Department profile
Latham & Watkins LLP

Banking & Finance

Global Guide 2026 : France

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Latham & Watkins LLP

Rankings

Chambers Review

Provided by Chambers

Banking & Finance - France

Band 1

What the Team is Known For

Latham & Watkins' market-leading banking and finance practice possesses remarkable strength in leveraged finance and acquisition finance matters, and offers further expertise in high-yield bonds and debt refinancings. The team represents different types of lenders, including banks, private equity sponsors and alternative debt providers, as well as borrowers, particularly in the private equity space. Clients benefit from the team's cooperation with the law firm's corporate and tax departments. Latham & Watkins additionally has a strong capacity to cover matters involving multiple jurisdictions thanks to its global presence.

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Work Highlights

Provided by Chambers

  • Latham & Watkins advised BNP Paribas on a term loan and revolving credit facility for the acquisition of Millicom International by Atlas.

Strengths

Provided by Chambers

  • Latham & Watkins has a very good understanding of our sector and our financial needs.

    Banking & Finance respondentGlobal

  • Latham & Watkins' team is stellar for banking and finance.

    Banking & Finance respondentGlobal

  • Latham & Watkins has a very good team. The lawyers are very technical and have a good awareness of the market. They are top tier; they are very efficient, practical and driven.

    Banking & Finance respondentGlobal

  • Latham & Watkins is a firm with an excellent reputation. The lawyers have the ability to support complex cases with their experience and track record. It is always a pleasure to work with the team.

    Banking & Finance respondentGlobal

  • Latham & Watkins is a leading team on the market. It has a very strong presence in France and a large team. The team has the resources and works very efficiently with its international offices.

    Banking & Finance respondentGlobal

Notable Practitioners

Provided by Chambers

  • Xavier Farde
    Xavier Farde

    Xavier Farde

    Xavier Farde has exceptional strength in acquisition finance, frequently advising both lenders and borrowers on domestic and cross-border mandates. He has further expertise in assisting with refinancing matters, especially in the private equity sector.

    • He is one of the best in France.

      Banking & Finance respondentGlobal

    • Xavier Farde is highly visible in the market. He is hands-on and provides quality and rigorous work.

      Banking & Finance respondentGlobal

    • Xavier Farde has a real vision of what is being done in the market and is therefore an excellent adviser.

      Banking & Finance respondentGlobal

    • I have total confidence in Xavier Farde's advice.

      Banking & Finance respondentGlobal

    • Xavier Farde is a name that counts on the market and his support is very much appreciated. He is one of the first names that comes to mind when we need advice.

      Banking & Finance respondentGlobal
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  • Lionel Dechmann
    Lionel Dechmann

    Lionel Dechmann

    Lionel Dechmann remains a well-regarded lawyer with a diverse practice assisting clients with acquisition finance as well as cross-border refinancing mandates. He acts for both borrowers and leading French and international banks.

    • Lionel Dechmann has a very good understanding of complex structuring. He is pleasant to work with and he is very involved.

      Banking & Finance respondentGlobal

    • Lionel Dechmann is an excellent lawyer and business partner.

      Banking & Finance respondentGlobal

    • Lionel Dechmann is excellent technically but above all, he truly defends the interests of his client. His advice is always very wise and anticipates the needs of the company.

      Banking & Finance respondentGlobal

    • Lionel Dechmann is very good with complex deals and is very pragmatic.

      Banking & Finance respondentGlobal
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  • Carla-Sophie Imperadeiro
    Carla-Sophie Imperadeiro

    Carla-Sophie Imperadeiro

    Carla-Sophie Imperadeiro joins the rankings this year. She is adept at handling leveraged financing and debt restructuring matters on behalf of borrowers and sponsors.

    • Carla-Sophie Imperadeiro is fantastic. She is very clear, understands the process, is commercial and able to explain in a succinct way.

      Banking & Finance respondentGlobal

    • Carla-Sophie is extremely competent: she works efficiently, without losing sight of the commercial aspect. She is also very friendly and is very pleasant to work with.

      Banking & Finance respondentGlobal
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Ranked Individuals at Latham & Watkins LLP (3)

France

Latham & Watkins LLP has rankings in the following guides

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