, private equity and real estate transactions; and fund formation specialist Benjamin Lacourt.
Practice head(s):
Antoine Sarailler; Brice Henry
Other key lawyers:
Mathieu Vignon; Guillaume Valois; Benjamin Lacourt
Key clients
AG2R – La Mondiale
Alderan
Amiral Gestion
Amundi Asset Management / Private Equity Funds
Aqua Asset Management
Audacia
BNP Paribas Asset Management
BOLD – Business Opportunities for L’Oréal Development
CIC Private Debt
EDF Invest
Equitis Gestion – IQEQ France
ERAFP
European Institutions (European Investment Fund & European Investment Bank)
Extendam
FAMAE
ISALT
LBO France
Naxicap Partners
NextStage AM
OFI REIM
Proparco
SCOR Investment Partners
Siparex
Swen Capital Partners
Tikehau Investment Managers
Altarea Investment Managers
Cheyne Capital Management
Atalante / Capza
Adaxtra Capital
Club Funding Asset Management
Flexstone Partners
Victoires Haussmann
Lazard Frères Gestion
International Finance Corporation (for funds work)
Eiffel Investment Group
Rivage Investment
Turenne Capital
Zencap AM
Work highlights
- Advised BNP Paribas Asset Management Europe on the launch of a private equity fund dedicated to infrastructure investments.
- Assisted Zencap within the framework of the structuring of ZencapDirect Lending IV, a private debt fund.
- Set-up of a partnership between Tikehau and Altarea in relation to the set-up of a real estate debt-related fund platform.
Dechert LLP
Dechert LLP's team is equipped to handle corporate and regulatory matters related to the entire life cycle of investment funds and asset management, as well as secondary transactions. The group is regularly instructed by sponsors, private equity funds and institutional investors alike. Leadership is shared between Sabina Comis and Cyril Fiat. Comis specialises in advising private equity firms on domestic and international tax structuring mandates, while Fiat, for his part, advises on regulatory issues and assists investors with alternative asset investments. Antoine Pian is an additional key contact.
Practice head(s):
Sabina Comis; Cyril Fiat
Other key lawyers:
Antoine Pian; Etienne Bimbeau
Testimonials
‘Helpful, expert and friendly team – Sabina Comis, Cyril Fiat.’
‘Among the most competent in France, while being very easy and friendly – Sabina Comis, Etienne Bimbeau, Cyril Fiat.’
‘Extremely competent, available, commercial team. Caring and attentive. Sabina Comis and Antoine Pian – attentive to customer relations and the construction of a long-term relationship, competent and didactic in their explanations, efficient.’
‘Team recognized as a leader in fund structuring topics. Extensive experience, excellent knowledge of market practices, regulations and tax implications of the various topics. Ability to mobilize the network to respond to cross-border issues (US, Kenya, Israel, etc.)’
‘Cyril Fiat: Availability, technical expertise, strong knowledge of client files, mastery of market standards. Etienne Bimbeau: very responsive, technically excellent, educational and precise.’
‘The team always presents itself in an extremely professional manner and facilitates collaboration at maximum efficiency. The collaborators respond quickly to questions and are always reachable. Documents are prepared within the set limits which adds reliability to their work.’
‘Cyril Fiat is the partner who truly stands out from his peers in the market. His professional attitude and legal skills are second to none. It is a great pleasure to work with Cyril and he is always able to find adequate, useful and pragmatic solutions.’
Key clients
Blisce
Cathay Capital
Essling Capital
Artemis – Financière Pinault
Rothschild & Co Asset Management / Rothschild Martin Maurel
Capital Croissance
KKR
Truffle Capital
Work highlights
- Advised Capital Croissance on the creation of and fundraising for the third generation of CAIRN Capital funds.
- Advised Capital Croissance on the creation and fundraising of Edelweiss Transition & Impact I, a French private equity fund setup as a fonds professionnel de capital investissement.
- Advised a management company on the structuring of a French private equity fund aiming at investing in non-listed companies conducting a B2B activity supporting the fight against climate change.
Gide Loyrette Nouel A.A.R.P.I.
