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GATE Avocats specializes in business law and supports its clients at decisive moments in their operations, through both advisory and litigation services.

GATE Avocats’ partners share the same vision of their profession: a customized added-value approach characterized by close involvement with their clients.

As a strategic partner, GATE Avocats advises its clients on M&A transactions, competition law and conflict resolution.

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VENTURE CAPITAL AND PRIVATE EQUITY
We advise both company management seeking new capital and private investors and private equity funds with their fundraising transactions, negotiating shareholders’ agreements and monitoring their investments. 
COMPETITION LAW
AND ECONOMIC LAW
We represent our clients in merger control proceedings both in France and before the European Commission. We also coordinate with local partners to carry out the notifications required for a given transaction in other jurisdictions. 

We also represent our clients in competition litigation, acting for complainant companies in direct suits brought before the competition authorities (French Competition Authority (Autorité de la concurrence) or European Commission) or defending companies being sued before these authorities. We assist our clients at all stages of the dispute, from dawn raids to appeals before the competition authorities and national and European courts. Finally, we represent clients in alternative dispute resolution procedures (leniency, settlements, cooperation). 

In addition, we help clients identify and manage their antitrust risks. In particular, we assist clients with conducting due diligence audits aimed at providing an assessment of agreements (vertical or horizontal) and ensuring that they comply with competition laws. We also frequently design and help implement compliance programs and train in-house teams on competition law issues.  

PRIVATE CLIENTS

We advise entrepreneurs and families on structuring their professional assets, particularly in the context of M&A  transactions (pre-sale reorganization: deferred capital gains tax schemes, transfer to future generations) or family transfers (Pactes Dutreil, split of ownership). Our team also has extensive experience in the taxation of trusts, estate planning (tax and civil matters), international successions, real estate investments and tax compliance (IFI, income tax, etc.).

TAX LITIGATION

We assist our clients in the context of tax audits or reassessments: analysis of the risk, preparation of the audit, assistance during the audit operations, representation of our clients throughout the procedure, development of a strategy to preserve their rights and negotiations with tax authorities and referral to the relevant committees and interlocutors.
We also assist our clients before civil and administrative Courts during litigation.

CORPORATE
We offer our clients comprehensive services in business law, covering the principal aspects of their economic activities and the life of their company: mergers and acquisitions, joint-ventures, strategic alliances, external growth transactions, disposals, restructurings.

More generally, our partners advise their clients on all their company law issues. 

SECURITIES LAW
We assist our clients, including executives and shareholders of listed companies, with strategic transactions (IPOs, tender offers, squeeze-outs, and exempt securities offerings) and more generally with compliance issues arising from their regulatory obligations and in their relations with the French Financial Markets Authority (Autorité des marchés financiers). 

We defend our clients’ interests in securities litigation and market abuse proceedings before the French Financial Markets Authority’s sanctions committee and appellate bodies. 

DISPUTE RESOLUTION
We defend our clients’ interests in the areas of business law (including white collar crime), banking law and insolvency law, both in the pre-litigation phase and before courts, arbitral tribunals and independent administrative authorities

TRANSACTIONAL AND CORPORATE TAXATION

We advise investment funds, companies and entrepreneurs in connection with their M&A transactions (M&A, private equity, venture capital, LBOs). Our team has a strong experience in the field of tax structuring, tax audits and tax VDD. We assist companies in monitoring their tax situation, reorganizations and tax litigation. We also advise management teams or investment funds on structuring and implementing management packages. Our tax team also advises our clients in relation to the creation of private equity funds.

CORPORATE
We offer our clients comprehensive services in business law, covering the principal aspects of their economic activities and the life of their company: mergers and acquisitions, joint-ventures, strategic alliances, external growth transactions, disposals, restructurings.

More generally, our partners advise their clients on all their company law issues. 

VENTURE CAPITAL AND PRIVATE EQUITY
We advise both company management seeking new capital and private investors and private equity funds with their fundraising transactions, negotiating shareholders’ agreements and monitoring their investments. 
SECURITIES LAW
We assist our clients, including executives and shareholders of listed companies, with strategic transactions (IPOs, tender offers, squeeze-outs, and exempt securities offerings) and more generally with compliance issues arising from their regulatory obligations and in their relations with the French Financial Markets Authority (Autorité des marchés financiers). 

