Luxembourg

Established in 1903 AKD is a Benelux law firm with a significant presence in Luxembourg. The firm is led by managing partner Carlos Pita Cao and has six offices across the Benelux region.

Highlights

The firm is particularly strong in both investment funds and M&A practice areas.

In banking and finance the firm works on a range of financing types including acquisition financings for clients.

In financial services regulatory the firm has particularly worked on regulatory matters for clients connected with the financial services sector.

In investment funds the firm the firm works on cross-border fund formation work.

In M&A the firm works on cross-border acquisitions and joint ventures for clients.

Testimonials

Banking and finance

“They are familiar with our capital structure and related agreements; they provide timely input to our U.S. and Canadian lawyers and our Lux managers; they are personably and knowledgeable resulting in their client's confidence and trust.  They are also assertive when timelines fall behind, which helps get everyone back on track.”

"Showed responsiveness and business acumen”

Financial services regulatory

“The extraordinarily fast and highly professional response to our questions clearly distinguishes AKD (in our case managed by Jasper Verhoog) from other law firms we have worked with. The clarity of the answers, precisely tailored to our needs and the fact that the whole thing, even when it takes the form of a legal opinion, is always understandable and practically applicable even for non-lawyers.”

Investment funds

“Very efficient services, result oriented, and deep understanding of the subject.”

“We have found AKD and their team to be exceptional partners in our legal advisory needs, particularly in structuring deals for our fund. Their attention to detail, expertise in navigating complex legal frameworks, and commitment to excellence truly set them apart.
 
What we admire most is their proactive approach to understanding our specific requirements and tailoring their services accordingly. AKD and their partner have demonstrated a deep understanding of the intricacies of fund structuring, consistently providing insightful advice that aligns seamlessly with our objectives. Their dedication to delivering high-quality work, coupled with their responsive and collaborative nature, has made them invaluable allies in our business ventures.
 
Furthermore, their team exhibits a rare combination of legal acumen and business savvy, ensuring that not only are our deals legally sound, but also strategically advantageous. Their professionalism and integrity shine through in every interaction, instilling confidence in their capabilities and reliability.
 
Overall, AKD and their team's commitment to excellence, proactive approach, and comprehensive expertise make them stand out as indispensable partners in our legal advisory journey. We are truly grateful for their outstanding service and look forward to continuing our successful collaboration.”

M&A

“Execution rapidness and effectiveness. Provide local solutions to cross-border challenges.”

“There are very reactive with a solid expertise.”

Private equity

“Small team that is very responsive with partners always available, has great expertise and is a fantastic value for money.”

Project finance

“First class professional ... fast, accurate, creative. Fantastic service.”

Arnaud Barchman

“He is very pragmatic, solutions oriented and very friendly.”

“Organized and effective - keeps engagements moving forward and coordinates well with U.S. and CDN lawyers. Responsive to emails/calls. Knowledgeable. Verbal presentation skills are excellent. EQ is high, can read a room and contribute to a positive momentum / feeling amongst decision makers.”

Cedric Bless

“Quick reaction. Practical approach.”

“Client Management. Delivering high quality service for mandated assignment.”

“Top class lawyer.”

Yann Hilpert

“Yann Hilpert was extremely responsive with clear advice.”

"Responds in a timely fashion with clear advice.”

Nicolas Marchand

“Nicolas is always available and wiling to assist in any situation. He has an extensive knowledge of Luxembourg and global practice for acquisition and financing of investment.”

"He's a very organised lawyer, with a good in-depth knowledge of the market and the industry, he's an excellent corporate lawyer.”

“Nicolas is very technical skilled and knows the market very well. His work is always clean and precise.”

Jevgeniy Nesch

“Client relationship, fund structure, business dev.”

Jasper Verhoog

“Jasper Verhoog is professional at all times, very quick on the issues that we often throw over the fence at short notice and with tight timelines, always friendly, usually offers multiple solutions, is always available to us, reflects a remarkable knowledge of the industry and legal expertise and demonstrates in every matter to date his strong willingness and desire to act in the best interests of our company.”

Key clients

Key clients of the firm in financial transactions include KKR, Boeing, AIMCo, Unzer and Andreas Capital.

Key clients of the firm in investment funds include Evoleen, Lamar Developments, GreyStar Equity Partner Asia Pacific, Azzurra Capital Investments and Bluefield Partners.

Key clients of the firm in M&A include Pictet Alternative Advisors (Europe), AIMCo, Bridgepoint, Eni and Miya group.

Bonn & Schmitt is an independent Luxembourgian law firm.

Highlights

The firm boasts strong capabilities in banking and finance, M&A work and investment funds.

In banking and finance the firm particularly assisted with European cross-border loans and financings.

In investment funds the firm worked on a mix of cross-border structuring and formation work.

In M&A the firm the firm focused its work on assisting with sales and investments.

Key clients

Key clients of the firm in banking and finance include Banque Internationale à Luxembourg, EQT Partners, Bayerische Landesbank, RIVE Private Investment, Export-Import Bank of Chinaand China Development Bank.

Key clients of the firm in investment funds include BANCA GENERALI Group, LUX IM, EURIZON Group and NATAM Management Company. 

Key clients of the firm in M&A include Capvis, Azelis, Aggregate, ETOS and Pimco.

Brucher Thieltgen & Partner is a Luxembourg City based boutique law firm. It was established in 2006 and is led by managing partner Nicolas Thieltgen.

Highlights

The firm is particularly strong in financial services regulatory work but is also active in cross-border banking and finance, M&A and restructuring and insolvency deals.

In banking and finance the firm focused on assisting with cross-border loans and financings.

In financial services regulatory the firm has a particular focus on assisting clients linked with financial services on a range of regulatory issues.

In M&A the firm has a focus on assisting with acquisitional transactions.

In restructuring and insolvency the firm has a particular focus on both domestic and cross-border insolvencies.

International law firm CMS has over 70 offices worldwide. The firm’s Luxembourg office was established in 2008.

Focusses / specialisms

Working in close cooperation with other practice areas within the firm, the investment funds practice advises on the full lifecycle of funds from launch and downstream investment to operational matters and ext. It is mainly active in alternative investment funds but can also act on open ended funds and UCITS funds.

The firm also has a strong corporate offering which consists of advice on restructurings, joint ventures and M&A mandates. The team is best known for its private equity work where it advises leading multinational sponsors on Luxembourg aspects of their investment work.

Key clients

Key clients include Investcorp, Real Assets Advisers, APG Asset Management, Assurrances du Crédit Mutuel, Mayfair Equity Partners, Cofinimmo, Aviva, Patrizia, Savills Investment Management, Tristan Capital Partners and Universal Investors.

Research period review: 32^nd edition (2022/2023)

In the investment funds domain, the firm provided a broad spectrum of advice on open ended, close ended, venture capital, private equity and real estate funds.

In M&A the firm acted for both private equity and public transactions. Its engagements were predominantly cross-border with a strong focus on the real estate sector.

Partner Sylvain Elias departed the M&A practice during the research period.

Deal highlights: 32^nd edition (2022/2023)

Biogroup acquisition of Laboratoires Réunis

WOW Tech Group €1 billion merger with Lovehoney

Client feedback: 32^nd edition (2022/2023)

Financial services regulatory

"They are quick to respond and always willing to help. As we are a start-up, the firm has aided us not only in specific projects but also by one-on-one conversations on the best route, more as a friendly chat than formal."