The team at Gide Loyrette Nouel A.A.R.P.I. is well-placed to assist with the structuring of private equity funds, real estate funds, infrastructure funds, debt funds and open-ended funds. The group’s expertise encompasses the design, setup, management and fundraising stages, as well as subsequent sale and reorganisation transactions. Practice head Stéphane Puel specialises in advising French and global financial institutions on the structuring and establishment of open and closed-end investment funds. Additional key contacts for fund formation include Guillaume Goffin and Benjamin Delaunay. Nicolas Capelli left the firm in January 2024.
Practice head(s):
Stéphane Puel
Other key lawyers:
Guillaume Goffin; Benjamin Delaunay; Antoine Nicolaï; Clothilde Beau
Testimonials
‘An extremely competent team with a perfect command of its subject – Guillaume Goffin and Antoine Nicolaï.’
‘Very trustworthy team, having placed great attention to serving our company from our launch. Supported us throughout our growth. Exceptional quality of judgement, support, knowledge of public authorities and the regulator.’
‘Stephane Puel: exceptional height of view, knowledge of public authorities and the regulator, precision in the responses, surety of judgement. Clothilde Beau: exceptional, availability, responsiveness, precision.’
‘The Gide team stands out for its diversity, technical excellence and incredible experience, placing it at the forefront of French practice in the regulatory and fund structuring field. Its international outlook and appreciation of local rules make it an ideal partner for structuring transnational projects.’
‘Stéphane Puel is excellent, available and always attentive. Clothilde Beau is also very strong.’
‘The availability of the team and the responsiveness of the team. The mode of collaboration is highly appreciated.’
‘Stéphane Puel, Camille Roux and Clothilde Beau understand and master perfectly the regulatory and operational challenges that funds management companies face. Extremely responsive in managing requests. As a client, we feel supported by these people.’
Key clients
Quaëro Capital
Apollo Investment
ISALT
Morgan Stanley Investment Management
Fidelity Investments
EDF
Mirova
Société Générale
RGreen
Andera Partners
Groupama Asset Management
Nordea Asset Management
Swen Capital Partners
Serena Capital
Vivalto Partner
Caption
Equitis Gestion
Bouygues Group SA
Promepar Asset Management
Amundi AM
Goldman Sachs Asset Management
Meridiam
OCCTE
Siparex
Omnes Capital
BNP Paribas AM
ODDO BHF Asset Management
Eiffel Investment Group
Neuberger Bergman
Blackrock
Blackstone
Tikehau Investment Management
Mimco Asset Management
Trocadero Capital
Mata Capital
Seedstars Africa Ventures Investment Management (SAVIM)
Ampère Gestion
LBP AM
Jones Day
The practice group at Jones Day regularly supports GPs with the legal, tax and regulatory aspects of investment fund formation and fundraising covering venture, growth, buyout, infrastructure, mezzanine, debt and real estate funds. In addition, the team advises LPs and routinely handles secondary transactions. Practice head Florence Moulin specialises in fund formation and the establishment of regulated portfolio management companies. Marine L’Hostis, who is frequently instructed by management companies and investment service providers, is an additional name to note.
Practice head(s):
Florence Moulin
Other key lawyers:
Marine L’Hostis
Testimonials
‘Remarkable technicity and expertise for fund structuring in a very complex legal and regulatory context, thanks to a great professional team and its professional capabilities and qualities. Deep sense of analysis, rapid understanding.’
‘Florence Moulin has an expert and broad knowledge of the sector.’
Key clients
Altaroc Partners
Ardian
Argos Wityu
Axeleo Capital
Brownfields Gestion
Capital Croissance
Frst Capital
Ixo Private Equity
Origine Partners
Raise
Tikehau Investment Management
Work highlights
- Advised Ardian on the formation and fundraising of Ardian Growth III, focusing in the areas of digital industries, notably in IT software and IT services, Internet and new digital media.
- Advised Argos Wityu on the creation of the fund ‘Argos Climate Action SLP’, a buyout fund dedicated to decarbonizing European SMEs.
- Advised Frst Capital on the formation and fundraising of its ‘Frst 3’ fund, a French professional private equity fund with a target size of €100m.
Chammas & Marcheteau
The group at Chammas & Marcheteau is equipped to handle the formation of a range of exchange-traded funds and alternative investment funds, in addition to related regulatory matters. Leadership of the practice is shared between co-founder Lola Chammas, who majors on private equity fund formation, secondary transactions, and corporate and M&A work; and Christophe Sevennec, who specialises in advising both public and private clients on fund formation and regulatory mandates.
