Described as a ‘cornerstone of the energy sector in Europe’, Linklaters’ far-reaching practice includes advice on energy regulatory and competition issues, project finance and structured products. The team is additionally praised for having the ‘full range of services needed to develop, finance, build and operate renewable energy projects in Africa and other parts of the world’. Practice head Bertrand Andriani draws frequent praise for his involvement with the development and financing of energy projects in France. François April is equipped to advise on mandates involving renewables and infrastructure assets. Global project finance transactions are firmly in the wheelhouse of Stephen Le Vesconte. Pierre Zelenko is regularly tasked with major merger control matters, while Bruno Derieux’s practice centres on corporate work in sectors including energy and infrastructure.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary
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‘Linklaters is a cornerstone of the energy sector in Europe. It is always at the forefront of legal, commercial and technical innovation with detailed knowledge of market practices and very valuable risk allocation.’
‘In Paris, Samuel Bordeleau navigates the murkiest waters with mastery and creativity.'
‘It was very pleasant to work with the team, despite the high-stakes context of the case.’
‘Samuel Bordeleau is great at pushing new ideas and knowing how to defend them with strength and intelligence.’
‘Linklaters' Paris team offers the full range of services needed to develop, finance, build and operate renewable energy projects in Africa and in other parts of the world. Partners like François April can cover the finance side, while Aymeric Voisin is excellent on the project side.’
‘I have experience in particular with Aymeric Voisin in connection with the development and project financing of renewable energy projects in Africa. Aymeric is both technically excellent, and a dynamic and committed advisor.’
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Bertrand is Head of the Energy & Infrastructure department in the Paris office. He specialises in structured finance, including major project financings, leveraged finance, banking, secured and unsecured syndicated loans, derivative products, insolvency and corporate restructuring. Bertrand is also Head of the Francophone Africa Desk.
François is widely regarded as a leading renewables and energy & infrastructure practitioner in France. A Partner in the Energy & Infrastructure practice in the firm’s Paris office, François focuses on project financing in the energy, mining and infrastructure sectors. He also has in-depth knowledge of infrastructure assets, including airports, ports and roads and power distribution. François advises sponsors, investors (including investment funds) government entities and lenders on all aspects of projects, including finance and contractual arrangements, as well as regulatory issues, on projects in France, Francophone Africa, Europe, the Middle East, Canada, Latin America and Asia-Pacific. He is actively involved with the firm’s initiatives surrounding Canada, including developing and maintaining Canadian client and institutional relationships.
Rising stars
Leading individuals: Energy projects
Head of the Corporate/M&A practice in Paris, Bruno advises corporates, financial sponsors and banks on a wide range of complex, cross-border corporate transactions, including public and private M&A, private equity law.
The lawyer(s) leading their teams.
Bertrand Andriani