From its prominent position in banking and asset finance, the office has developed its capabilities in the areas of corporate, real estate and tax law and offers a litigation practice with particular expertise in insurance and the African region.
Our lawyers fully understand our clients business needs and the issues and risks they face. We pride ourselves on providing business minded and pragmatic advice. Many of our lawyers are qualified in multiple jurisdictions, which ensures a seamless, efficient service on cross-border transactions.
We represent many leading international banks, investment funds, directors and managers, general corporates, ship owners, airlines, rail operators and leasing companies.
We provide a broad range of services including asset finance, project finance, acquisition finance, private equity, investments, mergers and acquisitions, real estate, insolvency and restructuring, litigation, insurance, tax and competition law.
We share an entrepreneurial and innovative vision of the profession. Thanks to our expertise and in-depth knowledge of the market, we embrace a facilitating vision for each new case and are focused on creating value. Synergies with the other offices in the network offer the advantages of an international firm while keeping the agility and flexibility of a Paris office close to its clients.
“Stephenson Harwood has 'excellent lawyers with high-level skills and a dedicated approach who are very proactive and listen to clients' needs'”.
The Legal 500 EMEA 2020
€42 million vessel financing
We advised BNP Paribas and CEPAC on the financing of a fleet of seismic support vessels by way of a French tax lease structure.
Commerzbank Holdings
We advised on bank regulatory issues for a foreign bank established in France, including advice on issues concerning the Bank of France, banking regulations relating to changes in corporate governance and capital risk requirement calculations.
Natixis
We advised Natixis on the French tax lease financing for the purchase of vessels by Jaccar Holdings.
Bridgepoint/Compagnie du Ponant
We advised on the financing of a luxury cruise vessel, by way of a French tax lease supported by SACE, the Italian export-credit agency. This was an innovative financial structure between France and Italy, developed for a previous deal on which the Paris team advised Compagnie du Ponant.
Lion Air Group, including Transportation Partners, Thai Lion Air and Lion Air
We advised on the acquisition and financing of a fleet of Boeing 737 aircraft and ATR 72 aircraft, as well as aircraft engines and flight simulators, by way of diverse and complex financing structures.
Air Côte d'Ivoire
We advised Air Côte d'Ivoire on the leasing, acquisition and financing of their current fleet of aircraft, including the acquisition and financing of two new Bombardier Q400 aircraft.
Private school acquisition
We advised a holding company owning and operating specialised private schools in France and Italy on the acquisition of several private educational establishments privately controlled by investment funds or natural persons.
Jardiland
We advised the new management of Jardiland in relation to its investment in Jardiland, the leading distributor of garden and pet animal products in France.
€900 million restructuring
We advised the management of a concrete production group (controlled by a major private equity house) during its financial restructuring with respect to a new management package.
Lukoil Overseas
We assisted on a search and rescue matter following the crash of a helicopter operated by the local airline carrier, in coastal waters offshore Ghana.
GDF Suez
We acted for GDF Suez and three ship owners in a €42 million judiciary action against CAT and ALSTOM.
Debt restructuring
We advised a Madagascan sea food export company on the restructuring of their debt within a conciliation procedure.