Practice head(s):
Lola Chammas; Christophe Sevennec
Key clients
Shift4Good SAS
Epopée Gestion
Andera Partners
ISAI Gestion
Bpifrance
Adbio
FnB Private Equity SAS
TeamPact Ventures
Elephant & Ventures
Work highlights
- Advised Andera Partners on the constitution and the different closings of its fund Andera Smart Infra 1, an infrastructure fund dedicated to energy transition.
- Advised Shift4good on the formation of its second private equity growth fund, Shift4Good Fund 1 SLP, and for its second closing.
- Advised Bpifrance Investissements on the formation of its private equity fund ‘Fonds de Décarbonation de la Filière Maritime’.
CMS Francis Lefebvre
The team at CMS Francis Lefebvre is well-placed to assist investment funds, asset management companies and institutional investors with each stage of fund formation. Jérôme Sutour steers the practice and specialises in assisting managers with the establishment and operation of alternative and private equity funds; he also directs the firm's wider financial services group. Léa Hadjadj is noted for her banking and investment-related regulatory compliance expertise.
Practice head(s):
Jérôme Sutour
Other key lawyers:
Léa Hadjadj
Testimonials
‘Jérôme Sutour – very good knowledge of AMF regulations and services.’
Key clients
SAFER
Mirova
Columbus
Eurazeo Invesment Manager
Stanhope Capital SAS
Delubac AM
Quaero Capital
Technology & Strategy / Ardian
Idia Capital Investment
Kirkland & Ellis LLP
The practice group at Kirkland & Ellis LLP, which is praised for its ‘exceptional responsiveness’, is regularly instructed by major private equity houses seeking assistance with the formation of private equity funds. The team is directed by Raphaël Bloch, who is noted for his ‘great professionalism’ and is well-versed in advising European capital sponsors on the establishment and operation of funds, as well as on GP-led fund restructurings. A recent mandate of note saw the team advise Antin Infrastructure Partners on the formation of Antin Infrastructure Fund V.
Practice head(s):
Raphaël Bloch
Testimonials
‘We are delighted to be working with Kirkland. Their listening skills, exceptional responsiveness and perfect knowledge of the market, particularly thanks to their network of international offices, are remarkable. We were faced with a very tight deadline for a complex transaction involving many stakeholders, and they were able to orchestrate the operation brilliantly, allowing it to be concluded on time and without any hitches.’
‘Raphael Bloch demonstrates great professionalism, is perfectly integrated with the international offices, and offers valuable advice during negotiations. He has in-depth knowledge of both investors and regulators.’
Key clients
Antin Infrastructure Partners
Eurazeo
IK Partners
PAI Partners
Equistone Partners
Work highlights
- Kirkland & Ellis LLP is advising Antin Infrastructure Partners on the ongoing formation of Antin Infrastructure Fund V. With a European focus, Fund V will target energy, renewable energy, transportation, telecom and environmental services.
- Advised Eurazeo on the ongoing formation of Eurazeo Capital Fund V. With a general continental focus, Fund V will take a diversified industry approach, focusing on buyouts.
- Advised PAI Partners, a private equity firm headquartered in France, in a strategic minority investment in its business by Dyal Capital, a division of Blue Owl Capital Inc.
Kramer Levin Naftalis & Frankel LLP
The practice group at Kramer Levin Naftalis & Frankel LLP is equipped to assist domestic and international asset managers with fund formation, tax structuring, secondary transactions and regulatory considerations. The department is directed by January 2024 arrival Nicolas Capelli, who joined from Gide Loyrette Nouel A.A.R.P.I.. Capelli, draws on substantial fund formation experience in London, Paris and Luxembourg, while Tristan Bonneau is an additional key contact.
Practice head(s):
Nicolas Capelli
Other key lawyers:
Tristan Bonneau
Key clients
Eiffel Investment Group
Sienna Am France
Rive Neuve
Chenavari Asset Management
Investissements Strategiques En Actions Long Terme (Isalt)
Vivalto Partners
Bouygues Group
Trail Solutions Patrimoine
Label Capital – Twenty First Capital
Althos Patrimoine
Scale Up
Isatis Capital
Work highlights
- Advised AIFM Eiffel Investment Group on the tax and legal structuring, formation and fundraising of a €1bn hard cap third generation private debt fund dedicated to solar, energy transition and energy efficiency investments.
