Norton Rose Fulbright portfolio extends to advice on leasing deals, restructurings, ship sales and charter transactions with a particularly strong presence in the French tax lease sector. They are also engaged in the banking and finance market, often advising market-leading financial institutions and working with national associations. Practice head Christine Ezcutari, who is also president of the French Merchant Shipping High Council (CSMM), specialises in advising major multinational banks on vessel financing. Banking lawyer Ayaka Millet is one to watch.

Stephenson Harwood continues to provide leading advice on luxury cruise vessel transactions, leveraging its dedicated superyacht practice under lead by Ezio Dal Maso . The practice is frequently sought after by banks regarding financing and asset management matters such as the financing of LNG carriers and offers clients niche expertise in Islamic law-compliant bond issuance. Hortense Atthenont-Duret and Alain Gautron are among the team’s finance experts, with Gautron being particularly recommended for his expertise in asset finance.

Watson Farley & Williams LLP offers a wealth of experience in both French and English law, frequently assisting financial institutions in multijurisdictional financing matters, including work related to Export Credit Agencies financing and ship construction projects. The team is also recommended for  advice on cruise and cargo ship financings, French tax lease, and EU-ETS regulations. Practice co-head Alexia Russell is a key contact for investment clients in the need of support with asset financing, leasing and project finance, while fellow head Laurence Martinez-Bellet‘s focus areas extend to advice on joint venture. Philippe Monfort is another key name, and also co-heads the team.

Shipping specialist firm Stream – Avocats et Solicitors provides full financing and transactional services to borrowers and lenders alike, including advice on M&A deals and tax-lending schemes. With offices located in major maritime cities in Le Havre, Marseille and Bordeaux, the firm provides a close-proximity service to clients while also demonstrating strength in matters with multijurisdictional elements. Practice co-head Aymeric De Tapol is a transactional lawyer and has expertise in French and English law. Fellow co-head Olivier Challine specialises in finance matters.

Willkie Farr & Gallagher LLP covers shipbuilding contracts, financing of new vessels, and M&A deals with recent work highlights including advice on an investment in the launch of a decarbonised shipping line. Practice head Brice Pommiès handles a busy workload supporting shipping companies with financings, restructurings and corporate matters.

A&O Shearman supports lenders such a financial institutions and credit support providers with cross-border transactions, and operates comfortably across asset financing, leasing structures and tax matters. The practice is headed by  practice leader Adrian Mellor is an expert in cross-border financing transactions. Florent Belin is another key contact in the practice.

HFW advise banks and financial institutions on financing and lending matters, especially financing though tax lease structures. Jean-Marc Zampa advises on complex financings, including international syndicated loans, acquisition finance, asset finance, and tax-advantaged financings. Banking and finance expert Paolo Pinna is qualified under English, French and Italian law.

Leveraging the firm’s international network to excel in cross-border matters, Hogan Lovells (Paris) LLP operates with ease across transactions, restructurings, and reorganisations. Equipped to advice on English and French law aspects, the team is headed by the expert in asset finance Alexander Premont, who frequently supports banks and shipping groups with fleet financings. Tam Tran‘s repertoire extends to advice on leasing agreements for superyachts.

Reed Smith assists lenders and borrowers alike in French tax lease matters , investments, and financing matters, often within multijurisdictional transactions where the team  leverages the firm’s international network. Romain Farnoux has experience in advising on transactional shipping matters, including advising owners,buyers and financers of commercial vessels and luxury ships.