Chambers Europe 2012 / 2022 : Banking & Finance (Band 2)

What the team is known for : De Pardieu Brocas Maffei offers notable capabilities across the full range of banking and finance matters, including debt refinancing, real estate and asset finance, as well as LBO acquisition financing and syndicated finance. Its solid client base consists of leading international and French banks, in addition to credit institutions. The lawyers provide a full-service offering for clients through cooperation with their real estate, tax and corporate teams. Strengths : A client describes the team as "excellent," praising in particular its "responsiveness, innovation and quality of support in negotiations." (2022) What the team is known for : Offers notable capabilities across the full range of banking and finance matters, including debt refinancing, real estate and asset finance, as well as LBO acquisition financing and syndicated finance. Solid client base consisting of leading international and French banks, in addition to credit institutions. Provides a full-service offering for clients through cooperation with its real estate, tax and corporate teams. Strengths : Sources highlight the team for its client service and dedication, with one interviewee also highlighting the lawyers for their "ability to be structurally creative, to involve the various departments of the firm and to cover all aspects of a single transaction," which is "particularly impressive." Clients also applaud the team members for "very high reactivity, good execution quality and proactivity in managing issues." (2021) What the team is known for : Offers notable capabilities across the full range of banking and finance matters, including debt refinancing, real estate and asset finance, as well as LBO acquisition financing and syndicated finance. Solid client base consisting of leading international and French banks, in addition to credit institutions. Also advises corporate clients from the IT, retail and leisure sectors. Provides a full-service offering for clients through co-operation with its real estate, tax and corporate teams. Strengths : Clients laud the lawyers for being "technically very strong and having very good judgement on situations." (2020) What the team is known for: Offers notable capabilities across the full range of banking and finance matters, including debt restructuring, real estate and project finance, as well as LBO acquisition financing and syndicated finance. Solid client base consisting mainly of leading French banks, in addition to European and US investors and credit institutions. Strengths: "Client are impressed by team members' "amazing attention to customers at any time of the day or night; they make you feel like you are their only client." Interviewees appreciate the team's "efficient interactions on key topics or problems during negotiations." (2018) What the team is known for: Offers notable capabilities across the full range of banking and finance matters, including LBO acquisition financing, real estate and project finance. Solid client base consisting mainly of leading French banks, in addition to European and US investors and credit institutions. Strengths: "The team has a good understanding of banks' expectations, but also takes into account the limits acceptable to the clients in terms of negotiation." (2017) What the team is known for Strong French firm advising banks, investors and credit institutions on mid-cap transactions. Particularly focused on real estate finance, but is also active in other areas of financing including acquisition and leveraged finance transactions. Strengths (Quotes mainly from clients): "De Pardieu is a really good firm, responsive, with great quality in the work and good knowledge." (2016) What the team is known for: Sizeable practice handling LBO financings, real estate finance and project finance. Also noted for the cross-disciplinary nature of its transactional work, and its coverage of structured finance, securitisation and derivatives. (2015) What the team is known for: Well known for its market-leading real estate finance practice. Also noted for its securitisation, derivatives and regulatory work. Strengths (Quotes mainly from clients): "I like that the firm has a partner who's the main point of contact and who's always involved. Partners there don't follow things from afar but are very present on the deals." (2014) This widely respected French firm has a solid offering in the banking sphere. Real estate finance is perhaps the team's strongest suit, but commentators are also full of praise for its work on mid-cap acquisition financings. The banking team works closely with the firm's market-leading restructuring and insolvency group, and houses experts in financial services regulation. Sources say: “Very high quality and very good for real estate.” “Strong on the French market.” (2013) This acclaimed banking and finance group regularly advises national and international financial players, insurance companies and public sector bodies. The team is traditionally renowned for its property finance work, and draws upon this strength for many mandates involving key international property operators. Sources say: “The go-to lawyers for mid-cap deals in Paris.” (2012)

Legal 500 EMEA 2021: Banking & Finance (Band 1)

Best known for its real estate finance practice, the team at De Pardieu Brocas Maffei is instructed by lenders on innovative mandates including setting up a 'green-loan' financing for the development of a low-carbon campus. It predominantly acts for leading French and international banks and debt funds active in the mid-cap LBO market, with the department's core strengths lying in corporate financing, syndicated lending, leveraged financing and acquisition financing. Christophe Gaillard leads the banking department and Olivier Hubert heads the capital markets practice. Emmanuel Fatôme is noted for his work in the real estate financing space. Testimonials: ‘Highly recognised team.‘ ‘Christophe Gaillard is an excellent technician and able negotiator and has always performed highly on mandates. He is always calm regardless of how complex the matter.‘ ‘We appreciate the team’s professionalism, close proximity to its clients and the breadth of its expertise.‘ ‘Christophe Gaillard’s team is one of the best in the sector. Technically excellent, with great negotiation skills and a good understanding of the market.‘ (2021)

Legal 500 EMEA 2015/2020: Banking & Finance (Band 2)

