Willkie Farr & Gallagher LLP advised PAI Partners on the structuring and fundraising of its seventh pan-European fund, PAI Europe VII.  The fund was oversubscribed and reached its hard cap of €5 billion in less than six months.

PAI Partners is a major European private equity firm and is one of the largest private equity investors headquartered in Europe.  PAI Europe VII will pursue investments in upper middle-market continental European companies, with a focus on PAI’s core sectors: business services, food & consumer goods, general industrials, healthcare and retail & distribution.

The Fund Formation team in Paris has previously advised PAI Partners on all of its fundraisings including Fund PAI Europe III, PAI Europe IV, PAI Europe V, PAI Europe VI and lastly PAI Europe VII. We have also been involved on all of PAI Partners’ dedicated co-investments funds.

Willkie partner Nathalie E. Duguay, who led the transaction in France, commented: “It has been a privilege to represent PAI Partners on this milestone fund, which further demonstrates our team’s strong private equity and investment fund formation capabilities.”

Willkie Farr & Gallagher’s Chairman Steven Gartner added: “Willkie is pleased to partner with PAI Partners on this landmark transaction. This successful fundraising is a testament to the strength of our European private equity practice.”

The Willkie Farr & Gallagher team was led in Paris by partner Nathalie E. Duguay with the assistance of associates Raphaël Bloch, Maxime Hemled, LoïcToilier and Patrick Biancaniello.

Willkie’s Asset Management Group was recently honored to receive the “Investment Funds Firm Award” at the 2017 Chambers USA Awards.