Luxembourg

Independent Luxembourgian law firm Arendt & Medernach was established in 1988. Besides its Luxembourg office the firm has representative offices in Hong Kong, London, New York and Paris.

Focusses / specialisms

The firm has a credible banking and finance offering which, besides handling all aspects of financing and securitisation transactions, is well versed in advising start-ups, fintech and e-payment/ e-commerce businesses on business structuring and regulatory aspects.

The capital markets team at the firm is active and regularly advises issuers and lenders on prominent equity and debt issuances.

In investment funds the firm has advanced capabilities to support the establishment and operation of a range of funds in Luxembourg including microfinance investment funds, social impact funds, ELTIF, evergreen funds and loan funds.

The firm is visible in M&A and is especially strong in advising clients in emerging areas such as start-ups, venture capital, fintech and space.

Key clients

Key clients include Nordea, Goldman Sachs International, Amundi, Clearstream Banking, UBS, Crédit Agricole, Alrosa, Mohawk Industries, Natixis, Iliad, Bain Capital, Alberta Investment Management and Lakestar.

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

In banking the firm was involved with financings for large cross-border transactions but also advised on financial regulatory issues.

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

In M&A the firm advised on a range of investments and acquisitions linked to financial services, technology and investment management.

In restructuring and insolvency, the firm’s work focused on corporate restructurings and bankruptcies for clients in financial services.

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

Bain Capital €3 billion acquisition of Fedrigoni

CVC Advisers €2.7 billion acquisition of La Liga stake

Orpea Group €1.7 billion financial restructuring

Client Feedback: 33rd edition (2023/2024)

Banking and finance

“Excellent support on the Luxembourg law issues which arose in the deal.”

Bonn & Schmitt is an independent Luxembourgian law firm.

Focusses / specialisms

The firm boasts strong capabilities in banking, corporate work and investment funds.

In banking the firm is active on a range of financing transactions, domestic and cross-border, as well as financial restructuring mandates.

The firm’s corporate team is strong in advising domestic and international clients in M&A deals, in the context of restructuring of groups of companies, as well as advising in exit strategies following a divestment. The firm is also highly experienced in setting up investment platform for the purpose of acquisitions.

In investment funds the firm advises UCITS, AIF, management companies and AIFM on a host of issues from fund structuring and formation to regulatory issues.

Key clients

Key clients include EQT, Capvis, Aggregate, Banque Internationale à Luxembourg, Bayerische Landesbank, Banca Generali, Fideuram Ggoup, UBI Banca, Banca Di San Marino, EuroAmerica Administradora General de Fondos and Credemlux.

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

The banking team was particularly active in real estate financing work.

In investment funds area the firm worked on formation and structuring of funds.

In M&A the firm worked for clients related to real estate and private equity on acquisitions.

During the research period Frédéric Lemoine left the firm for Loyens & Loeff whilst Stéphane Ebel joined the firm from Duvieusart Ebel.

Client Feedback: 33rd edition (2023/2024)

Banking and finance

“Very good service, quick reply, appropriate fees.”

Investment funds

“Professionalism. Agility and proactivity. Problem-solving aptitude. Tailor-made service.”

"Professional, reliable.”

Private equity

“Good knowledge and quick handling of things. Knowledgeable around the things we need assistance for.”

Restructuring

“Our company was consulted by a diversity of legal areas (social, corporate. restructuring & litigation, Regulatory). They have a well-established legal knowledge for all the above-mentioned legal areas and did apply this knowledge very well into the problem areas of our company. Very close relationship with the customer. Listen very well to the real problems of a company."

Marcel Bartnik

“Professionalism, proactivity, focused and pragmatic owing to a deep knowledge of the business.”

“Marcel Bartnik is very responsive and knowledgeable.”

“Professional, polite, listens to what we want.”

"Very knowledgeable and responsible. Clear explanations.”

Elena Arno

“She provides very good assistance into the social law area. Helped our company very well during the management changes. Did consider next to the legal issues also human aspect and market related issues and this allowed our company to take the best possible decisions.”

