Raphaël Richard
Biography
Overview
Head of the Debt Finance Practice in Paris, Raphaël offers the benefit of his considerable experience in leveraged acquisition finance, structured finance, corporate finance and syndicated lending.
Clients also value his extensive, hands-on knowledge of financial restructurings, successfully guiding creditors and debtors through complex debt restructuring matters.
A regular team leader, Raphaël is adept at coordinating advice across the Firm's offices to execute challenging domestic and cross-border transactions. Chambers 2019 notes that "one impressed client suggests that he is someone to turn when 'you have to deal with complex transactions or need innovative solutions' and highlight his 'thoughtful advice and huge experience'"
Recognized by top legal directories as a leading practitioner, his track record has attracted a client portfolio which includes banking and financial institution giants, such as BNP Paribas, Crédit Agricole CIB, Natixis, Société Générale, Commerzbank, Deutsche Bank and HSBC.
Raphaël has also represented major corporate borrowers and investment funds, including Apax, Carlyle, Eurazeo and Wendel Investissement, in an array of financing transactions.
Experience
Renault Group's French State-Guaranteed €5 Billion Term Loan, 2020
Advised lending banks on the €5 billion Term Loan facility guaranteed by the French state granted to the Renault group. Granted during the COVID-19 crisis, the loan is intended to provide the Renault group with sufficient liquidity to face the economic consequences of the pandemic. It is the largest of its type in France to date.
Rubis Terminal €410 Million Bank Financing and High Yield Bond Refinancing, 2020
Advised Rubis Terminal on its €410 million bridge loan and subsequent refinancing via a €410 million single tranche issue of senior notes – the first issuance by a first-time issuer in Europe since the start of the coronavirus crisis. The transaction also included a €75 million revolving credit facility. The transaction is part of the acquisition by I-Squared Capital Advisors of a 45 percent stake in Rubis Terminal, with Rubis SCA continuing to hold the remaining 55 percent. The transaction also made it possible to refinance certain existing indebtedness of the group.
Acquisition financing of Gerflor, 2020
Advised Cobepa in connection with the acquisition financing of specialist and a world leader in resilient flooring solutions Gerflor, sold by ICG.
Tiffany & Co. Acquisition by LVMH, 2019
Advised LVMH on the financing of its acquisition of Tiffany & Co., the global luxury jeweler. The financing includes several credit lines, for a total value of approximatively €15 billion.
Doc Generici Acquisition Financing, 2019
Advised the bank syndicate in connection with the acquisition of Doc Generici by ICG and Mérieux Equity Partners from CVC Capital Partners.
Financing of the acquisition of Armonéa by Colisée, 2019
Advised Financière Colisée in connection with financing of the acquisition of Armonéa by Colisée by way of a €770 million cove-lite term loan B facility.
Acquisition Financing of Scalian, 2019
Advised the mandated lead arrangers in connection with the making available of term and revolving facilities for the acquisition of Scalian by Cobepa and the refinancing of the Scalian group.
Acquisition Financing of Comexposium, 2019
Advised the mandated lead arrangers in connection with the acquisition by Crédit Agricole Assurances of Charterhouse Capital Partners' stake in Comexposium, one of the world leaders in the organisation of exhibitions.
Ride Holding's Refinancing, 2018
Advised the arrangers and original lenders on the refinancing of the existing indebtedness of Ride Holding, parent company of European regional leisure park group Looping. The refinancing was effected pursuant to a 'first out – second out' debt structure, with the banks providing the 'first out' debt tranche (also known as 'second loss') and sub-investment grade corporate credit specialist Alcentra providing the 'second out' (also known as 'first loss'). This was the first 'first out' / 'second out' implemented in France.
Acticall Group's Refinancing, 2018
Advised the arrangers and original lenders on the refinancing of Acticall Group, a global customer experience outsourcing company.
Leading Lawyer (Band 1), Banking & Finance – France, Chambers Global 2022
Leading Lawyer (Hall of Fame), Banking & Finance – France, The Legal 500 EMEA 2022