'The banking team is one of the best, if not the best, in the market', says a client of De Pardieu Brocas Maffei. The firm has a deep bench with 11 partners, and its core strengths lie in real estate finance, corporate financing, syndicated lending, restructuring financing, and acquisition and leveraged financing for large French and international banks and debt funds. Christophe Gaillard, who handles syndicated loans and acquisition finance, and capital markets partner Olivier Hubert lead the practice. Emmanuel Fatôme is a key name in the corporate finance and real estate financing market. Testimonials: ‘My main contact is Christophe Gaillard who is the first choice for clients in this sector. He deserves this recognition for the combination of his many qualities but also due to the team around him, in which each member is a very good professional.‘ ‘I work mainly with Christophe Gaillard and his team. Christophe is an excellent lawyer who brings together a very high level of technical skill, a good understanding of business issues and good negotiating skills. He knows how to surround himself with colleagues of different levels of seniority who are very involved in the matters and who understand them very well.‘ (2020)

De Pardieu Brocas Maffei has particular strength in real estate finance, alongside longstanding experience in acquisition and leveraged finance, especially in the mid-cap leveraged buyout market, general lending and refinancings. Yannick Le Gall advised Tikehau Capital on a €115m facility agreement with Conforama Group aimed at financing development projects in France and abroad. Christophe Gaillard, who jointly directs the practice with Olivier Hubert, assisted BNP Paribas with the financing of senior debt for the acquisition of Quadran by Direct Energie. The firm also acted for BNP Paribas and Crédit Agricole Corporate and Investment Bank on the financing of LaSalle Investment Management's €100m acquisition of a Paris office building from RTL Group. Other key practitioners include structured finance specialist Corentin Coatalem, while the team has recently been bolstered by the promotions of Sébastien Bouiller de Branche and Katia Belhiteche to partner and Nicolas Bricaire to counsel. (2019)

De Pardieu Brocas Maffei’s expertise includes syndicated and acquisition financing, real estate and asset financing, project and structured finance. The team has experience in an array of sectors, with asset finance capability in the maritime, aeronautics and military sectors among others and project finance specialisms including infrastructure and energy, as well as transport and telecoms. Christophe Gaillard heads the ten-partner team, with Corentin Coatalem, Olivier Hubert, Yannick Le Gall and real estate expert Emmanuel Fatȏme also key contacts. Recent work includes advising a consortium of seven banks on the financing of a €400m revolving credit facility for OVH, as well as assisting the same banks with the debt refinancing as part of OVH’s global expansion strategy, and assisting French agricultural group Terrena with its €630m inaugural syndicated loan. In the acquisition finance space, the practice assisted BNP Paribas with the financing of the senior debt concerning Altrad’s acquisition of Cape. The group also acted for the European Investment Bank on the €500m financing for the construction of 13,000 intermediary housing units. Eramet, Bastide and Aareal Bank are also clients. (2018)

De Pardieu Brocas Maffei excels in property finance transactions, where it advises investors and lenders. The practice acted for ING and Natixis on the financing of the Celsius portfolio acquisition and assisted Blackstone with financing the acquisition of GE’s real estate assets.Corporate and acquisition finance are other areas of expertise. Emmanuel Fatôme and Guillaume Rossignol are highly rated, as is the ‘iconic’ Pierre Gebarowski, who ‘brings very strong technicality, ability to find practicable solutions and very reliable timing for complex financings’. Corentin Coatalem, Christophe Gaillard and Yannick Le Gall are also recommended, as is regulatory expert Olivier Hubert. (2017)

De Pardieu Brocas Maffei’s ‘highly efficient and available’ 30-lawyer team has ‘very good expertise’ and a strong practice acting for banks; it dominates the market for property finance work. It also advises on regulatory, corporate finance, project finance and acquisition finance transactions, and handles litigation. Recent highlights include assisting Axéréal with a €150m private placement issuance and a €775m syndicated loan. Olivier Hubert heads the regulatory team, while the ‘superb’ Emmanuel Fatôme is in charge of the property finance practice. Pierre Gebarowski, Guillaume Rossignol and Paul Talbourdet are key names for property finance work. Jean-Renaud Cazali, Corentin Coatalem, Christophe Gaillard and Yannick Le Gall handle other types of finance work. (2016)

Recommended for its ‘listening abilities and efficiency’ and ‘good quality work’, De Pardieu Brocas Maffei A.A.R.P.I’s 28-lawyer team advises lenders on corporate, PPP and banking deals. It assisted Casino with obtaining a €1.2bn syndicated credit facility. Corentin Coatalem, Christophe Gaillard, Olivier Hubert, Yannick Le Gall and Antoine Maffei are the key figures along with property finance experts Emmanuel Fatôme, Pierre Gebarowski, Guillaume Rossignol and Paul Talbourdet. (2015)

Chambers Global 2021 - Banking & Finance (Band 4)

What the team is known for : Offers notable capabilities across the full range of banking and finance matters, including debt refinancing, real estate and asset finance, as well as LBO acquisition financing and syndicated finance. Solid client base consisting of leading international and French banks, in addition to credit institutions. Provides a full-service offering for clients through co-operation with its real estate, tax and corporate teams. (2021)

