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 surrounded by Gonzague Basso  and counsel Thomas Lefebvre.

Legal 500 Editorial commentary

Testimonials

Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.

  • '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.

Lawyers

Leading associates
Leading associates with regular involvement in their team's key work, and recognition from peers or clients as being ones to watch.
Thomas Lefebvre
Baker McKenzie

Practice head

The lawyer(s) leading their teams.

Michael Foundethakis

Other key lawyers

Gonzague Basso, Thomas Lefebvre