Investment funds : Private equity funds

"Timely responses; practical insights."

Investment funds : Real estate funds

"Very good work, even complex topics are solved brilliantly, fast delivery."

Private equity

"Pragmatism. Flexibility. Professionalism. Reactivity. Reliability."

Restructuring : Corporate

"Great team with a good quality of delivery and very proactive."

Stéphane Boutoundou

"Very good work, fast delivery."

Aurélien Hollard

"Very transparent, clear and available."

"Pragmatism. Strategic thinking. Knowledge. Reputation. Greatness. "

"He makes time to discuss our projects through before executing any formal work in order to have a good understanding and maintain reasonable costs, as we are a start-up in an innovative space."

Gérard Maitrejean

"He has very strong knowledge and he is very proactive, which is clearly appreciated."

Established in 2013 Deynecourt is a boutique firm located in Luxembourg.

Focusses / specialisms

The firm is active in Luxembourg’s banking and capital markets space, where it excels in lending work and structured finance and securitisation transactions.

It has a highly competent financial services regulatory practice which routinely advises clients on regulatory, compliance, risk management and governance issues. Its clientele includes banks, investment managers and other financial institutions.

In the investment funds space the firm regularly acts for institutional investors and private clients and often advises on UCITS and alternative investment funds. The firm is known for representing investors in their investments in Luxembourg funds.

Key clients

Key clients include Rothschild & Co, Banque Pictet & Cie, Finaccess Advisors, Novastone Capital, Novastone Capital Advisors, Sequent, MG Real Estate, Compagnie Bancaire Helvétique, Dôme Capital Partners, Bluefin Opportunities Fund and ImmoFinRE SCA SICAV RAIF, Coalescence, Geneva Management Group and ASK Partners

Research period review: 31^st edition (2020/2021)

In banking the firm was predominantly active in the structured finance area where it primarily represented lenders, arrangers, originators.

In funds work the team advised on closed-end, private equity and regulated fund mandates. The spectrum of its advice was wide, ranging from fund formation and closing to regulatory advice.

Counsel Chris McKenzie joined the firm during the research period.

Deal highlights: 31^st edition (2020/2021)

CSM Securities €50 million securitisation

DGHP SICAV-RAIF – CCA Life Settlement Feeder Fund III

Les Bordes Instruments €85 million convertible equity offering

NS Fund

Prism

Rothschild & Co W M Sicav

Walrus

Client feedback: 31^st edition (2020/21)

Founded in 1964, Elvinger Hoss Prussen is a leading domestic firm based in Luxembourg and with an office in Hong Kong.

Highlights

The firm has a particularly strong practice in Banking, Investment funds and M&A where the firm has achieved tier 1 status. They are also very active in financial services regulatory matters achieving tier 2 status for this practice area.

In banking and finance the firm assisted on loans and financings especially for clients connected with the investment funds sector.

In capital markets the firm worked on a mix of domestic and cross-border note issuances and securitisations.

In financial services regulatory the firm assisted with a variety of regulatory issues for domestic and cross-border clients linked with financial services.

In investment funds the firm worked focused on fund formation work.

In M&A the firm focused on assisting with cross-border acquisitions for clients form a range of sectors.

In restructuring and insolvency, the firm worked on both corporate and financial restructurings.

Testimonials

Banking and finance

“Highly detailed, responsive and accurate.”

“Elvinger demonstrates always receptive and quick in providing preliminary answers to the cases as well as the final definitions. The exchange is always in a very good atmosphere and the teams are always ready to help and assist.”

“Reactive and comprehensive.”

“EHP Team is, at all level of the hierarchy, extremely client oriented, with a versatile set of skills and competences. We specifically value the quality of the communication and availability with the partners in charge.”

“They had great subject matter knowledge. They were also very responsive and a pleasure to work with.”

“Technically accurate, responsive and sensitive to commercial constraints.”

“Very proactive and skilled staff. Senior partners are always available and perfectly uptodate regarding regulatory changes.”

“Good knowledge of our business mode and excellent response time.”

“Responsive, knowledgeable and commercial.”

Financial services regulatory

“Quick and pragmatic.”

“Elvinger's team is a one stop shop and has a very good understanding of the regulatory side (led by Sophie Dupin) and fund side (led by Jerome Wigny and Joachim Cour). This enables them to provide an all-in-one advice covering all the topics we should think of.  Elvinger team also provides us paralegal type of services as they know our company and fund ranges so well, which is complementary and helps us focus on key matters.”

“Very connected to the industry and to the regulator. They're fighting for our case with the regulator. Pragmatic and technically very strong.” 

“High level of expertise. Very strong analytical and technical know-how. Very focused argumentation.”  

“The team was very involved and available. They managed to deal with complex organization and lots of requests at the same time.”

Investment funds

“Responsiveness, pro-active, knowledgeable, detail oriented and nice to work with.”

M&A

“The behaviour of individuals is highly professional with a sensible non biased presentation of facts and the implications on several aspects of business and regulation.”

“Elvinger Hoss Prussen shines with its key professionals that are very knowledgeable in their respective field of expertise. Their availability and responsiveness are ideally responding to our business needs and their advice is always on point.”

“The team was always available to assist and provided responses on short notice. The input was precise and straight to the point.”

“They are reliable, responsive and technically very good.”

Private equity

“They are technically good, and also commercial.”

“Availability, responsiveness, collaborative approach, technical analysis”

“Even if EHP is one of the market leader in Luxembourg, it stays agile, pragmatic and client focused/oriented. Ability to get a immediate and cristal clear answers on any type of questions or to be quickly reoriented to experts when necessary. The partner in charge is also hands-on and available.”

Elisabeth Adam

“She is an expert in her field, who provides clear and quick advice and guidance. She is responsive and a very nice person.”

Sophie Chabot

“Reliable and very responsive. She listens and understands your business constraints and the problem and comes up with pragmatic and innovative solutions. For us she is the go-to person for any issues limiting the need for partner involvement.”

Frédéric Clasen

“Frédéric is always available when urgent help is need. He is 100% reliable and provides helpful advice even on short notice.”

“Frédéric Clasen supports us with his expertise in complex group restructuring matters and general corporate law advise, mergers and acquisitions and joint ventures. His expertise in affairs pertaining to shareholders’ agreements and investments permit our group to successfully continue expanding into new markets and products.”

Joachim Cour

“Brilliant/business-oriented fund lawyer (next generation star). He's good technically, he understands business, he's not afraid internally to challenge old positions/shake other partners to get more pragmatic advice.  He's also very responsive, delegates well, is always there when needed and has a very good client relationship (invites me & my team often to events to allow for connections to be made at all levels within the organization).”

Emmanuèle De Dampierre

“Emmanuèle shines with her vast knowledge on the legal aspects pertaining to intellectual property. She always takes the time to understand the legal issues and is capable of responding in a clear and concise matter. Emmanuèle is solution-driven and assist us in finding the solution that is most suitable for our business needs.”

Azadeh Djazayeri

“Excellent industry knowledge. good response times. Always a pleasure to work with.”

