Acting for leading insurers, reinsurers and brokers, as well as large corporates, Herbert Smith Freehills LLP fields a broad insurance practice which covers life and non-life matters. The team has robust experience in M&A in the insurance sector (and in related competition issues), in addition to handling insurance claims, advising on regulatory issues relating to setting up insurance offerings in France and the drafting of insurance policies. Martin Le Touzé takes the lead on insurance disputes, while Vincent Hatton focuses on regulatory matters.
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
‘The team stands out for its technical skills, responsiveness (which is above the level normally found in the market), ability to assert itself if several of the client's businesses are represented in a project with HSF (which is an asset), and its respect for agreed deadlines.’
‘Martin Le Touzé and César Michel are responsive, do not hesitate to give an opinion, even if it is contrary to that of the client (which is positive and reassuring), show great team spirit and quickly get to grips with the client's business operations and requirements.’
- 'Good knowledge of our business (insurance and financing) and a culture of coming up with suggestions and not simply answering our questions. Open to legal innovation.'
Key clients
- Allianz Trade
- April
- Bpifrance Assurance Export
- CNP Assurances
- CAIRS Assurances
- Crédit Mutuel Equity
- Generali
- Scor
Work highlights
- Advised Generali Vie in the context of various disputes before the French courts (including with brokerage company Mésange Prévoyance and with an individual regarding a life insurance policy).
- Advising Crédit Mutuel Equity (the private equity branch of Crédit Mutuel Alliance Fédérale) in relation to the competition law aspects of its acquisition of Milexia.
- Advised Generali on the merger aspects of the acquisition of La Médicale, Crédit Agricole Assurances' insurance subsidiary for healthcare professionals.
Practice head
The lawyer(s) leading their teams.
Martin Le Touzé, Vincent Hatton