Gabriel Bleser

“Customer's problem understanding. Has an open mind set and will always look for new legal solutions. Is able to put him in the customer's shoes and will based on his legal analysis and findings come up with the adequate solution. If not by himself, he will use his internal legal network to find the solution."

Francoise Pfeiffer

“Excellent legal knowledge, responsiveness.”

Anne Selbert

“She understands our structure and is constructive in solutions. Good knowledge and responsive. Easy to work with.”

Brucher Thieltgen & Partner is a Luxembourg City based boutique law firm. It was established in 2006.

Focusses / specialisms

The firm is particularly strong in banking and corporate work.

In banking the firm has a competent offering across asset finance, financial restructuring and project finance transactions. The firm’s clientele in the space includes internationally renowned banks and multinational private banks, as well as borrower side clients.

In M&A the firm’s work ranges from transactional advice to buy and sell side clients to ongoing corporate support to businesses. 

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

In banking the firm was active in financings for clients in financial services. The firm also advised banks on financial services regulatory work.

In M&A the firm advised acquirers, investors and merger parties linked to the banking, transportation, real estate and investment management sectors.

The firm was also active in restructuring and insolvency where it worked on insolvencies for clients in financial services.

Client Feedback: 33rd edition (2023/2024)

Banking

“Speedy and appropriate feedback.”

Banking and finance

“Excellent quality of work and good responsiveness.”

"The legal services BTP delivered are very responsive and of a high degree of precision. We particularly value their in-depth knowledge of civil, commercial and banking law.”

"This law firm provides accurate advice also corresponding to the initial request. The law firm does this in time and also applies when relevant a practical approach.”

M&A

“Responsive. To the point. Cost-orientated.”

Restructuring

“Clarity of thought, concise thoughtful advice.”

Nicolas Antoine

“Good balance between theory and practice.”

Nicolas Bernardy

“Very responsive. Full understanding of the case.”

“Smart, articulate and precise."

Nicolas Thieltgen

“Communication and self-confidence."

"Very accessible and available – which is much appreciated in a stressful situation.”

"In-depth knowledge of civil, commercial and banking law, responsiveness and legal precision.”

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.

Focusses / specialisms

The firm is strong in all areas of financial and corporate works and is mandated on large lending, restructuring, capital markets and M&A deals.

In the banking area the firm often represents lenders, including international investment banks on acquisition and corporate financing.

The firm has experience acting for banks as underwriters on debt and equity capital markets mandates.

The funds team ranks among the best in the jurisdiction and regularly advises financial institutions on a range of different investment vehicles.

In M&A the firm regularly represents acquirers and sellers on large deals in Europe involving a Luxembourg element.

Key clients

Key clients include Advent International, Brookfield Asset Management, U.S. Bank Global Fund Services (Luxembourg), Mirabaud Asset Management, New Mountain Capital, Oaktree Capital Management, atHome Group, Batipart Immo Long Terme, BC Partners, Bregal Unternehmerkapital and Cinven.

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

In banking the firm was engaged for financial services sector clients on both corporate and real estate financings.

The capital markets team of the firm was mainly focused on bond and note issuances.

In investment funds the team primarily worked on fund formation and structuring work for clients.

The M&A team was highly active in advising clients on acquisitions and joint ventures as well as corporate regulatory advice.

In restructuring and insolvency, the firm’s work focused on financial restructurings for clients connected with the financial services and technology sectors.

During the research period François Felten retired from the firm whilst Henri Wagner joined from Allen & Overy.

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

Brookfield $5 billion acquisition of Modulaire Group

Cinven acquisition of Euro Techno Com Group majority stake

Equity Partners acquisition of Marlink Group

Intelsat financial restructuring

TPG acquisition of DOC Generici Group controlling interest

Client Feedback: 33rd edition (2023/2024)

Banking

“Very responsive and committed to deadlines. Also very proactive and organised, clear sense of planning to prioritise multiple deals (which we often do give them). Able to provide responses on technical questions in a clear and concise manner, and also has good commercial acumen when deciding which points are fine to concede or push for.”

