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Distribution lawyers

Distribution networks today are increasingly dense and are being built in a highly competitive environment. The legal rules that must be followed when setting up and operating these networks are ever more numerous and complex, and even more so because a network often extends over several countries or continents, each with their own rules and operational principles.

In this situation, how can you ensure the economic and financial viability of your distribution network and enable it to be competitive? Our team is ready to provide you with solutions to all the problems that confront you.

Our practice areas

Our team supports our clients in dealing with problems arising both from French law and from European Union and international law, particularly in the following situations: 

Assistance with setting up distribution networks:

  • When establishing relationships between players in the network: pre-contractual information and negotiations
  • When talks break down
  • Verification that the network complies with the rules of competition law
  • Network design: setting up of networks and franchise contracts, exclusive or selective distribution contracts, the organisation of pooled purchases (affiliation, cataloguing, etc.)
  • Drafting of agreements
  • Establishing and securing of relationships with third parties: sales agents, paid distributors, sales representatives, freight forwarders, contracted managers, brokers, business introducers, etc.

Advice when establishing distribution relationships:

  • Defining contractual relationships between members of the network: obligations of parties (loyalty, effectiveness, monetary obligations, etc.), changes to contracts already in force, negotiations and renegotiations, contract renewals or terminations, re-qualifications, etc.
  • Management and usage of brands and other distinctive signs; disputes relating to infringement, unfair competition and free riding
  • Prevention of restrictive competition practices 

Assistance when withdrawing from distribution networks:

  • Amicable and/or contentious termination of commercial relationships within the network
  • Mediation, pre-trial settlement agreements and arbitration
Our approach

A complementary, multidisciplinary approach: our lawyers work with our firm's experts in other fields (tax, labour law, corporate affairs, etc...). 

The ability to address every aspect of your projects and cases, in France and internationally, in collaboration with the other members of CMS.

Our team
  • Our team comprises some 20 lawyers, including five partners.
  • The diversity of their legal skills and professional careers are a guarantee of their experience, adaptability and dynamism.
  • We usually create an ad hoc team for each client. This team is coordinated by a primary contact who is responsible for ensuring the quality of our different advisory services.
  • When a project or case is international or transnational in nature, team members seek input from their colleagues in the CMS network, with whom they maintain close ties, particularly when working in transnational working groups (PAG).
 
Nathalie Pétrignet
Nathalie Petrignet
Partner
France, Neuilly-sur-Seine
Nathalie joined CMS Francis Lefebvre in 1989 and became a partner in 2009. She is actively involved in national and European competition law, restrictive practices, commercial negotiations and distribution...
Denis Redon
Denis Redon
Partner
France, Neuilly-sur-Seine
Denis joined CMS Francis Lefebvre in 1990 and became a partner in 2004. His practice encompasses all areas of EU and French competition law. He frequently oversees merger notification procedures and advises...
Anne-Laure Villedieu
Anne-Laure Villedieu
Partner
Member of the Management Board
France, Neuilly-sur-Seine
Anne-Laure Villedieu heads the Technology and IP Team of CMS Francis Lefebvre. She joined the firm in 1998, became a Partner in 2012 and is a member of the Advisory Board of the firm. She specializes...
Alienor Fevre
Aliénor Fevre
Counsel
France, Neuilly-sur-Seine
Aliénor is a lawyer within the law firm CMS Francis Lefebvre since October 2012. She practices her activity in commercial law and has developed, with time, an expertise in international commercial law...
Amaury Le Bourdon
Amaury Le Bourdon
Counsel
Lawyer
France, Neuilly-sur-Seine
Amaury Le Bourdon is a lawyer in the Competition and European Law Department since November 2013. He is mainly involved in competition and distribution law (antitrust, restrictive practices, merger control...
Francine Van Doorne
Francine van Doorne
Counsel
France, Neuilly-sur-Seine
Francine joined CMS Francis Lefebvre in December 1988. She has relevant experience in commercial law, distribution law and road transport law
Claire Flatres
Claire Flatrès
Associate
France, Neuilly-sur-Seine
Claire Flatrès joined CMS Francis Lefebvre in 2019. She is specialized in the areas of contract law,  international private law, commercial and distribution law. Claire assists local and international...
Benjamin Benezeth
Benjamin Benezeth
Associate
France, Neuilly-sur-Seine
Benjamin is involved in advising and drafting (contracts, privacy policy) for French and international clients in the fields of Personal Data Protection Law, E-commerce, Commercial Law and, Contracts...
Manon Fleury
Manon Fleury
Lawyer
France, Neuilly-sur-Seine
Manon Fleury joined CMS Francis Lefebvre in 2019. She assists and advises French and foreign clients regarding contract law, private international law, commercial law and distribution law