Top-notch legal advice… [with] effective client care by use of a punchy, efficient style.
Biography
Head of EMEA Debt Finance and based in Paris, Raphaël offers the benefit of his considerable experience in leveraged acquisition finance, structured credit, corporate finance and syndicated lending.
Clients also value his extensive, hands-on knowledge of financial restructurings, successfully guiding creditors and debtors through complex debt restructuring matters.
A regular team leader, Raphaël is adept at coordinating advice across the Firm's offices to execute challenging domestic and cross-border transactions. Chambers 2019 notes that "one impressed client suggests that he is someone to turn when 'you have to deal with complex transactions or need innovative solutions' and highlight his 'thoughtful advice and huge experience'"
Recognized by top legal directories as a leading practitioner, his track record has attracted a client portfolio which includes banking and financial institution giants, such as BNP Paribas, Crédit Agricole CIB, Natixis, Société Générale, Commerzbank, Deutsche Bank and HSBC.
Raphaël has also represented major corporate borrowers and investment funds, including Apax, Carlyle, Eurazeo and Wendel Investissement, in an array of financing transactions.
Experience
Financing of VIVESCIA 3.0 project, 2026
Representation of VIVESCIA on the implementation, with the group's banking partners, of a €750 million financing that may be increased up to €900 million. The five-year financing, which for the first time includes ESG criteria related to climate change and sustainable agriculture, enables the group to launch its new transformation and development plan, VIVESCIA 3.0.
Betclic's combination with Tipico, 2025
Representation of the arrangers on the €3 billion financing for Betclic's combination with Tipico, a leading sports betting and online gaming operator in Germany and Austria.
Fitness Park's unitranche financing, 2025
Representation of Carlyle Global Credit, global investment firm Carlyle's global credit arm, as sole lender on a €280 million unitranche financing for Fitness Park, a leading 'Full Service Best Price' operator and franchisor of fitness clubs in France.
HLD's syndicated Revolving Credit Facility, 2025
Representation of a pool of banks as arrangers and lenders, on the establishment of HLD's €100 million syndicated Revolving Credit Facility.
Refinancing of Ipsen, 2025
Representation of a pool of ten banks acting as arrangers and lenders on the renewal of Ipsen's €1.5 billion syndicated Revolving Credit Facility for a period of five years with two possible extensions of one year each. The renewal significantly extended Ipsen's debt maturity profile.
Europe Snacks Acquisition Financing, 2024
Representation of the Mandated Lead Arrangers and Bookrunners in connection with the senior financing of the acquisition by One Rock Capital Partners of Europe Snacks, a leading private label manufacturer of savory snacks for the European market. The financing involved an initial term loan B facility and a multicurrency revolving credit facility.
Senior financing for L'Occitane Groupe's privatization of L'Occitane International, 2024
Representation of Crédit Agricole Corporate and Investment Bank on the senior financing for the privatization of L'Occitane International S.A. by its majority shareholder L'Occitane Groupe S.A. L'Occitane International has been delisted from the Hong Kong Stock Exchange following the acquisition of all shares not already owned by L'Occitane Groupe, completing the privatization process.
Refinancing of Atalian, 2024
Representation of independent European leader in outsourced business services Atalian on the conclusion of a commercial agreement for the refinancing and rescheduling of its entire bond debt with a group of noteholders representing 98.46 percent of the existing notes.
Leading Lawyer (Band 1), Banking & Finance, France
Chambers France 2025, Chambers Global 2025
Hall of Fame, Banking & Finance, France
The Legal 500 EMEA 2025
"Raphaël is an excellent lawyer technically, commercially and in terms of negotiation. He is one of the first lawyers we call for the most complex transactions."
"Raphaël is a highly qualified lawyer with a strong solution-oriented mindset and a leading capability to defend us even in tense situations."
"He is one of the leading lawyers in the Paris market. He is a lawyer you want next to you. He is a detailed and experienced negotiator."
Client testimonials
Chambers France 2025
"Raphaël Richard leads White & Case's banking and finance practice. He maintains a strong reputation thanks to his expertise advising both lenders and borrowers on high-value credit facilities and refinancings."
Chambers France 2025
"Raphaël Richard is experienced in large transactions, knows everything by heart and is very technical."
Client testimony
Chambers Global 2024
