Private Equity
Europe Guide 2024 : France
Band 2
Contact number
+33 1 53 43 45 00About
Provided by Willkie Farr & Gallagher LLP
Willkie is one of the few major law firms with extensive domestic and international experience in virtually every type of private equity transaction ranging from cross-border multibillion dollar leveraged buyouts to early-stage venture capital financings. As a recognized leader in private equity transactions, fund formation and regulatory compliance Willkie regularly represents private equity investors, issuers and financial advisers in all aspects of domestic and international private equity transactions.
Due to the firm’s longstanding representation of many international private equity and venture capital institutions, our attorneys routinely work on sophisticated private equity transactions such as leveraged buyouts, management buyouts, spin-offs, growth equity investments, venture capital financings, going-private transactions, recapitalizations and dispositions. We also represent a number of institutionally backed private enterprises (including portfolio companies of our private equity and venture capital fund clients) in connection with their financing, M&A and general corporate needs. Our experience covers a broad cross-section of industry sectors, including manufacturing, services, finance, insurance, technology, software, retail, real estate, gaming, biotechnology, medical devices, communications and media.
Chambers Review
Willkie Farr & Gallagher has strong international capabilities thanks to an integrated pan-European practice. The department often advises on cross-border acquisitions and sales. The team is active in numerous industry sectors, including TMT, healthcare and consumer goods. Its client roster includes investors and domestic and international sponsors as well as corporates.
Work Highlights
- Willkie Farr & Gallagher acted for PAI Partners on the EUR2.3 billion sale of Perstop to Petronas.
Strengths
Provided by Chambers
"They are sharp with a high level of quality across the different functions and team members. They have been not only legal experts but also understand the business and the deals at large and I think that is very important. They know the law and know the consequences and this is helpful in getting our deals done."
"The team is always able to deliver for us and brings in the right people at the right time. It has excellent service levels and never lets the client down. Willkie has a strong team across Europe and good collaboration between countries, it is very reliable and dedicated to clients' needs."
"They are sharp with a high level of quality across the different functions and team members. They have been not only legal experts but also understand the business and the deals at large and I think that is very important. They know the law and know the consequences and this is helpful in getting our deals done."
"The team is always able to deliver for us and brings in the right people at the right time. It has excellent service levels and never lets the client down. Willkie has a strong team across Europe and good collaboration between countries, it is very reliable and dedicated to clients' needs."
Notable Practitioners
Christophe Garaud has long-standing experience assisting private equity clients with strategic acquisitions and disposals. His work portfolio encompasses domestic as well as cross-border cases.
"Christophe Garaud is always available to support us for our transactions."
"He is a very experienced and business-oriented lawyer. He is able to spot key commercial issues and to be proactive to find solutions and reach compromises."
"He is absolutely excellent and has an outstanding mix of skills in terms of law and business aspects."
Eduardo Fernandez represents a clientele of investment and private equity firms in acquisitions and disposals. He is active across a wide range of sectors, including healthcare, IT and food and drinks.
"Eduardo Fernandez is outstanding, very international, very accurate and very capable in delivering deals to the end."
"He is an excellent lawyer technically, very deal-oriented, knows what is key and very didactic with other parties."
Cédric Hajage advises portfolio companies and private equity firms on acquisition transactions. He is also experienced in disposals.
"He is deeply involved, dedicated, smart, humble and a strong negotiator."
Grégory de Saxcé assists leading domestic private equity funds with strategic acquisitions.
Ranked Lawyers at
Willkie Farr & Gallagher LLP
France
Members
Provided by Willkie Farr & Gallagher LLP