Sheppard Mullin's French Insider

In this episode of French Insider, Jared Nagley, a partner in Sheppard Mullin’s Antitrust and Competition Group formerly with the FTC’s Bureau of Competition, joins host Inès Briand to discuss the impact of the upcoming 2024 election on the U.S. antitrust landscape, and potential impacts from both a Democratic and Republican outcome.   What We Discussed in This Episode: Will the outcome of the upcoming Presidential election have a major impact on antitrust enforcement? How do Democrats and Republicans view antitrust enforcement, and what are the similarities and differences between their perspectives? How have both parties become more aggressive in their view of enforcement, and which industry sectors are they targeting? Given healthcare's significant and public role in the US economy, how does enforcement differ under both political parties, particularly in relation to industry consolidation and drug costs? Which party has a more aggressive stance on antitrust challenges and investigations in the Big Tech space, and how will this industry be impacted? Which party has adopted a more assertive approach toward antitrust challenges and investigations in Big Tech and what might this industry look like post-election? What has been proposed to address serial acquisitions or roll-ups? About Jared Nagley Jared Nagley is a partner in Sheppard Mullin’s New York office, where he is a partner in the Antitrust and Competition Group. Jared’s practice focuses on complex antitrust matters, including defending clients in litigations and government investigations brought by the Federal Trade Commission (FTC), the Department of Justice's Antitrust Division, and state and international enforcement authorities, in addition to advising clients in their mergers and acquisitions, joint ventures, and other strategic business issues. He is a member of the firm’s French Desk and Canada Desk Teams. Prior to joining Sheppard, Mullin, Jared spent eight years at the FTC’s Bureau of Competition, where he served as the lead attorney in several significant public matters and was the recipient of the Janet D. Steiger Award. About Inès Briand Inès Briand is an associate in Sheppard Mullin’s Corporate Practice Group and French Desk Team in the firm’s Brussels office, where her practice primarily focuses on domestic and cross-border mergers and acquisition transactions (with special emphasis on operations involving French companies). She also has significant experience in general corporate matters and compliance for foreign companies settled in the United States. As a member of the firm’s French Desk, Inès has advised companies and private equity funds in both the United States and Europe on mergers, acquisitions, commercial contracts and general corporate matters, including expansion of French companies in the United States.   Contact Information Jared Nagley Inès Briand   Thank you for listening! Don’t forget to SUBSCRIBE to the show to receive every new episode delivered straight to your podcast player every week. If you enjoyed this episode, please help us get the word out about this podcast. Rate and Review this show in Apple Podcasts, Deezer, Amazon Music, or Spotify. It helps other listeners find this show.

In this episode of French Insider, Noel Rimalovski, Managing Director of GH Partners LLC joins host Brian Weimer, Telecom Team Leader of Sheppard Mullin, to discuss cross-border initiatives in the satellite and space industry. These initiatives include France’s CoFace compared to The EXIM Bank in the United States, the emerging small launch industry, and the potential for commercial opportunities on the moon.   What We Discussed in This Episode: How does working with France's CoFace differ from working with The EXIM Bank in the United States? How does The EXIM Bank compare to the way France approaches export credit agency financing? Who can access financing from an export credit agency? Can a French company approach The EXIM Bank? Aside from SpaceX, who are some of the players in the nascent industry of small launch providers? Are the small launch providers that have proliferated in recent years targeting SpaceX's market? Is the recent multi-orbit trend lately likely to continue? Why is it essential for space and satellite companies to ensure alignment with their government? Is there any real potential for large-scale commercial opportunities on the moon? Is the space industry transitioning into a more commercial chapter of financing? Is there a push for more sustainable projects in the space industry?   About Brian Weimer Brian Weimer is a partner in Sheppard Mullin’s Washington, D.C. office, where he also serves as Leader of the firm's Telecom Team and Co-Leader of the CFIUS Team. Brian provides regulatory and transactional advice across the entire telecommunications ecosystem. As leader of the firm’s Space & Satellite practice, he is perhaps best known as a leading lawyer for the satellite industry.   About Noel Rimalovski Noel Rimalovski brings a deep background in M&A and corporate finance to GH Partners.   Throughout his 20-year career, he has provided advisory services to clients, including sales and acquisitions, restructurings, capital raisings, valuations and fairness opinions to domestic and international clients in the Telecommunications, Media, Technology, Industrial and Consumer sectors.  Before joining GH Partners, Noel served as Senior Vice President at Macquarie Capital (USA), 2007-08, in the Telecommunications, Media, Entertainment and Technology Group. While at Macquarie, he completed $1.8bn of investments in the telecommunications sector. Prior to Macquarie, he was Director in the Mergers & Acquisition Group of Dresdner Kleinwort Wasserstein and its predecessor Wasserstein Perella, where he completed over $20 billion in transactions in the Industrial, Consumer, Technology, Telecommunications and Media sectors.  Prior to joining WP, Noel gained experience as a banker on structured financings, securitizations and proprietary investments at Millennium Capital Markets and Lazard Frères.   Contact Information Brian Weimer Noel Rimalovski   Thank you for listening! Don’t forget to SUBSCRIBE to the show to receive every new episode delivered straight to your podcast player every week. If you enjoyed this episode, please help us get the word out about this podcast. Rate and Review this show in Apple Podcasts, Deezer, Amazon Music, or Spotify. It helps other listeners find this show.

This episode is a replay of Episode 30 which originally aired on March 18, 2024. In this episode of French Insider, Greg Berk, a partner at Sheppard Mullin, joins host Inès Briand to discuss immigration and business travel to the United States, including the particulars of the ESTA visa waiver program, obtaining an O-1 visa, H-1B visa, or green card, and what travelers can expect from the CPB upon entry.   What We Discussed in This Episode: What is an ESTA visa waiver? How long can you stay in the U.S. on an ESTA waiver? How soon can someone come back to the U.S. with an ESTA waiver? Who needs a work visa, and what types of work visas are available? How specialized must an individual be to qualify for a special talent (0-1) visa? What is an H-1B visa? When should French entities start planning to send individuals to the U.S.? When does someone need a green card? How do they obtain one? Are there tax implications when obtaining a green card? Can a green card be relinquished if the holder leaves the U.S.? Why does the CPB occasionally check social media accounts? Can the CPB deny a visa holder entry? Why might someone be called in for a secondary inspection? How should they deal with this? How can travel to Cuba or another restricted country impact an ESTA? Would it affect other types of visas?   About Greg Berk Greg Berk, a partner in Sheppard Mullin’s Labor and Employment Practice Group, is based in Orange County, California. He heads the firm’s immigration practice and is a Certified Specialist in Immigration and Nationality Law by the State Bar of California Board of Legal Specialization.  With more than 25 years of experience advising on various U.S. immigration issues, Greg is a trusted resource for global employers seeking guidance on recruiting and retaining foreign executives and top talent for their U.S. operations. He also works with investors on E-2, L-1, and EB-5 matters as well as I-9 and other immigration compliance matters. He is the author of "Immigration Checklists and Practice Pointers – A Desk Reference," a book published by the American Bar Association for General Counsel and HR managers.   About Inès Briand  Inès Briand is an associate in Sheppard Mullin’s Corporate Practice Group and French Desk Team in the firm’s Brussels office, where her practice primarily focuses on domestic and cross-border mergers and acquisition transactions (with special emphasis on operations involving French companies). She also has significant experience in general corporate matters and compliance for foreign companies settled in the United States. As a member of the firm’s French Desk, Inès has advised companies and private equity funds in both the United States and Europe on mergers, acquisitions, commercial contracts and general corporate matters, including expansion of French companies in the United States.   Contact Information Inès Briand  Greg Berk   Thank you for listening! Don’t forget to SUBSCRIBE to the show to receive every new episode delivered straight to your podcast player every week. If you enjoyed this episode, please help us get the word out about this podcast. Rate and Review this show in Apple Podcasts, Deezer, Amazon Music, or Spotify. It helps other listeners find this show.

