Herbert Smith Freehills LLP
Herbert Smith Freehills LLP is engaged in a number of M&A deals in the infrastructure field, and recently assisted with headline deals in the energy and telecoms sectors. It advises a prominent client base including several top French companies on their upper-mid to large-cap transactions. It has strong cross-border activity and frequently advises on deals relating to Africa. Key names include Frédéric Bouvet , Edouard Thomas, Christopher Theris and recently promoted partner Cyril Boulignat.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
- ‘The team is competent, with collaborators and partners who are extremely rigorous in their approach to files and the advice provided. Available, responsive and with a very pragmatic approach to files, which is valuable during complex negotiations.’
‘Their knowledge of M&A transactions is impressive. The multicultural team is fully available.’
‘We particularly appreciate working with Herbert Smith Freehills' Mergers & Acquisitions team, as their lawyers take particular care to meet our needs in terms of quality of advice, availability and adaptability to situations. In addition to the legal excellence of their teams, the partners who work with us bring their experience of complex situations. We particularly appreciate their negotiating skills and their ability to maintain a professional, constructive and serene climate, especially at times of great tension in the deal.’
‘Cyril Boulignat is a talented partner who brings his experience of complex situations to bear for his clients. He stands out for his remarkable ability to make things simple and understandable for everyone, which is particularly useful when dealing with parties with different profiles and needs. He is highly diplomatic, and always uses all the arguments at his disposal in the best way to advance his client's interests.’
‘Excellent team, available and competent.’
‘Edouard Thomas stand outs for his commitment to files and precise knowledge of innovative subjects relating to project financing. ’
Key clients
- ENGIE
- Oneweb
- Eurazeo
- Cellnex
- Diageo
- Safran
- Amarenco
- Nexity
- Jacobs Douwe Egberts
- GPA Global
- Groupe BPCE
- Maurel & Prom
- Air Liquide
- Marex
- Compagnie Française des Croisières
- Banque des Territoires
- LBOF Securities International
- Renault
Work highlights
- Advised ENGIE on the proposed sale of 100% of Equans to French conglomerate Bouygues for €7.1 billion.
- Advised OneWeb, backed by the Bharti group, the UK Government, SoftBank and Hanwha Systems, in relation to its combination with Eutelsat Communications.
- Advised Diageo on the sale to France's Castel Group for EUR 453 million.
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