With 'extensive knowledge of both current trends and likely future approaches to matters', A&O Shearman can provide 'practical and thoughtful advice' on both the buy and sell-side of large-scale cross-border M&A mandates, often taking a key role alongside lawyers from other offices within the firm's sprawling international network. A significant proportion of the workflow relates to private equity investments, including in a special situations/distressed situation, where Sylvain Cailleau is noted for his ability to provide 'thoughtful and tailored advice' utilising both his corporate and restructuring skillsets. Alongside the 'outstanding' Peter Myners, Cailleau recently advised US private equity firm Oaktree Management on assuming control of Inter Milan after its previous owner missed a deadline for repayment of a loan made to it by Oaktree. The team also remains very active in the financial services sector, an area that Jacques Graas continues to thrive, including in relation to private banking M&A. Luxembourg and New York-qualified team head Fabian Beullekens is skilled at handling work in the private equity and financial services sectors and also handles corporate governance and general corporate matters.

Able to draw upon the expertise of a large pool of lawyers across all levels of experience, and also leveraging the firm's unique in-house regulatory and consulting service, Arendt & Medernach can provide 'high-quality tailored solutions' to domestic and international clients across the full scope of their corporate activity. On the M&A front, Bob Calmes is 'hardworking, proactive and smart', traits which endear him to both corporates and funds on high-profile cross-border deals, often involving a US nexus (where he adds insight as a result of his previous role heading the firm's New York office). Laurent Schummer is also a key member of the team and as well as his work for private equity firms and corporates on large-scale transactions, he also excels in helping startups/entrepreneurs from emerging sectors securing investment throughout their growth cycle. Philippe Harles ' 'work attitude, knowledge, and willingness to strike a deal are standout traits', ensuring that his popularity continues to grow among start-ups, funds and corporates across a wide variety of private and public M&A. Team head Carsten Opitz is skilled at handling M&A matters, including those with a German nexus, as well as excelling in corporate governance advice. Founding partner Guy Harles has vast experience in the field and remains a trusted adviser to many corporates as is underscored by several board-level appointments by major clients.

Spearheaded by three partners and aided by a number of ‘highly technical and knowledgeable’ associates, the ‘responsive and efficient’ team at Clifford Chance provides ‘commercially pragmatic’ advice to a varied mix of asset managers, financial services institutions and corporates on both transactional and ongoing corporate compliance work. Combining ‘commercially focused, client-centric and pragmatic advice, with strong legal acumen’, Saskia Myners is greatly appreciated by sophisticated private equity clients, regularly working alongside lawyers from throughout the firm’s vast international network on complex cross-border M&A matters. Katia Gauzès also maintains a strong fee-earning practice in the private equity space, work which she combines with her duties as office managing partner. Christian Kremer co-heads the team alongside Gauzes and Myners, and is able to draw upon his ‘vast knowledge of the local legal requirements as well as key institutions and players’ (by virtue of his many years’ activity in the market), remaining a popular choice among financial institutions and insurers on M&A matters.

 

 

'Plugged in to industry trends' and with 'excellent visibility across the whole market', Elvinger Hoss Prussen is able to provide 'commercial' advice to corporates, banks, funds and high-net-worth-individuals across a broad swathe of their domestic and cross-border corporate activity. Widely recognised as one of the 'pre-eminent corporate lawyers in Luxembourg', Toinon Hoss combines technical excellence with creativity, ensuring that she remains a very popular choice among sophisticated private equity funds, in particular, to advise on the Luxembourg structuring pursuant to big-ticket European mandates. Karl Pardaens has 'deep expertise and provides cost-effective advice' to clients across both corporate and equity capital markets mandates; he has handled a number of De-SPAC business combination transactions in recent years. Anna Hermelinski-Ayache is 'outstanding and responsive' across both M&A transactions, including for private equity funds, and in the context of corporate reorganisations. Seasoned corporate lawyer Pit Reckinger excels at helping banks, corporates and entrepreneurs on day-to-day corporate compliance/regulatory issues. Corporate and capital markets expert Philippe Hoss co-heads the team alongside Toinon Hoss and Katia Panichi.

