Legal 500 EMEA 2021/2022: Mergers and Acquisitions (Band 2)

A single office firm in Paris, De Pardieu Brocas Maffei is geared to act on the full array of corporate transactions including mergers, acquisitions, sales, joint ventures, restructurings, distressed M&A and stock exchange deals. The group is adept at representing all parties to a transaction, including listed and unlisted companies, investors, investment funds and financial players. Guillaume Touttée, whose focus is on the financial services, agribusiness and technology fields, co-leads the team alongside Patrick Jaïs , Jean-François Pourdieu  and Nicolas Favre who is principally active within the real estate, hospitality, insurance and retail sectors. Cédric Chanas is a star name at junior-partner level and is acclaimed for his ‘strong client involvement‘. Testimonilas: 'An excellent team, very good advice, and flawless workmanship.’ / ‘A very strong involvement alongside the client and a much appreciated advisory capacity, in particular the team led by Cédric Chanas.’ / ‘Great availability and great expertise in full service M&A firm, high-level associates and very experienced partners.’ / ‘Magali Masson is quite simply exceptional. Pragmatic, efficient, very good negotiator, we can trust her blindly. Stops at nothing.’ /‘Guillaume Touttée is the lawyer we want to have by our side on M&A operations. In addition to his technicality and his remarkable skills in negotiation, Guillaume Touttée knows how to have a 360° strategic vision of transactions and perfectly masters the matters and related issues. Listening to his clients, he knows how to provide optimal support to legal departments and management.’ (2022)

Providing a 'more economical solution than other firms, yet with a high level of service', De Pardieu Brocas Maffei is a major player in the French M&A market. Recently advising CNP Assurances and its board of directors on its change of control, the practice has a strong track record of joint ventures, restructurings, stock exchange transactions and distressed mandates. Retained by investors, funds, listed and unlisted companies both domestically and internationally, the department is particularly active in the financial services, real estate and energy sectors. Magali Masson joined the team from Franklin in January 2020 and is well versed in advising on cross-border mandates, strategic alliances and commercial partnerships. The practice is jointly led by Patrick Jaïs, Jean-François Pourdieu and Guillaume Touttée. Testimonials: ‘An excellent team, very close to the operational teams to try to better understand the stakes of an operation for their client. Very available, of a very high technical level and very pleasant on a daily basis.‘ ‘The M&A team of Cabinet De Pardieu is available and knows how to adapt perfectly to its operational contacts.‘ ‘Frédéric Keller is lawyer with whom it is very enjoyable to work. A person of confidence, he always defends the best interests of his client.‘ ‘Very good team that offers quality and comprehensive support on M&A operations on renewable energy files.‘ ‘Excellent quality of execution. Strong involvement of partners.‘ ‘Guillaume Touttée is a remarkable lawyer. His tremendous expertise goes beyond mergers and acquisitions and integrates real estate, stock market, banking and even regulatory law, which ensures his clients’ full control of their most complex transactions.‘ ‘Human-sized and efficient team. Much more economical solution than other firms, yet with a high level of service.‘ ‘Very attentive, available and efficient. Pragmatic people who are committed to moving the file forward. Respectful of budgets and not forcing invoicing.‘ (2021)

Legal 500 EMEA 2015/2020: Mergers and Acquisitions (Band 3)

