Real estate transactions and investments
Acquisitions, disposals and mergers with one or more underlying real estate assets.
Structuring real estate packages for all types of transactions; dedicated equity transactions, setting up partnerships, joint ventures, etc.
Regulations specific to the acquisition, holding and disposal of real estate assets; setting up and monitoring regulated vehicles (listed companies or companies admitted to trading on a regulated market (OPCIs, SCPIs)), AIFM regulations, etc.).
Our assignments
Legal and tax structuring of deals
in coordination with the firm’s other areas of expertise, in particular financing, assistance in setting up the most appropriate investment and financing structure, taking into account the regulatory constraints specific to the underlying real estate.
Regulatory support
on all issues relating to listed companies or to companies admitted to trading on a regulated market, corporate aspects of collective real estate investment (OPCIs, SCPIs) and AIFM regulations.
Assistance with pre- or post-acquisition due diligence
on both the seller and the buyer sides, identifying and analyzing risks, whilst recommending appropriate solutions
Negotiating and drafting of all the transaction documentation
relating to the proposed transactions and, in particular, sale agreements, guarantees of assets and liabilities, shareholders’ agreements and any other agreements relating to the transactions to be negotiated.
Post-operation dispute management
litigation resulting from the implementation of reps and warranties, of earn-out clauses, and other specific clauses negotiated within the framework of the transaction.
Strategy and litigation consulting
on all types of transactions with one or more underlying real estate assets.
Recent track record
- Advice to a French investment fund for the acquisition of a majority interest in an OPPCI holding 108 service industry assets;
- Advice to an Anglo-Saxon investment fund for the off-market acquisition and financing of a portfolio of 26 assets, totalling near to 100,000 m² of distribution areas;
- Advice to a North American pension fund for the implementation of a partnership for the acquisition of residential assets in France;
- Advice to an independent global investment manager focusing on the transport sector for the acquisition of a logistics portfolio of 15 assets with a total surface area of 73,000 m²;
- Advice to a family office for the implementation of a partnership with a professional private equity fund with a view to acquiring a mixed-use residential and office complex;
- Advice to structures planning to set up a real estate portfolio management company approved by the French financial markets authority (AMF), and implementation of their partnership;
- Advice to institutional investors in setting up a partnership through the creation of a real estate company to acquire residential real estate assets under construction.
Our specialists
Meet the Fairway team
Aubry d’Argenlieu
About Aubry
Aubry has extensive experience in matters concerning complex real estate investment, acquisitions and property transfers, property development, implementing real estate joint ventures and real estate funds. He advises both French and Anglo-Saxon institutions as well as industrial groups.
Legal 500 2024 ranked him in Band 1 – Hall of Fame and says that: “Aubry d’Argenlieu is essential on the market; he excels in complex issues and delicate situations but can also adapt to support his client on a daily basis. This is a particularly valuable asset in negotiation and in strategic thinking about operations.’.”
His colleagues at Fairway say that “he is the creative member of the team, the team’s driving power and he has an enthusiasm that is contagious”.
His clients rely on him for:
– The implementation of pan-European joint ventures
– Property development
– Sales and acquisitions of real estate portfolios
– Lease negotiations
– Assistance in all aspects of selling, buying, construction, asset and property management (warehouses, shopping centres, hotels, residences, offices, etc…)
Before Fairway
Aubry practiced in the real estate department at Clifford Chance for 9 years , he joined the firm in 2003 and was made a partner in 2008. He began his career as an associate at the law firm De Pardieu Brocas Maffei.
Well before Fairway
Postgraduate degree in Business Law, Paris, 1996
After Fairway
To the utmost delight of his partners and associates, who will at last regain some room, Aubry will open his shop selling unusual objects with the items that are already adorning his office.
Legal 500 2025 – Band 1 – Hall of Fame : “Aubry d’Argenlieu is a key figure in the real estate sector. He has participated in all the market’s major structuring operations over the last 25 years.“
Legal 500 2024 – Band 1 – Hall of Fame : “Aubry d’Argenlieu is essential on the market; he excels in complex issues and delicate situations but can also adapt to support his client on a daily basis. This is a particularly valuable asset in negotiation and in strategic thinking about operations.’“
Legal 500 2023 – Band 1 – Hall of Fame : “Aubry d’Argenlieu is distinguished by his synthetic and strategic approach to files and his very detailed knowledge of the market and its challenges; he is a key figure in the market.”
Legal 500 2022 – Band 1 – Hall of Fame : “Aubry d’Argenlieu is a true strategist, a key figure in the real estate industry.”