Sophie Dupin

“Industry knowledge, connection to regulator, connection to different industry bodies, experience handling a lot of our peers on the alternative side but also a huge experience on the liquid side as well.”

“Extremely well connected, fighting for our case and pragmatic!”

Pierre Elvinger

“Quick and pragmatic.”

“Friendly, reactive and a good comprehension of our needs.”

Linda Funck

“Always available; problem solving, very good knowledge of business model, excellent legal knowledge.”

Anna Hermelinski

“Anna is very result driven, pragmatic and responsive. She also stands for her clients while finding beneficial compromise to close the deal.”

Andre Hoffman

“Quick and pragmatic.”

“Fast response times, in-depth expertise, very satisfactory work results.”

“Very straight to the point and knowledgeable. Always available.”

Toinon Hoss

“Deep knowledge of clients and private equity market; technically strong; responsive.”

Ozan Imrek

“Very knowledgeable in the subject matter. Very responsive and pleasant to work with.”

Thierry Kauffman

“He is very responsive and has sector specific knowledge.”

Frédérique Lifrange

“Frédérique is available, very pragmatic and innovative. She also knows very well our specifities and takes this into account in all her advice.”

Tiago Nogueira

“Good knowledge of business model, solution oriented, very good legal knowledge”

 “Tiago is very engaged and has a very broad knowledge of the industry and the needs of its clients.”

“Available, solution oriented, easy communication.”

“Fast response times, high level of expertise in the subject in question, very good work results.”

“Good communication skills and reactive.”

“Tiago Nogueira is advising us in the wide range of matters such as license applications, acquisitions, group reorganizations, buyer/vendor due diligences and inspections by regulatory authorities. We really feel that we benefit from his large experience in advising a large number of credit institutions, MIFID firms, and insurance companies. Tiago is a very pragmatic advisor and he is adapting to the needs of his clients but without compromising on his own believes. He also has some tremendous negotiation skills.”

“He maintains the right pitch in terms of subject matter demonstrating and expertise to stay on point but consider relevant associated matters without having to exhaust each sub point individually. An effective listener and advisor.”

Pit Reckinger

“Very good knowledge of our business and our needs. Always available and ready to help. Well connected nationally and internationally.”

Patrick Santer

“Responsive, Highly technical and Pragmatic.”

Nicolas Steichen

“He is thoughtful, commercial and a good problem solver.”

Henri Wagner

“Highly knowledgeable and connected.”

Key clients

Key clients of the firm in banking and finance include Revantage, ICG Senior Debt Partners, European Investment Fund, Silver Lake Europe and J.P. Morgan.

Key clients of the firm in capital markets include ArcelorMittal, Reinet, Intermediate Capital Group, Blackstone and Bourse de Luxembourg.

Key clients of the firm in investment funds include Apollo, Azimut Investments, Blackstone, JP Morgan and M&G.

Key clients of the firm in M&A include ArcelorMittal, PIMCO, Silverlake, Intelsat and Providence Equity Partners.

Founded in 1997, commercial firm GSK Stockmann has branches in Luxembourg and Germany and is presently led by managing partners Justus Jansen and Oliver Glück.

Highlights

In banking and finance the firm worked on a mixture of financings and refinancings for clients.

In capital markets the firm worked on primarily bond issuances for clients connected with financial services.

In investment funds the firm worked on both domestic and cross-border formation and structuring funds for clients.

Testimonials

Banking and finance

“GSK have been very responsive and displayed solid understanding of what was a very bespoke structure.”

Capital markets: Debt

“Organized team, professional and well informed.”

Capital markets: Equity

“Efficient, smart and delivered great results for reasonable fees.”

“Very commercial, responsive and smart. Good solutions and well-priced.”

Capital markets: Structured finance and securitisation

“Seniority, practical experience (compared with most other lawyers which have lot of theory but no practical experience), high reactivity, short response time, professional and transparent documentation. fair pricing.”

Investment funds

“Good understanding of the client's needs. Good personal relationship. Fair partnership.”

“They are reliable and very knowledge within their areas of expertise.”

M&A

“Partner led, responsive, excellent quality.”

“Dr. Mössner and his team are excellent!”

Private equity

“Pragmatic, skilled lawyers, small team, efficient work, fast response time.”

Restructuring

“Professionality, availability, problem solving approach.”

Anna Gassner

“She is smart and thinks outside the box, great legal knowledge and excellent client service.”

“She is smart, commercial and helpful. She has great communication and is balanced in fees. Great value, fantastic support.”

“Effortless availability and high professional attitude. Outstanding problem-solving approach with clear explanations on time and actions planned.”

“Anna Gassner offers pragmatic, sound and practical legal advice. Rather than just stating the law, which many lawyers tend to do, she really advises and provides pragmatic solutions to problems. It's a pleasure to work with her.”

“Anna is pragmatic, solution-orientated, and offers sound legal advice that takes into account various considerations. She is hard-working and committed to providing high quality work. In addition, from a soft skills perspective, she is a pleasure to work with, always demonstrating honesty and integrity.”

Andreas Heinzmann

“Andreas is typically responsive and available on short notice. He displays solid knowledge on a broad range of matters.”

“Very reactive and pragmatic solutions, he understands the problems and finds always a quick and pragmatic solutions, in cases he does not know, he immediately connects with internal and also external providers in order to find a solution, he helps in network building and he can listen very well and asks the correct questions”

“Well versed in multiple fields of financial law.”

Philipp Mössner

“Good client relationships, knowledgeable and good quality service.”

“Expert in his field, good sound technical advice, very responsive, good client management skills.”

“Pragmatic, fast response.”

Marcus Peter

“Good understanding of client's needs. Fair practice.”

Key clients

Key clients of the firm include Aroundtown SA/Grand City Properties, FREO Group, Credit Suisse, Mediobanca International, Alter5 Financial Technologies, Princeville Capital Group, SEB, Universal-Investment-Luxembourg, VP Fund Solutions (Luxembourg) and Hauck & Aufhäuser Fund Services.

The Luxembourg based boutique Linari Law Firm was founded in 2000 and is led by managing partner Vincent Linari-Pierron.

 Highlights

The firm has a particular focus on investment funds activity but is also actively working across a wide range of practices. In investment funds the firm worked primarily on a mix of cross-border fund formation and structuring.

Testimonials

Investment funds

“Industry knowledge, quality and speed of delivery of work product, proactive engagement.”

“Knowledge, know-how, reactiveness.”

Restructuring

“Good legal advice, availability, responsiveness to our requests.”

Guillaume Deflandre

“Good advice and pertinent explanations of the various agreements relating to the securitisation mechanism and investments.”

Vincent Linari

“He had product knowledge, provided innovative solutions and showed good communication skills.”

“Very good recommendations on securitisation vehicles. Good support in the process.”

Headquartered in Germany, Luther launched an office in the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg back in 2010. The original incarnation of the firm (Krüger und Partner) dates back to Cologne in 1992. The former firm merged with its namesake in 2000 and adopted the name outright in 2005. Outside Luxembourg the firm has offices in 10 German cities, a relatively large network in Asia and a branch in London.

Highlights

The firm has a particular focus on banking and finance, M&A and restructuring and insolvency work but is also highly active in investment funds.