French firm De Pardieu Brocas Maffei advises major French and multinational companies on M&A deals, joint ventures, restructurings and distressed corporate transactions. Key practitioners include Thierry Brocas, Guillaume Touttée, Patrick Jaïs and Jean-François Pourdieu; they work closely with the firm's finance, real estate, competition, tax, employment, litigation and restructuring specialists on large transactions. A major player in domestic deals in sectors including financial services, real estate, energy and utilities, the firm also handles cross-border matters. Magali Masson joined from Franklin in January 2020. Testimonials: ‘The practice provides solution-oriented legal services at excellent quality, acts very fast and is always reachable to discuss anything. Its deep commercial understanding of the transaction is a bonus.‘ ‘Eric Muller has incredible commitment to delivering and shows true interest in the needs of the client. Moreover, he always finds smart solutions and is thinking many steps ahead when creating strategy. He provides excellent quality of legal services consistently, even in critical situations under pressure. I would prefer him over any other lawyer in France I worked with on M&A deal.‘ ‘The firm has a very dedicated and client-oriented mindset and is able to define all different scenarios with a risk adjusted approach. It is very knowledgeable of the environment of investment banks, competitors and authorities.‘ ‘Nicolas Favre and real estate partner Paul Talbourdet are the key people we deal with. Both have great capabilities to understand and support our goals in a transaction. They have great capacity to have a general analysis and view of complex transactions involving many different contracts.‘ ‘The firm has a very good approach to the problems we encounter. It has great professionalism and very good relations with clients.‘ ‘It has a strong team with efficient partner oversight but, most importantly, exceptional senior associates capable of running the brunt of the file in near total autonomy. The overall effect is true value for money. Partner availability is, however, not impacted and the client experience is exceptional.‘ ‘Cédric Chanas is hard charging and engaged, determined to get the deal done while remaining good humoured and extremely pleasant to work with. His level of experience is extremely high. He knows what to say, what to do and when to do it and can anticipate likely issues well in advance. He is perfectly capable and adept at countering opposing counsel and achieving the client’s goals.‘ ‘DPB is organised by department, each lawyer is specialised in a field. All these departments work together, which allows their clients to have the best possible view of a problem and to understand it as a whole. It has a very large network and lots of experience.‘ ‘It is a very professional team with a very business-minded view of the topics that is particularly appreciated. Guillaume Touttée has particular expertise.‘ ‘The M&A team led by Guillaume Touttée has a broad expertise in complex transactions beyond pure M&A matters and spanning a wide array of areas such as real estate, insurance, market law, commercial law, anti-trust, bankruptcy, labour and more, allowing a 360° view of any files entrusted to them. They are reactive, agile, pragmatic and committed to their clients’ success.‘ ‘Guillaume Touttée is the lawyer you want on your side in a M&A operation. He is an utterly skilled strategist, extremely experienced with a broad knowledge of transactional matters and focused on his clients’ specific needs. He is also a pleasure to work with and a true asset in tough negotiations.‘ ‘Most likely the best M&A legal team in France.‘ ‘Nicolas Favre is the lawyer that I would always have with me. He is the best ally when you have a hard deal to close.‘ (2020)

The 'efficient, organised' and 'approachable' team at De Pardieu Brocas Maffei specialises in financial services and real estate sector transactions, but  fields a strong practice in several other sectors, ranging from agribusiness and energy to infrastructure and TMT. In addition to advising InVivo Retail on its acquisition of Jardiland from L-GAM, the group assisted Orano with its pre-sale reorganisation aimed at transferring a part of its assets to Framatome. Thierry Brocas, Patrick Jaïs, Jean-François Pourdieu and Guillaume Touttée are the names to note. With the promotions of Delphine Vidalenc to partner and Grégoire Balland to counsel, the practice further increased its footing in the market, despite the departure of counsel Alexandre Lecomte, who left for a role in-house at InVivo. (2019)

At De Pardieu Brocas Maffei, the ‘reliable’ team is ‘client-oriented and proactive’ and provides ‘good response times’. The group acts for listed and non-listed companies on a broad range of matters, from mergers and acquisitions to joint ventures, reorganisations and disposals. Key sectors include financial services, real estate, energy, healthcare and TMT. The ‘pragmatic’ Patrick Jaïs is ‘a versatile and seasoned lawyer’, who is able to build ‘excellent client relationships’. Other key practitioners are Nicolas Favre, Guillaume Touttée, Cédric Chanas and Jean-François Pourdieu. Notable matters include advising Batipart Group as shareholders of Eurosic on Eurosic’s €3.3bn merger with Gecina, and acting for CNP Assurances on their acquisition of a 49.9% stake in Réseau de Transport d’Electricité. Axéréal, BFCM and Areva are also clients. (2018)

De Pardieu Brocas Maffei is ‘able to adapt to complex situations and tight deadlines’. The 33-lawyer team, which shows ‘great listening skills’, advises on public and private M&A transactions; it has great knowledge of real estate and ‘strong insurance and banking M&A expertise’. Highlights included advising Eurosic on its takeover bid for Foncière de Paris and acting for Credit Mutuel’s BFCM in the acquisition of GE’s leasing and factoring activities in France and Germany. The practice is led by Thierry Brocas, Patrick Jaïs, Guillaume Touttée and Jean-François Pourdieu. The ‘smart, quick and efficient’ Cédric Chanas and Nicolas Favre are emerging talents; Frédéric Keller was named partner. (2017)

"De Pardieu Brocas Maffei regularly handles the most high-profile deals in the insurance, banking and property areas in France, as well as a number internationally. The firm recently assisted CNP Assurances in a very complex deal involving the negotiation a new model of bank-insurance agreements with BPCE. The 30-lawyer team also acts for clients such as Altice Media, Natixis Global Asset Management and Immochan. Thierry Brocas, Patrick Jaïs, Guillaume Touttée and Jean-François Pourdieu lead the practice, in which Thomas Bréart de Boisanger, Cédric Chanas, Nicolas Favre and Eric Muller are also names to note. Frédéric Keller was promoted to partner." (2016)