Legal 500 2021 – Band 1 – Hall of Fame : “Aubry d’Argenlieu masters all the aspects of the practice. He is a fine negotiator and has wonderful interpersonal skills. He makes issues sound simple which makes clients feel confident.“
Legal 500 2020 – Band 1 – Hall of Fame : “Aubry d’Argenlieu is very charismatic, very bright, very quick, always thinks outside the box. He is the lawyer and trusted adviser that every company’s board should have on its side.”
Chambers France 2025 – Band 2, Individual Ranking – Real Estate Section : “Aubry is a very smart lawyer. He always has the best out-of-the-box ideas and comes up with good solutions”
Chambers 2024 – Band 2, Individual Ranking – Real Estate Section : “He is eminently friendly and charismatic. It is a plus to have him with you because he knows everyone and everyone respects him. In addition to being recognised as a deal maker, he has a 360-degree view of subjects and always presents a strategic vision consistent with the needs of his clients.”
Chambers 2023 – Band 3, Individual Ranking – Real Estate Section : “Aubry d’Argenlieu is a charismatic leader who has an impressive network and a decisive ability to close deals for his clients.”
Chambers 2022 – Band 3, Individual Ranking – Real Estate Section : Aubry D’Argenlieu advises corporates and investors on acquisitions and lease negotiations. “He is a very charismatic lawyer,” says one client, adding: “He is a very sharp negotiator, always thinks outside the box and is often two steps ahead of all others.”
Chambers 2021 – Band 3, Individual Ranking – Real Estate Section : Aubry assists international investors with acquisitions and disposals, in addition to advising on commercial leasing and strategic partnerships. Sources describe him as “a very active and successful lawyer.“.“
Chambers 2020 – Band 3, Individual Ranking – Real Estate Section : Aubry acts for real estate investment funds and investment managers on real estate acquisitions. He is described by clients as “able to make things happen quickly and smoothly.“
Best Lawyers considers Aubry as « one of the few Best Lawyers in France» since 2012.
Franck Denis
Admitted to the New York bar in 2006
Admitted to the Paris bar in 2006
Experience :
Fairway A.A.R.P.I. (since 2017)
DLA Piper – Paris (2015-2017)
Lefèvre Pelletier & associés (2011-2015)
Gide Loyrette Nouel A.A.R.P.I. – Paris (2006-2011)
Expertise :
- Leases, Property Management & Co-ownership
- Real Estate Transactions & Investments
- Construction / Letting
Education :
- Master of Laws (LLM), University of Minnesota School of Law (USA)
- Post-graduate degree, International Business Law, University of Bourgogne – Dijon
Languages :
French
English
Franck is ranked as Next Generation Partner in real estate in the Legal 500 EMEA since 2021 and in the Up and Coming section of Chambers & Partners Europe since 2024
Legal 500 2025 – Next Generation Partner, Real Estate section : ‘‘Franck and his team are available, attentive, and deeply client-focused. They possess strong market knowledge, especially in real estate development, and have a business-oriented approach. Their innovative solutions demonstrate a comprehensive understanding of the sector."
Legal 500 2024 – Next Generation Partner, Real Estate section : ‘‘Franck Denis majors on real estate development and transactions for office, logistics, retail, hospitality and residential real estate.’
Legal 500 2023 – Next Generation Partner, Real Estate section : ‘‘Franck Denis is business-oriented and is there to find solutions, whilst always keeping in mind the interests of his client. He works in complete transparency with other teams, his budgets are considered and fluidly discussed over the course of matters, to avoid surprises.’
Legal 500 2022 – Next Generation Partner, Real Estate section : ‘Franck Denis is business-oriented, shows a great mastery of issues and is practical and efficient. His contribution brings real added value.’
Legal 500 2021 – Next Generation Partner, Real Estate section : ‘Franck Denis is business-oriented, shows a great mastery of issues and is practical and efficient. His contribution brings real added value.’
Legal 500 2020 – Band 2 – Real Estate Section : ‘Franck Denis is a bright young partner, smart, easy-going, good network, no ego, just the right guy to have besides one’s own when negotiating sophisticated construction contracts.’
Chambers France 2025, individual section, Up and Coming in the real estate section, “Franck Denis is an excellent adviser, I can only warmly recommend him..”.
Chambers Europe 2024, individual section, Up and Coming in the real estate section, “Franck Denis has a strong expertise in commercial leases and construction law. He is quick to respond and business-oriented. He is a good ally for us.”.
Pierre-Emmanuel Fonteilles
About Pierre-Emmanuel
With over 20 years of experience and a solid base of both French and Anglo-Saxon clients, Pierre-Emmanuel specialises in real estate investments, M&A and private equity.
He works alongside institutional investors (insurance companies, investment funds) as well as with legal and financial departments of industrial and service groups and property companies. He also advises wealthy families. Pierre-Emmanuel often intervenes in the setting up of partnerships between investors or between investors and managers, in various industrial, trade or service sectors and notably, hotel industry and health care, as well as partnerships between investors and real estate developers or between developers.