We defend our clients’ interests in securities litigation and market abuse proceedings before the French Financial Markets Authority’s sanctions committee and appellate bodies. 

COMPETITION LAW
AND ECONOMIC LAW
We represent our clients in merger control proceedings both in France and before the European Commission. We also coordinate with local partners to carry out the notifications required for a given transaction in other jurisdictions. 

We also represent our clients in competition litigation, acting for complainant companies in direct suits brought before the competition authorities (French Competition Authority (Autorité de la concurrence) or European Commission) or defending companies being sued before these authorities. We assist our clients at all stages of the dispute, from dawn raids to appeals before the competition authorities and national and European courts. Finally, we represent clients in alternative dispute resolution procedures (leniency, settlements, cooperation). 

In addition, we help clients identify and manage their antitrust risks. In particular, we assist clients with conducting due diligence audits aimed at providing an assessment of agreements (vertical or horizontal) and ensuring that they comply with competition laws. We also frequently design and help implement compliance programs and train in-house teams on competition law issues.  

DISPUTE RESOLUTION
We defend our clients’ interests in the areas of business law (including white collar crime), banking law and insolvency law, both in the pre-litigation phase and before courts, arbitral tribunals and independent administrative authorities

TRANSACTIONAL AND CORPORATE TAXATION

We advise investment funds, companies and entrepreneurs in connection with their M&A transactions (M&A, private equity, venture capital, LBOs). Our team has a strong experience in the field of tax structuring, tax audits and tax VDD. We assist companies in monitoring their tax situation, reorganizations and tax litigation. We also advise management teams or investment funds on structuring and implementing management packages. Our tax team also advises our clients in relation to the creation of private equity funds.

PRIVATE CLIENTS

We advise entrepreneurs and families on structuring their professional assets, particularly in the context of M&A  transactions (pre-sale reorganization: deferred capital gains tax schemes, transfer to future generations) or family transfers (Pactes Dutreil, split of ownership). Our team also has extensive experience in the taxation of trusts, estate planning (tax and civil matters), international successions, real estate investments and tax compliance (IFI, income tax, etc.).

TAX LITIGATION

We assist our clients in the context of tax audits or reassessments: analysis of the risk, preparation of the audit, assistance during the audit operations, representation of our clients throughout the procedure, development of a strategy to preserve their rights and negotiations with tax authorities and referral to the relevant committees and interlocutors.
We also assist our clients before civil and administrative Courts during litigation.

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The partners
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JULIEN AUGAIS
Member of the Paris bar
Send an email

Julien Augais represents French and international clients operating in the industrial, banking & financial and distribution sectors. More specifically, he specializes in mergers and acquisitions, corporate governance, contracts, and distressed companies. As a litigator, he represents clients before the civil, commercial, and criminal courts, arbitral tribunals and the French Financial Markets Authority (Autorité des marchés financiers).

Before co-founding GATE Avocats in 2012, Julien practiced law for seven years at Willkie Farr & Gallagher LLP and Davis Polk Wardwell LLP.

Julien has taught contract law at Université Panthéon-Sorbonne (Paris I). He’s rated as a “best lawyer” in “Litigation” by the American magazine Best Lawyers  and as “excellent” in Mergers and Acquisitions – Distressed M&A by Décideurs Magazine. Julien Augais is a member of Droit & Procedure, a French organization focusing on civil law and procedural issues.

EDUCATION:

– Master of Advanced Studies (DEA), general private law, Université Paris II Panthéon-Assas
– Master’s, business law, Université Paris II Panthéon-Assas

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LOUISE-MARIE

GUILLET

Member of the Paris bar
Send an email

Louise-Marie Guillet has more than 10 years’ experience in advising and litigating in the areas of  mergers and acquisitions, private equity, and financial markets law. Before joining GATE Avocats in 2018, Louise-Marie was an associate with Vigué Schmidt and then a partner at Carmin Avocats, which she co-founded.

Louise-Maire assists her clients, which range from listed and private companies, executives and shareholders, in the key stages of their development, focusing principally on mergers and acquisitions, strategic alliances, and private equity. 

Louise-Marie also represents her clients both in pre-litigation and before the courts in complex M&A litigation, shareholder disputes and commercial litigation. She also represents her clients in market abuse and securities litigation before the French Financial Markets Authority (Autorité des marchés financiers).