This episode is a replay of Episode 29 which originally aired on February 1, 2024. On this episode of French Insider, Erik Sloan, Chief Revenue Officer of Cboe Canada and the Global Head of Company Listings for Cboe Global Markets, joins host Andrew Bond to explore how Cboe operates a global network of securities and derivatives exchanges that help companies efficiently navigate global capital markets, including the factors that set the Cboe exchanges apart from other exchanges and the types of companies well-suited to list their securities on one or more of the exchanges in the Cboe network.    What We Discussed In This Episode: What led you to Cboe Global Markets? What markets is Cboe in? Where might the exchange expand? What differentiates Cboe from country-based exchanges like Nasdaq or the NYSE? What value would Cboe bring to a French company considering public listings in both Europe and the United States? What types of companies do you feel are a good fit for the Cboe marketplace? How does the Cboe help companies navigate regulatory hurdles in various jurisdictions? After a French company is listed on Cboe in the United States, what is the procedure for expanding its listing to another foreign market? What would you consider Cboe’s greatest successes so far? What have been Cboe’s biggest challenges? What is your best advice for either a private company seeking to go public on Cboe exchange or a publicly traded company considering a move from another exchange?   About Erik Sloane Erik Sloane has been with Cboe Canada since its inception and helped define and implement its foundational stock exchange and fund distribution platforms. He’s since held several senior roles, including Head of Funds & Trading and Head of Product Management. As Chief Revenue Officer, he is currently responsible for driving growth by working closely with capital-raising companies, asset managers, sell-side firms, buy-side firms and other industry stakeholders. Erik launched his career at a global business and technology consultancy firm. Prior to joining Cboe Canada, he led project management at the Alpha Exchange, where he previously oversaw delivery of its core technology platform. He’s also chaired several industry advisory groups instrumental in shaping Cboe Canada's strategy and currently serves on the Operations Committee of the Canadian ETF Association (CETFA).    About Andrew Bond A partner in the Corporate Practice Group in Sheppard Mullin’s Century City office, Andrew Bond has a broad-based securities practice. In addition to assisting clients with cross-border mergers and acquisitions and capital market transactions, he counsels Canadian clients on listing requirements for the NYSE, NASDAQ, and platforms operated by the OTC Markets Group. Andrew previously practiced in Canada, where he advised both U.S. and Canadian issuers on registered securities offerings, private placements, and Securities Exchange Act compliance.   Contact Information Erik Sloane  Andrew Bond   Additional Resources Cboe Canada   Thank you for listening! Don’t forget to SUBSCRIBE to the show to receive every new episode delivered straight to your podcast player every week. If you enjoyed this episode, please help us get the word out about this podcast. Rate and Review this show in Apple Podcasts, Deezer, Amazon Music, Google Podcasts or Spotify. It helps other listeners find this show. This podcast is for informational and educational purposes only. It is not to be construed as legal advice specific to your circumstances. If you need help with any legal matter, be sure to consult with an attorney regarding your specific needs.

In this episode of French Insider, Romain Poirot, Managing Partner of French Morning and Frenchly, joins host Karl Buhler of Sheppard Mullin to discuss the French Morning Media Group, from its inception to where it is today, and how it creates a sense of community for francophone people away for home. This episode was recorded in French.   What We Discussed in This Episode: French Morning’s history - the premises and its development in the United States, Canada and in the UK Local news and creating a community The impact on Covid and French Morning’s media diversification through webinars. Topics covered and events organized French elections coverage - live debates and streaming Sports events - football, rugby… gatherings behind « Les bleus » French Morning Media Group and its different subsidiaries Growth strategy of the magazine and plan for the future   About Romain Poirot  Romain Poirot has a diverse work experience spanning multiple industries. Romain started his career in 2010 as an Assistant of Sales and Purchases in the Back Office at Magirus. In 2011, they worked as a Sales and Marketing Assistant at Inlingua and also served as a Team Manager for Street-marketing events at France Prestige. From 2012 to 2016, he worked at ALTIOS International, where they were involved in International Business Development activities, including researching and prospecting the US market, qualifying potential clients, and assisting in trade show preparations. In 2009, he joined Red Bull as a Student Brand Manager.  In 2016, he became a Managing Partner at Frenchly, a leading publication for Americans traveling or living in France. In 2017, they joined Maudits Français as a Managing Partner. Since 2013, they have been the Managing Partner and Head of Revenue at French Morning USA, the leading publication for French expats living in the United States & UK. Romain Poirot attended Pace University in 2012 for a brief period, although the degree and field of study are unspecified. From 2009 to 2012, they studied at EM Strasbourg Business School, where they earned a Bachelor of Marketing and International Business. Additionally, in 2010, Romain studied Spanish and business in Spanish at Universidad de Alicante for a short duration.   About Karl Buhler  Karl Buhler is an associate in the Corporate and Securities Practice Group and French Desk in the firm's New York Office. Karl focuses his practice on domestic and cross-border transactions. He handles in mergers, acquisitions, joint ventures, and complex commercial agreements in industries such as technology, communications, life sciences, energy, defense and aerospace. In particular, he advises foreign companies with the installation and development of their operations in the United States.  Karl was born and educated in France. He began his legal career in China, practicing corporate law in both Beijing and Hong Kong with a focus on mergers, acquisitions, and project finance in the energy and infrastructure sectors. Karl then relocated to Paris, where he continued to focus on corporate transactions, but also expanded his expertise to international arbitrations and litigations arising from contracts and transactions, including mergers and acquisitions, joint venture, and infrastructure agreements.   Contact Information French Morning Roman Poirot Karl Buhler   Thank you for listening! Don’t forget to SUBSCRIBE to the show to receive every new episode delivered straight to your podcast player every week. If you enjoyed this episode, please help us get the word out about this podcast. Rate and Review this show in Apple Podcasts, Deezer, Amazon Music, or Spotify. It helps other listeners find this show.