Now under the leadership of the 'creative and commercial' Rémy Bonneau following the retirement in May 2024 of Nicolas Gauzes, Linklaters' 'responsive and client-oriented' team acts on domestic mandates, as well as forming a vital part of the firm's global offering where it is appreciated for its 'deep expertise and ability to handle complex, cross-border transactions'. A good deal of this multi-jurisdictional work relates to Luxembourg structuring on behalf of private equity firms, both on the buy and sell-side. Much of this is led by Bonneau, who 'is able to navigate through complicated and unusual structures' and is well-versed at advising on matters throughout the investment life-cycle. Manfred Müller is also recommended, recently providing the Luxembourg structuring advice pursuant to Carrier Global Corporation's $4.95bn sale of its security business, Global Access Solutions.

Deploying a collaborative approach which draws upon specialised insights from other associated practice areas, including funds, tax and banking, Loyens & Loeff provides 'well-rounded and comprehensive advice' across a range of big-ticket M&A initiated by both strategic and financial investors. Mathilde Lattard is 'very knowledgeable' about work within the private equity sector and provides 'pragmatic solutions' to funds, including EQT, throughout the investment lifecycle - not just on the M&A associated with their downstream activity but also in associated matters including advice on management incentive schemes. The 'outstanding' Ana Andreiana is 'able to think outside the box and find solutions to complex challenges' in the context of private equity-led M&A (including on public to private transactions) and with regard to de-SPAC mandates. The vastly experienced Guy Palmaers also handles SPAC-related matters as well as conventional M&A and a considerable volume of corporate governance advice. Michael Scott has a market-leading reputation for handling corporate restructuring work, a feature of which is a considerable volume of distressed M&A. Frédéric Franckx heads the team.

Although it handles some purely domestic work - including on day-to-day operational corporate compliance/governance matters for multinational and local companies doing business in Luxembourg - Baker McKenzie is best-known for its skill at handling the necessary Luxembourg structuring pursuant to large-scale cross-border M&A mandates. Here, the team, which is led by the 'outstanding' Jean-François Findling and Elodie Duchêne, can provide a one-stop-shop approach to corporates and funds on the buy and sell-side working in close co-operation with lawyers from throughout the firm's vast global network. Another strength is the team's ability to handle large-scale restructuring mandates.

Acting on its own as well as often alongside lawyers from the firm's Belgium and Netherlands offices on Benelux matters, NautaDutilh has significant market visibility among corporates and private equity firms across a range of corporate mandates. Team head Margaretha Wilkenhuysen is well-versed at handling M&A matters, joint venture structuring and advice on corporate restructurings. Romain Sabatier is also a key member of the team and as well as handling conventional M&A, is also adept at advising on distressed investments as well as business combinations formed through a de-SPAC process.

Stibbe provides 'very high-quality and responsive advice' directly to clients, as well as in the context of referral work from international law firms (including a large number of major US firms) which seek out the team's guidance on the Luxembourg law issues related to cross-border transactions. The private equity sector remains a fertile source of work, with longstanding fund clients including Investindustrial and KKR continuing to regularly instruct the team on the Luxembourg structuring associated with their downstream investments. 'Outstanding' team head Gérald Origer provides 'pragmatic but academically sound' advice across corporate, finance and regulatory matters, a versatility that ensures clients receive strong continuity on deals. The 'very pragmatic and business-oriented' Claire-Marie Darnand is also recommended.

The 'very technically solid' team at Bonn & Schmitt provides 'responsive and solutions-oriented' advice to corporates and funds on both transactional work as well as ongoing compliance and corporate governance matters. Chantal Keereman and Cédric Bellwald are both well-versed in advising on the Luxembourg structuring pursuant to cross-border M&A mandates, while senior partner Alex Schmitt has deep corporate advisory knowledge and sits on the boards of several banks and investment management entities. Stéphane Ebel co-heads the team with Keereman and Bellwald and provides tax structuring input on corporate/funds transactions.