Louise-Marie has also taught company law at Université Paris II Panthéon-Assas.

EDUCATION:

– Essec Business School
– Master II, business and tax law, Université Paris II Panthéon-Assas

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JULIEN MOUGEL
Member of the Paris bar
Send an email

Julien Mougel joined GATE Avocats as a partner in 2012. He previously was a partner at Willkie Farr & Gallagher LLP, where he practiced for over 11 years, and worked in house at BNP Paribas as M&A counsel. 

Julien’s practice primarily focuses on M&A transactions (acquisitions, disposals, minority/majority investments, alliances and partnerships).  Julien has particular expertise in capital raising, venture capital and private equity more generally. 

In securities law matters, Julien assists clients with investments in listed companies, tender offers, de-listings, and the issuance of shares, bonds and complex securities. Julien also advises clients with respect to the preparation of their annual reports and prospectus and their ongoing disclosure requirements.

Julien taught securities law at the Université de Nancy for several years and has taught international M&A practice at Science Po Paris.

EDUCATION:

– ESCP Europe (cursus international Paris/Oxford/Berlin)
– DESS, tax and business law,  DJCE (Université de Nancy)
National lauréat, Concours Général de droit privé

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TIMOTHÉE GIARD
Member of the Paris and Madrid bars
Send an email

Timothée Giard has practiced both in law firms and in-house. After having been an attorney with Cleary Gottlieb Gottlieb Steen & Hamilton LLP and Gibson Dunn LLP, Timothée Giard joined LVMH Moët Hennessy – Louis Vuitton as the Chief of Staff to the Group’s Vice-President before co-founding GATE Avocats.

Timothée’s practice is principally focused on European and French competition and consumer law, on which he advises and litigates. Timothée has also developed recognized expertise in on online distribution and e-commerce issues. He also assists clients with mergers and acquisitions. 

Timothée’s expertise is further bolstered by his teaching and research activities. Since 2015, Timothée has taught competition law at Science Po Paris’s law school. Since 2018, he has been a Visiting Researcher at UCLA School of Law. 

EDUCATION:

– Visiting Researcher, UCLA, Los Angeles, Etats-Unis
– LL.M. McGill University, Montréal, Canada
– Institut d’Etudes Politiques de Paris (Sciences Po)
– Licenciatura en derecho, Universidad Complutense de Madrid
– Maîtrise en droit, Université Paris I Panthéon-Sorbonne

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ARNAUD LARROUSSE
Member of the Paris bar
Send an email

Arnaud Larrousse has over 20 years’ experience representing a broad range of French and international clients, which has enabled him to develop an extensive understanding of mergers & acquisitions, private equity, securities law and company law.

His practice covers a wide range of often complex transactions and draws on solid experience in business litigation. Arnaud’s most recent representations have involved the construction, medical biology and wine-producing sectors. 

Before joining GATE Avocats as a partner in 2014, Arnaud headed Bird & Bird’s France Corporate department. He commenced his career as a lawyer in 1998 with Rambaud Martel where was he named partner in 2004 (Rambaud Martel became Orrick Rambaud Martel in 2006).

Arnaud is rated as a “Best Lawyer” in corporate law, mergers and acquisitions law, and securities law by Best Lawyers.  

EDUCATION:

– Master’s, business law, Université Paris II Panthéon-Assas
– Institut d’Etudes Judiciaires, Université Paris II Panthéon-Assas

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THOMAS VERDEIL

Member of the Paris bar
Send an email

Thomas Verdeil joined GATE Avocats as a partner in charge of the tax practice in 2022. He specializes in the taxation of business acquisitions and disposals (M&A, private equity, venture capital, and leveraged buyouts). He advises investment funds, companies, entrepreneurs and family shareholders on all tax issues related to their transactions (tax structuring, tax audits, tax VDD) and their holdings (monitoring their tax situation, reorganizations and tax litigation).

He has also developed expertise in the fields of private clients, taxation of investment funds and tax litigation and advises investment funds or management teams on structuring and implementing management packages.

Thomas recently advised the Zouari family on the structuring of their acquisition of a 43% stake in Picard Surgelés, and on the acquisition of the Maxi Bazar and Stokomani groups. He has advised Apax Partners, Chequers Capital, IN Group and Turenne Capital Partenaires in numerous LBO transactions and acquisitions or disposals. He also acted for the founders in the sale of Sketchfab to Epic Games and Harwell Management to CGI.