- Advised Althos Patrimoine on structuring an evergreen semi-liquid fund of funds investing in private equity investment funds.
- Advised Chenavari AM, the French AIFM of Chenavari Group, on the tax and legal structuring, formation and fundraising of two pan-European real estate debt funds, each with a €300m hard cap.
Linklaters
The team at Linklaters specialises in the structuring and formation of private equity vehicles, funds of funds, ETFs and debt funds, as well as related regulatory, corporate, and tax mandates. Leadership of the practice is shared between tax and investment specialists Edouard Chapellier and Cyril Boussion; and Ngoc-Hong Ma, who has particular expertise in advising investment funds, private equity houses and financial institutions on the regulatory environment surrounding fund management.
Practice head(s):
Edouard Chapellier; Cyril Boussion; Ngoc-Hong Ma
Other key lawyers:
Leïla Megdoud; Jonathan Abensour
Testimonials
‘The team is very professional and has a perfect knowledge of investment fund market practices. Edouard Chapellier, Leïla Megdoud and Jonathan Abensour are recommended.’
‘The team led by Edouard Chapellier who works with an exceptional level of quality, a rare mastery of all aspects of negotiations and operational issues. The team is extremely creative and offers new solutions to problems of all kinds.’
‘Edouard Chapellier is extremely competent and innovative and able to find solutions to the most complicated situations.’
‘We can take advantage of the full power of Linklaters’ network with our cases always managed by the same partners / managing associates.’
‘One of the great teams in Paris, Edouard Chapellier is very present, with the ability to advise on fund and tax aspects, which is very important.’
‘Edouard Chapellier – very available, advises on funds and taxes, and defends his clients’ interests well.’
‘Very solid, very experienced team. Cyril Boussion has a great level of expertise. He is also very good at negotiating and very constructive. His tax skills are also of a great help.’
Key clients
Ardian
Crédit Mutuel Capital
Partech Partners
Otium Capital
Axa Venture Partners
Work highlights
- Advised Crédit Mutuel on the setting up of its Fonds Révolution Environnementale et Solidaire SLP.
- Advised Partech Partners on the final close of Partech Africa II at €245m.
McDermott Will & Emery AARPI
The ‘innovative and rigorous’ team at McDermott Will & Emery AARPI advises management companies and investors alike on the structuring of private equity funds. The group is also well-versed in secondary transactions, regulatory work and governance matters. Practice head Guillaume Panuel has substantial primary and secondary transaction experience and garners client praise as standing out ‘not only for his technical skill but also his soft skills and knowledge of the field’.
Practice head(s):
Guillaume Panuel
Other key lawyers:
Romain Souchon; Agathe Marcelin
Testimonials
‘Guillaume Panuel – innovative and rigorous. His team is particularly responsive. They know the market perfectly. They know the players well, who also recommend them in return.’
‘Guillaume Panuel is without a doubt the lawyer and partner who stands out for his technical skill but also for his soft skills and knowledge of the field.’
‘Guillaume Panuel: we appreciate his technical mastery of both the legal and operational aspects of secondary transactions in private equity. Very responsive, strong in proposals and solutions. It is always a pleasure to work with Guillaume and his team.’
‘Efficiency, pragmatism, responsiveness, interpersonal skills. Well-structured team, diligent in processing requests.’
‘The team stands out from its peers for its intimate knowledge of private equity issues. Beyond the purely legal aspects, the team participates in the joint reflection on commercial aspects when we engage them on transactions (both buying and selling). It also stands out for its availability and frankness.’
‘The people who stand out in the team are Guillaume Panuel, Romain Souchon and Agathe Marcelin. In addition to his great technical mastery of private equity subjects, Guillaume is very business-oriented. Romain and Agathe stand out for their professionalism, their timely execution and their mastery of the files and their follow-up. They are straightforward and efficient, which is very appreciated.’
‘High technical quality, always available – people we trust completely. Proximity, flexibility.’
