Banking & Finance
Europe Guide 2024 : France
Band 4
Contact number
+33 1 53 43 45 00About
Provided by Willkie Farr & Gallagher LLP
Willkie’s global finance practice complements our private equity, M&A, restructuring, capital markets, structured finance, real estate and tax groups to provide clients with the complete array of tools needed to achieve their goals. Our team has deep finance knowledge, combining a genuine understanding of the markets in which our clients operate with creative, business-focused legal advice.
We advise borrowers, direct lenders, lending institutions and other traditional and non-traditional capital providers in a wide variety of transactions including:
- Private equity and acquisition (LBO) financings
- Bridge financings (with and without capital market takeouts)
- Cross-border financings
- Unitranche, second lien and mezzanine financings
- Term and revolving credit facilities
- Debtor-in-possession and bankruptcy exit loans
- In- and out-of-court restructurings
- Publicly offered and privately placed high yield, investment grade and convertible notes
- Institutional private placements
- Real estate financings
- Project financings
Chambers Review
Willkie Farr & Gallagher has a recognised practice advising on acquisition and investment finance matters for domestic and international clients. The practice boasts expertise in unitranche and revolving credit facilities, particularly for private equity clients. Additionally, the team advises third parties and lenders on corporate refinancings.
Work Highlights
- Willkie advised Bridgepoint Credit on the financing of the acquisition of Valyantis by Keensight Capital.
Strengths
Provided by Chambers
"They are very smooth on the transactions. They don't hesitate to call us to discuss any points and take the time to understand us and the needs of the clients."
"The strengths of the firm are responsiveness, flexibility and the ability to provide solutions."
"They are very easy to work with. We have the same approach to handling deals, which is fluid and pragmatic. We trust them."
"The team are always available to jump on a call and draft the documents timely and often in advance."
"They are very smooth on the transactions. They don't hesitate to call us to discuss any points and take the time to understand us and the needs of the clients."
"The strengths of the firm are responsiveness, flexibility and the ability to provide solutions."
"They are very easy to work with. We have the same approach to handling deals, which is fluid and pragmatic. We trust them."
"The team are always available to jump on a call and draft the documents timely and often in advance."
Notable Practitioners
Paul Lombard is a well-reputed lawyer who advises on acquisition finance, investment finance and revolving credit facilities for multinational banks and private equity houses.
"Paul Lombard is renowned in the French market. His long experience, strong technical skills and consensual approach enable him to find easy solutions for his clients. He is also respected by his peers in negotiations, which enables fluid exchanges and consensual solutions between all parties."
"He is very pragmatic and has a client-centric approach."
"I trust him a lot and he always tries to find solutions."
Igor Kukhta enters the rankings in recognition of a developing practice for lenders as well as private equity borrowers on acquisition finance mandates.
"Igor is a super nice lawyer and he is strong technically."
"He was always very responsive, never missing a deadline, and very in the detail."
"Igor was extremely helpful to us."
Thomas Binet joins the rankings this year. He advises on refinancing and acquisition finance mandates. He often represents private equity funds.
"I would definitely recommend him. He has good insights and strong technical skills."
"Thomas is very good technically and deal-oriented."
Ranked Lawyers at
Willkie Farr & Gallagher LLP
France