The new office is the law firm’s third in Europe and 15th worldwide. Partners Vincent Ponsonnaille and Laurent Victor-Michel joined the Firm earlier this year and will lead the new office.

European investment

Both lawyers are experience din the French private equity market, and will assist clients with deals in France and across Europe. Jeffrey C Hammes, chairman of Kirkland’s global management executive committee, said ‘Vincent and Laurent are recognised as two of the leading partners in the European private equity market. They will join us during a time of rapid growth and investment in our European offices. We are excited about the value they will bring for our private equity clients on transactions in France and globally, including with our leading teams in London and Munich.

Linklaters recruits

Mr. Ponsonnaille and Mr. Victor-Michel advise on complex mergers, acquisitions and investments for holders of private capital including financial sponsors and sovereign wealth funds. Mr Ponsonnaille was formerly a partner and co-leader of the financial sponsor group of Linklaters. Mr Victor-Michel was previously a partner in the Paris office of Linklaters. Kirkland has over 300 lawyers working across its offices in London and Munich.