02 Apr 2026
Ropes & Gray appoints three leading French partners to its European private capital platform
"Ropes & Gray hires partners Gaëtan Gianasso, Denis Criton and Michael Colle to its European private capital team in Paris, joined by counsel David Chatteleyn; they will practise in private equity and M&A."
Gaëtan Gianasso is described as one of France’s most highly regarded lawyers in M&A and private equity. He is noted for a balanced and pragmatic approach to complex negotiations and joins Ropes & Gray as a partner.
Denis Criton is likewise recognised as one of France’s leading M&A and private equity lawyers, with more than 20 years of experience representing French and international investors in complex transactions. He joins Ropes & Gray as a partner.
Michael Colle advises on a broad range of M&A and private equity transactions, including hybrid capital, with particular experience in the health, life sciences, technology and consumer goods sectors. He joins the firm as a partner.
David Chatteleyn joins Ropes & Gray as counsel and advises private equity sponsors, corporates and portfolio companies on complex M&A and private equity transactions.
Ropes & Gray said the arrival of the team strengthens its European private capital platform and enhances its ability to advise on major cross-border transactions. The firm opened its Paris office in March 2025; with the addition of these lawyers and their team the Paris office now comprises 32 lawyers, including eight partners.