Ropes & Gray has made a twin partner hire in Paris from Linklaters to boost its European private funds and tax coverage.
The incoming duo are Edouard Chapellier and Jonathan Abensour, who are also joined by a team of eight associates. Chapellier’s practice focuses on fund formation and tax advice to corporates, private equity firms and investment banks, including on secondaries deals, continuation funds and GP stakes, as well as leveraged buyouts, joint ventures and other acquisitions.
Abensour provides expertise on tax-related matters on M&A and private equity deals, alongside a full range of fund formation issues for private equity and other fund clients.
Fabrice Cohen, Paris managing partner and co-head of the European private equity transactions practice, said Chapellier and Abensour “are exceptionally well regarded in the French market for their expertise in private funds and tax work”, adding: “Their appointments mark a significant step forward for our Paris office, adding depth to our European private capital and strategic M&A practices, and reinforcing our ability to serve clients on their most complex matters.”
Chapellier arrives after 26 years at Linklaters, his only previous firm. Abensour arrives after 15 years at Linklaters, becoming a partner last year.
Tom Alabaster, a partner and head of the firm’s funds practice in EMEA, said: “Their arrival marks a significant milestone in the continued growth of our private funds and tax offering across the region. Both bring an exceptional depth of experience and insight into the complexities of fund formation and cross-border tax matters, which are increasingly critical for our clients.”
The duo are the latest partners to join Ropes & Gray’s Paris office, which first opened its doors in March last year. Following the team’s arrival from Linklaters, the Paris office is now home to 23 lawyers, including five partners.
Chapellier said: “With its industry-leading global private funds practice, Ropes & Gray is an ideal platform for us. The evolving private capital landscape in France and Europe presents meaningful opportunities, and we look forward to collaborating with our colleagues to help our global clients successfully navigate these developments.”
Other international firms building out in Paris include Eversheds Sutherland, which in November recruited former co-managing partner of Bird & Bird’s French offices Benjamine Fiedler along with a six-strong employment and labour team. And in September, Simmons & Simmons added two restructuring partners in Paris from Fidal – Isabelle Vincent and Arnaud Roiron.
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