Macha Pascale Sokolow
French - English
“It is a great misfortune to lack the wit to speak well, or the judgement to remain silent, or the ability to listen other than merely to reply instead of to understand.”
My philosophy when advising decision-makers:
Listen to fully understand the objectives and stakes of our clients and counterparts,
Remain silent to grasp what is left unsaid,
Smile, then speak with (im)pertinence to deliver clear and pragmatic solutions.
What drives me?
Establish myself as a trusted partner: loyal, accessible and free of corporate jargon.
Approach each project with both ambition and pragmatism, anticipate obstacles and deliver simple, clear, insightful solutions.
Expertise
M&A – Stock market law – Small & Mid cap – Shareholder relations
I support companies and their executives throughout their growth process. Combining experience, foresight and global approach, I focus my practice on three main areas:
- Strategic development: advising executives of small and mid-cap companies – both listed and unlisted – on acquisitions, disposals and fundraising from private investors, including foreign investors where applicable, or in the context of market transactions;
- (Re)structuring of professional assets: LBO, LMBO and OBO transactions;
- Shareholder relations: structuring shareholders relationships – integrating key people into the capital structure – anticipating and managing shareholders disputes.
Recent operations
• Sale of a leading Medtech player to Halma – a company listed on the London Stock Exchange Market;
• Advising the founders of a leading management consulting firm in with the context of an LBO alongside a family office including the implementation of an incentive management package;
• Acquisition of several asset management companies by an insurance group;
• Sale to BK Consulting group of an “adapted” company (employing at least 55% disabled workers) specialised in IT engineering services;
• Advising Natexis Partners in connection with a LBO involving a listed company – takeover bid followed by a squeeze-out – implementation of an incentive management package;
• Sale of a leading PEGA solutions provider to Magellan Partners;
• Structuring shareholders relations within a group comprising forty subsidiaries, each held by a reference shareholder alongside minority shareholders – Series A and B fundraising rounds;
• Restructuring of the shareholding structure of a listed group composed of several listed real estate investment companies (SIICs);
• Incorporation of a joint venture between two leading players in real estate development;
• Management of pre-litigation between shareholders: seeking amicable solutions while preparing – in coordination with the litigation team – arguments for potential proceedings.
Biography
Graduate in law from Paris University
Graduate from ESSEC Business School and the University of Washington in Seattle
Member of the Association of Capital Markets Lawyers
Member of the ESSEC Alumni Association
Professional background
• Partner – Gramond (since 2012)
• Senior associate – LPA then Dentons (same team) (2007 – 2012)
• Associate – Eversheds (2005 – 2007)
• Associate – Gide Loyrette Nouel (2000 – 2004)
What do clients value most?
• Her strategic and protective approach
• Her foresight and proactivity
• Her assertive temperament combined with attentive listening