Legal 500 2018 says that “Pierre-Emmanuel Fonteilles gives very good, useful and valuable advice”
His clients and colleagues admire his discrete management and his efficiency in dealing in the matters in which he intervenes.
His clients rely on him for his expertise in :
– M&A, capital investments
– Complex real estate transactions
– Implementing financial partnerships
– Creating investment vehicles (OPCI, joint-ventures, etc…)
– Implementing management packages
– Lease negotiations
Before Fairway
Before founding Fairway, Pierre-Emmanuel founded the law firm Lefébure Fonteilles Associés in 2005 where he worked until the end of 2010. Before this, he practiced during a decade at the firms PDGB, Landwell & Associés and Lovells (in Paris and London).
Well before Fairway
– Postgraduate degree in Business Law – University Strasbourg III
– Specialization degree in Tax and Company Law, University of Montpellier and Lyon (1991)
After Fairway
Pierre-Emmanuel will keep on swimming, biking and running – maybe surrounded by his family – to make up for time he did not spend practicing his favorite hobbies. And as he gets tired, he will sit down before his piano, smash the keys and sing aloud for the utmost pleasure of those in his vicinity (sic).
Legal 500 2019 – Band 2 – Real Estate Section : “Pierre-Emmanuel Fonteilles has excellent analytical and negotiating skills and shows personal commitment and a smart legal approach when dealing with very complex transactions. “
Legal 500 2018 – Band 2 – Real Estate Section : Pierre-Emmanuel is described as an ‘efficient and responsive’ lawyer.
Legal 500 2017 – Band 2 – Real Estate Section : “Pierre-Emmanuel Fonteilles gives very good, useful and valuable advice”.
Frédéric Lefébure
About Frédéric
Frédéric’s main activity focuses on real estate acquisitions (real estate portfolio, joint-venture, real estate companies, offices buildings, retail centres and residential properties), property development and commercial leases negotiations. His expertise in family business and corporate law is also very appreciated by managers and shareholders of mid-cap companies who intend to transfer or sell their stakes. His main clients are French and foreign Institutional companies as well as industrial groups.
Legal 500 2026 ranked him in Band 1, Hall of Fame and says that: “Frédéric Lefébure is very experienced, with excellent knowledge of the market and practices. Attentive, responsive and proactive, good ability to persuade the opposing party during negotiations. Excellent communication with customers, and a good ability to adapt. A pleasure to work with his team“
His partners and associates consider Frédéric as ” the quiet strength of the Firm, always available and rendering good advice, he never loses his temper “.
His clients request his expertise for:
– Sales and acquisitions of real estate assets
– Joint-Venture agreement
– Property development
– Lease negotiation
– Corporate and M&A Law
Before Fairway
Before setting up Fairway, Frédéric’s duties were to manage the M&A Department in Landwell Law Firm between 1995 and 2004, allowing him to improve his expertise in complex real estate operations. Upon leaving Landwell, he founded Lefébure Fonteilles and Partners and practiced within this law firm until 2010. Before joining Landwell, Frédéric was an associate in Monsassier and Partners, a well-known French notarial law firm specialised in M&A and complex real properties activities.
Long Before Fairway
– Postgraduate degree in Notarial Law, University Panthéon-Assas – Paris II (1986)
– Diplôme Supérieur du Notariat (1st Part), Universty – Panthéon-Assas – Paris II (1989)
After Fairway
When Frédéric will cease his activities at Fairway, he will always keep an eye on it. He will practice another foreign language (Italian) and will try to improve his golf game playing more and more on different fairways.
Legal 500 2025 – Band 1, Hall of Fame : ‘‘Frédéric Lefébure combines a wide range of legal skills with a pragmatic approach. He is a deal-maker who prioritises client interests while maintaining constructive relations with counterparts.”
Legal 500 2024 – Band 1, Hall of Fame : ‘‘Frédéric Lefébure is very experienced, with excellent knowledge of the market and practices. Attentive, responsive and proactive, good ability to persuade the opposing party during negotiations. Excellent communication with customers, and a good ability to adapt. A pleasure to work with his team.”
Legal 500 2023 – Band 1, Hall of Fame : ‘‘Frédéric Lefébure is available, business-oriented.”
Legal 500 2022 – Band 1, Leading Individuals : ‘Frédéric Lefébure provides very high-quality services. His notary background makes him a particularly wise adviser.’
Legal 500 2021 – Band 1, Leading Individuals : ‘Frédéric Lefébure provides very high-quality services. His notary background makes him a particularly wise adviser.’
