Although it is still in a relatively embryonic phase, having only established a transactional private equity offering in June 2022, the ‘very pragmatic’ team at Strelia has quickly gained traction in the market, picking up some high-quality cross-border work for mid-market sponsors, often working alongside the firm’s finance and tax teams. The speed with which the team has gained recognition has largely been down to the existing ties and reputations of co-heads Michaël Meylan and Vanessa Schmitt, who have both been in the market for many years (having worked together at Stibbe) and are particularly noted for their skills at handling transactions with a nexus to France.
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
‘The very pragmatic team has an excellent knowledge of the French market and provides short and clear answers to technical queries.’
‘They are knowledgeable, responsive and commercial.’
‘The excellent Vanessa Schmitt is very hands-on, responsive and takes great care of her clients.'
‘Both Estelle Schul and Michaël Meylan are excellent to work with. They produce excellent work in quick time.'
Key clients
- IQ EQ
- Keensight Capital
- Astorg
- LBO France
- SGT Capital
- Arev Capital
- Eurazeo
- Westfa Holding
Work highlights
- Advised SGT Capital on the €400m acquisition of ELATEC GmbH, a leading international developer and supplier of secure access management solutions, from Summit Partners.
- Advised LBO France on the acquisition, along with two co-investors, of CGF Bourse, a financial management and intermediation company based in Senegal.
- Advised IQ EQ on the acquisition, related financing and/or the reinvestment of the target’s management into the management package of the IQ EQ group of multiple targets.
Practice head
The lawyer(s) leading their teams.
Michaël Meylan, Vanessa Schmitt