Prior to joining GATE Avocats, Thomas was a partner at Sekri Valentin Zerrouk since 2018, and practiced at Freshfields, Bruckhaus, Deringer LLP, and Lamartine Conseil, as well as in the legal and tax department of the Nestlé Waters group.

Thomas is a lecturer at the University of Cergy-Pontoise (LBO taxation, taxation of restructuring operations, tax implications of LBOs for managers and shareholders). He also lectures on taxation at the ESSEC Business School.

He is a member of the IFA (International Fiscal Association) and the IACF (Institut des Avocats Conseils Fiscaux).

EDUCATION:

– LL.M. in International taxation – New York University School of Law
– Master’s Degree in International Taxation – University of Paris II – Panthéon-Assas
– Master’s Degree in Business Law and Taxation – University of Paris I – Panthéon-Sorbonne

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Counsels

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JEAN BARROUILLET

Member of the Paris bar
Send an email

Jean Barrouillet joined GATE Avocats in 2022 as counsel.
He advises private clients and managers on the tax structuring of their private investments (assets acquisitions and disposals, equity investments, estate planning, etc.) as well as professional assets (choice of ownership structures, structuring of compensation, reorganization of groups prior to disposals, business transfers via Pactes Dutreil or charitable organizations, etc.).

He also has a strong expertise in advising executives on structuring and implementing management packages. He recently advised the management of ba&sh in connection with the acquisition of an equity stake by the investment fund HLD and the management of QIMA in connection with the
acquisition of an equity stake by the Caisse des dépôts et placements du Québec (CDPQ).

Jean also assists clients in tax audits and litigations. He assists them during tax audits and represents them before the French civil and administrative courts, both in first instance and on appeal. He has recently been involved in tax audits in relation to French real estate wealth tax (IFI) and trust-related issues.

Prior to joining GATE Avocats, Jean was an associate at Sekri Valentin Zerrouk since 2020, alongside Thomas Verdeil, and spent 6 years as an associate at Schmidt Brunet Litzler.

He is a member of the IACF (Institut des Avocats Conseils Fiscaux).

EDUCATION:

– LL.M. in International taxation – New York University School of Law
– Master’s Degree in International Taxation – University of Paris II – Panthéon-Assas
– Master’s Degree in Business Law and Taxation – University of Paris I – Panthéon-Sorbonne

PUBLICATIONS:

– Pactes Dutreil : un durcissement des conditions ! (Revue Gestion de Fortune – Octobre 2022)
– Le Conseil d’Etat se prononce sur l’imposition d’une plus-value de cession d’un partnership américain,
(Le Monde du droit – 13 septembre 2022)
– Pacte Dutreil : un dispositif davantage sécurisé (Revue Gestion de Fortune – février 2022)

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ALEXANDRE ZEITOUN
Member of the Paris bar
Send an email

Alexandre Zeitoun joined GATE Avocats as an associate in 2014.

He mainly advises on corporate law, in particular on mergers and acquisitions, private equity and venture capital transactions.

EDUCATION:

– Master II, International business law, Université Paris V Paris-Descartes

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CÉLINE RAYNAL

Member of the Paris bar
Send an email

Céline Raynal joined GATE Avocats in 2022 as counsel specialized in corporate law. She advises managers, shareholders or investment funds on venture capital and private equity transactions as well as on acquisitions, disposals and corporate restructurings.

Céline recently advised the BasicNet group on the acquisition of K-Way France, as well as BK Consulting, its founders and its managers, on the opening of its capital to Société Générale Capital Partenaires. She has also advised Turenne Capital Partenaires and iM Global Partner in numerous acquisitions or disposals.

Prior to joining GATE Avocats, Céline was an associate at Sekri Valentin Zerrouk since 2015.

EDUCATION:

– Master’s degree in international business law, Université Paris-Saclay (2012)
– MSC in Management (Grande Ecole degree), EM Lyon Business School (2015)

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The associates
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SACHA ASSUIED
Member of the Paris bar
Send an email

Sacha Assuied joined GATE Avocats as an associate in 2022.

He mainly advises on corporate law, in particular on mergers and acquisitions, private equity and venture capital transactions.

Before joining the firm, Sacha completed an internship in the M&A and private equity department of a leading Parisian business law firm and was a jurist in a luxury cosmetics  company.

