Lovells has cemented its position as Doughty Hanson’s lead French counsel after advising the private equity giant on the launch of its first office in Paris last week.

The move comes as a boost for Lovells, which has not advised Doughty Hanson on a major deal outside Germany since the departure of partner Allan Murray-Jones to Skadden Arps Slate Meagher & Flom in 2001, with the US firm advising on its £288m buy-out of Priory Healthcare Group in 2002.