A&O Shearman advises Bpifrance on a dedicated defense investment fund

With a target size of EUR450 million, the fund is the fifth in the “Bpifrance Entreprises” range for individual investors, and the first thematic fund.

It aims to invest, both directly and indirectly, in over 500 unlisted companies within the Defense Industrial and Technological Base (DITB), including start-ups, SMEs and mid-sized businesses.

To support the launch, Bpifrance has partnered with leading financial institutions: Groupe BPCE, Axa France and Meilleurtaux Placement.

Antoine Sarailler, partner at A&O Shearman in France, commented: “This fund marks a significant milestone in the development of investment solutions targeting strategic sectors. We are proud to have supported Bpifrance in its structuring, drawing on our private capital expertise and deep understanding of the defense industry.”

The A&O Shearman team included partner Antoine Sarailler, partner Benjamin Lacourt and associate Romane Chéry on funds and asset management aspects, partner Brice Henry, counsel Pascal Molinelli and associate Paul Weber on financial regulatory aspects, as well as partner Guillaume Valois and associate Carole El-Beze on tax aspects.