EDUCATION:

– Master II Economic Law – Companies, Markets and Regulations – Sciences Po Paris Law School

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ARMELLE BELLON

Member of the Paris bar
Send an email

Armelle Bellon joined GATE Avocats as an associate in 2021.

As a litigator, she represents clients before the civil, commercial and criminal courts, arbitral tribunals and the French Financial Markets Authority.

Before joining the firm, Armelle completed several internships in the litigation departments of Parisian law firms and multinational corporations.

EDUCATION:

– DJCE – Master II Business and tax law, Université Jean Moulin Lyon III

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NATASSIA LOISON

Member of the Paris bar
Send an email

Natassia Loison joined GATE Avocats as an associate in 2023.

She mainly advises on corporate law, in particular on mergers and acquisitions, private equity and venture capital transactions.

Before joining the firm, Natassia completed several internships in law firms and in the mediation department of the “Autorité des marchés financiers”.

EDUCATION:

– Master 2 Law, Entrepreneurship and Digital (LEAD), Université Paris-Saclay (2022)

– Master 2 Business Law with a specialisation in consumer law and commercial practices, CY Cergy Paris Université (2021)

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RAPHAËL BEAUD
Member of the Paris bar
Send an email

Raphaël Beaud joined GATE Avocats in 2020.

He mainly advises on corporate law, in particular on mergers and acquisitions, private equity and venture capital transactions.

Before joining the firm, Raphaël completed several internships in law firms and investment banks.

EDUCATION:

– Master II Droit des Affaires – Université Paris II Panthéon-Assas

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ALIX BROUARD

Member of the Paris bar
Send an email

Alix Brouard joined GATE Avocats as an associate in 2023.

She specializes in tax issues relating to business acquisitions and disposals as well as private clients. Her practice covers both advice and assistance in the context of tax audits and litigation.

Before joining the firm, Alix had been an associate at Tirard Naudin since 2021.

EDUCATION:

– Master Degree in Tax Law, Université Paris V Descartes (2018)

– LLM in International Tax Law, King’s College London (2020)

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The partners
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JULIEN AUGAIS
Member of the Paris bar
Send an email

Julien Augais represents French and international clients operating in the industrial, banking & financial and distribution sectors. More specifically, he specializes in mergers and acquisitions, corporate governance, contracts, and distressed companies. As a litigator, he represents clients before the civil, commercial, and criminal courts, arbitral tribunals and the French Financial Markets Authority (Autorité des marchés financiers).

Before co-founding GATE Avocats in 2012, Julien practiced law for seven years at Willkie Farr & Gallagher LLP and Davis Polk Wardwell LLP.

Julien has taught contract law at Université Panthéon-Sorbonne (Paris I). He’s rated as a “best lawyer” in “Litigation” by the American magazine Best Lawyers  and as “excellent” in Mergers and Acquisitions – Distressed M&A by Décideurs Magazine. Julien Augais is a member of Droit & Procedure, a French organization focusing on civil law and procedural issues.

EDUCATION:

– Master of Advanced Studies (DEA), general private law, Université Paris II Panthéon-Assas
– Master’s, business law, Université Paris II Panthéon-Assas

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TIMOTHÉE GIARD
Member of the Paris and Madrid bars
Send an email

Timothée Giard has practiced both in law firms and in-house. After having been an attorney with Cleary Gottlieb Gottlieb Steen & Hamilton LLP and Gibson Dunn LLP, Timothée Giard joined LVMH Moët Hennessy – Louis Vuitton as the Chief of Staff to the Group’s Vice-President before co-founding GATE Avocats.

Timothée’s practice is principally focused on European and French competition and consumer law, on which he advises and litigates. Timothée has also developed recognized expertise in on online distribution and e-commerce issues. He also assists clients with mergers and acquisitions. 

Timothée’s expertise is further bolstered by his teaching and research activities. Since 2015, Timothée has taught competition law at Science Po Paris’s law school. Since 2018, he has been a Visiting Researcher at UCLA School of Law. 

