Luxembourg

AKD is a Benelux law firm with a significant presence in Luxembourg. The firm was established in 1903 and has grown to become a well-recognised legal practice across Europe. The firm has six offices throughout the Benelux region including Belgium, the Netherlands, and Luxembourg. The firm is led by managing partner Carlos Pita Cao. The Luxembourg team comprises highly experienced lawyers who provide top-tier legal services, including highly regarded Jevgeniy Nesch and notable practitioner Nicolas Bonora. The team is particularly strong in financial services regulatory, investment funds, and M&A.

Highlights

In financial services regulatory, the firm has particularly worked on regulatory matters for clients connected with the financial services sector. Significantly, the firm recently advised KKR on the acquisition of a portfolio of credit rights and real estate assets.

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

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

Key clients

KKR, Unzer, Baytex Energy, Pictet and RN3 Partners.

Testimonials

“The lawyers at AKD are proactive, communicative and have the soft skills necessary to handle difficult discussions with counterparties and their counsel.  AKD has experience across a broad range of clients, banks and opposing counsel and are able to provide insights on what current market practice is like.” - Banking Client

“Very responsive and knowledgeable - user friendly.” - Investment funds Client

“AKD was very efficient, fast and the advice was always to the point. Specialists from other practice groups (litigation) worked closely together with the financial services specialists.” - Investment funds Client

“Very good value for money, experienced team, partner-lead, and business-oriented.” - Private equity Client

“Professionalism and support in tough periods.” - Private equity Client

“Arnaud is knowledgeable, communicative and has excellent soft skills.” – Arnaud Barchman Wuytiers van Vliet

“Jevgeniy is very knowledgeable and assist the clients efficiently in connection with the setup of a complex fund structure.” - Jevgeniy Nesch

“Client relationship.” – Jevgeniy Nesch

“Very responsive and user friendly. Concise advice - does not get lost in technical detail.” - Jevgeniy Nesch

“Top-notch corporate lawyer in Luxembourg, extremely knowledgeable, always available and always looking for the most efficient solutions.” – Nicolas Marchand

Luther is a leading business law firm established in 2010.The firm is headquartered in Germany and has 11 offices across Asia and Europe including Luxembourg. The Luxembourg team is led by managing partner Bob Scharfe, supported by highly qualified lawyers such as Eric Sublon and Mathieu Laurent.  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.

Highlights

The firm advised Barclays Bank on the $800 million facility provided to Ares for the acquisition of a portfolio of loans.

The firm also advised SumUp on its €1.5 billion private credit loan provided by a group of lenders including Apollo Global Management and Deutsche Bank.

The firm advised EUROCLEAR on its acquisition of Adepa Global Services Group, Banque Havilland, and Banco Inversis.

Key Clients

Altice, CEE Group, EUROCLEAR, Hauck Aufhäuser Lampe Privatbank, Landesbank Hessen-Thueringen Girozentrale (Helaba).

Testimonials

“Very responsive and market oriented.” – Banking Client

“Trust, availability, and reliability.” – Banking Client

“Technical experience, fast understanding of client needs and proactivity in addressing the client needs.” – Banking Client

“Professionalism, expertise and impeccable client service.” - Capital markets Client

“Very knowledgeable and skilled, hands-on mentality.” - Investment funds Client

“The combination of legal expertise with a pragmatic and solution-oriented approach. They bring a high level of technical competence, and they can translate complex legal matters into clear, actionable advice that aligns with the commercial goals. I’ve particularly appreciated their responsiveness and the way they take ownership of the matter. The team is well coordinated, and it’s clear they work well internally, which creates a seamless experience. Their experience in was evident.” – M&A Client

“Support with the restructuring process of an investment company based on the new procedure in Luxembourg and day to day business.” – Restructuring Client

“Very responsive. Good market knowledge.” – Bob Scharfe

“Bob is the lead lawyer on all our transactions.” - Bob Scharfe

“Bob combines technical legal expertise with a strong sense of practicality. He’s exceptionally thorough and detail-oriented, which gives real confidence that nothing gets overlooked. At the same time, he has a commercial mindset and communicates clearly which helps move matters forward efficiently. He’s calm, constructive and well-prepared.” - Bob Scharfe

“Very knowledgeable, really good understanding of the business, and clear instructions on things that need to be done and next steps.” – Claudia Hoffmann

“Trusted advisor, always available, detail oriented and always able to find solutions.” - Raphael Schindler

“Very efficient - Knowledge, communication and focused on problem solutions.” – Robert Goerend

“Close to client's needs, very professional.” - Robert Goerend

MOLITOR Avocats à la Cour is an independent law firm based in Luxembourg. The firm was established in 1996.  The team is currently led by managing partner Michel Molitor and supported by competent legal professionals such as Chan Park. The firm has a particular focus on banking and finance, M&A and restructuring & insolvency work but is also active in capital markets work.