"The team consists of specialised lawyers who can cover all areas of law and specialists with experience for every case. The rapid response and availability at short notice, even in the case of very special and unusual legal issues, has to be highlighted. Every case handled by the team is very transparent to the outside world and is generally double-validated, which is particularly important in the case of contentious legal issues.”

Banking and finance

“Professional, thorough, technically accurate, good understanding of our business and needs.”

"Staff with the right expertise; availability for discussion and co-construction.”

Financial services regulatory

“They are just among the best regulatory advisers in Luxembourg: professional, deep knowledge and availability.”

Investment funds

“Elvinger Hoss Prussen has good expertise in the Luxembourg market and always shares pragmatic advice.”

"Very reactive and knowledgeable on the matter, provide advice/guidance from what they see in the market, have good connections and work for decent pricing.”

"Elvinger Hoss Prussen has, in all the years we have used them, given us excellent service in terms of legal advice and project management. We are a demanding client in that we are very creative and entrepreneurial and always have short deadlines. Our legal advisers have always met our expectations and more.”

"Bespoke, commercial, value-added advice – to help our clients navigate the complexities of the area as quickly as possible.”

“Elvinger Hoss Prussen has a pragmatic approach, highly qualified lawyers and excellent connections and networks, both nationally and internationally.”

"Responsive, pragmatic advice straddling the right combination of legal and regulatory analysis with commerciality”

"Knowledgeable within the Lux investment funds, quick turnaround, most often constructive comments.”

"The main quality of Elvinger Hoss Prussen is their responsiveness and their capabilities to identify our specific legal needs and propose multiple options to meet those needs in a timely manner.”

"Responsive. Value for money. Considered. Thoughtful. Conservative. Don't overbill. Excellent communication skills. Very brilliant minds employed.”

"Excellent understanding of RE fund regulation and structuring.”

“They are very experienced in the Luxembourg fund industry and always keep a good level of professionality. They are also on top of new regulations very quickly.”

“They are professional, proactive, knowledgeable and friendly.”

"Elvinger is commercial in their advice and responsive in their approach. They are my go-to law firm in Luxembourg and they are willing to advocate for clients, and provide practical and innovation solutions to complex structuring and corporate issues.”

M&A

“Very professional and pragmatic attitude that supported a fast and well-informed decision process."

Private equity

“Knowledgeable and insightful; diligent and detailed; responsive.”

“Experts in this field, deep and correct understanding of the business and the rules and regulations that govern it.”

Restructuring

"Strong team with strong and various experts. Significant experience and expertise. Project leaders, able to solve issues.”

“Excellent industry knowledge. Good advocacy.”

Ana Bramao

“Good communication skills, understands our business.”

Sophie Chabot

“Very professional and responsive, she really understands our concerns and gives bespoke advice which is always to the point and pragmatic. Although she is a senior associate, she is our main counterparty without need for input at partner level.”

Frédéric Clasen

Very reactive to client's needs. Can be reached easily.

Joachim Cour

“Joachim has strong expertise and years of market practice to launch funds in Luxembourg. He always uses a risk-based approach and provides pragmatic advice to solve issues in the most appropriate way.”

"Joachim is a commercial and responsive lawyer, who provides innovative and actionable solutions within demanding timeframes.”

"Joachim is a brilliant mind and is willing to disagree and put forth a sensible approach when faced with an investment manager that likes to bulldoze their view! He is considered and very dedicated. He meets deadlines and is also a very personable, interesting character.”

Azadeh Djazayeri

“Very hands-on and proactive, also clear communicator and very pleasant to work with. She manages her team well even during busy times and that is very much appreciated by us because of the volume of work that sometimes heads her way. Good time management as well and very organised.”

Sophie Dupin

“Sophie works swiftly, with a pragmatic attitude and an in-depth knowledge of the Luxembourg investment fund sector.”

