Dechert LLP houses a ‘dynamic’ team which advises a number of notable clients, including Roche and Sofinnova. The group displays ’great’ expertise when handling a broad range of issues, including financings, cases against the French Competition Authority, and the IP aspects of transactions. Alain Decombe and Mélanie Thill-Tayara jointly head the practice. Decombe is known for his deep corporate expertise which spans the negotiation and structuring of share deals, and corporate reorganisations. Thill-Tayara has ample knowledge of antitrust and competition issues, having acted in numerous abuse of dominance and cartel disputes before both EU and French courts. Regulatory specialist Sophie Pelé frequently assists clients with public law-related issues, including contentious market access matters before the administrative supreme court in France.

Legal 500 Editorial commentary

Testimonials

Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.

  • 'A dynamic team, which is up-to-date with the latest news. They have great expertise and strive to satisfy the needs of its customers.'

  • 'Perfect understanding of the sector and its environment. Very easy contact and mutual trust with the customer.'

Key clients

  • ArchiMed
  • Abivax
  • Cathay Capital
  • Chiesi Farmaceutici SpA
  • Havéa Group
  • HRA Pharma
  • Mayoly Spindler
  • Roche
  • Sofinnova

Work highlights

  • Represented Roche in its appeal before the Paris Court of Appeal against the €400+m fine initially imposed by the French Competition Authority for an abuse of collective dominance with Novartis. The fine was completely canceled.
  • Advised Abivax on its biotech private placement.
  • Advised Chiesi Farmaceutici SpA on its US$1.4 bn acquisition of Amryt Pharma Plc.

Lawyers

Leading partners
The strongest partners in their field, leading on market-leading deals and endorsed by peers and clients alike.
Next Generation Partners
Junior partners with significant recognition from clients and peers in the market and key roles on multiple matters.

Practice head

The lawyer(s) leading their teams.

Alain Decombe, Mélanie Thill-Tayara

Other key lawyers

Jacques Sivignon, Sophie Pelé, Ermine Bolot, Marion Provost