Legal 500 2020 – Band 1, Leading Individuals : ‘Fréderic Lefébure is an excellent negotiator who knows how to cool things down when negotiations are going on. He also finds the right solutions for all parties to reach a balanced deal.’
Chambers France 2025 – Band 2, Individual Ranking – Real Estate Section : “Frédéric is highly technical, competent and has a good approach to client care.“
Chambers Europe 2024 – Band 2, Individual Ranking – Real Estate Section : “He is business-oriented and a hard worker, he understands investors and he is proactive.“
Chambers Europe 2023 – Band 2, Individual Ranking – Real Estate Section : “It is very pleasant to work with Frédéric. He is always rigorous, conscientious, responsive, and is a good leader. He is very flexible, efficient, and he also has an incredible ability to adapt to any situations.”
Chambers Europe 2022 – Band 2, Individual Ranking – Real Estate Section : Frédéric Lefébure represents asset managers and investors in office building and hotel acquisitions. He additionally handles real estate M&A transactions. His flexibility is remarked upon by market commentators, with one saying how “he is always finding a new way to work with clients.“
Chambers Europe 2021 – Band 2, Individual Ranking – Real Estate Section : Frédéric Lefébure represents asset managers and investors in office building and hotel acquisitions. He additionally handles real estate M&A transactions. His flexibility is remarked upon by market commentators, with one saying how “he is always finding a new way to work with clients.“
Chambers Europe 2020 – Band 2, Individual Ranking – Real Estate Section : Frédéric Lefébure is a popular choice amongst investment funds and asset managers for advice on portfolio and asset acquisitions. Clients laud Lefébure for his expertise, with one interviewee also describing him as a “strong negotiator.”
Best Lawyers identified Fréderic, since 2012, as “one of the few Best Lawyers in France”.
Vincent Nédellec
Alexandre Poupard
About Alexandre
Admitted to the Paris Bar and member of the New York Bar, Alexandre Poupard is a partner in the real estate department of Fairway Avocats, a top-tier real estate firm in France.
With over 20 years of experience, Alexandre has developed a cross-disciplinary practice combining M&A / Private Equity and Real Estate.
He advises French and international clients, including institutional investors, investment funds and asset managers, on complex real estate transactions. Alexandre assists his clients with all their real estate matters, particularly on acquisitions and disposals of real estate assets and portfolios, sale and leaseback transactions, as well as all matters related to lease agreements and more generally real estate management.
Alexandre has also recognized expertise in structuring and negotiating real estate joint ventures and in the acquisition and structuring of real estate platforms.
Client describe Alexandre as ‘diligent, commercial and responsive.’
His clients rely on him for :
- Real estate transactions
- Setting up partnerships (joint ventures, club deals)
- Negotiating leases
– Real estate asset management
– M&A / Private Equity
Before Fairway
Alexandre began his career at the law firm Jeantet (2000-2003), then he joined the law firm Clifford Chance (2004-2009). He then worked at the law firm Allen & Overy (2010-2013), before joining Dentons as a partner (2014-2019). Prior to FAIRWAY, Alexandre Poupard worked at Mayer Brown (since 2019).
Well before Fairway
Admitted to the Paris and New York bars
LLM Fordham University
DEA in business and economic law, Paris I, Panthéon Sorbonne
After Fairway
Alexandre will become an official tester of deckchairs, monoi oils and panama hats on beaches all over the world and will write a treaty on the art of the siesta
Chambers France 2024 – Band 4, Individual Ranking – Real Estate Section :“Alexandre is very open to discussion, and we feel confident when we work with him on our cases.” “He has a deep understanding, is highly responsive and has an excellent knowledge of market practices. He is also very fast and efficient.”
Best Lawyers identified Alexandre as “one of the few Best Lawyers in France”.
Cloé Teisson
Aude Dewilde
Aurore du Marais
Admitted to the Paris Bar in 2010
Experience :
Fairway A.A.R.P.I. (since 2018)
Gide Loyrette Nouel (2013-2018)
Lefèvre, Pelletier & Associés (2011-2013)
Stehlin & Associés (2010-2011)
Expertise :
- Real Estate Transactions & Investments
- Leases, Property Management & Co-ownership
- Financing
- Corporate – Funds – Private Equity
- Construction / Letting
Education :
- Postgraduate degree in Business Law & Finance, University of Lyon III
- Postgraduate degree in Financial Engineering, EM Lyon Business School
- Institute of Legal Studies, University of Paris V
Languages :
French
English
Aurore du Marais is ranked in the “Rising Star” category in the Legal 500 EMEA 2023
Mary Dutton
Estelle Desson
David Heniau
Celine Dawaliby
Aurélien Fradet
Mirentxu Griot
Vianney Tiberghien
Anna Mertens