Yves Elvinger

“A very nice person to deal with and has good patience when it comes to explaining things for someone who does not share his level of experience.”

Marie-Sybille Frapier

“Good communication skills, very responsible. Takes accountability in all projects. Able to solve issues. Can easily lead projects.”

Linda Funck

“Knowledgeable and insightful; detailed and diligent.”

Leon Gloden

“Very efficient and deal-orientated.”

Tom Göricke

Smart, relatable, 'gets it' and understands our business drivers.

Andre Hoffmann

“Expertise; availability; capacity of innovation (in the legal matters submitted).”

Jeffrey Kolbet

“Professional, knowledgeable, friendly.”

“Good knowledge, good responsiveness, reliable.”

Frédérique Lifrange

“The technical knowledge of Frédérique Lifrange and his capacity to use it even during negotiation meetings, linked to his knowledge of the client's documentation, is impressive.”

Jean-Pierre Mernier

“Solution-orientated, good knowledge, availability, collects info if he does not have it at first.”

Olivia Moessner

“Olivia works swiftly, with a pragmatic attitude and an in-depth knowledge and understanding of the Luxembourg investment fund sector.”

Anne-Laure Mollard

“The capacity of Anne-Laure Mollard to manage the day-to-day legal needs of our funds and of our AIFM (corporate, regulatory) is a valuable asset for us.”

Tiago Nogueira

“Calm, responsive, diligent, knowledgeable."

Elisabeth Omes

“Professional, transparent in terms of keeping us informed, well known in Luxembourg for her skills and talents."

Pit Reckinger

“Our main contact is distinguished by his overview knowledge of all areas of law. In case of questions regarding special areas of law, a specialised colleague is directly involved. Compared to other lawyers, the fast and constant availability in all legal matters with high-quality answers and suggestions in all areas of law should be emphasised.”

Benjamin Rossignon

“Great knowledge of the legal area and the industry. creative and great at problem-solving.”

Jérôme Wigny

“Extremely well connected, knowledgeable, solution-orientated and excellent adviser.”

“Technically very strong, commercial, with deep insights into the views of the regulator.”

“Great work ethic, coupled with encyclopaedic industry knowledge. Also is able to look at the big picture and offer solutions.”

Founded in 1997, commercial firm GSK Stockmann has branches in Luxembourg and Germany.

Focusses / specialisms

The banking and capital markets team advises cross-border and domestic clients on a broad spectrum of transactions, specialising in securitisation, equity and debt capital markets, corporate finance, security interests, electronic banking, payments and financial regulation matters.

The firm regularly acts for large corporations and private equity houses on M&A. It is also experienced in advising on inbound investment into Europe by Luxembourg vehicles, especially by China-based clients.

In investment funds the firm frequently assists clients forming alternative investment funds and UCITs.

The firm often works for clients in the private equity and real estate industries.

Key clients

Amundi, Aroundtown, Bank of China, EQT, FREO, Mediobanca, Vicenda Asset Management, VP Bank and SEB are some of the firm’s notable clients.

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

In the banking the firm worked on several project related finance deals including real estate linked deals.

In capital markets the firm worked on bond and securitisation work.

In M&A the firm advised a variety of corporate matters for clients connected with financial services, such as corporate and governance advice, acquisitions, and joint ventures.

In investment funds the firm worked for financial services sector clients on formation and structuring work.

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

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

Blackstone acquisition of VFS Global majority stake

ID Finance Spain restructuring

Princeville Capital Group investment in Trendyol

Client Feedback: 33rd edition (2023/2024)

Private equity

“Pragmatic, fast, hands-on, in-depth market view, client-orientated.”

Philipp Mössner

“Pragmatic, hands-on, fast, high integrity, very professional.”

The Luxembourg based boutique Linari Law Firm was founded in 2000.

Focusses / specialisms

The firm boasts a capable banking team, highly experienced in lending and debt capital markets work including the securitisation space.

Its investment funds practice is also strong and advises clients on mostly cross-border mandates.

