Law firm Stephenson Harwood LLP has expanded its private equity team in Paris with the arrival of partner Clotilde Billat.

For more than 10 years, Clotilde Billat has been advising many French and foreign investment funds in the structuring of their investments and divestments within the context of LBO and growth equity transactions. She also supports management teams on the structuring and negotiation of their management package, as well as French and foreign industrial groups in the context of external growth transactions and reorganisations. She joins the firm from Reed Smith, prior to which she worked at Mayer Brown and Linklaters.

“Growing our practice in Paris, and creating a strong European hub for the firm, is a strategic priority for Stephenson Harwood,” said Nicolas Demigneux, Stephenson Harwood’s office managing partner in Paris. “Clotilde is the fourth partner to join the Paris office so far this year, following the arrival of finance partner Laurence Hanley, competition partner Jean-Julien Lemonnier and employment partner Soazig Préteseille.

“Clotilde brings a broad corporate skill set, as well as a sharp focus on private equity, which really complements our existing corporate practice here in Paris. As well as having a clear vision and understanding of the French market, she has the energy and personal qualities that we’re looking for as we grow the office.”

Stephenson Harwood's international corporate practice acts for listed and private companies, international banks, private equity houses and management teams. The team advises clients on the full range of corporate activity, including public and private M&A, IPOs and capital markets, joint ventures, private equity and venture capital, across a wide variety of sectors.