In banking and finance the firm worked on a mix of financings and refinancings for clients from a range of sectors including technology and financial services among others.

In investment funds the firm focused on assisting with fund formation work.

In M&A the firm worked on a mix of cross-border acquisitions and investments.

In restructuring and insolvency the firm worked on a mix of financial and corporate restructurings.

Testimonials

Banking and finance

“Effective answers timely provided, clarity and clear recommendations

“The team is responsive, fast and always on point.”

“Quality, efficiency, transparency and time to market.”

“Luther is a great business partner for us on all Luxembourg related matters. They are very responsive and pragmatic and enable us to reach flexible solutions where things get complicated or when time is of the essence.”

“Very responsive team. The work Luther performs is accurate with a quick turnaround. They clearly understand our business needs and our corporate setup. We are a global business and they are not phased by having numerous counterparties our side. Pricing is very transparent and competitive and there are rarely unexpected overruns. I find myself scrutinizing the invoices of Luther far less than other law firms because the prices charged are fair.”

Capital markets: Equity

“Quick responses.”

Financial restructuring

“Right balance with extensive knowledge and pragmatic approach. Dedicated and hard-working team. They helped us navigate this complicate situation.”

“Luther's team provides exceptional service. The Luxembourg team go to great lengths to make sure they provide us with a consistent timely service. If there is a delay on delivery this is communicated to establish our expectations. The partner is actively involved in ensure the standards of service doesn't fall. The team is very accommodating in joining our organisation for meetings with our external providers on discussion for ongoing transactions/acquisition to ensure each crossborder party has the right information on implications for different jurisdictions. Very professional knowledgeable staff.”

Investment funds

“Very good collaboration with several law firms under time pressure for deal closure. Proactive approach to emerging obstacles.”

“Comprehensive scope of services, reactive and pragmatic.”

M&A

“Great responsibility / reaction time; commercial approach; hands on.”

“Responsive, smart, user friendly.”

Private equity

“Quick reaction time to requests, minimal comments to work produced, professionalism, a good working relationship.”

Restructuring

“Corporate, Insightful, respectfully proactive, understanding and available around the clock.”

Hajar Assebbane

“Client oriented.”

Euryale Didillon

“Impressive knowledge, Very deep analysis, precision and reliability, risk management,

“She has a genuine passion for the law and is very dedicated to serving her clients.”

Robert Goerend

“Deep knowledge and pragmatic approach, high availability and always reactive to help us.”

“Robert is a fast and responsive and provides innovative advice.”

Marion Lanne

“Recommended for contractual negotiation and ability to understand technical matters.”

“Great communication between different parties. Willingness to go the extra mile.”

Aurelien Latouche

“Knowledgeable, timely and balanced answers, clear recommendations.”

“Responsive. Partner who always steps in when his juniors are out of office and is clearly overseeing closely in the background. Very reactive and constructive.”

Daniel Krauspenhaar

“Technical knowledge, responsiveness.”

Bob Scharfe

“Excellent partner with an in-depth knowledge of all financial regulations - very reliable person for complex projects.”

“Very good management of the team.”

“Very responsive, speaks many languages.”

“He has a broad knowledge in his field, knows when to be pragmatic and is great to work with.”

“Bob is very responsive and always comes through with his team whenever we need input.”

Eric Sublon

“Excellent managing partner being always available for strategic advices and to ensure a proper management of the files with other lawyers of the team.

“Eric is at the top of his game. Brilliant judgment, combined with subject matter expertise; also a true pleasure to work with.”

“Solution oriented, clear answers, available, knowledgeable.”

Yann Spiegelhalter

“Communicative, good delivery time and provides, quality of deliverables.”

Key clients

Key clients of the firm include Altice, IK Investment Partners, Ferrero, BitFlyer EUROPE, Avellinia, Gawa Capital Partners, Eneris, Vault, Cee, Brookfield and M.M.Warburg & Co.

MOLITOR Avocats is a law firm based in Luxembourg that was established in 1996 and is currently led by managing partner Michel Molitor.

Highlights

The firm has a particular focus on banking and finance, M&A and restructuring & insolvency work but is also active in capital markets work.

The banking and finance team focus on assisting with loans and financings for clients associated with the banking and financial services sectors.

In M&A the firm has a particular focus on acquisitions for clients connected with the investment funds sector.

In restructuring and insolvency the focus is on assisting with corporate reorganizations and restructurings.

Testimonials

Financial restructuring

“They are very responsive”

Financial services regulatory

“Their expertise and flexibility.”

Laurent Henneresse

“To the point, precise, efficient and kind.”

Armel Waisse

“Very responsive.”

RJ Gaito is an independent law firm which was founded in 2011 and is based in Luxembourg.

Highlights

The firm has a focus on work in M&A and restructuring and insolvency sectors.

In M&A the firm worked on assisting with cross-border acquisitional transactions for clients.

In restructuring and insolvency the firm focused on assisting with cross-border corporate restructuring and reorganisations.

Testimonials

Restructuring

“In term of professionalism - they are really one of a kind. their ability to provide an advise on multiple matters in a timely manner, their ability to make an in-depth analysis of the legal matters and at the same time always to keep a macro vision of the situation, they have a lot of experience and are able to solve almost every legal problem and to think out of the box.”

Private equity

“Personal, responsive, efficient.”

Ronnen Gaito

“Ronnen has the ability to understand the clients needs and adjust legal solution to the client needs. his legal advice is amazing.”

“Practical, risk- and value-calibrated work.  He sees through opaque situations and complexity to offer concrete solutions.”

The Benelux law firm Stibbe operates primary offices in Amsterdam, Brussels and Luxembourg and branch offices in London and New York. The firm’s office in Luxembourg opened in 2010.

Focusses / specialisms

Within the financial and corporate space, the firm’s main strength is its M&A practice which is especially well versed in private equity and venture capital transactions. The firm also does loan work, where it is well regarded for its advice on acquisition financing mandates.

The firm covers a wide array of investment funds work as well where it advises a mix of credit institutions, investment firms, asset managers and investment firms.

Key clients

Key clients include Xerys, Frontera Capital, KKR, Investindustrial, Almacantar, the Accor Group, Atlantik, Astorg, IQ-EQ, EFG Hermes and Patrizia Real Estate Investment Management, Société Générale, Deutsche Bank and Landesbank Hessen-Thüringen – Helaba.

Research period review: 33^rd edition (2023/2024)

During the research period the firm was active in banking, M&A and investment funds.

In banking the firm’s work focused on assisting with financings for clients connected with real estate and financial services.

The firm was visible in the investment funds space working primarily on fund raising work.

The M&A team worked on acquisitions and joint ventures for clients connected with financial services.

Deal highlights: 33^rd edition (2023/2024)

Mubadala Capital $1.8 billion acquisition of refinery from Petrobas

Established in 2005 Vandenbulke is a Luxembourg boutique law firm specialised only in financial and corporate work and is led by managing partner Denis Van den Bulke.

Highlights

The firm has a particular focus on banking and M&A work although they are also active on investment funds deals as well.

In banking and finance the firm works primarily on cross-border financings with other European countries.

In M&A the firm works on a mix of European cross-border joint ventures and mergers.