In this episode of French Insider, Greg Berk, a partner at Sheppard Mullin, joins host Inès Briand to discuss immigration and business travel to the United States, including the particulars of the ESTA visa waiver program, obtaining an O-1 visa, H-1B visa, or green card, and what travelers can expect from the CPB upon entry.   What We Discussed in This Episode: What is an ESTA visa waiver? How long can you stay in the U.S. on an ESTA waiver? How soon can someone come back to the U.S. with an ESTA waiver? Who needs a work visa, and what types of work visas are available? How specialized must an individual be to qualify for a special talent (0-1) visa? What is an H-1B visa? When should French entities start planning to send individuals to the U.S.? When does someone need a green card? How do they obtain one? Are there tax implications when obtaining a green card? Can a green card be relinquished if the holder leaves the U.S.? Why does the CPB occasionally check social media accounts? Can the CPB deny a visa holder entry? Why might someone be called in for a secondary inspection? How should they deal with this? How can travel to Cuba or another restricted country impact an ESTA? Would it affect other types of visas?   About Greg Berk Greg Berk, a partner in Sheppard Mullin’s Labor and Employment Practice Group, is based in Orange County, California. He heads the firm’s immigration practice and is a Certified Specialist in Immigration and Nationality Law by the State Bar of California Board of Legal Specialization.  With more than 25 years of experience advising on various U.S. immigration issues, Greg is a trusted resource for global employers seeking guidance on recruiting and retaining foreign executives and top talent for their U.S. operations. He also works with investors on E-2, L-1, and EB-5 matters as well as I-9 and other immigration compliance matters. He is the author of "Immigration Checklists and Practice Pointers – A Desk Reference," a book published by the American Bar Association for General Counsel and HR managers.   About Inès Briand  Inès Briand is an associate in Sheppard Mullin’s Corporate Practice Group and French Desk Team in the firm’s Brussels office, where her practice primarily focuses on domestic and cross-border mergers and acquisition transactions (with special emphasis on operations involving French companies). She also has significant experience in general corporate matters and compliance for foreign companies settled in the United States. As a member of the firm’s French Desk, Inès has advised companies and private equity funds in both the United States and Europe on mergers, acquisitions, commercial contracts and general corporate matters, including expansion of French companies in the United States.   Contact Information Inès Briand  Greg Berk   Thank you for listening! Don’t forget to SUBSCRIBE to the show to receive every new episode delivered straight to your podcast player every week. If you enjoyed this episode, please help us get the word out about this podcast. Rate and Review this show in Apple Podcasts, Deezer, Amazon Music, Google Podcasts or Spotify. It helps other listeners find this show.

On this episode of French Insider, Erik Sloan, Chief Revenue Officer of Cboe Canada and the Global Head of Company Listings for Cboe Global Markets, joins host Andrew Bond to explore how Cboe operates a global network of securities and derivatives exchanges that help companies efficiently navigate global capital markets, including the factors that set the Cboe exchanges apart from other exchanges and the types of companies well-suited to list their securities on one or more of the exchanges in the Cboe network.    What We Discussed In This Episode: What led you to Cboe Global Markets? What markets is Cboe in? Where might the exchange expand? What differentiates Cboe from country-based exchanges like Nasdaq or the NYSE? What value would Cboe bring to a French company considering public listings in both Europe and the United States? What types of companies do you feel are a good fit for the Cboe marketplace? How does the Cboe help companies navigate regulatory hurdles in various jurisdictions? After a French company is listed on Cboe in the United States, what is the procedure for expanding its listing to another foreign market? What would you consider Cboe’s greatest successes so far? What have been Cboe’s biggest challenges? What is your best advice for either a private company seeking to go public on Cboe exchange or a publicly traded company considering a move from another exchange?   About Erik Sloane Erik Sloane has been with Cboe Canada since its inception and helped define and implement its foundational stock exchange and fund distribution platforms. He’s since held several senior roles, including Head of Funds & Trading and Head of Product Management. As Chief Revenue Officer, he is currently responsible for driving growth by working closely with capital-raising companies, asset managers, sell-side firms, buy-side firms and other industry stakeholders. Erik launched his career at a global business and technology consultancy firm. Prior to joining Cboe Canada, he led project management at the Alpha Exchange, where he previously oversaw delivery of its core technology platform. He’s also chaired several industry advisory groups instrumental in shaping Cboe Canada's strategy and currently serves on the Operations Committee of the Canadian ETF Association (CETFA).    About Andrew Bond A partner in the Corporate Practice Group in Sheppard Mullin’s Century City office, Andrew Bond has a broad-based securities practice. In addition to assisting clients with cross-border mergers and acquisitions and capital market transactions, he counsels Canadian clients on listing requirements for the NYSE, NASDAQ, and platforms operated by the OTC Markets Group. Andrew previously practiced in Canada, where he advised both U.S. and Canadian issuers on registered securities offerings, private placements, and Securities Exchange Act compliance.   Contact Information Erik Sloane  Andrew Bond   Additional Resources Cboe Canada   Thank you for listening! Don’t forget to SUBSCRIBE to the show to receive every new episode delivered straight to your podcast player every week. If you enjoyed this episode, please help us get the word out about this podcast. Rate and Review this show in Apple Podcasts, Deezer, Amazon Music, Google Podcasts or Spotify. It helps other listeners find this show.   This podcast is for informational and educational purposes only. It is not to be construed as legal advice specific to your circumstances. If you need help with any legal matter, be sure to consult with an attorney regarding your specific needs.

This episode is a replay of Episode 23 which originally aired on June 30, 2023. It was recorded in French. In this episode of the French Insider, Didier Choix, Founder and Managing Partner, and Jean-Damien Perrier, Partner of the DDA & Company group, a Franco-American investment bank specializing in mergers and acquisitions in France and the United States, join Valérie Demont, Partner at Sheppard Mullin, to discuss M&A transactions between France and the United States, including how to choose the right target, the differences between French and American deals, and how to best prepare to conquer the American market.   What We Discussed in this Episode How can one best prepare to acquire a company in the United States? Screening Definition of objectives Proficiency in English How to find a United States target?  What are the challenges faced? Is networking working? The approach of the American leader  What are the major differences between a deal in the United States and a deal in France? Limited access to information Valuation Funding Working Capital v. lock box Vendor due diligence GAAP accounting v. IFRS Lack of audit of financial statements Salaries of officers and employees in the United States What are the common mistakes of French companies in their first acquisitions in the United States? “Bridging the gap”: how can French companies put together a competitive offer compared to American buyers (auction process, etc.)? Timeline of an acquisition Main advice for an entrepreneur looking to acquire a target in the United States Contact Information Inès Briand  Karl Buhler  Didier Choix - Founder and President - DDA & Company, LLC | LinkedIn Jean-Damien Perrier - New York, New York, United States | Professional Profile | LinkedIn Valérie Demont | Sheppard Mullin DDA & Company, spécialiste conseil en corporate finance (ddacompany.com) France Attorneys | Sheppard Mullin   Additional Resources French Insider Episode 23: M&A in the US: How French Businesses Can Find a Target & Seal the Deal | Sheppard Mullin   Thank you for listening! Don’t forget to SUBSCRIBE to the show to receive every new episode delivered straight to your podcast player every week. If you enjoyed this episode, please help us get the word out about this podcast. Rate and Review this show in Apple Podcasts, Deezer, Amazon Music, Stitcher, or Spotify. It helps other listeners find this show. This podcast is for informational and educational purposes only. It is not to be construed as legal advice specific to your circumstances. If you need help with any legal matter, be sure to consult with an attorney regarding your specific needs.