EDUCATION:

– Visiting Researcher, UCLA, Los Angeles, Etats-Unis
– LL.M. McGill University, Montréal, Canada
– Institut d’Etudes Politiques de Paris (Sciences Po)
– Licenciatura en derecho, Universidad Complutense de Madrid
– Maîtrise en droit, Université Paris I Panthéon-Sorbonne

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LOUISE-MARIE

GUILLET

Member of the Paris bar
Send an email

Louise-Marie Guillet has more than 10 years’ experience in advising and litigating in the areas of  mergers and acquisitions, private equity, and financial markets law. Before joining GATE Avocats in 2018, Louise-Marie was an associate with Vigué Schmidt and then a partner at Carmin Avocats, which she co-founded.

Louise-Maire assists her clients, which range from listed and private companies, executives and shareholders, in the key stages of their development, focusing principally on mergers and acquisitions, strategic alliances, and private equity. 

Louise-Marie also represents her clients both in pre-litigation and before the courts in complex M&A litigation, shareholder disputes and commercial litigation. She also represents her clients in market abuse and securities litigation before the French Financial Markets Authority (Autorité des marchés financiers).

Louise-Marie has also taught company law at Université Paris II Panthéon-Assas.

EDUCATION:

– Essec Business School
– Master II, business and tax law, Université Paris II Panthéon-Assas

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ARNAUD LARROUSSE
Member of the Paris bar
Send an email

Arnaud Larrousse has over 20 years’ experience representing a broad range of French and international clients, which has enabled him to develop an extensive understanding of mergers & acquisitions, private equity, securities law and company law.

His practice covers a wide range of often complex transactions and draws on solid experience in business litigation. Arnaud’s most recent representations have involved the construction, medical biology and wine-producing sectors. 

Before joining GATE Avocats as a partner in 2014, Arnaud headed Bird & Bird’s France Corporate department. He commenced his career as a lawyer in 1998 with Rambaud Martel where was he named partner in 2004 (Rambaud Martel became Orrick Rambaud Martel in 2006).

Arnaud is rated as a “Best Lawyer” in corporate law, mergers and acquisitions law, and securities law by Best Lawyers.  

EDUCATION:

– Master’s, business law, Université Paris II Panthéon-Assas
– Institut d’Etudes Judiciaires, Université Paris II Panthéon-Assas

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JULIEN MOUGEL
Member of the Paris bar
Send an email

Julien Mougel joined GATE Avocats as a partner in 2012. He previously was a partner at Willkie Farr & Gallagher LLP, where he practiced for over 11 years, and worked in house at BNP Paribas as M&A counsel. 

Julien’s practice primarily focuses on M&A transactions (acquisitions, disposals, minority/majority investments, alliances and partnerships).  Julien has particular expertise in capital raising, venture capital and private equity more generally. 

In securities law matters, Julien assists clients with investments in listed companies, tender offers, de-listings, and the issuance of shares, bonds and complex securities. Julien also advises clients with respect to the preparation of their annual reports and prospectus and their ongoing disclosure requirements.

Julien taught securities law at the Université de Nancy for several years and has taught international M&A practice at Science Po Paris.

EDUCATION:

– ESCP Europe (cursus international Paris/Oxford/Berlin)
– DESS, tax and business law,  DJCE (Université de Nancy)
National lauréat, Concours Général de droit privé

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THOMAS VERDEIL

Member of the Paris bar
Send an email

Thomas Verdeil joined GATE Avocats as a partner in charge of the tax practice in 2022. He specializes in the taxation of business acquisitions and disposals (M&A, private equity, venture capital, and leveraged buyouts). He advises investment funds, companies, entrepreneurs and family shareholders on all tax issues related to their transactions (tax structuring, tax audits, tax VDD) and their holdings (monitoring their tax situation, reorganizations and tax litigation).

He has also developed expertise in the fields of private clients, taxation of investment funds and tax litigation and advises investment funds or management teams on structuring and implementing management packages.

Thomas recently advised the Zouari family on the structuring of their acquisition of a 43% stake in Picard Surgelés, and on the acquisition of the Maxi Bazar and Stokomani groups. He has advised Apax Partners, Chequers Capital, IN Group and Turenne Capital Partenaires in numerous LBO transactions and acquisitions or disposals. He also acted for the founders in the sale of Sketchfab to Epic Games and Harwell Management to CGI.

Prior to joining GATE Avocats, Thomas was a partner at Sekri Valentin Zerrouk since 2018, and practiced at Freshfields, Bruckhaus, Deringer LLP, and Lamartine Conseil, as well as in the legal and tax department of the Nestlé Waters group.