Stephenson Harwood
Stephenson Harwood's capabilities take in the structuring of private equity funds, infrastructure funds, mezzanine debt funds, venture funds and private debt funds, for which it is routinely instructed by domestic and international fund managers alike. Julien Vandenbussche steers the practice and specialises in fund structuring, corporate law, financial law and regulatory law. Also noted is Ngowari Adikibi, who is particularly active in the creation of international funds investing predominantly in Europe and Africa.
Practice head(s):
Julien Vandenbussche
Other key lawyers:
Ngowari Adikibi
Testimonials
‘Very professional team: fast, precise, knowledge of market practices and the expectations of institutional investors allowing the necessary arbitrations to be made, ability to propose business solutions in the event of a blockage.’
‘The Stephenson Harwood team is distinguished by its first-rate expertise in the formation of private equity funds. It is distinguished by its perfect mastery of complex regulations and fund structures, with an ability to personalize its advice for each client.’
‘The team offers practical and business friendly solutions whilst maintaining the regulatory and legal standards. They offer a prompt delivery which respect deadlines. They focus on client needs.’
‘Ngowari Adikibi is a remarkable lawyer with excellent legal skills and good knowledge of market practice. Ngowari Adikibi is exceptional in many ways, setting her apart from competitors through her unique blend of skills, dedication, and innovative thinking. What truly makes her stand out is her unwavering commitment to excellence and her ability to consistently deliver outstanding results.’
‘Responsive team that can easily be mobilized on complex subjects.’
‘Julien Vandenbussche has a good knowledge of the ecosystem and the internal constraints of a management company.’
‘Julien Vandenbussche actively participates in local committees; he is therefore very aware of regulatory developments and, above all, of the regulator’s approach to operational issues.’
Key clients
Swen Capital Partners
Alter Equity
Eurazeo Investment Management
Bpifrance Investissement
ODDO Private Equity
Access Capital Partners
SPE Capital
Mirova
AXA France
Founders Future
Work highlights
- Advised Bpifrance on the creation and launch of the French-Kuwaiti bilateral co-investment fund FKF, equally subscribed by Bpifrance and Kuwait Investment Authority (KIA).
- Advised Swen Capital Partners in connection with the establishment of Swen Flex Mezz 3, a private equity mezzanine fund seeking €150m of commitments.
- Advised Alter Equity in connection with the establishment and fundraising of Alter Equity 3, a private equity impact fund seeking €200m of commitments.
Couderc Dinh & Associés
The practice group at Couderc Dinh & Associés specialises in the creation of investment vehicle dedicated to private equity, private debt and real estate. Entrepreneurs, family businesses, multinational companies and investment funds regularly feature on the team's client roster. The group, which is lauded by one client for its 'cutting-edge expertise and innovative approach', is directed by Frédéric Bucher. Bucher is well-versed in business combinations, fundraisings, and reorganizations.
Practice head(s):
Frédéric Bucher
Testimonials
‘This law firm stands out for its cutting-edge expertise and innovative approach.’
Key clients
Emaré Capital
UI Investissement
IRDI Capital Investissement
Altur Investissement
OVNI Capital
Ocseed
Work highlights
- Assisted Emaré Capital in the launch of a first-time Real Estate fund ‘Armovie’.
- Assisted UI Investissement with the creation of a fund dedicated to facilitate access to equity and quasi-equity financing for unlisted SMEs located in Bourgogne-Franche-Comté.
- Advised a French AMF-regulated asset management company on the creation, marketing and fundraising of its new fund, dedicated to the education sector.
Dentons
Praised for its ‘responsiveness, availability’ and ‘collaboration’, the team at Dentons handles the creation, financing and operation of a wide variety of growth, venture capital, debt, infrastructure, and mezzanine funds. An additional core area of expertise for the group is advising on GP-led secondary transactions. The practice is directed by Olivier Genevois, who specialises in private equity and M&A transactions.
Practice head(s):
Olivier Genevois
Testimonials
‘Responsiveness, availability, collaboration’.
‘Olivier Genevois stands out for his knowledge and his style of collaboration.’
