Top Paris firm Gide Loyrette Nouel has seen a rare defection, with senior M&A partner Paul-Andre Nivault moving to French rival Bignon Lebray Delsol & Associes.

This February, the 100-lawyer Bignon Lebray hired Nivault, one of Gide’s most experienced partners, after 22 years of practice at the leading French firm.
Nivault, who became a partner with Gide in 1987, becomes Bignon Lebray’s 45th partner.