Key clients

Key clients include Canada Life Asset Management, Santander UK, Ahli Bank, Investec, Monsson and Al Alfia.

Testimonials

“Magic Circle” law firm Allen & Overy was founded and is headquartered in London. The firm’s Luxembourg office opened in 1990.

Focuses / specialisms

The firm fields large banking and capital markets teams which advise a wide assortment of buy- and sell-side clients. The firm is mainly active in financial services regulatory, structured finance and securitisation and cross-border debt and equity capital markets work.

The corporate and M&A team is among the largest and well- recognised in Luxembourg. It regularly features as lead counsel on landmark multi-jurisdictional work. The firm also boasts a market leading private equity and alternative investments practice and is particularly strong in the real estate and financial sectors.

In investment funds the firm is also one of the top firms in Luxembourg. Its funds team focuses on fund structuring and fund establishing issues, with expertise stretching from retail funds (UCITS) to alternative investment funds (AIFs).

Key clients

The firm’s key clients list features several international financial and corporate clients.

Client feedback: 31^st edition (2020/2021)

Asset finance

"The associate on the transaction was exceptional. Provided quality, practical and commercial advice throughout the negotiation process. Dedication to the transaction was outstanding."

Banking and finance

"They have a good knowledge of requirements from the CSSF."

"Very responsive and knowledgeable."

Capital markets : Debt

"Promptness, tailor-made solution."

Capital markets : Derivatives

"In-depth knowledge and understanding of the legal and regulatory environment in which our start-up evolves and of the challenges faced by a fintech. "

Capital markets : Structured finance and securitisation

"Allen & Overy is one of the leading firms in this field. Their market insight, their technical understanding and forward-looking approach is unparalleled."

Investment funds

"The team is responsive - very good understanding of the clients' activities and business requirements - all lawyers involved appear well trained and have solid expertise."

"Great knowledge of the subject and providing us with pragmatic solutions."

"The firm provided a very good service, dedicating a skilled team to the matter, helping in closing the deal in a short time frame."

M&A

"Very responsive. High quality of advice and quality of advice consistent over the time."

Independent Luxembourgian law firm Arendt & Medernach was established in 1988 and is presently led by managing partner Jean-Marc Ueberecken. Besides its Luxembourg office the firm has representative offices in Hong Kong, London, New York and Paris.

Highlights

The firm is a strong player in the Luxembourg market, achieving tier 1 rankings in Banking, Financial services regulatory, Investment funds and M&A and is also very active in capital markets and restructuring and insolvency transactions.

In banking and finance the firm worked on a mix of loans, financings and refinancings.

In capital markets the firm worked on a mix of note issuances, IPOs and secondary share offerings.

In investment funds the firm focused on assisting with both domestic and cross-border fund formation work.

In M&A the firm’s work focused in on assisting with both investments and acquisitions for clients from a wide range of sectors.

In restructuring and insolvency the firm worked on both corporate and financial restructurings.

Testimonials

Banking and finance

“Available and has expertise in multiple fields of law.”

Financial restructuring

“Very hands on, responsive and excellent technicians but at the same time having a very good commercial understanding.”

Financial services regulatory

“Immediate availability, Expertise and Knowledgeable about the local market and best practices.”

Investment funds

“Full scope Lux advice - very experienced. Leading market player.”

Private equity

“High quality work, solution driven efficient and deliver the work in a timely manner.”

Sébastien Binard

“Very good technical skills, expert on the market on corporate and insolvency law, super communication and client oriented, good budget management.”

Michael Jonas

“Good client management and a trusted advisor.”

Isabelle Lebbe

“Strong knowledge of in Investment Fund industry.”

Dominik Pauly

“He has very good technical skills, notably in the field of financial restructurings, a pragmatic way of solving upcoming issues and challenges. Also, he has a very good commercial understanding which helps him finding solutions very efficiently.”

Key clients

Key clients of the firm in banking and finance include European Investment Bank, Knorr-Bremse, Nestlé, SES and Spotify.

Key clients of the firm in investment funds include Amundi, Bain Capital, Permira, Schroders and Ufenau Capital Partners.

Key clients of the firm in M&A include Alvotech, L Catterton, Majorel, Tokeny and Tonies.

Key clients of the firm in restructuring and insolvency include Adler Group, Bain Capital, Fidera, Food Delivery Brands Group and Noteholders of Swissport

Headquartered in London, Ashurst is an international law firm with 30 offices in 20 countries. The firm’s Luxembourg office was launched in 2018 to build upon the success of its London-based Luxembourg desk.

Focusses/specialisms

The firm has a comprehensive offering in the financial and corporate area. It advises clients on domestic and international M&A, joint ventures, restructurings and corporate regulatory matters.

The investment funds team is a major component of the firm’s global funds offering. It advises on the formation of UCITS and non-UCITS retail funds, SIFs, RAIFs, other unregulated alternative investment funds and SICARs.

Key clients

Key clients include Intermediate Capital Group, Barings, EQT, Castlelake, Soludec, Edmond de Rothschild, Savills Investment Management, CapMan, Foresight Group, Intermediate Capital Group (ICG), Vector Innovation Fund and Concerto.

Client feedback: 32nd edition (2022/2023)

Investment funds

“Knowledgeable on financial market and market standards. Flexible and strong client focus.”

“Proactive, knowledgeable, flexible, reactive.”

Chicago-headquartered Baker McKenzie has operations across the world. The firm has a strong presence in the Benelux region, including an office in Luxembourg.

Focusses/specialisms

Part of the firm’s international M&A practice, the Luxembourg corporate team provides cross-border advice to both buyers and sellers, working across practice and industry lines and coordinating with other offices.

In investment funds, the firm advises both investors and fund promoters on regulated and unregulated investment vehicles.

Key clients

Key investment funds clients include Invesco Real Estate, Macquarie Asset Management, BNP Real Estate Management, Castlelake, HO Capital Partners, Audax Private Equity and Petronas Chemicals Group Berhad.

Founded in 2022, Brouxel & Rabia Luxembourg Law Firm was a spin-off from another Luxembourg law firm. 

Focusses / specialisms    

The centerpiece of the firm is corporate practice. The team handles mostly M&A, restructuring, private equity/venture capital and corporate finance matters.  

The fund team has experience in dealing with a comprehensive range of funds, encompassing Alternative Funds and UCITS and has developed a high level of expertise across all asset classes including private equity, real estate, infrastructure, debt and ESG. 

Most of the matters the firm handles are on an international and cross-border level. Clients come from various industry sectors, including industrial, banking, energy, logistics, technology and telecommunication, consumer goods and private equity, with US and European clientele representing around 85% of the business volume.  

Key clients    

Key clients include Nox Capital Group, Petricca & Co Capital SA, NIS Ganesha S.A, Qinvest, SWISS-Asia, Gremi International SARL, Groupe Philippe Ginestet and Sunstar. 

Research period review: 33^rd edition (2023/2024)

In banking the firm worked on financings for mainly borrowers who were linked to the financial services as well as industry and manufacturing sectors.

In capital markets the firm’s work focused on bond and securitisation work.

In investment funds worked for a mix of asset manager and sponsors.

