In this field we act for our clients in relation to particular transactions, advise on long term strategy concerning shareholder issues, and resolve issues arising from the many declarative obligations facing listed companies.

Our practice areas

Our team supports leading French and foreign companies issuing securities and advises them in the following areas:

• Floatation / Issue of Financial Instruments:
  - Detailed consideration as to the appropriate exchange (Euronext, Alternext, Marché Libre) and the type of issue (public offering or private placement)
  - Assistance in negotiations with investors and finance houses
  - Drafting stock exchange documentation
  - Dealing with AMF (French market authority) procedure
  
• Public offerings and protective measures:
  - Assistance with implementing public offerings and mandatory withdrawal procedures
  - Advice on defending against a hostile takeover bid
  
• Creation of holding companies with a view to reducing tax on revenues or capital gains:
  - Advice on financial notices
  - Advice on tax strategy
  - Drafting prospectuses
  - Dealing with AMF procedure
  
• Advice to major shareholders in listed companies:
  - Structure of shareholder agreements and concerted action
  - Advising on asset transfer strategy
  
• Corporate governance
  - Senior management remuneration and retirement structure
  - Conformity with corporate governance rules
  
• Assistance and advice relating to yearly stock exchange obligations:
  - Advice on financial notices
  - Drafting reference documents and annual reports
  - Preparing for general meetings
  - Tracking one-time and recurring declarative obligations
  - Tracking legislative changes
  
• Contentious Stock Exchange issues:
  - Preventing breaches of legal and stock exchange regulations on market abuse
  - Advising on pre-litigation strategy
  - Assistance with inquiries 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
  
• The formation of dedicated teams, bringing together all the firm's expertise and allowing us to involve our most specialised personnel in taking the action most suited to the client and the nature of the instructions
  
• Thoroughness and rigour: an approach to advisory work which puts the emphasis on anticipating client needs, market reaction and potential disputes
  
• The ability to handle international matters through dedicated lawyers collaborating effectively with CMS's specialised units

Our clients

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