"De Pardieu Brocas Maffei A.A.R.P.I is a top firm for M&A in the property, banking and insurance fields. Highlights included advising CNP Assurances on a new partnership with BPCE and acting for Crédit Agricole Assurances and Ramsay Health Care on the takeover of Générale de Santé. The highly experienced Thierry Brocas,Patrick Jaïs, Guillaume Touttée and Jean-François Pourdieu are the practice co-heads. Nicolas Favre and Cédric Chanas are also active and Eric Muller joined from White & Case LLP." (2015)

Chambers Europe 2020 / 2021: Corporate / M&A (Band 4)

What the team is known for:Adept at handling a broad range of matters in the corporate sphere including takeover, sales, restructurings and tender offers. Wide-ranging knowledge of the banking, energy and technology industries, with market-renowned expertise in real estate deals. Often collaborates closely with the firm's tax and finance department. Strengths:Clients highlight the "reactivity and availability of the partners." (2021)

What the team is known for: Adept at handling a broad range of matters in the corporate sphere including takeover, mergers, restructurings and tender offers. Wide-ranging knowledge of the infrastructure, energy and technology industries, with market-renowned expertise in real estate deals. Often collaborates closely with the firm's tax and finance department. Recently expanded its agribusiness client base with the addition of InVivo and Terrena. Strengths: "Their strength is the creativity; in negotiation they are really good and their drafting is very precise," says one source, adding: "They deeply care about the client's interests." (2020)

Chambers Europe 2017 / 2019: Corporate / M&A (Band 3)

What the team is known for: Adept at handling a broad range of matters in the corporate sphere including joint ventures, restructurings, tender offers and distressed M&A transactions. Wide-ranging knowledge of the insurance, financial services, energy and infrastructure industries, with market-renowned expertise in real estate deals. Often collaborates closely with the firm's tax and finance department. Strengths: One client praises the lawyers' availability, adding: "They are able to assist in a timely and consistently high-quality way." Another interviewee says: "The lawyers are friendly, efficient and reactive." (2017)

What the team is known for: Adept at handling a broad range of matters in the corporate sphere including joint ventures, restructurings, tender offers, IPOs and distressed M&A transactions. Wide-ranging knowledge of the insurance, financial services, energy and infrastructure industries, with market-renowned expertise in real estate deals. Strengths: One client highlights an impressive balance between the group's legal and business acumen: "We have been very impressed by the quality of the advice on the negotiations. In addition to the strong legal advice, the lawyers have the relevant understanding of the business issues at all stages of the process." This source also adds that "the team has been very responsive to all requests." Another source appreciates the department's customer-focused approach: "The lawyers are very reactive and bright, and they are eager to find solutions and avoid risks for their clients." (2018)

What the team is known for: Adept at handling a broad range of matters in the corporate sphere including joint ventures, restructurings, tender offers, IPOs and distressed M&A transactions. Particular expertise in the healthcare, food, financial services, energy, TMT and real estate industries. Strengths: "The lawyers are very experienced and sharp." "A very fine French firm." (2017)

Chambers Europe 2015 / 2016: Corporate / M&A (Band 4)

What the team is known for Well-regarded domestic firm skilled across the full range of corporate and M&A work including joint ventures, restructurings, securities and distressed transactions. Cross-discipline approach draws together tax, competition, insolvency and dispute resolution expertise to provide well-structured advice to clients in the finance, energy, real estate, healthcare and technology sectors. Strengths "An excellent team for public M&A." (2016)

What the team is known for Key domestic player advising clients on a wide range of corporate issues and transactional matters. Expertise in M&A work, both at the high-end and in the mid-market, and also joint-ventures, corporate reorganisations and strategic alliances. Noted for its experience in both public and private transactional work across a number of key sectors and industries, notably financial services. Strengths (Quotes mainly from clients): "An impressive firm whose lawyers did a fantastic job and were very business-oriented." (2015)

Chambers Europe 2012 / 2014: Corporate / M&A (Band 3)

What the team is known for Supports major clients from sectors including energy, telecoms, banking, insurance, healthcare and technology. Active on matters ranging from acquisitions and asset sales to joint ventures and complex corporate transactions. Strengths (Quotes mainly from clients): “A perfect one-stop shop.” “Very good for both corporate and restructuring matters.” (2012)

Commentators agree that this firm offers an excellent service, particularly for French law transactions.The corporate team has in-depth knowledge of the energy, real estate and financial services sectors. It helps clients with a range of transactions, including M&A and changes of governance structure. In a recent highlight it advised the majority shareholders of Groupe Vermandoise on an exclusivity agreement for its EUR950 million takeover by Cristal Union. Sources say: "Incredibly practical, efficient, and proactive." (2013)

This esteemed French firm is highly active in the M&A field, especially on mid-cap French deals. Reflecting the firm’s other well-recognised areas of strength, the team is especially visible on M&A linked to the banking and real estate sectors, but it represents clients from a wide range of other industries too. Recent highlights include advising several cereal co-operatives on the strengthening of their links with the Tereos Group, and assisting Oddo with the acquisition of Banque d’Orsay from WestLB. (2012)

