Projects & Energy: International
Europe Guide 2024 : France
Band 1
Chambers Review
Linklaters has a renowned projects practice that operates on an integrated basis with the law firm's other teams around the globe. The team advises on project development, financing, concessions, regulatory, corporate and administrative matters, and is also well placed to assist with high-value asset refinancings. The team is active in the infrastructure, oil and gas, transport, mining and renewable energy sectors, primarily advising on projects across Europe and Africa, as well as within France. The practice boasts a varied client portfolio consisting of construction companies, energy developers and financial institutions.
Work Highlights
- Linklaters represented the Japan Bank for International Cooperation and a syndicate of 16 banks in the financing of the 488 MW Iles d'Yeu et de Noirmoutier offshore wind farm.
Strengths
Provided by Chambers
"Linklaters provides a very competent and constructive approach which helped a lot to smooth a complex process in a challenging timeframe."
"Linklaters offers very good client service and sticks to timelines very well. I would rate its contribution quite highly."
"Linklaters had the resources and capacity to handle not only complex legal matters but also technical and commercial ones."
"The team was always available to discuss any legal issues that may arise and respond to the questions and comments very quickly."
"I think it is a very experienced team. It is available in listening to client's requests and receiving directions."
"Linklaters provides a very competent and constructive approach which helped a lot to smooth a complex process in a challenging timeframe."
"Linklaters offers very good client service and sticks to timelines very well. I would rate its contribution quite highly."
"Linklaters had the resources and capacity to handle not only complex legal matters but also technical and commercial ones."
"The team was always available to discuss any legal issues that may arise and respond to the questions and comments very quickly."
"I think it is a very experienced team. It is available in listening to client's requests and receiving directions."
Notable Practitioners
Bertrand Andriani remains a leading name in the international project finance space. He assists with transportation, mining, infrastructure and renewable energy projects financing and is particularly active across Europe and Francophone Africa.
"We rely on Bertrand Andriani for any kind of project."
François April is renowned for his expertise advising on renewable energy projects. He has experience assisting with the financing, refinancing and structuring of solar and wind assets.
"François April is hands-on, masters the complexity perfectly and even more than all that, he knows how to distinguish the essential from the superfluous information. He is efficient in his advice."
"François April is very commercially minded. He can see the big picture and tell us where the big issues will be."
"He is more creative in terms of handling matters in comparison to the counterparty."
Stephen Le Vesconte is recognised for his broad international practice, earning him a higher position in the rankings this year. He assists with the development and financing of energy and infrastructure projects across Europe, Asia and the Middle East.
"Stephen Le Vesconte takes commercial considerations and implications into account when providing legal advice."
"Stephen Le Vesconte has very good knowledge of the market, is commercial, has a good attitude and is very available and open to understanding and listening to the clients."
"It comes down to the fact that he is always up to speed, diligent and does a good job. He has a pragmatic view and a sense for commercial issues."
"He provides legal advice in a way that is integral and makes the work effective and efficient."
Head of the firm's Africa Group Justin Faye makes his debut in the rankings with solid experience acting for financial institutions and developers on the financing and construction of international energy, mining and infrastructure projects.
"Justin Faye is such a good lawyer. He always gives amazing advice, understands the international and financial complexity and finds good, commercial solutions."
Entering the rankings this year is Samuel Bordeleau who acts for French energy companies and financial lenders on corporate transactions and financings aimed at developing domestic renewable energy and infrastructure projects.
"Samuel Bordeleau is a fantastic lawyer. He is highly experienced and the go-to lawyer for all our project and financing needs in France."
"Samuel Bordeleau is very efficient, has an impressive track record on renewable energy, defends our interests and is a rising star."
"Samuel Bordeleau's strengths are his rigour, execution and diligence."
"He is always available and very good in providing workable solutions in the interest of the project and the transaction."