Clifford Chance

Clifford Chance strengthens its Real Estate practice with the recruitment of Alexandre Couturier as a partner

Alexandre Couturier joins the firm's global Real Estate practice as a partner in the Paris office.

Leading international law firm Clifford Chance today announced that Alexandre Couturier is to join the firm's global Real Estate practice as a partner in the Paris office.

Alexandre has over 10 years of experience in real estate advising on asset and share property acquisitions and disposals, sale and leaseback schemes, and restructuring of commercial and industrial groups involving real estate assets. He has particular expertise in the formation of real estate investment funds including French REITs (OPCI), joint ventures and private equity funds. He also routinely counsels in property financing and leasing matters, as well as in real estate development transactions.

Yves Wehrli, managing partner of Clifford Chance's Paris office and Regional Managing Partner for Continental Europe commented: "We are delighted to welcome Alexandre whose expertise, quality of service and talent are well recognized by clients and real estate sector specialists. His arrival in the Real Estate Group in Paris will further strengthen our leading market reputation and support the firm's global Real Estate strategy."

Alfonso Benavides, Global practice area leader for Real Estate, added: “Our Real Estate team in Paris has been very successful and committed to the Real Estate industry in France, advising on high end, complex, multidisciplinary and cross border transactions. Looking ahead, the addition of Alexandre Couturier with his significant experience in real estate matters and his strong reputation in the market will further bolster our outstanding team, helping it to meet our clients' needs and achieve even greater success."

Clifford Chance's Paris-based Real Estate practice, led by François Bonteil, has advised on several high profile transactions in 2015 including: AEW Europe on the acquisition and the financing of the "Celsius" portfolio which comprises 10 shopping centres across France and Belgium for a value of more than EUR 1 billion and EUR 300 million, and Union Investment on the sale of EUR 1 billion pan-European "Aqua" portfolio to Amundi Immobilier. The team is now composed of 12 lawyers including 2 partners, 2 counsel and 8 lawyers.

Alexandre said: "I am very excited to join Clifford Chance's Real Estate team in Paris, which comprises very talented and highly regarded lawyers. I am convinced that the combination of our complementary expertise in the French market, the synergies between our clients and Clifford Chance's leading global platform will be a great success for our clients and for the firm."