Thomas is a lecturer at the University of Cergy-Pontoise (LBO taxation, taxation of restructuring operations, tax implications of LBOs for managers and shareholders). He also lectures on taxation at the ESSEC Business School.

He is a member of the IFA (International Fiscal Association) and the IACF (Institut des Avocats Conseils Fiscaux).

EDUCATION:

– LL.M. in International taxation – New York University School of Law
– Master’s Degree in International Taxation – University of Paris II – Panthéon-Assas
– Master’s Degree in Business Law and Taxation – University of Paris I – Panthéon-Sorbonne

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Counsels

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JEAN BARROUILLET

Member of the Paris bar
Send an email

Jean Barrouillet joined GATE Avocats in 2022 as counsel.
He advises private clients and managers on the tax structuring of their private investments (assets acquisitions and disposals, equity investments, estate planning, etc.) as well as professional assets (choice of ownership structures, structuring of compensation, reorganization of groups prior to disposals, business transfers via Pactes Dutreil or charitable organizations, etc.).

He also has a strong expertise in advising executives on structuring and implementing management packages. He recently advised the management of ba&sh in connection with the acquisition of an equity stake by the investment fund HLD and the management of QIMA in connection with the
acquisition of an equity stake by the Caisse des dépôts et placements du Québec (CDPQ).

Jean also assists clients in tax audits and litigations. He assists them during tax audits and represents them before the French civil and administrative courts, both in first instance and on appeal. He has recently been involved in tax audits in relation to French real estate wealth tax (IFI) and trust-related
issues.

Prior to joining GATE Avocats, Jean was an associate at Sekri Valentin Zerrouk since 2020, alongside Thomas Verdeil, and spent 6 years as an associate at Schmidt Brunet Litzler.

He is a member of the IACF (Institut des Avocats Conseils Fiscaux).

EDUCATION:

– LL.M. in International taxation – New York University School of Law
– Master’s Degree in International Taxation – University of Paris II – Panthéon-Assas
– Master’s Degree in Business Law and Taxation – University of Paris I – Panthéon-Sorbonne

PUBLICATIONS:

– Pactes Dutreil : un durcissement des conditions ! (Revue Gestion de Fortune – Octobre 2022)
– Le Conseil d’Etat se prononce sur l’imposition d’une plus-value de cession d’un partnership américain,
(Le Monde du droit – 13 septembre 2022)
– Pacte Dutreil : un dispositif davantage sécurisé (Revue Gestion de Fortune – février 2022)

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CÉLINE RAYNAL

Member of the Paris bar
Send an email

Céline Raynal joined GATE Avocats in 2022 as counsel specialized in corporate law. She advises managers, shareholders or investment funds on venture capital and private equity transactions as well as on acquisitions, disposals and corporate restructurings.

Céline recently advised the BasicNet group on the acquisition of K-Way France, as well as BK Consulting, its founders and its managers, on the opening of its capital to Société Générale Capital Partenaires. She has also advised Turenne Capital Partenaires and iM Global Partner in numerous acquisitions or disposals.

Prior to joining GATE Avocats, Céline was an associate at Sekri Valentin Zerrouk since 2015.

EDUCATION:

– Master’s degree in international business law, Université Paris-Saclay (2012)
– MSC in Management (Grande Ecole degree), EM Lyon Business School (2015)

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ALEXANDRE ZEITOUN
Member of the Paris bar
Send an email

Alexandre Zeitoun joined GATE Avocats as an associate in 2014.

He mainly advises on corporate law, in particular on mergers and acquisitions, private equity and venture capital transactions.

EDUCATION:

– Master II, International business law, Université Paris V Paris-Descartes

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The associates
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SACHA ASSUIED
Member of the Paris bar
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Sacha Assuied joined GATE Avocats as an associate in 2022.

He mainly advises on corporate law, in particular on mergers and acquisitions, private equity and venture capital transactions.

Before joining the firm, Sacha completed an internship in the M&A and private equity department of a leading Parisian business law firm and was a jurist in a luxury cosmetics company.

EDUCATION:

– Master II Economic Law – Companies, Markets and Regulations – Sciences Po Paris Law School

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RAPHAËL BEAUD
Member of the Paris bar
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Raphaël Beaud joined GATE Avocats in 2020.