Highlights

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

“Kindness, efficacy, competence, accessibility, and high quality.” – Financial services regulatory Client

“Concise and straight to the point.” – Financial services regulatory Client

“Precision, immediate response, solution driven, friendly attitude, very good network of cooperators, ready to find appropriate alternatives when needed, and precise understanding of the legal matters.” - M&A Client

“Great technical and people skills.” - Armel Waisse

“Practical and solid advice, and problem solving.” – Chan Park

“Precision, immediate response, solution driven, friendly attitude, precise understanding of the legal matters.” – Luxi Ye

RJ Gaito is an independent law firm founded in 2011 by Ronnen Gaito. The firm has offices in Luxembourg. 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 acquisition transactions for clients. In restructuring and insolvency the firm focused on assisting with cross-border corporate restructuring and reorganisations.

Highlights

The firm recently advised Chetwood Financial on its acquisition of CHL Mortgages for Intermediaries from Barossa Asset Purchaser.

Key Clients

Longford Capital Management and i2bf global ventures.

Testimonials

“They were able to provide clear, practical advice in a timely manner.” - Investment funds Client

“Service is personal, responsive and efficient.  Ronnen is a problem solver, not one to answer academic questions or produce memos that don't answer questions.” - Investment funds Client

“Responsiveness, personal and personable approach and reasonably priced.” - M&A Client

“I really liked the knowledge and experience in these types of projects. I enjoyed mostly the professional services they provide covering all aspects in their jurisdiction, the professionalism and they are attentive to every detail and can match the solution to the clients' needs.” – Restructuring Client

Stibbe is a leading independent law firm founded in 1911. The Benelux law firm is headquartered in Brussels and has offices in Amsterdam, Brussels, Luxembourg, and London. The Luxembourg office opened in 2010, and it is being led by Bernard Beerens. The team consists of highly qualified legal professionals such as Jean-Marc Delcour, Victorien Hémery, and Gérald Origer. The firm’s main strength is M&A, 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.

Highlights

In banking the firm advised Unifrax Luxembourg and Unifrax Luxembourg on the $3.19 billion debt refinancing of the Alkegen group.

In capital markets the firm advised AccorInvest Group on its €750 million inaugural bond issue and a €650 million bond issue.  The firm also advised on its $360 million initial public offering.

The firm also advised Ginkgo Advisor and Edmond de Rothschild Private Equity Luxembourg on the structuring, formation, and closing of Ginkgo IV and its related entities.

In M&A Stibbe advised Corsair Capital on its acquisition of majority stake in MJM Holdings.

 Key Clients

AccorInvest Group, ASP Unifrax Holdings, Banco Santander, Deutsche Bank, and Henderson Park.

Vandenbulke is an independent boutique law firm established in 2005. The firm operates from its Luxembourg offices. The firm specialises in advising on financial and corporate transactions only. The team comprises of competent lawyers led by managing partner Denis Van den Bulke and supported by Marcel Bartnik and Selim Souissi among others.

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 the firm works primarily on cross-border financing with other European countries.

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

Key Client

Baring, Barclays Bank, Norddeutsche Landesbank – Girozentrale, Santander UK, SMBC.

Testimonials

“Getting answers which are helpful and covering the whole spectrum of questions.” – Investment funds Client

“Responsive, commercial and knowledgeable.” – Investment funds Client

“Professional and pragmatic advice and content in agreed timeframe.” - Investment funds Client

“Always helping with our questions on an ad-hoc basis.” – Marcel Bartnik

“Responsive, commercial and extremely knowledgeable.” – Marcel Bartnik

“He is very hands on and advise clients pragmatically.” – Marcel Bartnik

“Very well-founded and practical advice.” – Marcel Bartnik

“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.”

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)

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.