Altaïr Avocats continues its growth with the launch of a Restructuring & Insolvency practice led by Philippe Berteaux

His practice focuses on advising company directors and executives on the prevention and management of financial distress, refinancing and restructuring transactions, negotiations with creditors, as well as out-of-court and formal insolvency proceedings before the French commercial courts. He also advises companies seeking to acquire distressed businesses, notably through court-supervised sale processes, and assists international investors holding interests in distressed French groups. Fluent in English, he regularly advises international investment funds and corporate clients on navigating the French restructuring framework and protecting their interests.

A graduate of Panthéon-Assas University (Paris II), Philippe Berteaux was admitted to the Paris Bar in 1993. He began his career at Borloo & Associés, a pioneering restructuring law firm in France, before joining Lantourne & Associés, where he contributed for several years to the development of the firm’s Restructuring and Insolvency practice. After founding his own firm in 2007, he joined Marvell Avocats in 2012 as a partner and Head of Restructuring, before co-founding WB Legal in 2022.

Throughout his career, Philippe Berteaux has developed an approach to restructuring based on a strong conviction: while a thorough command of legal, financial and corporate matters is essential, genuine added value lies in an in-depth understanding of the commercial courts, insolvency administrators and court-appointed representatives, combined with extensive experience in negotiation and litigation. He brings this hands-on expertise to a client base primarily comprising SMEs, mid-cap companies and entrepreneurs, as well as banks and investment funds.

Consistently recognised by Leaders League since 2009 and ranked by Décideurs, Option Finance and Best Lawyers, Philippe Berteaux has also been a member of the Association pour le Retournement des Entreprises (ARE), the French turnaround association, since 2010.

“Restructuring is a hands-on practice. Technical expertise is essential, but it is not enough. What makes the difference is knowing the key players, understanding the courts and knowing how a case develops all the way through to the hearing. I joined Altaïr Avocats because I found an entrepreneurial culture, genuine collaboration between partners and recognised expertise in Corporate, M&A and Tax, enabling us to advise clients across the full spectrum of their needs. For me, it was the natural choice.” — Philippe Berteaux, Partner, Altaïr Avocats

His arrival is fully aligned with Altaïr Avocats’ growth strategy. By strengthening its restructuring capabilities, the firm further enhances its ability to advise executives, investors and investment funds facing complex situations, while creating strong synergies with its Corporate, M&A, Tax and Litigation teams. Philippe Berteaux will notably contribute to developing the firm’s private equity client base and strengthening its presence among businesses and economic stakeholders across France.

“With Philippe, we are welcoming a highly regarded practitioner whose experience is an ideal complement to our Corporate platform. His expertise in insolvency proceedings, his in-depth knowledge of the commercial courts and his ability to advise clients both at the preventive stage and in contentious situations enable us to provide even more comprehensive support in transformation, crisis and distressed M&A situations.” — Christophe Héry, Co-founder, Altaïr Avocats

Philippe Berteaux is joined by Mathilde Lavenu, Associate, and Sonia Afonso, Paralegal.