Corporate/M&A: High-end Capability - France
What the team is known for
Herbert Smith Freehills' strong corporate team often handles international mandates, especially those with a European or African element, drawing on its global network of offices. The team's M&A expertise includes both public and private transactions, as well as reorganisation matters. The lawyers are highly experienced in handling both inbound and outbound transactions. The law firm assists clients from a range of sectors including energy, financial services, transportation and TMT.
Foreign desks
Herbert Smith Freehills' Africa group is adept in handling matters arising in the OHADA jurisdictions. The firm demonstrates in-depth experience advising clients in a number of industries including energy and TMT. Frédéric Bouvet is a key contact.
Strengths
"Herbert Smith Freehills performed very well, gave us very good advice and held our hands throughout."
"The Herbert Smith Freehills team did everything to make it all smoother for us."
"The reality is that Herbert Smith Freehills are outstanding and bring a lot of added value."
"The team were smart in the way they negotiated and were creative when we faced any hurdles."
"The lawyers are excellent - efficient, warm and responsive."
Work highlights
Herbert Smith Freehills advised OneWeb on its proposed combination with Eutelsat.
Notable practitioners
Edouard Thomas regularly acts for transportation and telecommunications clients on inbound and outbound transactions. "I think Edouard Thomas has an excellent balance between technical skills and commercial abilities. He tries to see the client's options and move forward with commercial issues. He always tries to get the deal over the line. He is extremely hard-working and always available." "Edouard Thomas is collected and strategic; that is the reason we picked him for our deal." "Edouard Thomas was always extremely efficient." "Edouard Thomas is a good lawyer with good commercial skills."
Frédéric Bouvet enters the rankings thanks to strong market recognition. He is experienced in handling large-scale acquisitions and sales in the energy and real estate sectors. "Frédéric Bouvet is very proactive, really explains the issues at hand and provides a plan of every step of the deal." "Frédéric Bouvet managed the team and the legal issues very well."