In this episode of French Insider, Victoire Lester, CEO of Coucou, joins host Sarah Ben-Moussa to discuss the experience of building a company in the United States from the ground up, including Coucou’s approach to hiring and training native-speaking French language instructors, its strategy for attracting American customers, and their experience recruiting and managing a mixed-nationality workforce.   What We Discussed in this Episode Can you tell us a bit about your background? How did you become involved with Coucou? What was behind the founding of Coucou? Where did the idea come from? How does Coucou go about hiring and training instructors? How does Coucou’s approach to hiring impact the learning experience? What was it like coming to the U.S. and building a company from the ground up? What motivated Coucou to expand its offerings? What was Coucou’s experience during COVID? Where did the company come out on the other side? Can you tell us a bit about the streaming platform being developed by a Coucou founder? What was Coucou’s strategy for attracting U.S. customers? Can you speak to the experience of recruiting and managing a mixed-nationality workforce of French and American people? What were some resources Coucou utilized during the last 10 years of growth? Would you recommend companies retain a public relations agency? What’s one piece of advice you’d offer a French entrepreneur seeking to launch a company in the U.S.?   About Victoire Lester Victoire Lester is CEO of Coucou, a New York City and Los Angeles-based language school offering culturally savvy, native-taught French classes, in person or online. A Paris native, she joined Coucous as a part-time French instructor in 2016 and was promoted to director of operations just three years later. As CEO, Victoire handles marketing, product development, and operations. She was also responsible for Coucou’s successful transition to an online program in 2020, which has been instrumental in the company’s growth. When she’s not helping Coucou grow, Victoire enjoys spending time with her family, practicing yoga, and indulging in her love of wine, cheese, and oysters.   About Sarah F. Ben-Moussa Sarah F. Ben-Moussa is an associate in the Corporate Practice Group in Sheppard Mullin’s New York office, where her practice focuses on domestic and cross-border mergers and acquisitions, financings and corporate governance matters. As a member of the firm’s French Desk, she has advised companies and private equity funds in both the United States and Europe on mergers, acquisitions, joint ventures, financings, complex commercial agreements, and general corporate matters. As a member of Sheppard Mullin’s Energy, Infrastructure and Project Finance team, Sarah also represents renewable energy companies, borrowers, financial sponsors, portfolio companies, commercial banks and other financial institutions in a variety of financing transactions. Her practice focuses on a variety of transactions in the energy sphere, representing renewable energy companies in project-level debt and equity financings of wind and solar facilities.  Before joining Sheppard Mullin, Sarah spent a year and a half studying and working in France,  focusing on corporate transactions and commercial contracts in Europe and internationally. Sarah is also committed to pro bono work, focusing on cases involving children seeking asylum or other immigration-related relief.   Contact Information  Victoire Lester Sarah F. Ben-Moussa    Additional Resources Coucou Coucou on TikTok Coucou on Instagram Coucou on Facebook Coucou on YouTube   Thank you for listening! Don’t forget to SUBSCRIBE to the show to receive every new episode delivered straight to your podcast player every week. If you enjoyed this episode, please help us get the word out about this podcast. Rate and Review this show in Apple Podcasts, Deezer, Amazon Music, Stitcher, or Spotify. It helps other listeners find this show. This podcast is for informational and educational purposes only. It is not to be construed as legal advice specific to your circumstances. If you need help with any legal matter, be sure to consult with an attorney regarding your specific needs.

This episode is a replay of Episode 11 which originally aired on March 2, 2022.  It was recorded in French. What are the best strategies for setting up a business in the United States? Valère Horath, vice president of global sales and co-founder of Quipment SAS, has direct experience with this question. In this episode, he discusses his personal experience with the decision of developing in the US, the strategy for coming to the US, and the challenges of starting and growing a business in the US. He also explains some of the differences between running a business in France and the United States, including the importance of contracts in relationships with customers.   What We Discussed in This Episode: About Valère Horath and Quipment; The decision to set up in the United States; The strategy for starting a business in the United States; The main differences between American and non-American clients; How to be successful in the U.S. market.   About Valère Horath  Valère Horath is the vice president of global sales and co-founder of Quipment SAS. Quipment is a company specializing in the provision of medical and laboratory equipment. The equipment and supplies provided by Quipment make it possible to measure the effectiveness and side effects of drugs before they are put on the market. Quipment's customers are mainly pharmaceutical companies, Biotechs and CROs that must carry out very rigorous clinical trials in order to demonstrate the effectiveness of drugs. For this, they need to equip doctors with calibrated equipment, the reliability of which is indisputable. In addition, these studies are international: Quipment therefore has equipment in all continents and in >60,000 hospitals globally. It has warehouses in France, USA and Japan. To date, the company is in the 100-500 employee range.   Contact Information: Valère Horath   Thank you for listening! Don’t forget to SUBSCRIBE to the show to receive every new episode delivered straight to your podcast player every week. If you enjoyed this episode, please help us get the word out about this podcast. Rate and Review this show in Apple Podcasts, Deezer, Amazon Music, Stitcher, or Spotify. It helps other listeners find this show. This podcast is for informational and educational purposes only. It is not to be construed as legal advice specific to your circumstances. If you need help with any legal matter, be sure to consult with an attorney regarding your specific needs.

