Catherine Naroz
Clifford ChanceClifford Chance assembles a large team enabling the firm to cover a large spectrum of M&A transactions, from mid-cap to large deals and cross-border transactions, with solid foreign investment expertise available that complements the practice. The firm's M&A activity is well known for having a strong sectorial approach that notably spans infrastructure, retail financial services and transportation. The practice serves a prominent French and international client base of banks, investment funds and large industrial companies that entrust it with their deals, from private equity to public M&A transactions. Key names in the team include Mathieu Rémy, Benjamin De Blegiers , Gilles Lebreton . Fabrice Cohen left the firm early 2025.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
- ‘The Clifford Chance Paris PE/M&A team is an exceptional deal machine. They are able to seamlessly ramp up on short notice, pull in expertise on a global scale, and execute on complex transactions with ease. From junior lawyers to senior partners, their deal acumen and legal talent is market leading. The Clifford Chance team are dedicated, experienced, and motivated - they can move mountains.’
- ‘The team is second to none when it comes to large cap M&A. Their key feature is their sectorial approach which enables them to bring the right level of expertise not only from a legal standpoint but also from market perspective. They provide good strategic advice. Ability to bring along all the right level of expertise in all fields and jurisdiction.’
- ‘Mathieu Rémy has become a key player in the practice of mergers and acquisitions in the banking and financial sector in France. He is always very pleasant and available. ’
- ‘Benjamin de Blegiers is an exceptional partner who brings his depth of talent to every deal. He is without doubt one of the strongest M&A practitioners in Europe. Ben cuts through noise, takes command of processes, and gets the deal done.
- ‘Gilles Lebreton has a formidable legal mind. His expertise in public M&A has been indispensable. Gilles is a true professional, and an absolute pleasure to work with. Gilles is a real deal maker and having him as an advisor offers incomparable comfort.’
- ‘Marianne Pezant takes the time to understand the commercial issues and adapts her advice accordingly.’
- ‘Catherine Naroz is a rising star. She an outstanding lawyer, with a sharp legal mind. Catherine has the unique ability to brings a sense of calm and order, even in the most challenging of circumstances. This is a lawyer you want at your table.’
Key clients
- Airbus Group
- Amundi
- Brookfield
- Caisse des dépôts et consignations
- Carrefour
- Crédit Agricole
- Crédit Agricole Assurances (Prédica)
- Dsm-firmenich
- EDF
- Engie
- Europcar
- Geodis
- International Beverage
- Ipsen
- Klépierre
- La Banque Postale and LBP AM
- L'Oréal
- Mannai Corporation
- Nissan
- Orano
- Perenco
- Pernod Ricard
- Plastic Omnium
- Rexel
- Saft
- Sanofi
- Suez
- TotalEnergies
- Tetra Pak
- Veolia
Work highlights
- Advising Brookfield on the contemplated acquisition of a majority block of shares in Neoen.
- Advised Exclusive Networks on the contemplated take private initiated by a consortium led by Clayton Dubilier & Rice and Permira.
- Advised TotalEnergies on the consummation of its agreements with Alimentation Couche-Tard for the setting up of a partnership in Belgium and Luxembourg and the sale of its retail networks in Germany and the Netherlands.
Lawyers
Leading associates
Leading associates with regular involvement in their team's key work, and recognition from peers or clients as being ones to watch.
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.
Benjamin de Blegiers, Aline Cardin, Gilles Lebreton, Marianne Pezant, Mathieu Remy, Laurent Schoenstein