Deal highlights: 33^rd edition (2023/2024)

Castleton Commodities International $2.4 billion syndicated loan

Garett Motion $1.5 billion loan facility

Client Feedback: 33rd edition (2023/2024)

Asset finance

“Good experience with Brouxel & Rabia, for efficiency and quality of the work.”

Banking

“Brouxel & Rabia are proactive, very responsive and knowledgeable.”

Banking and finance

"Speed of response and thorough analysis.”

“Due to the small size, you immediately have the senior expertise quickly and in a pragmatic way.”

"B&R were extremely proactive and also gave us sensible commercial advice on the positioning of negotiation points on the Luxembourg documents. They worked closely with their counterparts to agree documentation efficiently.”

"Very proactive and pragmatic approach.”

Financial restructuring

“Professional, very efficient, great follow-up and transparent in their invoicing.”

Financial services regulatory

“Very responsive and detailed knowledge available for the services we are requiring.”

Investment funds

“Broad range of services, skills and expertise covering all fund/contract-related matters.”

M&A

“Good reactivity.”

“They react promptly to clients and third-party demands.”

Project finance

“B&R team has a number of positive attributes, but most importantly it is their professionalism, effectiveness and response time/quality.”

Restructuring

“They were great at providing a cost-efficient solution, and executing the restructuring all the way from drafting the agreements to dealing with some of the stakeholders.”

"The lawyer who helped us with this case was always available and pleasant. She helped us to finalise the draft deed and gave us very good advice.”

Francois Brouxel

“Very professional, friendly gentlemen. He listens very well and is problem solving-orientated.”

Miroslava Dudas

"Very efficient, precise and fast.”

“She was always available, responsive and helped us a lot in finalising the deed. Always available to find solutions to the problem.”

Eric Jungblut

“Eric was very proactive and had a very good grasp of the legal principles and normal commercial positioning of documents. Very personable and easy to work with.”

Delia Nitescu

“Delia is very responsive and very good at driving deals forward.”

"Delia was amazing at pushing the matter forward to allow us to meet the very tight timescale in terms of which of the facility extension process required to be completed. Delia was always on hand to offer advice and was available early mornings and late nights to assist with the tight timeframe. Delia also worked hard to get our viewpoint on what was required in connection with the transaction across to opposing Lux counsel.”

"Delia works hard to ensure the client's transaction was completed within a tight time frame. Delia was responsive and always available. Delia would pick up the phone to discuss legal points/tactics and was very user-friendly. Everyone at our firm enjoyed working with Delia, who has a great attitude and was very helpful in pushing the matter forward and fighting our corner/getting our view points across to opposing lux counsel."

Samia Rabia

“Very responsive, broad knowledge."

“Samia is professional, proactive. She is enthusiastic and loves assisting clients.”

"Charismatic, high level of technicity, pragmatic."

"Clear client orientation and support."

"Her professionalism is no longer to be demonstrated.”

Carmine Reho

“Very solution-orientated, pragmatic, efficient and effective.”

Client feedback: 31st edition (2020/2021)

Banking and finance

"The partners are excellent - up to date with their knowledge of legal development and able to give advice in a succinct and commercial manner. They are highly responsive and attuned to what clients are looking for."

Capital markets

"BSP's capital markets lawyers are quite knowledgeable with respect to capital markets, banking, and finance matters. The firm delivers comprehensive and high-quality analysis and work products and responds promptly and well in advance of set deadlines. "

Capital markets : Equity

"Availability and very dedicated and maintain tailor-made approach."

Financial services regulatory

"They deliver high-quality work and know the financial services and fintech industry very well."

Investment funds: Private equity funds

"Creative advice Professional, knowledgeable, prompt"

"In-depth understanding of private equity fund regulation in Lux and very good service provided for fund managers."

"Quick, precise answers."

Private equity

"They have a strong expertise in corporate and tax matters and have a pragmatic approach. The lawyer in charge of the matter was very pragmatic, efficient, deal-oriented and reactive. "

"Responsive. Pragmatic. Good communication."

Cecile Jager

"Very pragmatic, efficient, deal-oriented and reactive. She always tries to find a solution. She is very user friendly."

Christel Pierre-Alexandre

"Excellent listener. Flexible. Very responsive."

Evelyn Maher

"Very professional and creative."

"Excellent legal service and guiding of the client through a complex process of fund establishment in Luxembourg."

Nuala Doyle

"Nuala is hands-on, pragmatic and provides comprehensive strategic and financial advice across all capital market products. "

"Nuala has great technical expertise, is highly commercial in her approach and incredibly responsive. She is excellent at finding solutions to issues which meet client and deal expectations."

Clifford Chance is a London-headquartered “Magic Circle” firm with a global presence. Its Luxembourg legal teams are among the best in several financial and corporate areas.

Focusses/specialisms

The firm has a market-leading banking, finance and capital markets practice in Luxembourg, known for the quality of its advice to financial and non-financial institutions on large and complex transactions.

Its corporate team is similarly well regarded in the market, with a strong track record in advising clients on M&A, private equity and real estate transactional work, as well as reorganisations and joint ventures of a complex international nature.

The firm also has a top-tier investment funds practice.

Key clients

Key clients include Cromwell, the European Investment Bank, Partners Group, Blackrock, Blackstone, KKR and Permira.

Client feedback: 32nd edition (2022/2023)

Investment funds

“Good coverage of the European market; good international network; very experienced investment funds team; good knowledge of market.”

Financial services regulatory

“Clifford Chance Luxembourg has significant experience in dealing with legal and regulatory topics related to new areas in capital markets such as securities token markets. Clifford Chance Luxembourg has accompanied us along our regulatory discussions with the CSSF.”

Established in 1875 Dechert is an international law firm headquartered in Philadelphia. The firm has multiple office locations throughout Europe including an office in Luxembourg.

Focuses / specialisms

The firm’s corporate practice advises clients on M&A and private equity transactions, capital markets and restructuring.

In funds the firm acts as a one- stop- shop for an extensive client base on all issues related to investment funds- from formation and regulatory advice to M&A and JVS, to exits and restructurings, as well as all related portfolio company work.

The firm boasts strengths in innovation intensive sectors such as financial services, life sciences, energy and TMT.

Key clients

Key recent clients include China Ping An Insurance Overseas, New Capital Fund Lux, Stepstone Group, Swiss Capital, Zadig Asset Management, European Capital Partners (Luxembourg), Certares Management and ArchiMed.

Formed as a result of a three-way merger in 2012, Dentons has operations in more than 80 countries across the globe. The firm is present in Luxembourg and advises clients across several practice areas.

Focusses/specialisms

In financial and corporate work, the firm is active and well known for its M&A and private equity teams.

In M&A it tends to do predominantly cross-border work, working in close collaboration with the firm’s other offices.

The private equity practice often works on complex transactions, often for large private equity firms such as Terra Firma Capital Partners and Apax Partners.

The firm also fields a busy funds team which covers regulated and unregulated investment funds from a regulatory and tax perspective. It is especially strong in work related to alternative asset classes.

Key clients

The firm’s key clients list includes multinational corporations such as Dynamic Corporation, Orco, CPI Property Group, Mavin Property Fund, Dana Holdings, Intermediate Capital Group (ICG), Infracapital, Esco Technologies, Dubai Aerospace Enterprise, Enbridge, Yanfeng, Citibank, Morgan Stanley, Wells Fargo, Silicon Valley Bank, Solera and Recurrent Energy and Roundhill.