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

In banking and capital markets the firm advised predominantly financial sector clients on structured finance and note issuance transactions. The firm was highly active in the acquisition finance and refinancing space.

The M&A team was visible during the research period where it worked on private acquisitions, divestment and investment.

The investment funds practice was active during the research period and advised clients on fund design and set-up, as well as restructuring of existing funds. It was particularly active in the RAIF and UCITS space.

Client feedback: 32nd edition (2022/2023)

Capital markets : Structured finance and securitisation

"Good knowledge of the Luxembourg securitisation law."

"Deep knowledge of the issue and great practical implementation. Close cooperation with the regulator, the exchange and other players. Proactive and very approachable managing partner."

Investment funds : Private equity funds

"The firm has a great team of highly experienced, highly motivated lawyers. Always knowledgeable, always available."

"Professional, helpful, relevant."

"Business-oriented: focused on key business issues. Strong project management skills: knows when to push/work extra hours in order to maintain project momentum and close. Strong legal team: solid drafting skills and legal documentation review."

Investment funds : Real estate funds

"They are extremely dedicated and have a great team approach to serving clients. Their response time is impressive. Their involvement in negotiations and discussions with third parties give much weight to our position as their client. They go out of their way to think of our business and what could benefit us (referrals, general advice, news, etc.)."

Investment funds : Retail funds

"Professional. Efficient. Personable."

M&A

"Very inventive within Luxembourg law to solve any matter of issue in regulatory, corporate law."

Restructuring and insolvency

"High efficiency, good staff, fast and reliable."

Guillaume Deflandre

"Good knowledge of the securitisation law, respects deadlines, understands client's needs."

Vincent Linari-Pierron

"Professional. Efficient knowledgeable and kind."

"High degree of knowledge, very responsive."

"Good knowledge of the securitisation law, respects deadlines, understands client's needs."

"He is the managing partner. He is very approachable and proactively searches to add value to our business. Has very deep knowledge and practical experience in his practice area."

"Professional, helpful, relevant."

"He understands the business we operate in extremely well. He is always ready to support and his response time is impressive. He often thinks of our business and is happy to suggest new ideas or make connections that could help."

"He has a problem-solving attitude which allow him to go the extra mile to meet the client's needs."

"Problem-solver, who figures out a solution."

Joanna Mascherin

"Great and pleasant person to work with. Responsive. Detail-oriented."

Headquartered in Germany, Luther launched an office in the Grand Duchy in 2010.

Outside Luxembourg the firm has offices in 10 German cities, a relatively large network in Asia and a branch in London.

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.

Focusses / specialisms

The firm has a credible banking, finance and capital markets law offering which provides clients with comprehensive loan, regulatory and capital markets advice.

In investment funds the firm is often engaged in fund formation work.

The firm is also well versed in multi-jurisdictional M&A work for a multitude of corporations and financial sector clients.

Key clients

Key clients of the firm include Natixis, NAS Invest, Alrtice, Innpact, Aviva Investors Global Services, BNP Paribas, KanAm Grund Group, Socadif Capital, DBS Bank, Mizuho Trust & Banking, Square Asset Management, Place Properties, Nordic Credit Partners, Dynamica, AssetCo and Sustainable Growth Management.

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

In the banking space the firm was engaged in mainly borrower side financings for clients connected to financial services and real estate.

The investment funds team was primarily active in advising on fund formation and structuring work for a mix of fund managers and sponsors.

The firm’s work in M&A focused on acquisition and investment work for clients in the technology, investment management and real estate. The firm was also active in providing regulatory advice to clients.

The firm was also active in restructuring and insolvency practice, working on corporate restructurings and insolvencies for shareholders and insolvent companies linked to energy, financial services and real estate.

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

Altice International $1.8 billion refinancing

5G Ventures investment in OQ Technology

Client Feedback: 33rd edition (2023/2024)

Banking

“Highly committed. Always available. Friendly to all parties involved, even in situations of huge stress and all-nighters. Very constructive and deal-orientated.”

Financial services regulatory

Pragmatism and willingness to understand the specificities of our business.

