Chaintrier Avocats by Cogep strengthens its M&A and transactional tax capabilities with the arrival of four new partners

Chaintrier Avocats by Cogep announces the arrival of a new team of seven lawyers from DS Avocats, including four partners: Arnaud Burg, Bernard Tézé, Jérôme Lombard-Platet (Corporate) and Christophe Billet (Tax), supported by two counsels, Emma Quercy and Audrey Clément, as well as associate Juliette Halimi.

This addition brings the firm’s headcount to nearly thirty lawyers, including thirteen partners, and marks a new step in the development of Chaintrier Avocats by Cogep in complex and cross-border transactions, particularly in M&A, private equity, acquisition finance, and transactional tax.

“The arrival of this team marks a key milestone in the firm’s growth. It immediately strengthens our ability to structure and manage complex transactions, both in France and internationally, with an enhanced level of expertise and seniority,” said Thibaud Forbin, Co-Managing Partner of Chaintrier Avocats by Cogep.

A strengthened Corporate M&A practice built around a senior and international team

The Corporate M&A department, led by Thibaud Forbin, welcomes three new partners and two counsels.

Arnaud Burg – Partner
Arnaud Burg advises on M&A and structured finance. He works with entrepreneurs and investment funds on external growth transactions, fundraising, and the implementation of structured financings. A member of the Paris Bar, he holds a Master’s degree in Private Law, the MSTCF certificate from the University of Toulouse, and a postgraduate degree (DESS) in Real Estate Management from ESSEC.

Jérôme Lombard-Platet – Partner
With over thirty years of experience, Jérôme Lombard-Platet advises French and international groups on M&A, LBOs, restructurings, fundraisings, and joint ventures. He has worked in a wide range of sectors, including industrial services, technology, and cosmetics. Admitted to the Paris and Madrid Bars, he holds a Master’s degree in Business Law, a DEA in European Law, and a diploma from the Illustrious College of Madrid.

Bernard Tézé – Partner
Bernard Tézé advises on M&A, private equity, LBO, venture, and strategic alliances. He assists a diverse client base—startups, family offices, and investment funds—particularly in the health, tech, and defense sectors. Having worked in Japan and China, he frequently handles cross-border transactions. A graduate of HEC, he holds Master’s degrees in Public and Private Law and a DESS in International Taxation.

Emma Quercy – Counsel
Emma Quercy advises on M&A, private equity, and corporate law matters. She assists French and international clients, particularly in the energy, tech, and cosmetics industries. She holds a degree from the Magistère de Juriste d’Affaires – DJCE at Université Paris II Panthéon-Assas.

Audrey Clément – Counsel
Audrey Clément advises on M&A, LBOs, management packages, financing, and corporate law for French and international clients. Admitted to the Quebec and Paris Bars, she holds a Master’s degree in International Business Law from Université Rennes 1 and completed a program at the University of Nottingham (UK).

Enhanced expertise in transactional tax

The Tax department, led by Arnaud Nicolaou, broadens its scope of expertise with the arrival of Christophe Billet (Partner) and Juliette Halimi (Associate).

Christophe Billet – Partner
Christophe Billet advises on corporate tax matters in the context of domestic and cross-border transactions, LBOs, and restructurings. He also assists public and private stakeholders with real estate and land-use taxation, represents clients in tax audits and litigation, and advises executives on personal tax matters. He holds a Magistère DJCE specializing in Tax Law and a Master’s degree in Private Law with a focus on Business Law.

Juliette Halimi – Associate
Juliette Halimi focuses on corporate and individual taxation, both in domestic and international contexts. She advises clients on the tax aspects of audits and restructurings and represents them before the tax authorities in audits and litigation. She holds a Master’s degree in Business and Tax Law from Université Lyon III Jean Moulin.