Client feedback: 32nd edition (2022/2023)

Restructuring

“Very responsive, always available, pragmatic.”

Multinational law firm DLA Piper has offices in over 40 countries across all continents. The firm has an office in Luxembourg which offers comprehensive advice to clients across several financial and corporate areas.

Focusses / specialisms

In banking the firm has a comprehensive offering across a wide variety of lending work such as acquisition finance, real estate finance, structured finance, securitisation and restructuring. The firm is also active in regulatory work and advises financial sector actors and investment managers on MAR, EMIR, MIFID and PSD.

The capital markets team has strong experience in the issuance of debt and equity securities, including high-yield bond issues and IPOs.

In funds work the firm advises initiators and managers, banks and other actors on international projects, with a special focus on real estate, private equity debt, infrastructure and venture capital.

The firm has a capable M&A team which not only works on international transactions, but also substantial local investments in Luxembourg.

Key clients

Key clients include Aareal Bank, ING Bank, AXA Asset Management, Axalta Coating Systems, Signature Capital, Herbalife, Danaher, Infrastructure Partners, Medtronic Global Holdings, Generali, Heitman International, Harrison Street, Claret Capital Partners, Middleland FA Capital, Tioga Capital Partners, STG Partners, FFF Real Estate, Prologis, Landesbank Hessen-Thüringen Girozentrale, Prime Capital, Carlyle Group, EIG Global Energy Partners, PRA Group Holdings, Société Générale and MiddleGame Ventures.

Research period review: 32^nd edition (2022/2023)

In banking the firm was involved in the full spectrum of financing transactions for both lenders and borrowers including real estate, asset, acquisition and project finance, as well as financial restructuring work.

The investment funds practice was primarily involved in supporting fund formation and structuring mandates across a variety of fund types in Luxembourg. The firm also worked on financial services regulatory work for investment companies.

The restructuring and insolvency practice of the firm was also active during the research period with the team advising notable clients in banking, financial services and entertainment industries on restructuring matters.

The M&A team advised on a diverse set of transactions for a range of buy and sell side clients including cross-border acquisitions, investment, joint venture and restructuring mandates. The team was particularly active in the real estate sector.

The firm recruited many counsels to the M&A practice during the research cycle including Senior associate Guillaume Schaefer while Counsel Ambroise Foerster and Associate Natalia Goormans departed the firm.

Deal highlights: 32^nd edition (2022/2023)

Arrow Global Group €125 million acquisition of Vilamoura World

DIC Asset €635 million acquisition of office properties

EIG Global Energy Partners $10.8 billion acquisition financing

Enad Global 7 €109 million acquisition of 100% share capital of Innova intellectual properties

Suning Sports International €275 million 12% notes financing

Client feedback: 32nd edition (2022/2023)

Financial restructuring

"Proactivity, good knowledge."

Financial services regulatory

"Very pragmatic and solution-oriented team. "

Investment funds : Private equity funds

"A lot of experience in the field and good network in the company to cover various topics, independent of jurisdiction."

"The firm provided very good advice on the structuring of our fund platform, taking into account our institutional constraints and peculiarities. They were able to introduce us to some high-quality service providers and were also instrumental in registering the fund on very short notice. The team is very easy to work with and is solutions-oriented."

M&A

"Highly proactive, fast responses, great understanding of the industry of the client."

"Extremely responsive and well organised, extremely proactive, great communication, very sophisticated."

Private equity

"DLA Piper provide timely solutions for complex issues with extensive clarifications."

"Very flexible, professional team."

Bahya Bouharati

"She is very competent, hard-working and easy to deal with. "

Pignon Celine

"Really reactive person, knows her file very well."

Gertjan Dewilde

"His responsiveness and 'flexible but still professional' attitude."

Catherine Pogorzelski

"Excellent listener, very pragmatic, makes practical solutions emerge."

Guillaume Schaefer

"Incredible understanding of the business, great with meeting deadlines, responsive and proactive, looking for solutions and pointing out necessary steps."

"Very responsive, he has everything under control, very sophisticated lawyer. He gives us the impression we are his only clients, even though this is not the case. He takes over responsibility, documents are very well prepared, chasing is not required as he always is on time and well prepared."

Roxana Stefanca

"Available at all times, flexible and professional."

Lindsay Tulloch

"Flexible when it comes to meeting times. Good knowledge of the industry."

DSM Avocats à la Cour is a Luxembourg based boutique with a fairly broad focus encompassing financial and corporate transactional work and the firm is led by managing partner Mario Di Stefano.

Highlights

The firm has a particular focus on domestic and cross-border financial services regulatory work but is also active on M&A deals too with a particular focus on acquisitions and investments for clients from a wide range of sectors.

Key clients

Key clients of the firm include Vantage Data Centers, PM International, ICN, Wagner Group and EuroCaution.

Dupont Partners is a commercial law firm based in Luxembourg. It was formed in 2018.

Focusses/specialisms

Banking work is one of the firm’s key specialties. It has a high level of expertise in real estate finance, acquisition finance, fund finance and securitization.

The firm also fields an experienced corporate and private equity department, whose work spans private equity real estate structures, alternative asset investment structures, complex real estate assets and privately held corporate structuring and restructuring.

Key clients

Key clients include Hamburg Commercial Bank, JP Morgan Asset Management, Landesbank Hessen-Thüringen Girozentrale, Bank of America Merrill Lynch, Bayerische Landesbank, KBC, Belfius, ING, TheValueChain Solutions, Capitok, China Merchants Bank, AG Real Estate and Raiffeisen Bank.

Client feedback: 32n edition (2022/2023)

Banking and finance

“Hands-on. Very pragmatic and results-oriented. Always reachable and committed.”

Hogan Lovells is a multinational law firm with dual headquarters in the US and UK. The firm is active and operates an office in Luxembourg.

Focuses / specialisms

In banking the firm advises major banks, financial institutions and corporates in regards a myriad of loan and non-loan work.

The corporate team’s work comprises varied transaction types including demergers, restructurings, capital markets, joint ventures, M&A, private equity and privatizations.

The investment funds team advises across the full range of investment funds, regulated or not, and has acted in funds investing across various asset classes and locations. The firm supports the full life cycle of funds from formation and structuring to marketing and operation.

Key clients

Key clients include Oquendo, Timberland Investment Resources Europe, ACE & Company, Infracapital, Prudential, Hilton, LabCorp, Bourbon Group, as M&G Real Estate, Garbe Industrial Real Estate, LaSalle, ACON Investments, CapitaLand, Pantheon and YESSS Group

Client feedback: 31^st edition (2020/2021)

Asset finance

"Knowledgeable, responsive and very easy to work with."

Bank lending : Borrower side

"Commercial, proactive and responsive. They make the process as painless as possible."

Bank lending : Lender side

"HL understood the commercial aims we were trying to achieve and provided creative advice, reasoning from first principles, to solve complex structuring challenges."

Capital markets

"Excellent quality of drafted documents. Excellent communication of comments. Working in time."

Capital markets : Structured finance and securitisation

"Responsiveness and availability to answer questions and address comments on documentation."