Chambers Global 2016 / 2020 - Banking & Finance (Band 3)

What the team is known for : Offers notable capabilities across the full range of banking and finance matters, including debt refinancing, real estate and asset finance, as well as LBO acquisition financing and syndicated finance. Solid client base consisting of leading international and French banks, in addition to credit institutions. Also advises corporate clients from the IT, retail and leisure sectors. Provides a full-service offering for clients through co-operation with its real estate, tax and corporate teams. (2020)

What the team is known for: Acts for a range of French banks as well as European and US credit institutions on matters spanning the financial sector, with particular expertise in UK, US and German law. Adept at handling the French angle of larger multi-jurisdictional mandates. (2018)

What the team is known for: Acts for a range of French banks as well as European and US credit institutions on matters spanning the financial sector, with particular expertise in UK, US and German law. (2017)

What the team is known for: Assists a range of French banks as well as European and American credit institutions with a range of financings (2016)

IFLR1000 2017/2021: Banking - Tier 1

In the banking area the firm is primarily mandated by lenders on acquisition finance, syndicated loans, LBOs, real estate finance and refinancing work. It also advises foreign banks, investment funds, fund managers, fintech companies, insurance companies and payment services on financial services regulatory matters. (2019)

The banking and finance team advised primarily lenders in acquisition finance, syndicated loan matters and refinancing. Their main clients include leading French and international banks like BNP Paraibas, Natixis and JP Morgan. / "It has dedicated lawyers with deep knowledge and expertise."/ "Excellent work and highly reactive with nice teams to work with." / "It also has a very strong financing team, which is key in our market" (2018)

"Its banking and finance team has advised borrowers in relation various bilateral and syndicated loan matters, often in the context of an anticipated acquisition. Debt refinancing has also featured. Some of the firm’s most noteworthy clients include Crédit Agricole Group, BNP Paribas, Barclays Bank, HSBC, Louis Dreyfus Company and the European Investment Bank." / “The firm houses diligent, knowledgeable lawyers with a solid commercial understanding”. “Corentin Coatalem demonstrates pedagogy with our customers.” “Christophe Gaillard is a very good negotiator.” “Olivier Hubert is a very experienced practitioner who is of great assistance when steering through the often rather baroque particularities of French law.”(2017)

IFLR1000 2016: Banking - Tier 2

A client from a well-known European bank, who worked with the firm on a financial restructuring, says: “An excellent law firm with extremely talented, committed and well connected people. It is always extremely beneficial to have such quality individuals on your side to assist during complex restructuring transactions. They are a firm with a strong level of expertise but also with the right approach to business.”

Separate clients call partners Yannick Le Gall and Corentin Coatalem excellent. Known for its expertise in banking, the firms ten partner strong team is well versed in financing, structured finance and securitisation and regulatory work.

Highlights include working for InVivo in connection to its €800 million financing through a syndicated loan and a EuroPP bond issuance. Other clients include Tour Eiffel, who the firm aided with its first EuroPP issuance. The firm worked for the banks in connection with the financing of Cerelia’s LBO, and in the real estate sector advised both ING and Natixis with the financing and acquisition of Celsius Portfolio, from CBRE Retail Property Fund, by an institutional investor and AEW Europe.

IFLR1000 2015: Banking - Tier 2

The firm are highly rated in the banking and finance sector, with activity in financing and regulatory work. The firm tends to act domestically for the major French banks in some capacity, in one instance advising a pool of banks with an acquisition and refinancing loan, an investment loan and a revolving loan, relating to the LBO of printing company Armor. Elsewhere, the firm advised Natixis and BNP Paribas as lenders in relation to the syndicated financing of the takeover of Dutch group Hertel by Altrad, valued at €500 million.

IFLR1000 2014: Banking - Tier 2

The firm’s ten partner banking practice saw some movement in and out at senior associate and counsel level over 2013 but otherwise maintained a consistent bench which, although domestic-focused, remains very strong in certain areas such as real estate financing. A “diligent, commercially astute firm with knowledgeable and experienced individuals,” says a client for real estate financing. Another says: “we usually work with them on LBO transactions or on corporate loans, and they meet very well our (and our client) needs”.

In 2013-14 the firm won panel appointments from Barclays, BNP Paribas and Natixis, among others and in one notable deal advised BECM, BNP Paribas, CA-CIB, Crédit du Nord, HSBC France, Lloyds Bank, Natixis and Société Générale on refinancing two syndicated facilities to ICADE for €875 million in March 2014 and lenders including Natixis and ING Bank on a €400 million on the mortgage refinancing of a real estate portfolio of the CBRE Global Investors retail fund (RPFFB France).

On the borrower side, the firm acted for agribusiness Axereal on a syndicated facility worth €1.12 billion from 21 French and international banks. The loan is divided into four facilities comprising a refinancing, capex, revolving credit facility and structured facility. It won similar mandates for clients including Wendel, which its advised on a €700 million syndicated facility.