In the securities law area we advise our clients on specific transactions as well as on long term strategy concerning shareholder issues and resolve issues arising from the many disclosure obligations facing listed companies.

Our practice areas

Our team supports leading French and foreign issuers and advises them in the following areas:

• Initial public offerings / Issue of Financial Instruments:
  - In-depth study as to appropriate exchange (Euronext, Alternext, Marché Libre) and the type of issue (public offering or private placement)
  - Support in negotiations with investors and financial institutions
  - Drafting securities exchange documentation
  - Dealing with AMF (French Securities Regulatory Body) procedures
  
• Public offerings and defensive strategies:
  - Assistance with implementing public offerings and squeeze out procedures
  - Advice on defending against hostile takeover bids
  
• Creation of holding companies with a view to reducing income tax or personal wealth tax (ISF):
  - Advice on financial advertising
  - Advice on tax strategy
  - Drafting prospectuses
  - Dealing with AMF procedures
  
• Advice to major shareholders in listed companies:
  - Structuring shareholder agreements and concerted action provisions
  - Advising on asset transfer strategies
  
• Corporate governance
  - Structuring management compensation and retirement plans
  - Compliance with corporate governance rules
  
• Assistance and advice relating to annual stock exchange obligations:
  - Advice on financial reporting
  - Drafting reference documents and annual reports
  - Preparation of annual shareholder meetings
  - Monitoring one-time and periodic disclosure obligations
  - Monitoring legislative developments
  
• Securities Litigation:
  - Prevention of insider trading and misfeasance
  - Advising on pre-litigation strategy
  - Assistance with investigations and hearings

Our approach

Our approach is based on:

• Support for our clients, as part of a long-term partnership which is based in turn on thorough knowledge of our clients' businesses, their competitive environment and the market constraints they face
  
• Responsiveness, which is often a decisive factor in market transactions
  
• Dedicated teams, combining all the firm's expertise and permitting our best specialists to take the action best suited to the client and the circumstances 
  
• Methodical precision: an approach to advisory work which places emphasis on anticipating client needs, market reaction and potential disputes
  
• The ability to handle international matters by dedicated lawyers collaborating effectively with specialised teams of CMS 

Our clients

• Listed companies of all sizes and in all market sectors
• Public companies
• Pre-listed companies
• Investment service providers