"Hogan Lovells has a small, but very powerful and well-integrated team of experts. "

Investment funds: Private equity funds

"Concise advice and a sound understanding of the law and commercial matters."

"They have an excellent knowledge and, although small, a great working team on which one can rely. They have a positive mindset and brought us all the assistance we needed."

M&A

"Responsive and proactive. Seamless service. Commercial and practical - solution-driven. Understand our business and easy to work with."

Kleyr Grasso is a medium-sized full-service Luxembourg law firm. It was established in 1994.

Focusses/specialisms

The firm is active in financial and corporate work, where its engagements range from banking transactions – such as loans, securitization, capital markets and structured finance – to advice on corporate M&A, private equity, takeovers and buyouts.

Its investment funds team advises international and domestic asset managers with regards to all aspects related to the funds industry in Luxembourg.

Key clients

Key clients include Corestate Capital Holding, Vivalto Partners, SOCOM, Kodehyve , Samsonite and TA Associates.

Client feedback: 32nd edition (2022/2023)

M&A

“They have a deep knowledge of Luxembourg law, including traditional corporate issues as well as financial services and banking. They also have a practical and effective approach, which is much appreciated by clients.”

“Efficient, prompt and clear advice and assistance when needed. The team works diligently against tight deadlines, providing good work. Above all they are friendly and a great team to work and partner with.”

Headquartered in the Cayman Islands, Maples Group has offices in the Americas and Caribbean, EMEA and Asia. The firm’s teams in Luxembourg advise both local and international clients.

Focusses/specialisms

In finance the firm is very experienced and visible in cross-border transactions, including fund financing in connection with the setting up of bridge-capital commitments and NAV facilities, securitization, corporate debt facilities, acquisition, asset and real estate financing, restructuring and capital markets.

The firm’s corporate team is similarly active and has vast expertise in investment funds, corporate restructuring, corporate finance, and securities.

Key clients

The firm’s client list features the likes of Francisco Partners Management, Impala, Telus, Bain Capital, Saputo, BCP Securities, Credit Suisse (Securities), Jefferies Group, CAE, Walmart, Toronto-Dominion Bank, Hyatt, Global Payments, Intermediate Capital Group, Bank of Montreal and Morgan Stanley.

Client feedback: 32nd edition (2022/2023)

Banking and finance

“Maples Group has highly professional and skilled advisers that we can count on. They prepare all legal documents precisely and in a timely manner. My experience with Maples has always been very smooth and easy and I would recommend Maples Group Luxembourg to any corporations that need legal service in Luxembourg.”

Investment funds

“Excellent communicators. They take a true partnership approach to their work with us. Very good knowledge of the regulatory environment and efficient results.”

NautaDutilh is a leading Benelux law firm with offices in Amsterdam, Brussels, London, Luxembourg, New York and Rotterdam. The firm was established in 1724. The firm covers a variety of financial and corporate areas including M&A, corporate, banking and capital markets. The firm is also active in the Luxembourg investment funds space.

Norton Rose Fulbright is an international law firm with locations in over 50 countries, including a Luxembourg office.

Focuses / specialisms

The scope of the firm’s expertise is wide in Luxembourg covering relevant M&A, joint ventures, private equity, loan work, capital markets, restructuring and insolvency.

Key clients

Key clients inculde Shell, BP, Blackstone Real Estate, Brookfield Asset Management, Amundi Immobilier, Commerzbank, Warburg Pincus, Sandvik, ING, United Services Automobile Association, INEOS, LFIS Capital, Perwyn, The Standard Club, VF Corporation, CNA Hardy, the shareholders of Makios Logistics, PGGM Vermogensbeheer, and Agri Resources Group.

Headquartered in London, Simmons & Simmons is an international law firm with offices across Europe, the Middle East and Asia. It has had an office in Luxembourg since 2015.

Focusses/specialisms

The firm has a highly experienced banking and real estate financing team, which has carved out a reputation for executing complex cross-border transactions within challenging timetables. The firm also boasts a highly specialised and experienced infrastructure team. The firm advises both lenders and borrowers and stands out for its strong relationships with top investment banks and private wealth arms of large corporations.

In investment funds the firm tends to focus on real estate, infrastructure, private equity and debt funds, notably on cross-border investments. The firm also has a standout funds finance practice.

Key clients

Notable clients for the firm include BlackRock, Cube Infrastructure Managers, Monument Assurance Belgium, Leggett & Platt, Invesco, Starwood Capital Group, Stepstone Real Estate, Round Hill Capital, Valor Real Estate Partners, European Investment Fund, Funding Circle, Deutsche Bank, Morgan Stanley, Nomura, Mediobanca, BBVA, NatWest Markets, BNP Paribas, ING Bank and Savills Investment.

Founded in 2013, Strelia is an independent boutique law firm with offices in Brussels and Luxembourg. 

Focusses / specialisms

Streila’s Luxembourg office focuses mainly on corporate and M&A practice, where it advises clients mostly in the banking and financial sectors on acquisitions. The firm also provides advisory services to clients on acquisition financings.

Key clients

Notable clients of the firm include Encora, Alcopa, John Deere and Cosmoledo.

Client feedback: 32nd edition (2022/2023) 

M&A

“Proactive, availability, good knowledge of business.”

“Prompt and pragmatic responsiveness.”

The Luxembourg law firm Wildgen was established in 1923.

Focusses / specialisms

The firm is active in the areas of corporate financing and bank landing, as well as capital markets, at both domestic and international level.

The firm also consistently works on a high volume of corporate transactions across a range of industry sectors. It is highly visible in both M&A and restructuring work in Luxembourg.

In the funds space the firm specialises in all aspects of investment funds advice and offers its clients support on the structuring, establishing and managing, among others, SIFs, RAIFs, UCITS, as well advice on a range of asset cases.

Key clients

Kye clients include Aedc, Centralis Group, Digital Domain, Dover Corporation, ENG Group, Excellium Services, Facebank Group, Garrett Motion, Pacific drilling, Platinum Equity, Pleion, Spe Capital Partners, Thermo Fisher Scientific Group, Alpinvest Partners, Chenavari Investment Managers, General Capital Group, Gremi International, Kara Investment Fund + and Macquarie Investment Management Europe.

Client feedback: 31^st edition (2020/2021)

Financial restructuring

"They clearly structured the deal well with always the right response in order to finalise it, with high-level protection of our group during negotiation."

Investment funds

"Full-service business law firm. Very good legal expertise. Good reputation. Proactivity."

"The keep the client up to date and inform about developments in the file provided to the regulator."

M&A

"Full-service business law firm. Very good legal expertise. Good reputation. Proactivity."

Restructuring : Bond holder and fund representation

"Wildgen was very reactive and efficient."

Charles Russell Speechlys is an international full-service law firm headquartered in London with 11 offices across the UK, Europe, Asia and the Middle East. The firm’s existence can be traced back to 1891, when the firm was founded by Charles Russell.

Focusses / specialisms

The Luxembourg law firm focuses mainly on corporate and M&A practice areas. The firm advises clients mainly on re-domiciliation, acquisitions and divestitures. The firm is also visible in the debt capital markets and banking and finance practice, where it advises on bonds issuance, acquisition finance and refinancings. In addition, the firm also assists clients in funds formation and restructurings.