In this episode of French Insider, Jim Gatto, a partner in Sheppard Mullin’s Washington D.C. office and co-chair of its AI team, joins host Sarah Ben-Moussa to discuss what companies should know as they embrace generative AI, including key legal issues, the European Union’s Artificial Intelligence Act, and unique due diligence concerns when acquiring or investing in companies that develop or use generative AI.   What We Discussed in This Episode: What is generative AI, and why has it become so newsworthy? What are the key legal issues raised by AI? Who is liable if the output produced by generative AI infringes? Can you provide a broad overview of the European Union’s Artificial Intelligence Act?  How does the EU compare to the current landscape in the U.S.? Is it legal for companies to use your output to train their own AI models? What unique issues should be considered when conducting diligence for acquisitions or investments in companies using or developing generative AI? What are some of the most important things companies should do to minimize the risk when using AI?   About James G. Gatto James G. Gatto is a partner in the Intellectual Property Practice Group in Sheppard Mullin’s Washington, D.C. office, where he also serves as Co-Leader of the firm’s Artificial Intelligence Team and Leader of the Open Source Team. Jim’s practice focuses on AI, blockchain, interactive entertainment and open source. He provides strategic advice on all aspects of intellectual property strategy and enforcement, technology transactions, licenses and tech-related regulatory issues, especially ones driven by new business models and/or disruptive technologies.  Jim has over 20 years of experience advising clients on AI issues and is an adjunct professor who teaches a course on Artificial Intelligence Legal Issues. He is considered a thought leader on legal issues associated with emerging technologies and business models, most recently blockchain, AI, open source and interactive entertainment.    About Sarah F. Ben-Moussa Sarah F. Ben-Moussa is an associate in the Corporate Practice Group in Sheppard Mullin’s New York office, where her practice focuses on domestic and cross-border mergers and acquisitions, financings and corporate governance matters. As a member of the firm’s French Desk, she has advised companies and private equity funds in both the United States and Europe on mergers, acquisitions, joint ventures, financings, complex commercial agreements, and general corporate matters.  As a member of Sheppard Mullin’s Energy, Infrastructure and Project Finance team, Sarah also represents renewable energy companies, borrowers, financial sponsors, portfolio companies, commercial banks and other financial institutions in a variety of financing transactions. Her practice focuses on a variety of transactions in the energy sphere, representing renewable energy companies in project-level debt and equity financings of wind and solar facilities.  Before joining Sheppard Mullin, Sarah spent a year and a half studying and working in France,  focusing on corporate transactions and commercial contracts in Europe and internationally. Sarah is also committed to pro bono work, focusing on cases involving children seeking asylum or other immigration-related relief.   Contact Information: James G. Gatto Sarah F. Ben-Moussa   Additional Resources: Copyright Office Artificial Intelligence Initiative and Resource Guide | Law of The Ledger Training AI Models - Just Because It’s Your Data Doesn’t Mean You Can Use It | Law of The Ledger Solving Open Source Problems with AI Code Generators – Legal Issues and Solutions | Law of The Ledger Congress Proposes National Commission to Create AI Guardrails | Law of The Ledger Sheppard Mullin French Desk Blog Sheppard Mullin Launches Artificial Intelligence Industry Team | Sheppard Mullin   Thank you for listening! Don’t forget to SUBSCRIBE to the show to receive every new episode delivered straight to your podcast player every week.  If you enjoyed this episode, please help us get the word out about this podcast. Rate and Review this show in Apple Podcasts, Deezer, Amazon Music, Stitcher, or Spotify. It helps other listeners find this show. This podcast is for informational and educational purposes only. It is not to be construed as legal advice specific to your circumstances. If you need help with any legal matter, be sure to consult with an attorney regarding your specific needs.

In this episode of French Insider, Caroline Faucher-Winter, Co-President at La French Tech NYC, joins host Valérie Demont to discuss the French Tech 2030 program, challenges that French start-ups looking to secure funding and establish themselves in the United States may face, and how these start-ups can navigate and prepare for the U.S. market.   What We Discussed in This Episode: How would you describe the French Tech 2030 program? What are the DO’s and DONT’s to keep in mind for a French entrepreneur looking to set up in the United States? What are common mistakes French start-ups make in their first steps in the United States? How can they best prepare for this endeavor? What does the financing environment for French tech companies look like in the United States? What are the most effective ways to raise funds in the United States? What can French tech companies do to better position themselves to raise funds in the United States? How many succeed? Is it better to raise funds in Europe and then launch in the United States? What do you think of the role and impact of social media on start-up marketing and PR in the United States? What is the main advice you would give to a start-up looking to expand in the United States?   About Caroline Faucher-Winter Caroline Faucher-Winter is a Senior Strategic Public Relations Advisor at Kalamari and has been involved in the French Tech New York ecosystem since 2018. Since then, she has actively participated in the development of French Tech, and was named co-president in 2022. Caroline thrives on contact with others and is committed to diversity and inclusion, in particular through the French Tech NY program aimed at helping French entrepreneurs to settle in the U.S. Caroline has built her career around start-ups and innovation, first covertly and later openly, acting as a relay and link between business owners, VC funds, and government agencies. She is also the director of the Galion Project, a think tank for creative business people. Through the course of her career, Caroline has established connections across ecosystems, guided many transatlantic participants (FrenchTech, BusinessFrance, FrenchFounders, The Galion Project, etc.), and helped connect, decode, and promote the production of synergies and value.   About Valérie Demont In the firm’'s New York office, Valérie Demont is a partner in Sheppard Mullin’s Corporate Practice Group, where she focuses primarily on U.S. and cross-border mergers and acquisitions, capital markets and securities offerings and corporate governance matters. As a leader of the firm’s French Desk team, she advises foreign companies on the establishment and growth of their operations in the United States, acting as de facto "outside general counsel" for non-U.S. companies in the United States.   Valérie has been involved in numerous mergers, acquisitions, joint ventures and dispositions for corporations and private equity funds in the U.S., Europe and Asia (including India). She also represents U.S. and non-U.S. issuers and underwriters in a wide range of primary and secondary capital markets and securities offering financing transactions involving equity, debt, convertible and hybrid securities. These transactions include IPOs, private placements and offshore securities offerings and the establishment of American Depositary Receipt (ADR) programs. Furthermore, Valérie regularly advises companies on their reporting obligations under U.S. securities laws as well as corporate governance and other compliance obligations under the Sarbanes-Oxley Act and stock exchange regulations. Not only is she a frequent speaker at events focused on cross-border trade, but she is also an outside pro bono counsel to Girls Who Invest, a nonprofit organization dedicated to increasing the number of women in portfolio management and executive leadership in the asset management industry.   Contact Information:  Caroline Faucher-Winter  Valérie Demont    Additional Resources: Sheppard Mullin French Desk Blog Thank you for listening! Don’t forget to SUBSCRIBE to the show to receive every new episode delivered straight to your podcast player every week.   If you enjoyed this episode, please help us get the word out about this podcast. Rate and Review this show in Apple Podcasts, Deezer, Amazon Music, Stitcher, or Spotify. It helps other listeners find this show.   This podcast is for informational and educational purposes only. It is not to be construed as legal advice specific to your circumstances. If you need help with any legal matter, be sure to consult with an attorney regarding your specific needs.