Chambers Global 2020 / 2021 – Corporate M&A (Band 4)

What the team is known for : Adept at handling a broad range of matters in the corporate sphere including takeover, sales, restructurings and tender offers. Wide-ranging knowledge of the banking, energy and technology industries, with market-renowned expertise in real estate deals. Often collaborates closely with the firm's tax and finance department. (2021)

What the team is known for: Adept at handling a broad range of matters in the corporate sphere including takeover, mergers, restructurings and tender offers. Wide-ranging knowledge of the infrastructure, energy and technology industries, with market-renowned expertise in real estate deals. Often collaborates closely with the firm's tax and finance department. Recently expanded its agribusiness client base with the addition of InVivo and Terrena. (2020)

IFLR1000 2014/2020 : M&A - Tier 3

During the research period the domestic firm advised acquirers and sellers on agribusiness, real estate, energy, technology and financial services M&A deals. It is also generally active in the private equity area representing financial investors on the sell or buy side in equity or mezzanine investments. "The firm is professional, responsive and has young team with potential." "It is a firm with quality and its lawyers are available. There is a strong involvement of partners in projects. The firm has knowledge and practice of the financial sector. It is pluridisciplinary and loyal." "De Pardieu Brocas is composed of lawyers of high expertise in the field of M&A, market law, regulatory law and debt capital markets. Its advise is highly reliable and brings value to the in-house counsels' decisions. They are client and business oriented, pragmatic and efficient. Having them by your side in negotiations is an outstanding asset." (2019)

In M&A, the firm has instructed buyers and sellers in relation to cross-border private acquisitions. For instance, it assisted Batipart, Orano and Norges Bank. Private equity is a real strength, and it worked on leveraged buy-out transactions and minority stake acquisitions in the area. "Very solution oriented law firm, working closely with us on a strategic level as well as on a day to day basis. Patrick Jais and his team are highly dedicated and efficient." / "High expertise in M&A and very good relationship skills. It is available and has a pragmatic approach." (2018)

In M&A, the firm has instructed buyers and sellers in relation to cross-border private acquisitions. For instance, it assisted Credit Mutuel Banking Group in connection with the acquisition of General Electric’s equipment and receivables finance business. “Its lawyers are highly responsive and reactive, while also being very good negotiators” “Cédric Chanas is an excellent lawyer.” (2017)

In corporate and M&A, the firm worked with listed real estate company Eurosic in connection with its multibillion euro joint venture with Foncière de Paris, a company dedicated to acquiring and leasing office blocks in the Paris area, by means of a voluntary public offer to acquire a holding stake in the company. Another significant M&A transaction in the French market over the last year, saw General Electric sell its leasing and factoring activities in France and Germany to Banque Fédérative du Crédit Mutuel, as part of its global strategy to reduce in size. Also active in the private equity domain, the firm represented Euromezzanine in respect of Burger King’s acquisition of Quick Restaurants nationwide. The firm also acted on several LBO exits, for example that of Coyote where it represented 21 Centrale Partners; or Groupe Charlois where it represented Ardian. (2016)

In M&A the firm was involved in some large deals in the French market. Working with Clifford Chance, the firm advised Carrefour on a major deal in the real estate sector, setting up company Carmila which now owns 171 shopping malls across France, Spain and Italy, giving the spin off a portfolio value of €2.7 billion. In line with the market, the firm have increased activity in the private equity market, working both on the sale and buy sides. An exceptional example of this saw the firm advise a consortium of investors including the Le Mer family, Bpifrance, Arkea Capital Partenaire and others, in relation to the acquisition of the Sermeta group from its former shareholders, the majority of which were held by Carlyle, using an LBO. (2015)

"The firm’s corporate department saw no changes but through internal promotion did add new partners in Joanna Gumpelson and Cédric Chanas and a new counsel in Frédéric Keller. One client recommends the firm for its “tailored approach” on “any type of deals from simple to highly complex”. Another praises the team for “gathering the utmost expertise in tax, corporate and real estate law”. “Excellence as always,” says another. The firm worked alongside Cabinet Viguier Schmitt to advise CNP Assurances on renegotiating a partnership agreement with BPCE for insurance products and acted for agribusiness group Agrial on its acquisition of a 25% stake Eurial and the subsidiaries of Bakkavör Foods from a UK seller. On the private equity side, the firm advised Caisse des Dépôts et Consignations (CDC) on the entry of Caravelle into the capital of Belambra through an LBO in February 2014 and LBO Partners and Keensight Capital on their acquisition of a majority stake of Menix Group in a secondary buy-out in April 2014." (2014)