Private Equity

Our department offers unique experience in all aspects of cross-border private and public private equity sector representation. We handle all stages of the private equity cycle, from fund formation and fund-raising to early-stage investments as well as leveraged buy-outs and build-ups.

We focus on the full range of corporate growth transactions for private equity funds, both directly and in connection with co-investments.  The skills of our dedicated team are backed by those of our other practices which includes tax, employment, competition, banking & finance, disputes, and restructuring. 

Investment Funds (fund formation, regulatory, tax)

Venture & Development Capital

Leverage Transactions (LBO, LMBO, LMBI, etc), Build-Up (LBU)

Management Package

Mezzanine & Senior Debt

Private Investment in Public Equity (PIPE)

WHAT THEY SAY
  • Legal 500 EMEA 2023: ranked in Private Equity: LBO
    ‘Strong partner involvement and only senior associates with relevant knowledge and experience.’
    ‘Lionel Lesur and Laura Danet demonstrated very strong engagement and availability. On top of M&A/PE Lionel Lesur was also very knowledgeable in competition law, providing very clear guidance and pragmatic on these – sometimes – quite obscure matters of EU competition law. Very good knowledge of the practice, of the sector, and precedents, including in emerging markets. Excellent ability to work with other advisors. Very good quality of documents produced. Excellent at advocating and defending client position.’
    ‘The Franklin team is tight and offers quality service on classic M&A transactional themes. During their last transaction with us, I was particularly impressed by their responsiveness and their ability to collaborate effectively and coordinate a large number of stakeholders. The pleasant mode of collaboration and the quality of the work make me want to renew the experience.’
  • Option Droit & Affaires 2023: quoted in the category Equity development and LBOs, the majority of which involve companies with less than €50 million in assets (3 stars)
  • Legal 500 EMEA 2022: Private Equity: LBO
  • Leaders League 2022 : “Mid-cap LBO transactions” and “Acquisition financing”
  • Option Droit & Affaires 2022 : mentioned in the top law firms Private Equity ranking for upper mid-cap LBO transactions (under €50)
  • Leaders League 2021 : “Mid-cap LBO transactions” and “Acquisition financing”
  • Option Droit & Affaires 2021 : mentioned in the top law firms Private Equity ranking for upper mid-cap LBO transactions (€50 to 300 million).
  • Option Droit & Affaires 2020 : mentioned in the top law firms Private Equity ranking for upper mid-cap LBO transactions (€50 to 300 million).
  • Franklin was ranked in the Private Equity section of the 2019 IFLR1000 guide.
  • Option Droit & Affaires 2019: mentioned in the top law firms Private Equity ranking for upper mid-cap LBO transactions (€50 to 300 million).
  • CF News 2018 League Tables: Franklin is listed among the best law firms for the “Corporate financing” section.
  • Leaders League 2019 – “Listed companies and CAC 40” guide: strong reputation in the financing section of transactions over 500 M€.
  • Leaders League 2019 – both “Private Equity” and “Entrepreneurs and Executives” guides: excellent in the “LBO mid cap” section.
  • Chambers 2017 – What the team is known for: Advises on mid-market matters with notable industry knowledge in TMT and real estate-related transactions. Lawyers handle a range of acquisitions, investment vehicles and fund structuring matters. Team advises both French-based and US private equity investors.