In this episode of the French Insider, Didier Choix, Founder and Managing Partner, and Jean-Damien Perrier, Partner of the DDA & Company group, a Franco-American investment bank specializing in mergers and acquisitions in France and the United States, join Valérie Demont, Partner at Sheppard Mullin, to discuss M&A transactions between France and the United States, including how to choose the right target, the differences between French and American deals, and how to best prepare to conquer the American market.   What We Discussed in This Episode: How can one best prepare to acquire a company in the United States? Screening Definition of objectives Proficiency in English How to find a United States target?  What are the challenges faced? Is networking working? The approach of the American leader  What are the major differences between a deal in the United States and a deal in France? Limited access to information Valuation Funding Working Capital v. lock box Vendor due diligence GAAP accounting v. IFRS Lack of audit of financial statements Salaries of officers and employees in the United States What are the common mistakes of French companies in their first acquisitions in the United States? “Bridging the gap”: how can French companies put together a competitive offer compared to American buyers (auction process, etc.)? Timeline of an acquisition Main advice for an entrepreneur looking to acquire a target in the United States   Contact Information: Didier Choix - Founder and President - DDA & Company, LLC | LinkedIn Jean-Damien Perrier - New York, New York, United States | Professional Profile | LinkedIn Valérie Demont | Sheppard Mullin   DDA & Company, spécialiste conseil en corporate finance (ddacompany.com) France Attorneys | Sheppard Mullin   Thank you for listening! Don’t forget to SUBSCRIBE to the show to receive every new episode delivered straight to your podcast player every week. If you enjoyed this episode, please help us get the word out about this podcast. Rate and Review this show in Apple Podcasts, Deezer, Amazon Music, Stitcher, or Spotify. It helps other listeners find this show. This podcast is for informational and educational purposes only. It is not to be construed as legal advice specific to your circumstances. If you need help with any legal matter, be sure to consult with an attorney regarding your specific needs.

This episode is a replay of Episode 14 which originally aired on June 9, 2022.   For this episode of French Insider, Jean Hoefliger, noted wine consultant, entrepreneur, and founder of JH Wine Consultants, joins us to discuss French investments in the U.S. wine industry, including the many factors drawing French winemakers to the Napa Valley and how the rise of venture-backed startups has altered the winemaking landscape.   About Jean Hoefliger Born and raised in Switzerland, Jean has decades of winemaking experience and has worked in vineyards worldwide, including California, Bordeaux, Texas, and South Africa. As a wine consultant, he has helped build client wineries across the globe, including Montevereo in Tuscany and Grapeheart in Suisun Valley, as well as AXR and The Debate in Napa Valley, to name a few. His many accolades include two 100-point scores awarded by Jebb Dunnuck and Robert Parker for his Napa-based The Debate Cabernet Sauvignon. Jean's consulting business encompasses everything he loves, from managing farming and crafting world-class wines to advising on business strategies and even building and implementing the sales structure for clients.   What We Discussed in This Episode: What is drawing investors to the Napa Valley?Why are French winemakers coming to the Napa Valley?Who are some of the big players that already have a presence in the Napa Valley?As a winemaker, what's different about doing business in the Napa Valley vs. France?Are other U.S. winemaking regions becoming more significant in the market?How is the growing number of wineries impacting the overall market?Has the rise of venture-backed startups in the industry shifted the dynamic for producers?What should French companies keep in mind as they seek to enter the U.S. wine market?How are winemakers dealing with climate change? Despite the challenges of the last two years, including COVID and wildfires, wineries have continued to grow. Why is that?What are some of the long-term impacts of climate change on wineries in France and across Europe? How can new technology help mitigate these impacts?How does the diverse range of U.S. wine-producing regions act as an additional draw for French investors?   Contact Information Jean Hoefliger JH Wine Consulting Sheppard Mullin French Desk    Thank you for listening! Don’t forget to SUBSCRIBE to the show to receive every new episode delivered straight to your podcast player every week. If you enjoyed this episode, please help us get the word out about this podcast. Rate and Review this show in Apple Podcasts, Deezer, Amazon Music, Stitcher, or Spotify. It helps other listeners find this show. This podcast is for informational and educational purposes only. It is not to be construed as legal advice specific to your circumstances. If you need help with any legal matter, be sure to consult with an attorney regarding your specific needs.

In this episode of French Insider, Reid Whitten, Managing Partner of Sheppard Mullin’s London office, joins host Sarah Ben-Moussa to discuss the U.S.-China trade war, including the conflict’s origins, the Foreign Direct Product Rule, and the tangible steps European companies should be taking in light of the current tensions. What We Talked About in This Episode: What are the origins of the U.S.-China trade war? What measures did the U.S. take in the wake of the 2018 National Position Paper declaring China an adversary? As a practical matter, what do European companies need to look out for? How does the Foreign Direct Product Rule work? What is the U.S. attempting to do to get itself on a technological level where it can compete with China? Do we see China retaliating against some of the measures and heated rhetoric coming out of the U.S.? Can you explain the military end-user concept? What tangible steps should European companies be taking as they attempt to navigate the current U.S.-China tensions?   About Reid Whitten As Managing Partner of Sheppard Mullin's London office, Reid Whitten focuses his practice on international trade regulations and investigations. He shares his time serving clients out of the Washington, D.C. office and also leads the firm’s CFIUS Team.   Reid works with clients around the world to plan, prepare and succeed in global transactions. He focuses on cross-border investments, particularly in the technology and aerospace sectors, helping clients navigate the international trade regulations that could disrupt their deals. In the areas of economic sanctions, export and defense exports, CFIUS, anti-corruption and tariffs, he supports clients in detecting and addressing potential compliance issues as well as conducting investigations and defending against enforcement actions. He also advises on U.S. anti-dumping, anti-money laundering and anti-boycott regulations. Reid is a member of Chatham House, the UK's Royal Institute of International Affair. In addition to lecturing at the New College of the Humanities in London, at the Université Catholique de Lille in France, and Wake Forest University in the U.S, he also conducts seminars on regulatory updates for industry groups in the U.S., France, Belgium, Spain and the UK. A thought leader on cross-border business regulation, Reid is frequently called upon to provide commentary and analysis for television news channels, international newspapers, and trade publications. He is also the lead author and editor of The CFIUS Book.    About Sarah F. Ben-Moussa  Sarah F. Ben-Moussa is an associate in the Corporate Practice Group in Sheppard Mullin’s New York office, where her practice focuses on domestic and cross-border mergers and acquisitions, financings and corporate governance matters. As a member of the firm’s French Desk, she has advised companies and private equity funds in both the United States and Europe on mergers, acquisitions, joint ventures, financings, complex commercial agreements, and general corporate matters. As a member of Sheppard Mullin’s Energy, Infrastructure and Project Finance team, Sarah also represents renewable energy companies, borrowers, financial sponsors, portfolio companies, commercial banks and other financial institutions in a variety of financing transactions. Her practice focuses on a variety of transactions in the energy sphere, representing renewable energy companies in project-level debt and equity financings of wind and solar facilities. She also serves on the New York office’s sustainability committee. Before joining Sheppard Mullin, Sarah spent a year and a half studying and working in France, becoming fluent in French and focusing on corporate transactions and commercial contracts in Europe and internationally. Sarah is also committed to pro bono work, focusing on cases involving children seeking asylum or other immigration-related relief. Contact Information: Reid Whitten Sarah F. Ben-Moussa   Thank you for listening! Don’t forget to SUBSCRIBE to the show to receive every new episode delivered straight to your podcast player every week. If you enjoyed this episode, please help us get the word out about this podcast. Rate and Review this show in Apple Podcasts, Deezer, Amazon Music, Stitcher, or Spotify. It helps other listeners find this show. This podcast is for informational and educational purposes only. It is not to be construed as legal advice specific to your circumstances. If you need help with any legal matter, be sure to consult with an attorney regarding your specific needs.

