ADVANT Altana‘s wide-ranging insurance practice spans contentious, regulatory and transactional matters. The team is particularly recognised for its expertise in M&A, regulatory issues and product distribution, but also handles large-scale litigation, with a client base that includes leading insurance and reinsurance companies and intermediaries. Its experienced leadership team is made up of Gilles Gaillard, who focuses on corporate, contractual and regulatory matters; Valérie Lafarge-Sarkozy, a specialist in litigation, including claims relating to cyber risks, product liability and executive liability; and Frédéric Manin, who advises on competition issues in the insurance sphere.

Legal 500 Editorial commentary

Testimonials

Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.

  • ‘Very good service, very responsive and able to adapt to the context/client/file.’

  • ‘Valérie Lafarge-Sarkozy stands out for her instincts in negotiation and her responsiveness.’

  • ‘Valérie Lafarge-Sarkozy is extremely responsive and always considers the most appropriate solution for her clients, both legally and commercially.’

  • ‘Personalized case management and commitment.’

  • ‘We know Gilles Gaillard particularly well. He has a very efficient team.’

  • ‘The team has varied and expert skills, and great flexibility and accuracy in invoicing as well. Super availability and customer service.’

  • ‘Valérie Lafarge-Sarkozy is brilliant, strategic, attentive and understands her clients.’

Key clients

  • AEMA (MACIF / AESIO)
  • AG2R LA MONDIALE
  • AIG
  • APPN
  • AXA
  • BNPP-CARDIF
  • CARDIF LUX
  • COVEA (MAAF ASSURANCES, MUTUELLES DU MANS ASSURANCES – MMA, GMF)
  • CREDENDO
  • GPSA
  • GROUPAMA
  • INSHUR BV
  • KLESIA
  • MALAKOFF HUMANIS
  • MARSH
  • MATMUT
  • MUTUELLE DES MOTARDS
  • TUTELAIRE

Work highlights

  • Advised MAAF Assurances (Covea Group) on the sale of its shareholding in CGI Bâtiment to its main shareholder, SMABTP, in a potential distressed situation which triggers special procedures under the supervision of the French insurance regulator (ACPR).
  • Advising and representing Cardif Assurance Vie in several cases regarding life insurance contracts and also insurance policies signed to guarantee the repayment of a loan.
  • Assisting MMA Vie Assurances Mutuelles in its capacity as a former board member of Crédit Martiniquais, which is being sued by the bank's liquidator.

Practice head

The lawyer(s) leading their teams.

Gilles Gaillard, Valérie Lafarge-Sarkozy, Frédéric Manin