Our Investment Funds team, comprising English, French, Hong Kong and US lawyers, handles all legal aspects of the international investment fund industry, offering the specialist expertise of both civil-law and common-law practitioners. Our international network of offices located in Europe, Asia, North America and Africa allows us to provide our clients with the advice they need on investment fund structuring and documentation, as well as on aspects such as taxation, financial services regulation, capital markets, structured financing and derivatives.

Over recent years, Gide has been played an active role in the consultation process for new European legislation and both French and UK regulatory changes.

Our lawyers work closely with national regulators (such as the French Treasury Department, the French Financial Markets Authority and the Financial Conduct Authority) and regulatory authorities in the countries in which we operate, and assist professional organisations (such as the AIMA in London and Paris, or the AFG and the AFIC in France) on technical aspects as well as on their lobbying campaigns.

The 'extremely reactive' team at Gide provides 'pragmatic advice' and, 'due to its expertise, network and capacities', provides a 'one-stop shop' approach, which is 'a strong asset'. The group also impresses with its 'technical expertise and creativity' and fields a varied funds practice, ranging from private equity and venture funds to real estate funds, infrastructure funds, debt funds and UCITS funds. Managing partner Stéphane Puel, who 'provides tailor-made and business-oriented advice', and the 'very responsive' Ann Baker, known for her 'great knowledge of international standards', lead the team. 'Extremely reliable' counsel Rima Maîtrehenry 'has outstanding knowledge of funds practices, including on non-legal matters such as financing, accounting and regulatory'. In addition to advising Sigefi Private Equity on the structuring of a French cross-border fund created with the purpose of making investments in France and Canada, the group also assisted Idinvest Partners with the structuring of its third private equity fund investing in mid-sized companies in the technology sector. Isatis Capital, Five Arrows Managers and Partech Partners are also clients.
Legal 500 EMEA 2019

Experience includes:

• EVCA: advising and defending the interests of the EVCA in discussions with the European Commission, the Council and the European Parliament regarding adoption of the Directive on alternative investment fund managers (the AIFM Directive)
   
• Siparex: advising on the first closing of its venture capital fund Siparex Midmarket III
   
• SCOR: advising on the structuring and raising of its first infrastructure debt fund
   
• Emergence: advising promoters on the creation of the first seed money fund in the Paris financial marketplace: le Fonds d'incubation Emergence
   
• CDC: ETI fund

Strong private equity team with particular focus on venture capital and fund-raising, acting for both investors and emerging companies. Recognised for its expertise in the technology sector. Also noted for its fund formation practice advising on the structuring of venture capital, real estate and infrastructure funds with further experience of fund of funds. Sources laud the group's availability as well as the lawyers' 'faultless commitment to their clients.' The team is also highlighted for its specialist knowledge.'
Chambers Europe 2019

The firm is known for its strong expertise in this area, advising clients on fund formation and structure, regulatory frameworks and fund acquisitions. Head of the investment fund and asset management group Stéphane Puel draws high praise from international sources for his exceptional work in the area. He regularly advises clients on the whole gamut of private fund matters from structuring and setting up, to documentation and fund distribution. Ann Baker is widely recognised among peers and clients alike for her top-tier practice which focuses on the structuring and formation of complex private equity investment fund.
Who's Who Legal Private Funds in France 2017