Paul Hastings has lost a veteran M&A and private equity partner in Paris to the French firm August Debouzy, a move that may foreshadow brisk activity in an increasingly competitive private equity market in the French capital.

Etienne Mathey practiced for 13 years at Paul Hastings, rising to partner in 2014. He previously practiced as an international counsel at Proskauer Rose, also in Paris, and as an associate at Rambaud Martel, now Orrick.