Vivien & Associés

Managing Partner: Nicolas Vivien

Number of lawyers: 45+ (including 18 partners)

Languages: English, French, German, Italian, Spanish

Firm Overview

Vivien & Associés is an independent French business law firm advising companies, investors and entrepreneurs who shape both the French and international economic landscape. For more than 25 years, we have supported clients in structuring transactions, managing risk and resolving complex disputes. Our lawyers combine technical excellence with a sharp understanding of business dynamics, enabling us to deliver pragmatic, strategic and effective legal solutions.

Our partner‑led model is central to our identity. Each matter is supervised by experienced partners who remain fully engaged throughout the process, ensuring clarity, continuity and a consistently high standard of service, whether the issue involves day‑to‑day guidance or high‑stakes strategic work. We intervene with the responsiveness, discipline and precision that demanding situations require.

International work has been integral to the firm’s DNA since its incorporation. We act regularly on cross‑border transactions and multi‑jurisdictional matters. Many of our lawyers have trained or practiced abroad, and our teams operate seamlessly across legal systems and languages. When necessary, we collaborate with trusted foreign counsel to provide clients with coherent, coordinated support in all relevant jurisdictions.

Approach

Understanding our client’s business, objectives and constraints is the foundation of effective legal advice. Whether we are advising on everyday matters or navigating complex transactions and disputes, our priority is to provide guidance that is clear, timely and aligned with what matters most to the client.

Our organisation encourages agility, collaboration and close interaction between practice groups. This transversal approach enables us to offer truly 360° support, tailored to each situation, consistent across disciplines and designed to help clients anticipate challenges, mitigate risks and advance with confidence.

Main areas of practice

Vivien & Associés offers comprehensive legal services across a wide range of business‑law disciplines.

Our areas of expertise include:

Corporate – Mergers & Acquisitions / Private Equity / Venture Capital

We advise on domestic and cross‑border acquisitions, disposals, joint ventures, investments, reorganisations and strategic partnerships. Our partner‑led teams provide precise, agile support throughout all phases of the transaction.

General Corporate, Governance & Strategic Restructuring

We assist companies with governance matters, corporate structures, shareholder relations, group reorganisations and long‑term strategic transformations. We ensure continuity and clear communication at every stage.

Restructuring & Insolvency

Our team acts both in formal insolvency proceedings and in out‑of‑court restructurings. We advise debtors, creditors, investors and management in distressed or complex situations, providing practical, business‑oriented guidance for stabilising and transforming operations.

Tax

We support clients in corporate and transactional tax, structuring, reorganisations, VAT, management incentives and international tax issues. We also represent clients before the tax authorities and in tax litigation.

Employment Law, HR Compliance & Internal Investigations

We advise on individual and collective matters, restructuring plans, HR compliance, internal investigations and the employment aspects of transactions. We aim to provide responsive, pragmatic counsel that supports both management and HR teams.

Litigation & Dispute Resolution

We represent clients in commercial, civil and financial disputes, emergency proceedings, arbitration and sensitive multi‑party litigation. Our lawyers intervene with determination and precision, ensuring that each step is handled with clarity.

Banking & Financial Regulation, Compliance

We advise financial institutions, fintech players, corporates and investors on banking and financial regulatory frameworks, compliance obligations, internal controls, licensing issues and interactions with supervisory authorities.

Competition, Antitrust, Retail & Consumer Law

We assist companies on merger control, antitrust practices, distribution strategies, consumer‑protection matters and sector‑specific regulatory challenges. Our advice is strategic, practical and adapted to fast‑evolving markets.

New Technologies & Intellectual Property

We support clients in protecting and managing their IP assets, negotiating technology contracts, developing digital projects and addressing emerging regulatory issues. Our team helps innovative companies and international groups secure and scale their technological activities.