Investment funds

“Extremely responsive and very well equipped with detailed knowledge in all aspects. Super-structured in their approach to guide me through the risks and implications to my role. Developing a strategy to keep me in safe territory and also preparing a smart exit strategy for me to step down from my role.”

Project finance

They are experts in the field and provide excellent service.

Marion Lanne

“Technical skills are extremely high!”

Hervé Leclercq

“Responsive, very good in his problem analysis and crystal clear in his advice to find the best solution.”

Bob Scharfe

“Bob is highly knowledgeable with a great team. He is savvy and always available.”

"Friendly. Highly committed. Deal-orientated. Very professional. Always available. Expert in field of finance.”

MOLITOR Avocats is a law firm based in Luxembourg that was established in 1996.

Focusses / specialisms

The banking and finance team regularly assists corporate borrowers and institutional lenders in cross-border and domestic financing transactions. Its lending work capabilities include, but are not limited to, real estate finance, fund finance and leveraged buyouts.

The firm is also strong in financial services regulatory work and advises on various types of regulatory matters (MiFID II, CRD IV, AML, fintech advice, etc.), often in the context of less common transactions in Luxembourg.

The firm’s M&A team advises on mergers and acquisitions primarily in private markets, as well as a range of other corporate transactions.

The firm is active in restructuring and insolvency, and often assists on complex debt restructuring mandates.

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

In banking the firm was involved in financings and refinancing work, including project related work.

In M&A the firm worked on several acquisitions, joint ventures and investments for clients in the real estate and infrastructure sectors. The firm also active in providing regulatory advice to clients.

The firm was also visible in the investment funds space during the period.

In restructuring and insolvency, the firm worked on corporate restructurings for clients in manufacturing.

Client Feedback: 33rd edition (2023/2024)

Banking and finance

“Very professional, committed and knowledgeable.”

“Responsive, thorough, committed and professional.”

"They were very attentive to the client's requests. Very resourceful and helpful in terms of giving the right advice.”

Capital markets

“They are punctual, precise, professional and competent.”

“They are reliable, responsive and with very good knowledge.”

M&A

“Precise, punctual, competent, problem-solving.”

“They are responsive and really focused.”

Laurent Henneresse

“Very attentive to client's requests. Do neat and good work.”

Chan Park

“Punctual, competent, problem-solver.”

“Is available 24/7.”

"He is very equipped to assist M&A transactions.”

"Punctual, precise, competent, flexible and reasonable.”

Armel Waisse

“Very approachable and committed. Excellence in legal work.”

"Can-do attitude; technical skills; commitment.”

Luxi Ye

“Competent, precise, problem-solver.”

“Competent, precise and professional.”

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

Focusses / specialisms

The firm has a particular specialism in work connected to the energy and technology sectors.

Key clients

A key client of the firm is Solaer Renewable Energy.

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

During the research period the firm was active in banking, debt capital markets, M&A and restructuring work.

In banking the firm worked on project related financings.

In capital markets the firm worked on bond issues.

In M&A the firm worked on investments for a range of clients.

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

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

Prime Capital investment in Resolar

Client Feedback: 33rd edition (2023/2024)

Financial restructuring

“Right on time and quality and a trusty partner on values – fair in the approach on budget.”

Restructuring

“RJ Gaito's ability to advise on all legal issues involved with the reorganisation and M&A aspects, financing and banking is something extremely unique. Their ability to see the overall picture and professionally advise on certain fields of law with unique knowledge of handling M&A transactions is extraordinary.”

"Competence; reactivity; reliability.”

Ronnen Gaito

“Great person and professional.”

"Extremely professional, wide knowledge on legal as well as business, and very responsive to the client's needs. Ronnen's ability to synchronise legal aspects in various jurisdictions and to provide the client with requested end results goes far beyond a simple transaction. Ronnen has a unique knowledge and experience that brings huge advantage to the clients.”

"He is very reliable and experienced. We work regularly on various legal issues re corporate law, especially restructuring.”