In this episode of French Insider, Dan Mackta, Managing Director at Qobuz, joins Sheppard Mullin attorney Alex Akhavan to discuss the history and growth of Qobuz, a high-quality audio commercial music streaming and downloading service founded in France, including its successful expansion into the U.S. market, what sets Qobuz apart from its competitors, and fundamental differences in the U.S. and French approach to IP.   What We Discussed in This Episode: What is Qobuz? How did it start? What sets Qobuz apart from other music streaming services? What was your path to Qobuz? How did Qobuz succeed in France? What drove the decision to expand internationally and bring Qobuz to the U.S.? Can you describe your day-to-day activities? How has it changed since Qobuz launched in the U.S.? What is the Qobuz business model? How does Qobuz partner or collaborate with artists? What's the benefit of commissioning original music? What are some fundamental differences in how the U.S. and France approach IP? What other cultural and business differences have you observed in opening a French company in the U.S.? What are your main takeaways from your time at Qobuz? Where do you see the music industry heading from here? What song or genre would you choose to show off the audio quality of Qobuz?   About Dan Mackta Dan Mackta joined Qobuz in 2018 after spending decades on the label and artist side of the music business. As Managing Director, he oversees the French streaming service's operations in the United States, the United Kingdom and Ireland, Australia and New Zealand, and the Nordics. Dan is responsible for every aspect of the business in those markets, leading a U.S.-based team and overseeing operations, music, marketing, business development and more.   About Alex Akhavan  Alex Akhavan is an associate in the Entertainment, Technology and Advertising Practice Group in Sheppard Mullin’s Century City office, where he also leads the firm’s Disney Television Animation and Amazon Studios’ unscripted teams and serves as the point of contact for the firm’s pro bono client, the Los Angeles Opera.   Alex represents producers, studios, media companies and networks in connection with entertainment productions throughout the United States and around the world. In addition to regularly negotiating development and production agreements on behalf of Disney, Amazon, and Univision, he has advised Gaumont International Television (El Presidente) on clearance and production matters and served as production counsel to Campanario Entertainment for Selena: The Series on Netflix.   Contact Information: Dan Mackta   Alex Akhavan   Additional Resources: Sheppard Mullin French Desk Blog   Thank you for listening! Don’t forget to SUBSCRIBE to the show to receive every new episode delivered straight to your podcast player every week. If you enjoyed this episode, please help us get the word out about this podcast. Rate and Review this show in Apple Podcasts, Deezer, Amazon Music, Stitcher, or Spotify. It helps other listeners find this show. This podcast is for informational and educational purposes only. It is not to be construed as legal advice specific to your circumstances. If you need help with any legal matter, be sure to consult with an attorney regarding your specific needs.

This episode is a replay of Episode 16 which originally aired on October 3, 2022.   In this episode of French Insider, Benjamin Sormonte, co-founder and co-owner of Maman, speaks about building a successful lifestyle brand in North America, including the challenges of bringing a very French experience to a North American audience and the role that Instagram and other social media platforms have played in Maman's success.   What We Discussed in this Episode:   Can you tell us a little about your background and how you arrived at the concept of Maman?What challenges did you face in bringing this very French experience to a North American audience?Maman has grown exponentially since first opening in Soho in 2014. As you choose locations for expansion, what drives your decisions?What made you decide to move into Canada?Did you find many differences between an opening in Canada and the U.S.?Maman has become an incredibly successful lifestyle brand. Can you talk a bit about the strategy that went into building that brand?What role have Instagram and other social media platforms played in your marketing?Did you work with consultants when you first started out?In building your customer base, what has worked and what hasn't?What was your experience hiring staff in the U.S. and Canada? What were some challenges?What advice would you have for managing a large workforce in the U.S.?What surprised you most while building your business in the U.S. and Canada? What resources were helpful to you?Did you ever envision that Maman would become the brand it is today?What's one piece of advice you would offer someone seeking to turn their passion project into a successful brand?   About Benjamin Sormonte A French-born lawyer, Benjamin and his wife, Elisa Marshall, opened the first Maman in 2014. What began as a single, independent Soho bakery and cafe has since grown into a leading lifestyle brand that boasts locations across New York City, Montreal, and Toronto, complete with a line of retail items that allows its loyal following to "take Maman home.”   Maman means "mother" in French and remains a passion project for Benjamin and Elisa, despite the brand's exponential growth. The two have successfully melded their earliest childhood experiences in the kitchen, along with a nod to their mothers from the south of France and North America, into an all-encompassing sensory experience marked by rustic décor at every turn, the aroma and comfort of cuisines inspired by family traditions, and the highest quality, locally sourced ingredients.    Thank you for listening! Don’t forget to SUBSCRIBE to the show to receive every new episode delivered straight to your podcast player every week.   If you enjoyed this episode, please help us get the word out about this podcast. Rate and Review this show in Apple Podcasts, Deezer, Amazon Music, Stitcher, or Spotify. It helps other listeners find this show. This podcast is for informational and educational purposes only. It is not to be construed as legal advice specific to your circumstances. If you need help with any legal matter, be sure to consult with an attorney regarding your specific needs.

In this episode of French Insider, Fernando Zanotti Schneider, a partner at the Brazilian law firm of Abe Advogados, joins Sheppard Mullin partner Tony Girolami to discuss the recent Brazilian election, including what the return of Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva to the presidency might mean for the multinational business community, particularly foreign investors.   What We Discussed In Today’s Episode:   What’s the mood in Brazil post-election?What was the Bolsonaro agenda?What does the new Brazilian Congress look like?How will the makeup of Congress influence Lula's presidency and impact his agenda?What should foreign investors expect from the Lula administration?What commercial opportunities might foreign investors find under the Lula presidency?Has Lula given any indication as to how his social agenda will be achieved?What advice would you give to foreign investors regarding the current climate in Brazil?What assistance can you and Abe Avogados provide to foreign investors? About Fernando Zanotti Schneider   Fernando is a partner in Abe Advogados São Paulo office, where he serves as practice group lead in the corporate, M&A, and contracts and complex negotiation areas. For the past few years, he has been representing clients in the acquisition and sale of important corporate entities in several economic sectors, particularly technology, financial services, retail and energy. Fernando has provided consulting services to foreign clients in greenfield transactions, joint ventures, project finance and corporate operations related to the acquisition and sale of enterprises, both in Brazil and abroad.  In 2014, Fernando served as an international associate in Tokyo, Japan, in association with Matsuda & Partners. His years  practicing law have allowed Fernando to acquire significant expertise in deal structuring, due diligence, and mergers and acquisitions. Fernando is a Member of the Brazilian Institute of Corporate Governance and regularly authors articles covering a diverse range of corporate topics for  Abe Advogados’ blog.   About Tony Girolami   Tony Girolami is a partner in the Real Estate, Energy, Land Use & Environmental Practice Group in Sheppard Mullins’ San Diego office, where he also serves on the firm’s Energy, Infrastructure and Project Finance Team and is Co-Chair of the Latin America Group. Tony specializes in corporate and renewable energy-related transactions with an international focus, representing both U.S. and international clients in cross-border business transactions involving the development and financing of renewable energy projects, agricultural developments and basic infrastructure in the United States, Latin America and Asia. He has represented financial institutions, infrastructure developers and renewable energy companies in the formation of joint ventures, project financings, greenfield project developments, construction and supply contracts, off-take agreements and distribution agreements. Tony is also admitted as a Foreign Legal Consultant in Brazil, where he worked as a senior associate in Sao Paulo until 2006.   Contact Information:   Fernando Zanotti Schneider   Tony Girolami    Additional Resources: Sheppard Mullin French Desk Blog Thank you for listening! Don’t forget to SUBSCRIBE to the show to receive every new episode delivered straight to your podcast player every week. If you enjoyed this episode, please help us get the word out about this podcast. Rate and Review this show in Apple Podcasts, Deezer, Amazon Music, Stitcher, or Spotify. It helps other listeners find this show. This podcast is for informational and educational purposes only. It is not to be construed as legal advice specific to your circumstances. If you need help with any legal matter, be sure to consult with an attorney regarding your specific needs.

