The practice group at Simmons & Simmons is equipped to advise insurance companies and brokerage firms on M&A transactions and a range of contentious mandates. The practice is co-led by Francisco de León, who is lauded for his ‘professionalism and technical excellence’, and Olivia Delagrange, who is noted for her ’in-depth knowledge of the insurance sector’. De León excels in M&A transactions, while Delagrange is highly specialised in insurance claims.

Legal 500 Editorial commentary

Testimonials

Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.

  • ‘Francisco de León has a very extensive knowledge of the insurance sector and its regulations. In my opinion, he is the best in the sector because he combines theoretical knowledge with a pragmatism that other advisors sometimes lack. Francisco cares about his client's needs but never forgets how important it is to carry out the transaction without putting unnecessary obstacles like other advisors. He focuses on what is really important.'

  • ‘Knowledge of insurance and pension funds that is unique in the sector.'

  • ‘The firm's strong point in the area of insurance is its vast knowledge of the sector and its particularities, both at a technical-legal and business level.'

  • ‘Francisco de León: his best quality is the perfect harmony between his extensive technical and legal knowledge of the insurance sector and, in addition, of those closely related to it, together with his availability, kindness and excellent treatment of clients.'

  • ‘Francisco de León and Paloma Sánchez-Fayos are technically excellent, always available and with a very practical approach. I would highlight the professionalism and technical excellence of Francisco de León, who also has a very good teaching ability to explain complex issues and an exceptional and incredible knowledge of his practice areas.'

  • ‘Olivia Delagrange and Javier Montero's availability and ease of dealing with each other stand out. And then there is their in-depth knowledge of the insurance sector and the legal framework in various countries, combined with an ability to explain it in a simple way.'

  • ‘The human treatment is unbeatable. They are very involved, very committed people who put the quality of their service before any other consideration.'

  • ‘Without a doubt the personal treatment, the closeness and the excellent availability of Francisco de León, Olivia Delagrange and Paloma Sánchez-Fayos. Simmons & Simmons bring a wealth of technical knowledge and experience in the sector that makes them one of the main options when it comes to deciding on them when I need legal support. They are very reliable in any aspect in which I may require legal support, and their extensive knowledge of other jurisdictions helps me not only consider it from a domestic point of view but also at an international level.'

Key clients

  • Tokio Marine
  • Zurich Insurance
  • QBE
  • FM
  • Liberty
  • Swiss RE International
  • Aegon España Sociedad Anónima De Seguros y Reaseguros
  • Medvida Partners De Seguros Y Reaseguros
  • Inverseguros

Work highlights

  • Acted in a subrogated recovery action for a renewable energy company.
  • Advised Inverseguros on the acquisition of 100% of the share capital in Gesnorte.
  • Advised on the merger between Mediterráneo Vida, Sociedad Anónima de Seguros y Reaseguros, and its subsidiary Medvida Partners de Seguros y Reaseguros.

Lawyers

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.

Francisco de León, Olivia Delagrange

Other key lawyers

Paloma Sánchez-Fayos, Javier Montero