Freshfields Bruckhaus Deringer has hired Paris-based partner Betrand Pellet from City rival Norton Rose. Pellet, who joins as the 33rd partner in Freshfields’ Paris arm, focuses on acquisition finance, private equity and general corporate work. The departure of Pellet, who became a partner in 1998, leaves Norton Rose with 12 France-based partners. His clients include Legal & General Ventures and Royal Bank of Scotland’s private equity arm.

First reported on www.legalweek.net (17 June).