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Alain Decombe

Partner

Paris

Alain Decombe is a Paris-based partner specializing in mergers and acquisitions and life sciences.

Alain advises on strategic M&A and corporate transactions in France and internationally, and is renowned for structuring and negotiating complex deals with practical, business-focused solutions that drive successful outcomes. Alain regularly counsels multinational corporations and private equity funds across a range of industries, with a particular focus on life sciences, as well as food, industrial gases, and advanced engineered products.

Alain is ranked as a "leading individual" by The Legal 500 EMEA 2026 and Band 1 by Chambers Europe 2026 for life sciences in France, with clients describing him as "a star, with incredible vision and knowledge of the market." Alain is also recognized as a “global leader” and “national leader” by Who's Who Legal 2022 for life sciences in France and by Best Lawyers in France 2025 in biotechnology, life sciences and corporate law. IFLR1000 2023 recommends him in M&A and private equity.

    • A British pharmaceutical group in an exchange of strategic assets and the creation of a joint-venture with a Swiss pharmaceutical group.*
    • A U.S. Fortune 500 group in its €150 million acquisition of a French leading group in security monitoring systems from financial sponsors.*
    • A CAC 40 group in its acquisition of an international group specializing in the supply of industrial gases.*
    • A sovereign state, as stakeholder in a CAC 40 company, on a £21 billion acquisition of a European industrial company.*
    • Advanced Oncotherapy plc in connection with its strategic funding partnership and debt facility with Nerano Pharma.*
    • A leading international brand name in pet care and wellness in the purchase of a pet care accessories, rawhides and veterinary medicines business in France, Italy and Spain.*
    • A Sino-French venture capital fund on its investment in a French Contract Manufacturing Organization specialized in pharmaceutical development and the manufacture of high value-added sterile products.*
    • The world's leading provider of non-invasive medical devices dedicated to the assessment of chronic liver diseases on a minority investment from a Sino-French venture capital fund and a U.S. venture capital fund.*
    • A leading pharmaceutical company in the implementation of several strategic asset transactions in France with a Swiss pharmaceutical company.*
    • The shareholders of a French biotechnology company in the sale of 100% of the shares of the company to a Swiss pharmaceutical group.*
    • A French investment company in the acquisition of a French biotechnology company through a LBO structure.*
    • A leading French pharmaceutical company in the acquisition of a group of French health services companies.*
    • An American pharmaceutical and medical device group in the €170 million purchase of one of its major French suppliers.*
    • One of the largest hospital management groups in the United States on its €320 million sale of one of France's largest networks of clinics to private equity funds.*
    • The shareholders of a French pharmaceutical group in its US$450 million sale to an American biopharmaceutical company.*
    • The shareholders of the fourth largest independent French pharmaceutical group in its €195 million sale to an Indian pharmaceuticals group.*

    *experience prior to joining Orrick

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