02 Apr 2026
Ropes & Gray strengthens European private capital practice with three French private equity and M&A partners
"Ropes & Gray adds partners Gaetan Gianasso, Denis Criton and Michael Colle and counsel David Chatteleyn to its European private capital practice to bolster M&A and private equity capabilities in France and across Europe."
Gaetan Gianasso joins Ropes & Gray as a partner. He is described as one of France’s leading M&A and private equity lawyers and in 2025 was named France’s private equity lawyer of the year by Option Finance and Option Droit & Affaires. He is recognised as a Leading Individual for Private Equity by Chambers Europe and Legal 500 EMEA and is praised for a balanced and pragmatic approach to complex negotiations. Gaetan will split his time between Paris and London.
Denis Criton joins as a partner. He has over 20 years’ experience representing French and international investors in complex M&A and private equity transactions and has been consistently recognised by Chambers Europe and Legal 500 EMEA as a leading practitioner. Denis will split his time between Paris and London.
Michael Colle joins as a partner. He advises on a broad range of M&A and private equity transactions, including hybrid capital, and has particular experience in the healthcare, life sciences, technology and consumer sectors. He is recognised as One to Watch for Private Equity and M&A by Best Lawyers France 2026 and will be based in Paris.
David Chatteleyn joins as counsel. He advises private equity sponsors, corporates and portfolio companies on complex M&A and private equity transactions.
Ropes & Gray said the additions will add depth and synergies to its transactional capabilities and reinforce its position as advisers to sponsors and corporates on complex cross-border transactions. With these hires the firm’s French practice now numbers 32 lawyers, including eight partners.