In this episode of French Insider, Tim Stephen, EVP of Strategy and Head of Business & Legal Affairs at Gaumont Film US, the Los Angeles-based TV production arm of French film studio Gaumont, joins host and Sheppard Mullin attorney Alex Akhavan to discuss the challenges and rewards of internal production and entertainment, including how streaming has changed the business of entertainment, the cultural and legal differences productions typically encounter outside the United States and the various reasons production companies might choose to film in other countries and territories.   What We Discussed in This Episode   What can you tell us about Gaumont Film US and your role there?What are a few projects Gaumont Film US has produced in the United States?How often are you filming outside the United States?How would you describe the relationship between Gaumont Film US and its French parent company?What cultural and legal differences have you encountered, both in the context of Gaumont and while producing elsewhere in the world?Why would Gaumont or another studio choose to film outside the United States?What other changes have you seen in the entertainment industry?What do you enjoy about the work you do? What motivates you, and what are you most excited about?   About Tim Stephen Tim Stephen has more than 20 years of executive experience across a broad range of entertainment-industry disciplines, including business and legal affairs, television development and production and international co-financing. As EVP of Strategy and Head of Business & Legal Affairs, he oversees business and legal matters for film, television, animation and distribution for Gaumont Fim US, a subsidiary of French film studio Gaumont.   Gaumont Film US produces drama and comedy programming for both the U.S. and international markets, including Hannibal, which aired on NBC from April 2013 - August 2022, as well as the Golden Globes-winning drama Narcos, currently airing on Netflix.   About Alex Akhavan Alex Akhavan is an associate in the Entertainment, Technology and Advertising Practice Group in Sheppard Mullin’s Century City, California office, where he represents producers, studios, media companies and networks in connection with entertainment productions throughout the United States and around the world.   In addition to advising Gaumont Film US on matters of clearance and production, Alex has served as production counsel to Campanario Entertainment. He also leads the firm’s Disney Television Animation and Amazon Studios’ unscripted teams and regularly negotiates development and production agreements on behalf of Disney, Amazon and Univision.   Contact Information   Tim Stephen    Alex Akhavan    Additional Resources:   Sheppard Mullin French Desk Blog   Thank you for listening! Don’t forget to SUBSCRIBE to the show to receive every new episode delivered straight to your podcast player every week.  If you enjoyed this episode, please help us get the word out about this podcast. Rate and Review this show in Apple Podcasts, Deezer, Amazon Music, Stitcher, or Spotify. It helps other listeners find this show. This podcast is for informational and educational purposes only. It is not to be construed as legal advice specific to your circumstances. If you need help with any legal matter, be sure to consult with an attorney regarding your specific needs.

In this episode of French Insider, Benjamin Sormonte, co-founder and co-owner of Maman, the French bakeries and cafes known for making Oprah’s favorite chocolate chip cookies, speaks about building a successful lifestyle brand in North America, including the challenges of bringing a very French experience to a North American audience and the role that Instagram and other social media platforms have played in Maman's success.   What We Discussed in this Episode:   Can you tell us a little about your background and how you arrived at the concept of Maman?What challenges did you face in bringing this very French experience to a North American audience?Maman has grown exponentially since first opening in Soho in 2014. As you choose locations for expansion, what drives your decisions?What made you decide to move into Canada?Did you find many differences between an opening in Canada and the U.S.?Maman has become an incredibly successful lifestyle brand. Can you talk a bit about the strategy that went into building that brand?What role have Instagram and other social media platforms played in your marketing?Did you work with consultants when you first started out?In building your customer base, what has worked and what hasn't?What was your experience hiring staff in the U.S. and Canada? What were some challenges?What advice would you have for managing a large workforce in the U.S.?What surprised you most while building your business in the U.S. and Canada? What resources were helpful to you?Did you ever envision that Maman would become the brand it is today?What's one piece of advice you would offer someone seeking to turn their passion project into a successful brand?   About Benjamin Sormonte A French-born lawyer, Benjamin and his wife, Elisa Marshall, opened the first Mamon in 2014. What began as a single, independent Soho bakery and cafe has since grown into a leading lifestyle brand that boasts locations across New York City, Montreal, and Toronto, complete with a line of retail items that allows its loyal following to "take Maman home.” Maman is known for its delicious menu of hearty farm fresh salads, quiches, sandwiches, and of course pastries and sweets, including a famous nutty chocolate chip cookie that was named one of ‘Oprah’s favorite things’” in 2017 and one of the best chocolate chip cookies in New York by NY Magazine.    Maman means "mother" in French and remains a passion project for Benjamin and Elisa, despite the brand's exponential growth. The two have successfully melded their earliest childhood experiences in the kitchen, along with a nod to their mothers from the south of France and North America, into an all-encompassing sensory experience marked by rustic décor at every turn, the aroma and comfort of cuisines inspired by family traditions, and the highest quality, locally sourced ingredients.    Contact Information: Benjamin Sormonte, co-founder and co-owner of Maman About Maman Maman in DC   Additional Resources: Sheppard Mullin French Desk Blog   Thank you for listening! Don’t forget to SUBSCRIBE to the show to receive every new episode delivered straight to your podcast player every week. If you enjoyed this episode, please help us get the word out about this podcast. Rate and Review this show in Apple Podcasts, Deezer, Amazon Music, Stitcher, or Spotify. It helps other listeners find this show. This podcast is for informational and educational purposes only. It is not to be construed as legal advice specific to your circumstances. If you need help with any legal matter, be sure to consult with an attorney regarding your specific needs.