“Ronnen is practical and nimble, effective and fast. He distinguishes himself as an adviser you can count on for real-world 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.

Focusses / specialisms

The banking team is highly skilled in handling the whole spectrum of cross-border loan work.

In M&A the firm primarily advises foreign groups seeking to enter the Luxembourg market. It assists its clients on a range of mergers, cross-border and domestic acquisitions, spinoffs, divestitures and corporate restructurings.

Key clients

Key clients include AIG, Goodman Europe, DWS, Bank of China, The Exeter Property Group, Allegion, Cenaro, Natixis and Galler.

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

During the research period the firm was active in banking and M&A work.

In banking the firm worked on financing and refinancing transactions for a mix of borrowers and lenders connected to the banking and real estate sectors.

In M&A the firm worked on acquisitions for clients linked to the energy, investment management and real estate sectors.

“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."

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."

Laurie Masson

"Quick, precise answers and good availability."

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."

Pierre-Alexandre Degehet

"He is very knowledgeable and available."

"Available, very dedicated and maintains tailor-made approach."

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.”

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 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.

Focusses / specialisms

The firm has solid experience in both banking and M&A.

In the banking area the firm advises on a range of transactions involving Luxembourg, as well as foreign entities with Luxembourg assets. The firm advises both lenders and borrowers on complex financing arrangements and hybrid financial instruments. The firm is also active in the financial services regulatory space, advising on regulation and compliance in the banking and funds industries.

In corporate work the firm excels in delivering advice on sophisticated mandates in the M&A and restructuring space. It assists a variety of clients in domestic and multi-jurisdictional matters. The firm is highly experienced in real estate acquisition work.

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

During the research period the firm’s work focused on work connected with M&A. The firm advised clients connected with financial services and real estate on a range of matters including acquisitions, mergers and corporate regulatory matters.

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.

Focuses / specialisms

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.

Key clients

Key clients include Altisource Portfolio Solutions, Bank of America Merrill Lynch, Credit Suisse, Danske Bank, Goldman Sachs, UBS, IBM, Jefferies Finance, JP Morgan, Morgan Stanley, Komatsu, Luxembourg postal services (POST), Carlyle, Bridgepoint Oaktree and Silverfleet Capital.

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

The firm’s banking team was mainly involved in several cross-border financing work with strong focus on acquisition finance.

The debt and equity capital markets practice of the firm was also visible with the team advising both foreign and local clients on several debt issuances and IPOs. Notable examples of such deals are Indigo Merger Sub $500 million 2.875% senior secured notes and HSE finance $250 million senior secured floating rate notes.

In investment funds the firm was engaged in advising on fund formation and restructuring.

The firm was particularly active in the M&A space during the research period where it advised investment companies/private equity firms and corporate clients on several acquisitions.

Partner Yoanna Stefanova departed the firm during the research period.

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

La Mancha Fund SCSp

OpenGate Capital €48.5 million acquisition financing

Signature Aviation $330 million add-on acquisition financing

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.

Ogier is an international law firm that covers all time zones and key financial markets. The firm offers a full-service offering to clients from its Luxembourg office.

Focusses/specialisms

The firm has a comprehensive offering in the banking area and regularly advises on acquisitions of banking institutions.

In capital markets it is engaged across the full extent of Luxembourg’s highly active debt capital markets. The firm is also visible in the securitization space.

The investment funds practice supports the full spectrum of fund structures and strategies.

In M&A the firm provides advice on complex (mainly cross-border) deals to a client list that features institutions, private companies, real estate and private equity funds.

The private equity team’s engagements also typically feature cross-jurisdictional dimensions. It advises large private equity firms on all aspects of the private-equity lifecycle.

Key clients

The firm's clients include Banco Inversis  and prominent clients in the banking and investment funds sector.

Client feedback: 32nd edition (2022/2023)

Banking

“A responsive and pragmatic team for cross-border deals, with good bench strength.”

Investment funds

“Clarity of advice and efficiency of execution.”

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.