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Herbert Smith Freehills LLP

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Herbert Smith Freehills LLP' multidisciplinary insurance team acts for an array of high-profile clients, including major insurers, reinsurers, brokers and large corporates. The team advises on a significant volume of M&A and other transactions in the insurance sector (as well as related competition law issues), and assists with policy drafting and other regulatory issues. It is also highly active in contentious matters, including cross-border litigation and arbitration. Martin Le Touzé, who is skilled in financial and regulatory disputes, leads the team alongside Vincent Hatton, a specialist in regulatory matters.
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Testimonials

Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.

  • ‘This HSF team stands out for its flexibility, its integrated approach and its strategic positioning on the market, all supported by simple and effective communication. These are qualities that make them unique and particularly efficient in the management of complex files.’

  • 'Martin Le Touzé's technical expertise, coupled with clear communication and an innovative approach, made it possible to overcome major challenges. His leadership and determination played a crucial role in developing tailor-made solutions.'

  • ‘Vincent Hatton's team at HSF were excellent in using their knowledge of the structured finance products that we like to invest in usually whilst demonstrating real expertise in the insurance and related regulatory points in a jurisdiction we had little previous experience in.’

  • ‘Vincent Hatton was able to demonstrate excellent intra-practice area knowledge across insurance, insurance regulation and structured finance. From a client's point of view it meant the advice was holistic and most helpful, with consistent messaging.’

  • ‘Team availability, a strategic vision of the files and technical knowledge.’

  • ‘Martin Le Touzé stands out for his commitment and ability to exchange ideas.’

  • ‘The team dealing with insurance issues is a team that is available and has real expertise. What sets this team apart from its competitors is its desire to follow the legal reasoning to the end and go beyond the questions asked in order to fully assist its client.’

  • ‘We particularly enjoy working with Martin Le Touzé due to his expertise, quality of advice, and availability.’

Key clients

  • Allianz Trade (formerly Euler Hermes)
  • AXA XL
  • April
  • Bpifrance Assurance Export
  • BNP Paribas Cardif
  • CNP Assurances
  • CAIRS Assurances
  • Crédit Mutuel Equity
  • Generali
  • Generali Vie

Work highlights

  • Advised BNP Paribas Cardif on the acquisition of 80-100% of the share capital of Neuflize Vie from ABN AMRO Bank N.V. and AXA SA.
  • Advising Generali Vie in the context of various disputes before the courts (especially against Mésange Prévoyance and Mrs Ohanian).
  • 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.

Lawyers

Practice head

Martin Le Touzé; Vincent Hatton