Drawing upon 'excellent technical knowledge', BSP is appreciated by clients for its ability 'to quickly assess and analyse requirements and provide real-world solutions' across a range of operational corporate governance and transactional matters. Under the leadership of Linda Harroch, the team has, however, undoubtedly gained most prominence among private equity firms, including Advent International and Goldman Sachs, in relation to their M&A transactions. Michaël Kitai is also a key member of the team and is the primary contact for the Goldman Sachs work.

The ‘very responsive’ team at CMS delivers ‘high-quality advice’ to clients across the full spectrum of services required for structuring transactions through Luxembourg, including on restructurings, joint ventures and M&A mandates. Under the leadership of Gérard Maîtrejean, the team has developed a particularly vital offering advising financial sponsors on their cross-border investments and exits, adding a strong degree of continuity by virtue of its ability to work alongside lawyers from across the firm’s international network. Pawel Hermelinski is ‘knowledgeable, very professional and provides hands on advice’ to private equity firms on M&A and joint venture transactions, as well as on the structuring and restructuring of corporate groups.

Under the leadership of ‘five-star lawyer’ Namik Ramić, Dentons has successfully re-established itself in the Luxembourg market following a period of disruption several years ago (following some personnel changes) and has gained market traction among corporates and funds as a result of its ‘fantastic level of service and value for money’. The team remains active across a range of industry sectors, including real estate and energy, where as well as involvement on M&A transactional work, it has also advised on divesting of non-core assets and on intra-company restructurings. Clients also benefit from an holistic service on pan-European deals by virtue of the team’s ability to leverage the firm's strong network presence throughout the continent and beyond.

Co-headed by Caroline Pimpaud  and Catherine Pogorzelski, the ‘highly accessible and approachable’ team at DLA Piper Luxembourg provides ‘tailored solutions’ to clients, often working alongside practitioners throughout the firm’s extensive global network to effectively ‘support international groups smoothly across borders’. Funds account for much of the transactional work it handles, with both Pimpaud and Pogorzelski knowledgeable about work throughout their life-cycle, from initial structuring through to the M&A associated with the subsequent downstream investments. At counsel level, the ‘outstanding’ Gersende Masfayon and Melody Brunot , who is appreciated for her ability to provide ‘innovative solutions’, are also recommended across M&A transactions, as well as group restructurings and in the context of general corporate governance advice.

 

Led from Luxembourg by Alexander Koch, the small but nimble team at Hogan Lovells (Luxembourg) LLP collaborates well with other firmwide global offices to provide ‘integrated, seamless cross-jurisdictional advice’ on M&A driven by financial and strategic investors, as well as on restructuring matters. ‘Responsive and knowledgeable’ counsel Emmanuel Lamaud is also a key member of the team, who along with Koch and Benoit Serraf had key involvement in the firm’s high-profile multi-office work for an ad hoc group of noteholders on the multi-jurisdictional financial restructuring of Atento.

Appreciated for its ‘strong focus on understanding and addressing client needs’, KLEYR GRASSO has, over the years, developed loyal relationships with a number of corporates and funds, acting in a trusted adviser capacity across a range of transactional and corporate advisory matters. One such client is growth private equity firm, TA Associates, which the ‘responsive and proactive’ Jérôme Burel and Delphine Tempé regularly advise on the Luxembourg aspects of their downstream investments and exits. The ‘very responsive and helpful’ Pierre-Alexandre Degehet is also a key member of the team and provides ‘pragmatic solutions’ across a a range of transactional work and corporate governance/regulatory matters.

Deploying more of a multi-disciplinary approach to corporate work than many others in the ranking, Luther S.A. is able to provide ‘tailored solutions’ to clients throughout the entire lifecycle of a company, from initial incorporation to routine transactions and exit planning. ‘Very knowledgeable, practical and responsive’ litigation head Mathieu Laurent is also across corporate transactional work, adding a degree of sensitivity to risk management and also well-placed to advice on any subsequent litigation, for example in relation to shareholders disputes. Corporate head Eric Sublon has an ‘impressive knowledge of corporate law’, which he effectively utilises for both private equity firms and companies.

