Demonstrating notable strength in sectors such as sport, retail and transport, August Debouzy‘s restructuring and insolvency team pulls together expertise in tax, M&A, corporate, finance and employment law to cover all aspects of complex restructurings (including cross-border mandates). The team has a strong emphasis on advising debtors and shareholders, but has recently been increasingly active in acting for investment funds involved in takeover bids. Laurent Cotret, who is particularly skilled in advising on debt restructuring, oversees the practice.

Legal 500 Editorial commentary

Testimonials

Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.

  • ‘Laurent Cotret and his team occupy a unique position in the business law market thanks to their unrivalled mastery of our exceptionally complex cases. They are involved in issues with multiple legal stakes, often marked by complex and strategic battles. Far from simply providing advice, the team takes full ownership of each of our cases, ensuring rigorous, personalised follow-up that is always in step with developments in the legal processes that affect us. Their precise management of deadlines and schedules, as well as their ability to navigate complex, multi-jurisdictional legal environments, are essential assets for us. This team also stands out for its innovative approach, whether in the use of new technologies to optimise the management of our files or the flexibility of billing adapted to our needs. They are our benchmark firm and our exclusive choice for managing our most complex cases.’

  • ‘Since he first became involved in our cases, Laurent Cotret has immediately grasped the issues and made them his own with remarkable skill. His determination and methodical approach to complex issues make him an essential pillar in the management of our cases. What also sets him apart is his ability to speak the same language as management. Unlike most lawyers, who are often rooted in the technical, Laurent understands the real needs of our management, anticipates expectations and proposes concrete, tailored solutions, all with a clear, agile vision. Laurent is both a pragmatic visionary and a pillar of trust. He anticipates future challenges with foresight, while proposing concrete, achievable solutions.'

  • 'François Retif, an associate of Laurent Cotret, works on our complex projects in perfect harmony with our expectations. His precision, attentive listening, availability and responsiveness are at the heart of his approach. He is remarkably efficient, mastering our cases with unfailing rigour. Adaptable and proactive, François anticipates the issues at stake and takes on each new element of our complex cases with brio and mastery. François is a committed perfectionist who is always ready to listen and take on new challenges with rigour and confidence.’

Key clients

  • Esprit de Corp France
  • Coral Reef Capital
  • La Berrichonne Football
  • Nobel Santé Plus
  • People & Baby
  • Fred
  • Alteo
  • CIPIM / Collectivité de Saint-Martin
  • Galeries Lafayette
  • Shellac (Ordonneau)
  • Bloom Equity Partners
  • Antares (Agatha)
  • Jogo Bonito Group
  • WeWork
  • CCI Brest
  • Adveo France
  • Keria
  • Pizza Hut Europe

Work highlights

  • Assisting Esprit de Corp France, a subsidiary of the international fashion brand Esprit Group, in managing its financial difficulties and navigating the insolvency proceedings initiated against the company.
  • Assisting Coral Reef Capital, a New-York based private investment firm with a focus on the energy, materials and business & industrial services sectors, in its project to take over Metalliance as part of its disposal plan.
  • Assisting La Berrichonne de Châteauroux, a historic and iconic French football club, in securing necessary financing for the 2024-2025 season.

Lawyers

Leading partners
The strongest partners in their field, leading on market-leading deals and endorsed by peers and clients alike.

Practice head

The lawyer(s) leading their teams.

Laurent Cotret

Other key lawyers

Clément Quernin, François Retif,