Key clients
RB Capital Partners (B & Capital)
RB Capital France 2 SLP
Flexstone Partners
ITM Entrprises
Trammell Crow Company
Calibrium
Eolus / Audemars Piguet
Work highlights
- Advised RB Capital Partners on the structuring, formation and fundraising of its successor fund RB Capital France 2, targeting a size of €300m.
- Advised RB Capital France 2 SLP on the setup of an equity bridge financing with CE Hauts-de-France.
- Advised Flexstone on its co-investment, via Vesuvio Co-Invest SCSp, a co-investment fund created to pool co-investors, alongside PAI Mid-Market Fund in Vesuvio, Nestlé’s spin-off of its Pizza European business.
Joffe & Associés
The team at Joffe & Associés is well-placed to handle the structuring of venture capital funds, debt funds, and real estate and infrastructure funds. Practice head Olivier Dumas has significant experience of the tax aspects of the setup of funds. A recent standout mandate saw the group advise Elaia on the structuring of a new venture capital fund dedicated to pre-seed and seed investments in startups created by public research institutions.
Practice head(s):
Olivier Dumas
Key clients
Elaia Partners
Impact Partners
Isatis Capital
Good Only Ventures
50partners Gestion
Pergam
Altis Capital
Antler Management Europe
123 Investment Managers
Racine
The practice group at Racine assists sponsors and management companies with the structuring of private equity funds, as well as secondary transactions and regulatory mandates. Rima Maitrehenry, who is lauded for her ‘excellent technical mastery’ and ‘good knowledge of market practices’, steers the practice and specialises in fund formation, the sale and acquisition of fund portfolios and secondary transactions. Linda Bessa joined the firm from AYACHE in September 2023.
Practice head(s):
Rima Maitrehenry
Other key lawyers:
Fabrice Rymarz
Testimonials
‘A responsive, proactive team on the files entrusted to it. In terms of funds, the support is effective and of very high quality.’
‘Rima Maitrehenry is a top-level lawyer in investment funds. Her advice is always precise, and imbued with professional experience that integrates valuable feedback and a good knowledge of market practices.’
‘Rima Maitrehenry – flexible, good knowledge of market practices, knowledge of cutting-edge and innovative mechanisms.’
‘The team has a very great knowledge of the subject and especially of the sector. It is available and does not hesitate to introduce us to specialists on specific subjects.’
‘Rima Maitrehenri and Fabrice Rymarz – very responsive team, very available with excellent technical mastery.’
‘Rima Maitrehenry is a highly reliable consultant with remarkable expertise in her sector. The diversity of the operations she works on makes her expertise even richer.’
‘Responsiveness, professionalism, possibility of being advised on different aspects (tax, legal, etc.)’
‘Rima Maitrehenry: very good knowledge of the different types of private equity funds; extensive expertise in structuring various funds, French and international approach.’
Key clients
Revaia
ARA Europe
Five Arrows Managers
Omnes Capital
IVO Capital
Smalt Capital
Go Capital
Amethis Advisory
2050.do
Work highlights
- Advised Partech Partners on structuring its eighth-generation venture fund, Partech Ventures, which is dedicated to investing in tech, digital, and innovative companies.
- Assisted Financière Arbevel with the structuring of Arbevel Dette Privée II.
Sullivan & Cromwell LLP
The team at Sullivan & Cromwell LLP is well-placed to advise asset managers and private equity, infrastructure, real estate and debt funds in connection with investments, fund formation and regulatory mandates. Nicolas De Boynes steers the practice and specialises in fund formation and the tax structuring of investment funds. Sarah Barrau-Ceville handles the structuring of a range of funds and the establishment of regulated portfolio management companies.
Practice head(s):
Nicolas de Boynes
Other key lawyers:
Sarah Barrau-Ceville
Testimonials
‘The best team on the market this year for their mastery of the subjects, their availability and their professionalism. Nicolas de Boyne and Sarah Barrau-Ceville are strong on regulatory aspects.’
‘The team has an excellent knowledge of our company, which makes their advice always tailored, with an insight both from an insurance standpoint and an asset management standpoint.’
‘Nicolas de Boynes is one of our trusted advisors. Nicolas’ mindset is to act as a facilitator to close smoothly a transaction on high quality terms. He is supported by Sarah Barrau-Seville who has an excellent knowledge of the fund formation legal landscape and on the market industry trends.’