The Euro Elite 2019
The Euro Elite Overview: Life in the bubble
Europe’s independent law firms fared much better in 2018 than most of the EU economies in which their clients operate. Set against the background of a US-China trade war, sluggish output and the prospect of an imminent Brexit, GDP growth in the eurozone limped to a disappointing 1.1% last year. Overall deal volume and value also pointed downwards, particularly in the second half of the year according to Mergermarket, but thanks to increased regulation and compliance, investigations and dispute resolution, there was plenty for lawyers to do.
This has led to multiple firms in our fourth annual Euro Elite report – which identifies 100 leading firms in around 40 European jurisdictions using a methodology that blends size, reach and quality across key product lines – reporting annual revenue growth of between 5% and 10%. In meeting the sustained challenge of international players, Euro Elite firms are more than holding their own. Continue reading “The Euro Elite Overview: Life in the bubble”
The Euro Elite: France – La vie en rose
Any conversation with a French lawyer these days turns at some point to the volatility of the market and the unpredictability of the future. But there is more substance to these words this time around than a reflection of the industry’s traditional caution.
In just over two years, France has gone from an election that might have ended up with a populist anti-EU leader to the enthusiasm for the victory of business-friendly, pro-European Emmanuel Macron… and then to the rude awakening of social unrest and economic slowdown. Continue reading “The Euro Elite: France – La vie en rose”
The Last Word: Elite forces
As part of our annual Euro Elite report, management at independent firms in Europe give their views on today’s market challenges
International focus
‘In 2017 we had a record performance. 2018 was a year of big investment to consolidate our development in Africa and the Middle East but we did it halfway through the year. We are going to continue and consolidate our strategy. A lot of attention and energy will be on the international development. Our strategy is still to become a leader in the Mediterranean area, Africa and the Middle East. For now we are optimistic but from the second half of 2018 we have seen a decrease of investment in M&A.’ Continue reading “The Last Word: Elite forces”