News
Pinsent Masons Launches Paris TMT pratice in latest expansion
December 2013 by Marc Jacob
International law firm Pinsent Masons is further enhancing its international TMT practice with the acquisition of a seven-strong team led by partners Diane Mullenex and Frederic Ichay who join from the leading Paris-based boutique technology firm, Ichay & Mullenex Avocates ("I&M") [Check spelling]. The team also comprises Annabelle Richard who joins as a Legal Director.
Since its formation in 2004 I&M has focused on technology, telecoms, gaming and gambling, and e-commerce transactions. I&M has landed numerous significant projects across Europe, Asia Pacific and Africa. This has included acting for a European telecom operator on the launch and management of a mobile network in Kosovo and advising the Dubai Sovereign Fund on aspects of a telecommunications project in Mali (including the privatisation of the national incumbent). Other clients include Electraworks (France) Limited (part of gaming company bwin.party) and Viagogo. The practice is recognised by leading legal directories including Legal 500, Chambers and Décideurs.
Diane will head the firm’s international telecoms practices, and continue her current role as co-Chair of the IBA Communications Committee. Diane will also head up the firm’s gambling and gaming practices.
Clive Seddon, Head of TMT and Sourcing at Pinsent Masons, says:
"Our ambition and strategy is to become a tier one global technology practice. The market for TMT services remains strong internationally, with technology and sourcing projects, commercial TMT work - including e-business and data projects - and TMT renegotiations giving rise to significant multi-jurisdictional transactions. Diane is a prominent name in the international market, while Frederic and Annabelle also come with stand-out reputations. They enhance our cross-border capabilities in Europe, Asia Pacific, the Gulf and Africa, and complement the existing IP-focused practice in Paris led by Emmanuel Gouge. Our client base is global and the arrival of this team will allow us to offer clients truly joined-up international TMT services. "]
Diane Mullenex says:
"Pinsent Masons’ international expansion over the past 18 months has been impressive and we believe it offers the right platform for us to offer a more comprehensive service to our international clients. The firm’s strong technology-focussed practice in Munich, led by Florian Von Baum, is particularly impressive – as is Pinsent Masons’ footprint across Asia Pacific."
