What are the most significant cases and/or transactions that your legal team has recently been involved in?

Our legal team has recently been involved in the structuring and launching of Quilvest latest closed-end buyout alternative investment fund from start to finish. First close took place in early 2023. We worked closely with our European and US investment and investor relations teams to craft a legal structure that is adapted to our mid-market investment strategy and the expectations from investors. This involved establishing the fund’s legal entity in a manner that facilitated smooth international fundraising and cross-border portfolio investments and co-investments.

Our role encompassed the effective management of external legal and tax counsel in multiple jurisdictions, ensuring a unified approach across borders. More generally, we are always aiming to improve and streamline internal processes within the Legal department by leveraging the use of external tools and technology to ensure that team members can focus on high value tasks.

If you have worked in other countries, what are the main challenges unique to operating as an in-house counsel in your current location? 

In my legal career within the private equity industry, I’ve had the privilege of working as a private practice and in-house lawyer in various international locations, including New York, Abu Dhabi, Luxembourg and my current general counsel role in Paris. Each of these locations presented unique challenges reflecting their distinct legal and business environments. In the UAE, a significant challenge was navigating the dual legal system, with both civil and Sharia law influences in the context of international investments. Returning to Paris and being the group general counsel of an organisation with offices in Europe, US and Asia has brought its own set of challenges. Ensuring that our private equity funds meet various international laws and regulations demands continuous monitoring and adaptation to evolving requirements. Furthermore, ESG factors hold even greater significance in Europe compared to other continents, as European investors and regulators place a strong emphasis on sustainability and responsible investing practice.

How do you suggest in-house lawyers build strong relationships with business partners? 

Building strong relationships between in-house lawyers and business partners is crucial in private equity, where alignment of interests is paramount. Gaining a deep understanding of the company’s culture, vision, investment strategy and objectives is fundamental. Proactive communication is also essential. In-house lawyers should initiate regular discussions and meetings with business teams to discuss upcoming transactions, portfolio performance, and legal developments that may impact the business. This comprehension enables in-house lawyers to provide legal advice that is closely aligned with the business goals. In-house lawyers should adopt a solution-oriented approach and communicate in everyday language with business partners instead of relying on legal terminology. In lieu of highlighting legal obstacles, they should offer practical solutions and recommendations that enable business partners to achieve their objectives while effectively managing legal risks. Lastly, maintaining confidentiality and trust in handling sensitive information is vital for successful relationships.