Norton Rose Fulbright is gaining increasingly strong market recognition since establishing its Luxembourg office in 2017 as a result of its versatile corporate offering, which includes day-to-day corporate advice and structuring on big-ticket cross-border M&A transactions. ‘Responsive and user-friendly’ team head Torsten Sauer has been pivotal to this success, developing strong ties with private equity sponsors and real estate funds, as well as handling some work in the thriving domestic venture capital ecosystem.

The ‘responsive and collaborative’ team at PwC Legal Luxembourg provides a transversal approach to work in the corporate field, often working alongside funds, employment and finance practitioners, as well as benefiting from access to the network’s tax advisory capability. Catherine Baflast heads up the M&A side of the practice, regularly advising corporates and private equity sponsors on the buy and sell-side of transactions. Jean-Yves Lhommel leads on the corporate structuring front, including advice to multinational groups through their implementation and restructuring processes.

As well as continuing to handle a significant volume of smaller domestic transactions, the 'outstanding' team at Strelia is an increasingly prominent presence in relation to the Luxembourg structuring of sophisticated private equity-led cross-border M&A. The primary reason for the firm's increased prominence in this segment of the market is the work of Vanessa Schmitt and Michaël Meylan, who since joining from Strelia in June 2022, have successfully developed strong connections with a raft of major funds and with referring international law firms. Etienne de Crépy co-heads the team alongside Schmitt and Meylan.

Led by Torsten Schmitt, the ‘creative and hard working’ team at TS&P provides ‘very user-friendly, commercially aware and responsive’ advice to buyers and sellers on their M&A activity. Much of this work is for private equity sponsors, with the firm excelling in advising on the Luxembourg law-related structuring to facilitate big-ticket cross-border mandates. Sabine Brandes ‘goes above and beyond to deliver exceptional advice’ on private equity deals, including in relation to management incentive plans.

With a fluid offering that combines banking and corporate expertise within the same team, Charles Russell Speechlys provides an 'efficient and results-driven' service to corporates, funds, family offices and high-net-worth-individuals across a range of acquisitions, divestments and joint ventures. The 'very pragmatic' Jean-Baptiste Beauvoir-Planson combines capital markets and corporate law sensibilities to good effect and co-heads the team alongside Victor Regnard, whose more finance-focused offering lends itself to a considerable amount of corporate restructuring work and distressed M&A.

Boutique independent firm CM Law 'excels at delivering top-tier, customized legal services' to clients across a range of their corporate requirements, from incorporation and intra-group reorganisations, through to joint venture structuring and M&A matters. Founding partner Raphael Collin 'combines an extensive knowledge of the law with an innate commercial sense', ensuring that he is well-suited to advising private equity and real estate funds on structuring their investments.

Leveraging the firm's overarching asset management industry expertise, the 'knowledgeable and hard working' team at Dechert Luxembourg provides 'commercially focused and business oriented' advice to a private equity-focused client base on the Luxembourg law structuring of their cross-border M&A transactions. Jean-Louis Frognet heads up the team.

The ‘highly responsive and well-organised team’ at DSM Avocats à la Cour provides ‘practical and commercial advice’ to companies from a range of industry sectors in relation to intra-group restructuring, corporate governance and M&A. The ‘very responsive and quick thinking’ Renaud Le Squeren co-heads the team alongside Mario Di Stefano, who handles some corporate real estate matters.

Regularly working alongside practitioners throughout the firm's global offices, particularly in Europe and the Middle-East, Eversheds Sutherland (Luxembourg) LLP has 'extensive experience handling cross-border transactions' for corporates and funds. Team head Holger Holle, who splits his time between Luxembourg and Munich, is particularly adept at providing the Luxembourg structuring pursuant to transactions with the TMT, real estate and industrials sectors. Yasman Ekrami is also a key member of the team and has 'deep knowledge of Luxembourg corporate law and requirements'.

Felten & Associes has expertise advising on the Luxembourg structuring of cross-border transactions within the real estate and financial sectors, in particular. In addition to M&A mandates, the team, under the guidance of the 'calm and highly committed' Bernard Felten also handles corporate governance work for companies established in Luxembourg.

