The Europe practice is one of the most active in the market. It is part of an integrated global practice that has advised sponsors of, or investors in, over 1,600 private equity funds worldwide, with committed capital of over $1 trillion. This experience means Debevoise’s European lawyers have deep insight into funds pursuing every major investment strategy, including buyouts, venture capital, mezzanine, workouts and distressed debt, secondaries, real estate, infrastructure, media and telecommunications, healthcare, energy and other sector and regional funds, as well as funds of funds.
Such breadth of experience also means Debevoise’s European funds lawyers build solutions based on detailed business and legal data included in its proprietary database covering more than 2,800 private funds, including over 500 venture capital funds, as well as an extensive library of flexible model forms, memoranda and precedents.
At a time of increasing regulatory complexity, the practice draws on its significant experience, as well as heavy involvement with the main European and emerging markets private equity trade associations, to ensure clients are well equipped to navigate the latest regulatory developments. These include providing extensive advice and support on issues such as AIFMD compliance, Dodd-Frank/Volcker Rule/IAA registration and reporting, and all FCA-related issues. For the benefit of clients, the practice has also developed a global survey of the securities and investment management laws relevant to the offer and sale of fund interests in more than 70 jurisdictions.
The European Funds practice is further supported by a tax team that includes lawyers qualified in multiple jurisdictions, including the UK, U.S. and France. The practice includes complex carried interest planning and co-investment arrangements, often in multiple jurisdictions.
The funds team is part of a global Private Equity practice that is one of the largest and most active in the world, whether measured by the number of funds, total committed capital or resources devoted to private equity fund formation. Through working closely with colleagues in the U.S.and Asia, Debevoise’s European funds lawyers offer a global perspective, and access to high-level legal advice throughout the world. Our lawyers are members of the technical committee of the European Private Equity & Venture Capital Association.