Investment Funds
Creating and managing investment funds are complex and highly regulated activities that require high-level legal, fiscal, and operational expertise. Recent market developments, such as the emergence of new strategies (from impact funds to Web 3 funds) and the growth of semi-liquid funds (notably ELTIF), are driving the demand for innovative and tailored advice.
We help our clients to structure, launch and invest in funds of all asset classes. We help them to meet these challenges by advising them on the best legal and tax structuring, compliance with local and international standards, negotiations of terms and conditions, transaction security and risk management.
Our dedicated team offers a comprehensive and integrated range of services related to investment funds. The team covers all legal, tax, regulatory, transactional and operational matters, from fund formation to fund structuring, secondary transactions and investor representation.
We advise and structure various types of funds, including private equity, real estate, debt, infrastructure and open-ended funds, in France, Europe (Luxembourg, Ireland) and other jurisdictions, such as the United States.
We have an international presence, with 10 offices and a network of partner firms, chosen for their outstanding skills, and we excel in complex, multi-jurisdictional cases, with an integrated approach at both national and international levels.
We also assist our clients in their dealings with regulatory authorities and actively participate in consultations on new legislation and regulations for investment funds.
Areas of intervention
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We advise managers and investors on all strategies and types of private equity funds, both in France and internationally. We handle matters from fund design to fund management, fundraising, sales and reorganisations.
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We assist our clients in managing various types of real estate funds, including Real Estate Investment Companies (SCPI), Collective Real Estate Investment Organisations (OPCI), other Alternative Investment Funds (AIFs), particularly Civil Investment Companies eligible for life insurance unit-linked contracts (SC UC), or listed real estate investment companies. Our expertise also covers the structuring, creation, authorisation and management of these funds, as well as operations related to the acquisition, sale, distribution, liquidity of shares, financing, or restructuring of real estate assets.
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We assist our clients with different types of infrastructure fund, including debt, equity and public-private partnership funds. The firm assists clients with these funds’ creation, authorisation and management.
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We help managers to structure GP-led secondary transactions and assist investors with these transactions.
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We have developed a particular expertise in the structuring of “semi-open” investment funds, whether or not authorised as ELTIFs. We assist our clients in the structuring, creation, approval, and management of these funds, as well as in distribution operations (through banking networks or financial advisors, in the context of life insurance contracts or cross-border), subscription, redemption, or transfer of shares or units.
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We also act on behalf of institutional and private investors, advising them on the legal, tax and regulatory implications of their investments.
Awards
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Legal 500 EMEA - France 2024
Private Equity: Fund Formation
Tier 2
Gide assists clients with the gamut of funds matters, including formation, structuring, and regulatory work. 'Leading figure' Stéphane Puel steers the practice his well-known for advising on the structuring and establishment of open-end and closed-end investment funds.
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Chambers Global/Europe - France 2024
Banking & Finance: Financial Services Regulation
Band 1
Gide has a first-rate financial services regulation practice advising both French and international clients. The team assists with M&A deals, the launch of new financial products and regulatory approvals. The lawyers are also recognised for their expert advice on disciplinary proceedings before the AMF and ACPR.
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Chambers France 2025
Financial Services Regulation
Band 1
It's a competent team on a variety of highly complex subjects, with very satisfactory resources and availability, excellent responsiveness and adaptability." "The advice from Gide is very good, thoughtful and comprehensive.
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Chambers France 2025
Investment Funds
Band 3
The firm's strong involvement in the development of banking and financial regulations, in collaboration with supervisory authorities and professional associations, is a considerable asset to Gide." "The firm works as a tightly knit team and seamlessly handles a number of queries at the same time.
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Legal 500 EMEA - France 2025
Private Equity: Fund Formation
Tier 2
The team at Gide is well-placed to assist with the structuring of private equity funds, real estate funds, infrastructure funds, debt funds and open-ended funds. The group’s expertise encompasses the design, setup, management and fundraising stages, as well as subsequent sale and reorganisation transactions.