Strengthened on the transactional front by the arrival in October 2023 of Anna Gassner from Luther S.A., who is adept at handling both private equity/venture capital and strategic investor-led work, GSK Stockmann's 'very collaborative, helpful and responsive team' continues to gain traction in the market in relation to both local and cross-border M&A transactions. For cross-border matters, the team often works alongside practitioners from its German offices, including in relation to corporate real estate mandates, an area that Gassner's co-head Philipp Moessner excels in.

Leveraging 'strong business understanding' across a range of regulated and unregulated industries, MOLITOR Avocats à la Cour SARL is well-versed in advising strategic investors on M&A transactions, including on matters where the target has substantial operational assets in Luxembourg.  'Very responsive and results-oriented' team head Chan Park takes the lead on much of this transactional work and also handles day-to-day corporate work for businesses, including incorporation and ongoing operational matters.

'Practical and client-friendly', as well as being 'technically very strong', Ogier has developed strong connections with many international law firms, who increasingly turn to the team to provide the Luxembourg structuring on cross-border M&A matters. Much of this relates to private equity-led investments, with Laurent Thailly standing out for his expertise in this regard, including on behalf of longstanding client Apax Partners. Bertrand Geradin co-heads the team alongside Thailly and as well as handling M&A work is also lauded for his 'excellent knowledge of Luxembourg corporate governance'.

Leveraging the firm’s core understanding of the asset management sector, unsurprisingly perhaps, Simmons & Simmons in Luxembourg is primarily focused on providing the Luxembourg law structuring advice pursuant to fund-led cross-border M&A. Thierry Somma and Arnaud Fostier  co-head the team and regularly work alongside offices throughout the firm’s European network of offices on transactions.

Since its establishment in March 2022, White & Case S.à r.l.‘s Luxembourg office has quickly established itself as a vital partner to the firm’s global capabilities, regularly providing the local law structuring on high-value cross-border mandates for major firmwide corporate and private equity clients. The team, which is co-headed by Thierry Bosly and Thomas Glauden, both of whom split their time between Luxembourg and Brussels, is appreciated for its ability to provide ‘pragmatic solutions that align with business objectives’ and as well as being a welcome recipient of internal referrals is also beginning to originate its own deal flow.

AKD is particularly adept at advising financial investors on both the buy and sell-side, with Cedric Bless continuing to provide Luxembourg law structuring advice to Bridgepoint on its cross-border M&A transactions. Nicolas Marchand co-heads the team alongside Bless.

The ‘very proactive and efficient’ team at former Wildgen spin-off Brouxel & Rabia Luxembourg Law Firm has strong ties in the Luxembourg corporate market, and under the guidance of the 'very reliable and knowledgeable’ François Brouxel is well-placed to handle a range of work, running the gamut from cross-border M&A and joint venture structuring, through to corporate compliance advice.

At Brucher Thieltgen & Partners, team head Nicolas Bernardy has 'great expertise of corporate Luxembourg law' which he deploys to good effect on behalf of companies on day-to-day corporate compliance and commercial contractual matters as well as M&A.

Now led by the 'knowledgeable and diligent' Baptiste Aubry  and also including the expertise of seasoned practitioner Marjorie Allo, Maples Group provides   'customer service oriented' advice to a range of international corporates and funds on the Luxembourg law issues associated with M&A and joint venture transactions as well as corporate restructuring mandates.

Co-headed by Isabelle Charlier and Yann Payen , the ‘responsive and very professional’ team at Pinsent Masons works on its own, as well as frequently alongside lawyers from across the firm's international network, on domestic and cross-border transactions and day-to-day operational corporate matters for a strong client base that includes many companies from core areas of sector strength including energy, financial services and real estate.

At VANDENBULKE, new team head Selim Souissi, who joined with two colleagues from Luther S.A. in May 2024, is noted for his abilities as ‘a deal maker with a global view of matters’. His arrival bolsters the team’s capabilities in the space in light of his skill at handling cross-border transactions for both private equity sponsors and corporates.