He mainly advises on corporate law, in particular on mergers and acquisitions, private equity and venture capital transactions.

Before joining the firm, Raphaël completed several internships in law firms and investment banks.

EDUCATION:

– Master II Droit des Affaires – Université Paris II Panthéon-Assas

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ARMELLE BELLON

Member of the Paris bar
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Armelle Bellon joined GATE Avocats as an associate in 2021.

As a litigator, she represents clients before the civil, commercial and criminal courts, arbitral tribunals and the French Financial Markets Authority.

Before joining the firm, Armelle completed several internships in the litigation departments of Parisian law firms and multinational corporations.

EDUCATION:

DJCE – Master II Business and tax law, Université Jean Moulin Lyon III

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ALIX BROUARD

Member of the Paris bar
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Alix Brouard joined GATE Avocats as an associate in 2023.

She specializes in tax issues relating to business acquisitions and disposals as well as private clients. Her practice covers both advice and assistance in the context of tax audits and litigation.

Before joining the firm, Alix had been an associate at Tirard Naudin since 2021.

EDUCATION:

– Master Degree in Tax Law, Université Paris V Descartes (2018)

– LLM in International Tax Law, King’s College London (2020)

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NATASSIA LOISON

Member of the Paris bar
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Natassia Loison joined GATE Avocats as an associate in 2023.

She mainly advises on corporate law, in particular on mergers and acquisitions, private equity and venture capital transactions.

Before joining the firm, Natassia completed several internships in law firms and in the mediation department of the “Autorité des marchés financiers”.

EDUCATION:

– Master 2 Law, Entrepreneurship and Digital (LEAD), Université Paris-Saclay (2022)

– Master 2 Business Law with a specialisation in consumer law and commercial practices, CY Cergy Paris Université (2021)

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Applicant profile:

Applicants must possess solid legal education. While not a pre-requisite, a business degree and/or academic or professional experience abroad are particularly well-regarded. 

We are looking for candidates with solid analytical abilities and communication skills, both written and oral. Excellent business English is indispensable.

We also attach great importance to applicants’ personal qualities. Applicants are expected to be curious, open minded, flexible and reactive. Finally, client and matter confidentiality are fundamental. 

GATE Avocats is recruiting!

We are seeking associates to join the GATE Avocats team.

We offer an intellectually stimulating, enriching and formative employment environment. Each new matter is assigned a team in view of its scope. Our associates work directly with the firm’s partners and are immediately in contact with clients and at our sides in court in litigation matters.

Paid internships are also offered throughout the year to law and/or bar students.

All applications received will be carefully and confidentially reviewed. 

Recruitment process:

Our approach to recruitment is simple: it focuses on meeting several of the firm’s partners so that you can better understand our firm’s structure and culture.

Want to join us? Send us your CV and a cover letter at: recrutement@gate-avocats.com

GATE Avocats is recruiting!

We are seeking associates to join the GATE Avocats team.

We offer an intellectually stimulating, enriching and formative employment environment. Each new matter is assigned a team in view of its scope. Our associates work directly with the firm’s partners and are immediately in contact with clients and at our sides in court in litigation matters.

Paid internships are also offered throughout the year to law and/or bar students.

All applications received will be carefully and confidentially reviewed. 

Applicant profile:

Applicants must possess solid legal education. While not a pre-requisite, a business degree and/or academic or professional experience abroad are particularly well-regarded. 

We are looking for candidates with solid analytical abilities and communication skills, both written and oral. Excellent business English is indispensable.

We also attach great importance to applicants’ personal qualities. Applicants are expected to be curious, open minded, flexible and reactive. Finally, client and matter confidentiality are fundamental. 

Recruitment process:

Our approach to recruitment is simple: it focuses on meeting several of the firm’s partners so that you can better understand our firm’s structure and culture.

Want to join us? Send us your CV and a cover letter at: recrutement@gate-avocats.com

Partnerships &

International

For matters the firm does not handle directly and for certain international transactions, GATE Avocats turns to a network of specialized firms. In such cases, GATE Avocats forms and coordinates an integrated team capable of handling the client’s needs.
Contact
contact@gate-avocats.com
T: +33 1 82 83 22 11

F: +33 1 82 83 16 29

6, rue de La Trémoille

75008 Paris

Bus : Lignes 32, 72 et 73

Parking : Indigo Paris Alma Georges V